Disasters, Conflicts and Migration

Natural Disasters
Type	Occurs	Comments / Details
Drought	No	Dry spells at the beginning of the year necessitate water rationing. However, these dry spells have become more frequent and prolonged due to climate change, reduced rainfall and increased temperatures.
Earthquakes	Yes	Experts estimate that the Caribbean region will experience at least one magnitude 6 earthquake every 3 to 5 years. SVG is in an earthquake zone where earthquakes could reach level VII on the Mercalli intensity scale with a return period of 50 years. This would imply damage to some structures and various signs of movement.1 The last earthquake in SVG was in 2023 and struck 24 km (15 mi) southeast of the country, with a magnitude of 3.40 on the richter scale and a depth of 10.0 km.2
Epidemics	No
Extreme Temperatures	Yes
Flooding	Yes
Insect Infestation	Yes	Over the years there has been citrus insect infestation due to transboundary pests.
Mudslides	No	There are no mudslides but the country experiences landslides
Volcanic Eruptions	Yes	La Soufrière, also known as Soufrière Saint Vincent, is an active volcano on the island of Saint Vincent in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. It is the highest peak on the island and has experienced several eruptions since 1718, with significant eruptions occurring in 1812, 1902, and 1979. The most recent eruptive activity began on December 27, 2020, with the slow extrusion of a lava dome, and it culminated in a series of explosive events between April 9 and April 22, 2021.3
High Waves / Surges	Yes	High waves/surge poses a high risk due to the geographic location of SVG, coastal infrastructure and the likelihood of causing coastal erosion and flooding. These could lead to the loss of infrastructure, property damage, loss of agricultural lands and potential loss of lives.
Wildfires	No	No wildfires but bushfires
High Winds	Yes
Other Comments	The country is at risk to natural hazards like landslides, bushfires, storms, coastal flooding, Tsunamis and hurricanes. The island group is in the southern portion of the Atlantic Hurricane belt.
Man-Made Issues
Civil Strife	No
International Conflict	No
Internally Displaced Persons	No	However, during emergencies, some of the population is temporarily displaced due to emergency relocation. During the last Volcano, approximately 22,000 people were displaced and 88 shelters activated.3
Refugees Present	No
Landmines / UXO Present	No
Other Comments

 

Seasonal Effects on Logistics Capacities

Seasonal Effects on Transport

Transport Type	Time Frame	Comments / Details
Primary Road Transport	June - November	Higher rainfall could lead to potential flooding of roads. The northern windward areas are more prone to flooding during heavy rainfall.
Secondary Road Transport	June - November
Rail Transport	N/A
Air Transport	June - November	Volcanic eruptions and storms affect the airspace, leading to flight disruptions and cancellations due to adverse weather conditions.
Waterway Transport	June -November	Sea surges and hurricanes pose safety risks for maritime vessels and passengers. This could also cause delays in the arrival of cargo ships.

 

During the rainy season, typically from June to November, the region experiences higher rainfall, leading to potential flooding and road closures. In recent years, with climate change, the rains begin as early as May and continue till December. In mountainous areas, heavy rains can cause landslides, erosion, and washouts, disrupting the road networks and making some routes impassable. Adverse weather conditions like storms, hurricanes and sea surges can affect air and water transport respectively.

Seasonal Effects on Storage and Handling

Activity Type	Time Frame	Comments / Details
Storage	Hazard related	The only seasonal impact on storage is climate related. During emergencies like the Volcano, there is limited warehousing space.

Vincentians take advantage of holiday sales abroad and the duty-free concessions during the Christmas season to import items and ship Christmas barrels, leading to congested ports with barrels from overseas. The port warehouses cannot sufficiently cater to the cargo influx, and the authorities utilise open spaces and the geest sheds for storage.

Climate-related events, such as volcanic eruptions, have been reported to affect storage availability due to the large influx of relief cargo.

Capacity and Contacts for In-Country Emergency Response

GOVERNMENT

The National Emergency and Disaster Management Act of 2006 is the primary law governing disaster management and relief coordination. It establishes the key organizations responsible for emergency operations and comprehensive disaster management.

In Saint Vincent and the Grenadine, the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) is the lead agency for emergencies. In pre-emergency times, NEMO actively engages in emergency preparedness activities such as sensitization, risk assessments, training and exercises for emergency responders, planning and preparedness.

The Prime Minister-led National Emergency Council is primarily responsible for Disaster Management. It includes Ministers from various government agencies, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), the private sector, and other groups with specialized knowledge. 

The National Emergency Executive Committee (NEEC), chaired by the Director of NEMO, oversees the activities of the national sub-committees with specific responsibilities. The sub-committees consist of representatives from ministries and other key stakeholders. The NEEC also supervises the policies and plans of the National Executive Committee. ⁴

During emergencies, the NEMO secretariat coordinates the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) which is comprised of ten national subcommittees such as emergency supplies, health services, shelters and shelter management, search and rescue among others.

The NEOC is where experts from different professions provide technical support and advice for disaster response and recovery. It is the main headquarters for all disaster-related activities and establishes additional Emergency Operations Centres (EOCs) if needed. These EOCs are managed by public officers, Ministries, Government Departments, agencies, and organizations required by law to mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies and disasters in the State.

During emergencies, NEMO is the consignee for all relief items coming into St. Vincent and the Grenadines. NEMO then coordinates the transfer of these supplies to the respective subcommittees responsible for the distribution based on their respective thematic areas.  

Thirteen (13) district disaster committees manage disasters at the local level, along with various community disaster groups and organizations.

    Figure 1: National Emergency Management Organistion⁴

 

The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) is a regional inter-governmental agency that oversees disaster management in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). CDEMA is responsible for coordinating the regional response mechanism (RRM) to address the negative socio-economic and environmental impacts of both natural and man-made hazards in the region. There is a a political agreement among the CARICOM countries to support each other through mutual aid in the event of a disaster. Each country is primarily responsible for initiating, organising, coordinating, and implementing humanitarian assistance to help victims of emergencies in its territory.

The severity of the hazard and the type of assistance required by the affected state determine CDEMA's involvement. There are three tiers of the regional response.⁵

Tier 1: These events are managed locally without external assistance. No RRM activation is needed, but CDEMA Coordination Unit (CU) monitors and shares information with partners and other Participating States.

Tier 2: Though the national response capacity is not overwhelmed, these events require external assistance. CDEMA CU may offer technical assistance, specialized equipment, support personnel, and information sharing.

Tier 3: These events overwhelm the state's capacity to respond. The RRM is activated, and regional operations support the national response. International aid may be needed.

The CARICOM Disaster Relief Unit (CDRU) provides humanitarian support to the participating states.

The Netherlands, British and Venezuela military support the regional response mechanism on request.

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: HQ staff will input a link to section 4.1 Government Contact List here.

HUMANITARIAN COMMUNITY

The Caribbean Development Partners Group for Disaster Management (CDPG-DM) is a subregional coordination platform for preparedness and response to disaster coordinating bodies in the Caribbean. The CDPG-DM facilitates the coordination of external emergency assistance to the countries in the sub-region following a significant natural or technological hazard. It promotes information sharing and facilitates strategic decision-making among donors and development partners serving Barbados and the other Caribbean States. The United Nations Resident Coordinator of the impacted area and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) Executive Director chair the platform.

As part of preparedness activities, especially with notifications of upcoming weather-related hazards like hurricanes, the platform meets regularly with the agencies of the soon-to-be-impacted areas in attendance. The team conducts risk assessments and draws up contingency plans. Also, based on the risk level, the United Nations Emergency Technical Team (UNETT) is activated to prepare an action plan for the United Nations.

In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, most Non-Governmental Organizations offer one-off support during emergencies. During the La Soufrière volcano, UN agencies provided technical assistance and support to the government in conducting multisectoral assessments, providing safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) supplies, social protection, personal protective equipment (PPEs), logistics and shelter emergency support functions, cash voucher assistance, environmental cleaning.

In the post-emergency phase, the UN agencies continue to work closely with the Government agencies on recovery and long-term developmental programmes like recovery, ashes clean up, environmental health, agriculture, WASH, social protection, resilience building, disaster risk financing and anticipatory action, and livelihoods among other activities.

The SVG Red Cross Society is a prescribed member of the NEC and the NEEC. The Red Cross sits on the damage and needs assessment, emergency supplies, health services and voluntary services sub-committees. The Red Cross supports the SVG national mechanism in the following areas: initial damage assessment, shelter, first aid, search and rescue, relief and disaster response.

The National Disaster Plan requires all external response agencies to submit a work plan to the National Disaster Coordinator for approval and to adhere to the government's relief and distribution policies. Additionally, all external relief agencies must obtain government approval before arriving in the country.6

For more information on humanitarian agency contact details, please see the following link: HQ staff will input a link to section 4.2 Humanitarian Agency Contact List here.

Sources

¹   https://dipecholac.net/docs/files/789-cd-svg.pdf

²https://database.earth/earthquakes/saint-vincent-and-the-grenadines

³https://uwiseismic.com/volcanoes/caribbean-volcanoes/

⁴https://nemo.gov.vc/nemo/images/PoliciesActsAndBills/FINAL-SVG-National-CDM-Policy-April-2014-MF-update-1.pdf

⁵RRM_Booklet_Final_PDF_version.pdf (cdema.org)

6 https://nemo.gov.vc/nemo/images/PoliciesActsAndBills/NationalDisasterPlan.pdf

 

 

 

Binding regulatory authorities relevant to humanitarian logistics

Customs & Excise Department

The Customs and Excise Department (CED) operates under the Ministry of Finance and Planning. The regulatory framework is the Customs (Control and Management) Act, Chapter 422, and other subsidiary laws. The Department's core responsibilities include revenue collection and protection, combating smuggling and terrorism, and facilitating legitimate international trade and travel. Additionally, the CED performs agency duties on behalf of other government departments.

Website: https://customs.gov.vc/index

St. Vincent and the Grenadines Civil Aviation Department

The Civil Aviation Department in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is under the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development and Culture. The department is the Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP), which also oversees Aviation Security and processes operating permit applications and drone permits. The department is responsible for developing relevant documents, manuals and SOPs relating to Air Traffic Control, Aeronautical Information Service, and Aviation Security Oversight in keeping with International Civil Aviation Organisation Standards and Recommended Practices (ICAO SARPs). The Civil Aviation Department represents the State in international aviation forums. The No 40 2023 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Civil Aviation Flight Safety Regulations provides further insight.

The Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority (ECCAA) is the regulatory body for the six (6) OECS states- Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada. The ECCAA is responsible for developing harmonized regulations relating to all aspects of aviation civil aviation safety and security oversight consistent with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPS).  Overall, the ECCAA plays a critical role in promoting compliance with international aviation standards and ensuring the smooth operation of civil aviation within the State.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines Port Authority (SVGPA)

The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Port Authority manages and develops the country's ports and harbours, ensuring efficient operations and maintaining infrastructure. SVGPA facilitates trade by providing essential port services that support international trade and commerce, collecting port revenues, and promoting development. The Authority contributes to the economic growth and competitiveness of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Website: http://www.svgpa.com/Home

The National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (NTRC)

The National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (NTRC) of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, established by the Telecommunications Act (CAP 418) of 2009, aims to support the country's sustainable development through effective telecommunications regulation. As a signatory to the Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority (ECTEL) Treaty, the NTRC promotes open competition, regional policy harmonization, and fair, cost-based pricing.

The NTRC actively manages the radio frequency spectrum, sets technical standards, collects fees, reviews license applications, and ensures compliance with licensing conditions.

It also resolves disputes between telecommunications providers, monitors anti-competitive practices, regulates service prices to ensure fairness and accessibility and facilitates innovation.

Plant Protection and Quarantine Units

The St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) Plant Protection and Quarantine Unit regulates the import and export of plants to prevent the spread of pests and diseases, issuing permits and phytosanitary certificates, conducting inspections, and performing pest risk assessments. It enforces quarantine regulations, monitors plant health, and implements control measures for pest outbreaks. It plays a vital role in protecting local agriculture and supporting international trade.

The customs officer requires a plant protection officer to examine any package which contains or is suspected to contain any plant, soil, living insects or related items brought into SVG. The importation, detention and treatment of any plant or related agricultural item, shall be entirely at the risk of the importer and all charges for storage, cartage and labour, incidental to inspection and treatment, other than the services of the plant protection officer, shall be borne by the importer.

Import Requirements for Agricultural Commodities1

• Obtain permission from the Plant Protection and Quarantine Unit before importing.
• An import permit will be issued detailing the permitted commodities and import conditions.
• A Pest Risk Assessment may be required before the permit is granted, which can take up to two months to complete.

Basic Requirements:

• Commodities must be free of pests, soil, and debris.
• Each consignment must include a valid Phytosanitary certificate from the country of origin.
• Consignments will be inspected upon arrival.
• Additional measures, such as fumigation, irradiation, chemical treatment, or heat treatment, may be necessary for certain commodities as specified in the import permit.

1  Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade website

The Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Bureau of Standards (SVGBS) 2

The Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Bureau of Standards (SVGBS) is a corporate body established through Standards Act No. 70 of 1992, with subsequent amendments through Standards Act No. 28 of 2001. It functions under the supervision of a designated Ministry and according to policies set forth by the National Standards Council. Additionally, the SVGBS operates per the CARICOM Regional Organization for Standards and Quality (CROSQ), with various regional and international agreements and laws.

The primary mandate of the SVGBS is to prepare and promote standards that pertain to goods, services, processes and practices used or produced in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Its focus is to ensure industrial efficiency, assist in industrial development, promote public and industrial welfare, health and safety, and protect against any negative environmental impact. The SVGBS is responsible for administering the Weights and Measures Act No. 16 of 2003. The SVGBS regulates all weighing and measuring devices used for trade in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Organizations seeking information on national Standards, including the labelling of prepackaged foods and goods, in St. Vincent and the Grenadines should contact the SVGBS. The SVGBS provides detailed information on labelling requirements such as the name of the food, list of ingredients, processing aids and carry-over of food additives, net content and drained weight, country of origin, language, lot identification, date marking, storage instructions, instructions for use, and other requirements.

Source: https://bos.gov.vc/bos/index.php

Quality Control laboratories for medicines, vaccines & Pharmaceuticals

Ministry of Health

There are no quality control laboratories in St Vincent and the Grenadines for medicines, vaccines and Pharmaceuticals. However, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), which serves as the regional public health agency for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), offers laboratory services which include quality assessment of medicines,

The Pharmaceutical Services department procures and distributes all pharmaceutical and medical supplies for use within the public sector. The department leverages the procurement agreements signed by the Caribbean Public Health Agency for quality medicines and pharmaceuticals, collective purchasing power, cost-effectiveness, and improved access to essential medications and healthcare supplies for the region.

There are private health facilities and pharmacies within the country that also have authorization to import medicines and pharmaceuticals. These entities also adhere to all the Government requirements for importation.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness, and the Environment (MOHWE), exercises control over the list of 141 internationally controlled natural and synthetic narcotic drugs under the 1961 Convention, including new additions up to 2022.1

The Pharmaceutical Service and the Pharmacy Council, under the supervision of the Ministry of Health, Wellness, and the Environment, are responsible for regulating the importation of drugs into the country.

If humanitarian organizations want to import medicines and pharmaceuticals into St. Vincent and the Grenadines, see the process below.

1.     Write to the MOHWE (Permanent Secretary), attaching the list of items for donation or import.

2.     The MOHWE shares with the Central Medical Stores and Pharmaceutical services

3.     If the request aligns with the donation policy, MOHWE approves and communicates the same to the requesting organization.

As stated earlier, controlled drugs require a special importation license. The Environmental Management Department works with the Central Water & Sewerage Authority (CWSA) to manage pharmaceutical waste in the country.

Website: https://health.gov.vc/health/index.php/pharmaceutical-services

 

 

 

 

Duties and Tax Exemption

For contact information regarding government custom authorities, please follow the link below: 

2.1: Government Contact List'

Emergency Response:

This section contains information which is related and applicable to ‘crisis’ times. These instruments can be applied when an emergency is officially declared by the Government.  When this occurs, there is usually a streamlined process to import goods duty and tax free. In the early phases of an emergency the granting of concessions is expedited.

The following agreements and conventions apply to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

 

Agreements / Conventions Description	Ratified by Country?
WCO (World Customs Organization) member	No
Annex J-5 Revised Kyoto Convention	No
OCHA Model Agreement	No
Tampere Convention (on the Provision of Telecommunication Resources for Disaster Mitigation and Relief Operations)	Yes, 14 August 2003 (Instrument of accession)
Regional Agreements (on emergency/disaster response, but also customs unions, regional integration)
Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council	Yes, 7 November 1989 (MOU)

Exemption Regular Regime (Non-Emergency Response): 

The Revised Common External Tariff of the Caribbean Community 8th Version, section XI of the second schedule states that exemption applies to “Goods including motor vehicles for the use of any international organisation or personnel of that organisation pursuant to the agreement in force between the organisation and the Government of a Member State: Provided any resale within four years to any other person or institution that does not so qualify, shall attract duty”.

In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, duty and tax exemption certificates are not issued, as exemptions are issued on a case-by-case basis for stipulated periods and granted by special Cabinet decisions.

The customs department is under the Ministry of Finance and its organizational chart is shown below.

SVG customs department organizational chart

 

Organizational Requirements to obtain Duty Free Status
United Nations Agencies
An organization must be legally registered as a non-profit or NGO and have a clear charitable purpose to qualify for duty and tax exemptions. Organizations eligible for duty and tax exemption include those authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and/or NEMO to send relief items and those already operating in the country.
Non Governmental Organizations
The requirement is the same as UN agencies and NGOs.

Exemption Certificate Application Procedure: 

Duties and Taxes Exemption Application Procedure
Generalities (include a list of necessary documentation)
Both UN and NGOs are required to send an official correspondence and an invoice as part of the application. After receiving approval, the organization would require additional documents like the airway bill, bill of laden, packing list, import declaration, donation certificates, phytosanitary clearance and other documents depending on the cargo type.
Process to be followed (step by step or flowchart)
Send a correspondence addressed to the Director General of Finance and Economic Planning and/or the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade. The correspondence must be on the organization's official letterhead affixed with the appropriate seals. Write to Mr. Edmond Jackson The Director General of Finance and Economic Planning 2nd Floor Administrative Building Kingstown St. Vincent and the Grenadines Email: eajackson@gov.vc / cc: concessions.finance@gov.vc Attach supporting invoices for the requested items. The request is presented in the next scheduled cabinet meeting where a decision is made. The decision is communicated to the organization. If positive, then the organization receives an approval letter. The organization downloads and completes the customs exemption/ concession import form and shares the original copy with the broker. This process takes one to two weeks depending on the meeting schedule of the cabinet.

Exemption Certificate Document Requirements

Duties and Taxes Exemption Certificate Document Requirements (by commodity)

	Food	NFI (Shelter, WASH, Education)	Medicines	Vehicle & Spare Parts	Staff & Office Supplies	Telecoms Equipment
Invoice	Yes, Original, 2 copies, applies to UN and NGOs	Yes, Original, 2 copies, applies to UN and NGOs	Yes, Original, 2 copies, applies to UN and NGOs	Yes, Original, 2 copies, applies to UN and NGOs	Yes, Original, 2 copies, applies to UN and NGOs	Yes, Original, 2 copies, applies to UN and NGOs
AWB/BL/Other Transport Documents	Yes, Original, 2 copies applies to UN and NGOs	Yes, Original, 2 copies, applies to UN and NGOs	Yes, Original, 2 copies, applies to UN and NGOs	Yes, Original, 2 copies, applies to UN and NGOs	Yes, Original, 2 copies, applies to UN and NGOs	Yes, Original, 2 copies, applies to UN and NGOs
Donation/Non-Commercial Certificates	Yes, Original, 2 copies, applies to UN and NGOs	Yes, Original, 2 copies, applies to UN and NGOs	Yes, Original, 2 copies, applies to UN and NGOs	Yes, Original, 2 copies, applies to UN and NGOs	Yes, Original, 2 copies, applies to UN and NGOs	Yes, Original, 2 copies, applies to UN and NGOs
Packing Lists	Yes, Original, 2 copies, applies to UN and NGOs	Yes, Original, 2 copies, applies to UN and NGOs	Yes, Original, 2 copies, applies to UN and NGOs	Yes, Original, 2 copies, applies to UN and NGOs	Yes, Original, 2 copies, applies to UN and NGOs	Yes, Original, 2 copies, applies to UN and NGOs
Other Documents	Approval from veterinary department (meat and livestock)
Additional Notes
Import declaration is required.

Customs Clearance

General Information 

Customs Information
Document Requirements	Use the right Customs Procedure Codes (CPC) to signal whether the declaration is for an import, transit to export, temporary import or any other circumstance possible in a customs environment. Organisations need to notify the customs authority ahead of time for temporary imports.
Embargoes	None
Prohibited Items	Counterfeit coin of any country, prepared opium or pipes or other utensils for use in connection with the smoking of opium or other narcotic drugs, food declared by the public health authority as unfit for such purpose, firearms or ammunitions prohibited under the Firearms Act 1993 or any subsequent act. See the complete list in the Customs (Control and Management) Act CAP.422. Third Schedule, Sections 79 and 80.
General Restrictions	N/A

Customs Clearance Document Requirements

 Customs Clearance Document Requirements (by commodity)

	Food	NFI (Shelter, WASH, Education)	Medicines	Vehicles & Spare Parts	Staff & Office Supplies	Telecoms Equipment
D&T Exemption Approval	Yes, Original, 2 copies, applies to UN & NGOs	Yes, Original, 2 copies, applies to UN & NGOs	Yes, Original, 2 copies, applies to UN & NGOs	Yes, Original, 2 copies, applies to UN & NGOs	Yes, Original, 2 copies, applies to UN & NGOs	Yes, Original, 2 copies, applies to UN & NGOs
Invoice	Yes, Original, 2 copies, applies to UN & NGOs	Yes, Original, 2 copies, applies to UN & NGOs	Yes, Original, 2 copies, applies to UN & NGOs	Yes, Original, 2 copies, applies to UN & NGOs	Yes, Original, 2 copies, applies to UN & NGOs	Yes, Original, 2 copies, applies to UN & NGOs
AWB/BL/Other Transport Documents	Yes, Original, 2 copies, applies to UN & NGOs	Yes, Original, 2 copies, applies to UN & NGOs	Yes, Original, 2 copies, applies to UN & NGOs	Yes, Original, 2 copies, applies to UN & NGOs	Yes, Original, 2 copies, applies to UN & NGOs	Yes, Original, 2 copies, applies to UN & NGOs
Donation/Non-Commercial Certificates	Yes, Original, 2 copies, applies to UN & NGOs	Yes, Original, 2 copies, applies to UN & NGOs	Yes, Original, 2 copies, applies to UN & NGOs	Yes, Original, 2 copies, applies to UN & NGOs	Yes, Original, 2 copies, applies to UN & NGOs	Yes, Original, 2 copies, applies to UN & NGOs
Packing Lists	Yes, Original, 2 copies, applies to UN & NGOs	Yes, Original, 2 copies, applies to UN & NGOs	Yes, Original, 2 copies, applies to UN & NGOs	Yes, Original, 2 copies, applies to UN & NGOs	Yes, Original, 2 copies, applies to UN & NGOs	Yes, Original, 2 copies, applies to UN and NGOs
Phytosanitary Certificate	Where applicable	Not Applicable	Not Applicable	Not Applicable	Not Applicable	Not Applicable
Other Documents			Prior approval from MOHWE			licence and registration with SVG NTRC is required
Additional Notes: For Telecommunications equipment, customs would request to see the clearance from NTRC. Organizations would require a licence/registration of the frequencies before these devices are imported. Licencing fees depend on the device. Where applicable, import permits, certificates of origin and insurance certificates may be required.

Transit Regime

All transit goods require a transit declaration, invoices, and other relevant shipping documents. Customs authorities may conduct inspections of transit goods to verify their nature, quantity, and compliance with transit regulations. The items can be stored in the port of entry warehouse for only five days, after which the organization would incur costs (in non-emergency cases). If the transporter sent the cargo to SVG in error, the organization should send an official correspondence to the Comptroller General of Customs.

Fuel Overview

In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the supply of fuel, such as gasoline, diesel, Jet A1, Avgas, and other petroleum products, is managed through a mix of government-regulated procedures and the involvement of private entities. Storage facilities, crucial for ensuring a dependable fuel supply, are located near major ports, and are operated by private fuel suppliers in the country.

Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela are the primary sources of fuel imports, regulated by the government to maintain supply consistency and stable prices. Buckeye, a company operating petroleum product pipelines in the United States, also operates marine terminals in the Caribbean region. These terminals play a crucial role in the importing, storing, and distributing of petroleum products throughout the Caribbean islands.

The two private companies that import and distribute fuel in St. Vincent and the Grenadines are Sol Eastern Caribbean Limited, a subsidiary of SOL Group, and RUBIS Caribbean. There are three retail distribution methods used: the dealer-owned, dealer-operated (DODO), the company-owned, dealer-operated (CODO), and the company-owned, company-operated (COCO) systems. Challenges in the fuel supply chain in SVG include susceptibility to global oil prices and fuel transportation disruption due to natural disasters.

For more information on government and fuel provider contact details, please see the following links: 4.7 Fuel Providers Contact List

Information may also be found at: http://www.mytravelcost.com/petrol-prices/ which is updated monthly. 

Fuel Pricing

Fuel pricing in St. Vincent and the Grenadines is determined by a complex combination of global market conditions, Cost, Insurance and Freight (C.I.F) value, all customs duties and charges, distribution costs, and government policies aimed at consumer protection, revenue generation and economic stability. The Ministry of Foreign Trade has established a price control order to oversee and define the pricing methodology.

Fuel Prices per Litre as of: 15 April 2024 (local currency and USD - $)
Petrol	EC$16.73/ US$ 6.19
Diesel	EC$14.73/ US$ 5.45
Low Sulphur Diesel	EC$14.79(US$ 5.47)
Paraffin
Jet A-1

Seasonal Variations 

Unfavorable weather conditions or shipping delays could affect the timely delivery of fuel to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, potentially causing temporary shortages or interruptions. To manage these seasonal variations and maintain a steady fuel supply, importers, distributors, and government authorities typically monitor and prepare for fluctuations in demand and possible supply chain disruptions. This proactive approach helps manage risks and maintain consistent fuel availability all year round despite seasonal challenges.

Seasonal Variations
Are there national priorities in the availability of fuel? (i.e. are there restrictions or priorities for the provision of fuel such as to the military?)	No
Is there a rationing system?	No
Is fuel to lower income / vulnerable groups subsidized?	No
Can the local industry expand fuel supply to meet humanitarian needs?	Yes
Is it possible for a humanitarian organization to directly contract a reputable supplier / distributor to provide its fuel needs?	Yes However, most stations use credit lines, which is different from the principle used by most Humanitarian organizations. Humanitarian organizations may need to sign contracts with the office in Barbados for large-scale operations that might span across several Caribbean Islands.

Fuel Transportation

Imported fuel is transported through pipelines to the Fuel farms. Retail tank wagons fill up at the depot and transport to the stations within St. Vincent. Fuel is sold to consumers through a network of retail gas stations strategically located to ensure widespread accessibility. The current capacity can meet local needs and increased demand.

Standards, Quality and Testing

Fuel distributors send jet fuel samples to Miami and Antigua for testing. Sales only begin after receiving satisfactory results. For gasoline, distributors conduct visual inspections and water detection tests before selling the product. Note that there is no national fuel testing laboratory in SVG.

 

Industry Control Measures
Do tanks have adequate protection against water mixing with the fuel?	Yes
Are there filters in the system which monitor where fuel is loaded into aircraft?	Yes
Is there adequate epoxy coating of tanks on trucks?	Yes
Is there a presence of suitable firefighting equipment?	Yes

 

Standards Authority
Is there a national or regional standards authority?	Yes
If yes, please identify the appropriate national and/or regional authority.	National: St. Vincent and the Grenadines Bureau of Standards Regional: CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality (CROSQ)
If yes, are the standards adequate/properly enforced?	Yes

 

Testing Laboratories
Are there national testing laboratories?	No

 

Fuel Quality Testing Laboratory
Company	N/A
Name	N/A
Address	N/A
Telephone and Fax	N/A
Contact	N/A
Standards Used	N/A

 

Disclaimer: Inclusion of company information in the LCA does not imply any business relationship between the supplier and WFP / Logistics Cluster, and is used solely as a determinant of services, and capacities.

Please note: WFP / Logistics Cluster maintain complete impartiality and are not in a position to endorse, comment on any company's suitability as a reputable service provider.

 

In Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the government owns and manages the school buses for children, while the private sector manages the commercial transportation of individuals and goods. Notably, the absence of transport unions and the cessation of the previously active transport association are pertinent features of the current transport landscape. The government regulates bus fare pricing, which is published nationwide. In contrast, private transport operators exercise discretion in determining rates, considering factors such as routes, categories, and quantities of goods, and adjusting pricing by prevailing market conditions.

The transportation capacity in SVG is adequate to meet domestic requirements and can manage potential increased demand from the humanitarian sector. During the last volcanic eruption, transport providers exhibited the ability to operate with minimal impediments. Given the region's topography, ferry services play a pivotal role in the transportation framework of SVG. The government leveraged the ferry services to evacuate residents from the northern leeward side before the eruption, resulting in the pre-eruption evacuation of approximately 70 percent of the population. Following the eruption, there has been a proliferation of trucks in the country.

For more information on transport company contact details, please see the following link: 4.8 Transporter Contact List

 

Big Al’s Equipment Inc Transport Capacity Summary
Regions Covered	St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the OECS
Company’s main sector	Multi-purpose (Transportation of all kinds of items and Equipment rentals)
GDP authorization available?	Not required
	Number of Vehicles	Capacity per Vehicle (mt/ m³)	Comments / Condition of Vehicles [1]
Flat Truck and trailer bed	1	8mt (truck) 16mt (trailer bed)	16x8 ft, 6x4 transmission Good condition
Total Capacity	1	16mt
Additional Information	This company also rents out equipment such as mobile lighting towers and scissor lifts.

 

Ruddy’s Electrical Contracting Co. Ltd Transport Capacity Summary
Regions Covered	St. Vincent and the Grenadines and OECS.
Company’s main sector	Multipurpose (Transportation of all kinds of items and Equipment rentals).
GDP authorization available?	Not required
	Number of Vehicles	Capacity per Vehicle (mt/ m³)	Comments / Condition of Vehicles [1]
Container Chassis/ Container Truck	2		Good condition
Lowboy trailer	1	60mt	Good condition
Crane truck	5	From 3 – 15 mt	Good condition
Concrete truck	1		12 cubic yds, year of manufacture: 2003
Compactor	2	4 mt	Good condition
Total Capacity
Additional Information	Ruddy’s Electrical also has power boats, generators (5KVA to 200KVA), welding plants and construction equipment for rent such as rough terrain cranes, excavators, buggies and tele handlers.

 

Vincy Trucking Ltd Transport Capacity Summary
Regions Covered	St. Vincent and the Grenadines and OECS.
Company’s main sector	Multipurpose (Transportation of all kinds of items and Equipment rentals).
GDP authorization available?	Not required
	Number of Vehicles	Capacity per Vehicle (mt/ m³)	Comments / Condition of Vehicles [1]
Trailer Truck	3	50m3	Good condition
Curtain side Trucks	2	40m3	Good condition
Trailer beds	20	45m3	Good condition
Enclosed Krone Euroline Trailer	1	45m3	Good condition
Sidelifter	1		Good condition
Total Capacity
Additional Information	Vincy Trucking pays all employees according to the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Wages Regulations Order 2024. The company can outsource loading/offloading of cargo based on the client's requirements.

 

Robert Williams Transport Capacity Summary
Regions Covered	St Vincent
Company’s main sector	Private transport for groups
GDP authorization available?	Not required
	Number of Vehicles	Capacity per Vehicle (mt/ m³)	Comments / Condition of Vehicles [1]
29-seater Nissan Civilian buses	2	N/A
Total Capacity
Additional Information

 

 

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Please note: WFP / Logistics Cluster maintain complete impartiality and are not in a position to endorse, comment on any company's suitability as a reputable service provider.