Overview

St. Vincent and the Grenadines provide various essential services that meet the population's needs and can also accommodate increased demands. The market and available services can fulfil the program support requirements in the country. Financial service providers, clearing and forwarding agents, postal and courier services, taxi companies, vehicle rentals, accommodation, electricity and other services are available.

For more information on company contact details, please see the following link: 4.11 Additional Services Contact List 

Accommodation

Accommodation options in St. Vincent and the Grenadines vary based on preferences and budgets. SVG has luxury resorts, boutique hotels, guesthouses, and vacation rentals, with most luxury resorts located in the Grenadines. Visitors can find mid-range hotels and budget-friendly guesthouses, especially in and around Kingstown. Availability can fluctuate depending on the season, with peak tourist periods like the winter months requiring advanced booking. UNDSS have a few approved accommodations in SVG.

Electricity and Power

The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Electricity Company (VINLEC), a limited liability company mostly owned by the government, supplies electricity in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. VINLEC provides electricity to separate power grids on the main island of St. Vincent and several smaller islands, including Bequia, Canouan, Union Island, and Mayreau.

VINLEC delivers electricity to nearly 98 percent of the population in SVG. The power plants use different resources to keep the lights on: diesel generators across the islands, solar photovoltaic (PV) farms on three islands (St. Vincent, Union, and Mayreau), and hydropower plants only in St. Vincent.

While diesel fuel is the primary way VINLEC generates electricity, they supplement it by purchasing electricity from customer-owned solar PV systems through a Feed-in Tariff mechanism. St. Vincent and the Grenadines uses a tiered voltage system for electricity delivery. High voltage lines (33,000 volts) transmit power long distances, then step down to lower voltages (11,000 volts or less) for distribution and are further reduced to either 400 volts for three-phase systems or 230 volts for single-phase systems that reach the homes. Power outages are uncommon except during the hurricane season (June to November).

Electricity and Power Summary Table

Financial Services

St. Vincent and the Grenadines boast a network of national and international banks that provide traditional banking services like checking and savings accounts, loans, and mortgages. This core offering is complemented by a robust ecosystem of financial service providers, including credit unions, investment firms, and insurance companies. These entities cater to more specialized needs with services such as financial planning and investment opportunities. The presence of money service providers like Western Union and MoneyGram facilitates international money transfers. Additionally, available ATMs ensure convenient 24/7 access to cash.

Clearing and Forwarding Agents

Several established firms and independent agents provide clearing and forwarding services. These agents are well-versed in local customs regulations and international trade requirements, ensuring efficient and compliant handling of imports and exports. Some of these agents include Kestrel SVG Ltd, Tropical Shipping and SwiftPac. The Customs and Excise Department regulates the industry and sets the standards and procedures for customs clearance.

Construction, Material Handling & Power Generation Equipment

The rental and lease market for construction, freight/material handling, and power generation equipment is available and supports infrastructure and economic activities in SVG. Local companies offer a range of machinery, such as excavators, bulldozers, and cranes, for small and large projects, providing flexibility and cost savings for contractors. Equipment like forklifts and pallet jacks are available for rent or lease, supporting logistics, warehousing, and manufacturing sectors in efficiently handling and moving goods.

Diesel generators and portable power units are offered for rent or lease, ensuring stable power supply for construction sites, events, and emergencies, helping maintain operations without interruptions. Some of these companies include Big Al's Equipment Inc., Ruddy's Electrical Contracting Co Ltd and Hutchinson Construction.

Postal and Courier Services

The national postal service, St. Vincent and the Grenadines Postal Corporation (SVG Post), and private courier companies provide postal and courier services in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. SVG Post offers various services, including mail delivery, Express Mail Service (EMS), parcel post, MoneyGram and philatelic services. Private couriers like DHL, FedEx, eZone and SwiftPac provide faster and specialized delivery options, catering to domestic and international shipping needs.

Printing and Publishing

This sector includes a variety of businesses, ranging from small print shops to larger publishing houses, which provide a wide array of services, such as printing books, newspapers, magazines, business materials, and promotional items. Some of the service providers include Quick Print Ltd, Don Digitals & Artwork Print Shop, and Right Stuff SVG.

Taxi Companies

Taxis are available in St Vincent and the Grenadines. Taxis are not metered. However, the government sets the fare rates periodically updated and published in the National Gazette. Check the fares before setting out and expect higher prices early in the morning or later at night.

Vehicle & Equipment Maintenance/Workshops

Several service centres and workshops across the islands offer maintenance and repair services for both private and commercial vehicles. These workshops provide routine maintenance, mechanical repairs, bodywork, electrical diagnostics and other services. The sector faces challenges such as access to specialized parts.

Some vehicle and equipment maintenance workshops available in SVG include Terrance Auto, Star Garage Ltd and automobile parts dealers like SVG General Services Ltd.

Vehicle Rental

Several vehicle rental services that meet an organization’s initial needs are available in SVG. These companies include Bens Auto Rental, Prestige Auto and Terrance Auto.

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.