Union Island Ferry Terminal Set for Handover This Weekend

By R. Butcher. Updated 4:23 p.m., Wednesday, 8 October 2025, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

Final touches are being made to the new Union Island Ferry Terminal in Clifton ahead of its official handover, scheduled for Saturday, 11 October 2025.

The project, aimed at improving ferry facilities in the Southern Grenadines, was completed through a public–private partnership between the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and British businessman Ian Wace’s Gumbolimbo Group.

The terminal, located in Clifton, is the largest of three new ferry facilities constructed across the Southern Grenadines as part of the Government’s ongoing reconstruction programme following the devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl in July 2024.

The new facility will feature a modern open-air market, retail spaces, and comfortable passenger waiting areas, enhancing both commercial activity and travel convenience for residents and visitors. According to Chevonne Stewart, who has been appointed by the Government to assist with rebuilding efforts across the Southern Grenadines, the project marks an important step in the islands’ recovery.

The handover ceremony for the Union Island Ferry Terminal will be attended by Government officials, community leaders, and residents, as Union Island continues its steady path towards recovery and renewal.

Speaking to the Agency for Public Information (API), John and Jessica Davidson of the Gumbolimbo Group explained that Ian Wace initially pledged US$5 million towards rebuilding efforts in the Southern Grenadines but later increased his contribution to US$25 million. This investment has advanced the Government’s efforts to restore infrastructure, improve livelihoods, and strengthen climate resilience across the area.

In an interview with the API, Co-ordinator of Housing in the Southern Grenadines, Chevonne Stewart expressed optimism about the upcoming handover and the positive impact the new facility will have on the community.

“Vendors finally have a place to call home again, and residents have a comfortable space to wait for the ferry,” Miss Stewart said. She added, “It’s a proud moment for Union Island and an important sign of progress for the Southern Grenadines.

Hurricane Beryl caused widespread destruction across the Southern Grenadines, displacing approximately 3,000 people and severely damaging housing, public infrastructure, and livelihoods. The construction of the three ferry terminals represents a key component of the Government’s broader recovery, resilience, and redevelopment strategy for the affected communities.

The initiative forms part of a wider collaboration between the Government and Ian Wace’s Gumbolimbo Group, which is headed by John and Jessica Davidson. Through this partnership, ferry terminals were previously completed and commissioned at Saline Bay, Mayreau, and Grand Bay, Canouan. Both facilities were officially opened on 1 July 2025, one year after Hurricane Beryl severely impacted the Grenadines.

This information was provided by the Agency for Public Information.