Residents of Union Island have shared with the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines a document outlining their vision for the development of the island, which was ravaged by Hurricane Bery on July 1, 2024.
The Union Island Development Proposal “presents strategic recommendations for the systematic rebuilding and comprehensive development of Union Island”.
The residents said it is grounded in an inclusive planning and consultative process that actively incorporates the perspectives of over 100 residents living on the island, as well as residents living in the diaspora.
“The incorporation of community perspectives ensures that the proposed interventions are responsive to local needs and priorities, addressing a key deficiency often observed in traditional development planning and implementation frameworks.”
The proposal provides an example that can be applied to other islands in the Grenadines and to communities across St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
It says Union Island possesses significant cultural, environmental, and marine assets, including distinctive heritage, established festivals, and ecotourism sites that remain “largely underdeveloped and underutilised”.
The proposal noted that cultural expressions originating from Union Island — particularly the Maroon dances — are frequently showcased at local, regional, and international levels as representative of SVG’s traditional culture.
“Despite these assets, tourism activity on the island remains predominantly seasonal and concentrated within the yachting and transit segments, resulting in limited and uneven economic benefits for local communities.”
The island has a documented record of producing internationally recognised athletes, artistes, and professionals, and its population continues to maintain strong cross-boundary relationships — rooted in shared history, culture, and tradition with islands to the south, including Grenada and its dependencies, as well as Trinidad.
The proposal said Union Island’s geography makes it vulnerable to the effects of climate change and neglect.
The proposal acknowledges the impact of Hurricane Beryl in 2024, which resulted in severe damage to or the destruction of an estimated 95% of the island’s housing stock.
“While the scale of destruction presents significant challenges, it also creates a critical opportunity to implement a structured ‘build back better’ approach,” the proposal said.
“Such an approach would be grounded in Union Island’s unique cultural and social identity and aligned with national priorities for sustainable development, economic productivity, resilience, and long-term independence.”
Read the full text of the proposal here.
To ensure better protection from hurricane winds, Build Back Better must mandate concrete roofing for houses, as it is the only safe method. It must probably be subsidised.