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Visas/Passports
Entry Visas are not required
for American or Commonwealth citizens, or for those nationals of a country
which has a visa exemption agreement with St. Vincent & the Grenadines.
Government/Legal
System
St. Vincent & the Grenadines
became independent from Great Britain in 1979, while remaining part of
the British Commonwealth. The Governor General is the representative of
the British Crown, and is appointed by the Queen, on the advice of the
Prime Minister.
The constitution
is based on the British (Westminster) parliamentary system. There are
15 constituencies (Bequia and Mustique together make up the constituency
of the "Northern Grenadines") and the party winning the majority
of these 15 seats in a General Election forms the Government, with the
party's chosen leader becoming Prime Minister.
A General Election must be held every five years, but may
be called at any time.
St. Vincent's legal system also reflects the country's British
heritage and is based on British Common Law.
Driving/Driving
Licences
Driving on Bequia's narrow
roads is on the LEFT.
If you are renting
a vehicle on the island you will need to get a local Driving Permit.
These are available from the Revenue Office in Port Elizabeth on production
of a valid national or international Driving Licence from your own country,
and payment of a fee of EC$50 (about US$ 19).
Yacht Clearance
Port
Elizabeth is a Port of Entry. All vessels should clear in with Customs
& Immigration on arrival.
Private Yachts (i.e."sailing for pleasure without
fee-paying passengers") are required to pay a Cruise Tax to
Customs of EC$5 per person per day, up to a maximum of seven days (i.e.
EC$35 per person - about US$13).
Payment of this tax permits a private yacht unlimited stay
in SVG waters, but the tax must be repaid if the yacht leaves SVG waters
and then returns.
The Cruise Tax must also be paid by (or on behalf of) guests
on charter yachts, but is NOT applicable to crew on charter yachts, children
under 12, and Vincentian nationals.
Visiting Charter Yachts
are also required to carry a valid SVG Cruising Licence. Rates
vary according to the type of charter (bareboat or crewed) and whether
boat is "locally based". Cruising Licences can be purchased
from Customs in Port Elizabeth.
Bequia's friendly and helpful Customs & Immigration officers
will be happy to answer any queries you may have upon your arrival.
Internet
Access
Bequia has been "on line" for
several years. There is no shortage of internet
access outlets on the island. Lap top plug-ins, printing, CD burning
and software and hardware troubleshooting are also available.
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