Layou Petroglyph Park

The Ministry of Tourism has commissioned another of its tourism product; the latest is the Layou Petroglyph Park. This site was officially handed over on Friday 20th November 2009.

It is the tenth of fourteen sites to be opened under the European Union – Government of St.Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Development Project.
Parliamentary Representative, Hon Louis Straker said the public must protect the site because it is part of our National Heritage. He noted that the site must be preserved so that the history of it would not be lost. He further stated that he is happy that there are provisions under the proposed constitution that deals with the protection and preservation of our historical heritage.

Straker urged the local organisation and the Ministry of Tourism to maintain the facility. He noted that sometimes these facilities are constructed but are never properly maintained. The Minister noted that the facility can bring economic benefits to persons in the community. He expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Tourism and urged all Vincentians to work together to preserve the site to make it one of the best in St.Vincent and the Grenadines.

Meanwhile the Tourism Minister Hon. Glen Beache said their aim is to promote these sites so that persons can use the information as an education tool. He said sites like these are important for education and local tourism. He noted that Government cannot maintain all these sites on its own therefore there would be an admission fee to these sites. He noted that there must be rules and regulations at these sites in order for them to be properly maintained.

The Tourism Minister noted that the Ministry of Tourism will continue to market St.Vincent and the Grenadines and develop its product. He further stated that the Ministry has done a tremendous job in developing these sites. Beache said every Vincentian is a stakeholder in the Tourism Industry. He noted that we have lagged behind in development and now is the time to be at the forefront of history in the Caribbean.