travel news review

11 January '99
Proselyte Reef, a popular dive site outside the Philipsburg Harbor in Sint Maarten, was severely damaged last month when Monarch of the Seas, a cruise ship, ran aground on it.

Local authorities are citing estimates of almost $8.5 million for repairing the reef and for losses to the local tourism industry. Royal Caribbean, the ship's owner, has pledged to help out with repairs. Seeding new coral around concrete structures is one option being considered, but even if this works the reef and dive spot will not return to its former state for several years.

29 December '98
In an episode almost like "Titanic" but in warmer, shallower waters the cruise ship, Monarch of the Seas, ran into a reef off the coast of St. Maarten last Tuesday, 15 December.
The encounter ripped a large hole in the hull but the captain managed to steer the ship onto a sandy bank in shallow waters. All 2557 passengers were safely evacuated - no lifeboats were needed. The cruise ship, owned by Royal Caribbean Cruises, remains grounded until necessary repairs can be made. All journeys have been cancelled until 14 February.

16 December '98
There's ganja in them thar hills. The government of SVG is cooperating with several other Caribbean states and the USA on a marijuana eradication project, sending agents into the hills in the mountainous north of the island to confiscate the plants. The US State Department has issued a warning that disgruntled farmers (who rely on the crop for their livelihood) have staged several protests vowing to retaliate against the authorities and US citizens, and are creating a potentially dangerous atmosphere for travellers. Visitors to St Vincent should think twice about that trip to La Soufriere and should take care around large crowds - especially demonstrations - and in nature areas.