When we moved to Bequia from the UK in 2017, we were certainly “escaping to” rather than “escaping from”.  It had been our ambition for quite some time to set up a new life abroad.

However, you may be surprised to learn that we didn’t come here in search of palm trees, white sandy beaches, sunshine, or even rum punch!  Although we do like all those things.

In truth, the most important element of a new life abroad was to be active in (and feel part of) a thriving community.

Regular visitors to this island would concur with this sentiment.  Travellers most often refer to the beautiful, friendly & generous people of Bequia.  The natural beauty of the island is merely a welcome bonus!

And so, “Community” seems like the perfect theme for our newest blog.

The following content is not an exhaustive list, but will give you a real flavour of the special Bequia community spirit.

 

Action Bequia

Since its inception in 2011, Action Bequia has raised more than US$3 million from generous supporters.  It’s an efficient & effective organisation, with less than 3% of donations being spent on administration and marketing.

“Our aim is to help maintain and improve Bequia as a place to live in, work and visit which helps create local jobs, employment and social cohesion”

This short video explains the story so far…..

 

Action Bequia focuses on infrastructure and the environment, responsible for key projects such as The Belmont Walkway & Princess Margaret Trail, recycling schemes & litter reduction, coral damage limitation, and harbour beautification. 

ACTION BEQUIA HAS TRANSFORMED THE ISLAND IN SO MANY POSITIVE WAYS, NOT LEAST THROUGH LITTER REDUCTION & RECYCLING SCHEMES

 

However, when there is a crisis, Action Bequia are there to step in to support other community-based organisations, and respond to urgent and unexpected needs. Recent examples are the 2020 COVID Pandemic, the 2021 La Soufrière Volcanic Eruption, and most recently, the relief and reconstruction post Hurricane Beryl 2024. 

Action Bequia work closely with many other organisations on Bequia, with “Rise Up Bequia” being the most important Hurricane Beryl and Volcano relief partner.

Chris & Louise from “The Lookout” whole-heartedly support this wonderful organisation.  When  our guests ask us how they can help the local community, we urge them to donate to Action Bequia.  They know where best to spend your money at any particular time, but you can also specify a particular area, or partner organisation, where you’d like your funds to be directed to.

You can pledge a donation using this link;

https://www.actionbequia.org/donatenow.php

 

Pack for a Purpose

Chris & Louise have been huge supporters of “Pack for a Purpose” ever since meeting members of the team at a travel show in the UK around 20 years ago.  We would always pack extra supplies in our luggage on our world-wide travels, whether that was in Africa, Asia, or Europe too.

When we re-located to Bequia, we were surprised that the “Pack for a Purpose” scheme (that spans across 60 countries) had not yet been set up in St. Vincent & the Grenadines.  Although it’s a destination that attracts tourists, superyachts, and celebrities, it remains a relatively undeveloped and poor Caribbean nation.

The concept of the charity is so simple and effective.

Travellers like you to make a lasting impact in the community at your travel destination. If you save just a few kilos of space in your suitcase and take supplies for the projects we support in need, you’ll make a priceless impact in the lives of the local community.

CHRIS & LOUISE FROM "THE LOOKOUT" GRATEFULLY ACCEPT & DISTRIBUTE DONATIONS FROM KIND VISITORS TO BEQUIA ISLAND

 

Our partner projects support the hospital and clinics, the stray animals, schools of all levels from pre, through primary, up to secondary level, and also the reading club and learning centre too.

We have up to date lists of the supplies most in need.  All you have to do is pack it in your luggage on your next trip to paradise, then contact Chris & Louise on arrival, and we’ll ensure it gets to where it is needed most.

Everything you need to know is on the link below;

https://thelookoutbequia.com/pack-for-a-purpose.php

 

Grenadines Initiative, including the learning centre

Originally named the “Bequia Mission”, Grenadines Initiative was founded more than half a century ago, back in 1970.  This is a non‐ profit, non‐denominational charity dedicated to providing social, educational, and medical assistance to individuals and charitable organisations.

“We believe that by improving education outcomes, other social benefits will follow, including those related to population health and crime. The work begins with improving the foundation for education on the island, clarifying curricular outcomes, supporting literacy programs, and improving graduation rates. We also work hand-in-hand with existing programs, at the direction of local leaders, including school lunch programs, and in the procurement of medical supplies and equipment”

THE LEARNING CENTRE IS LOCATED IN PORT ELIZABETH, BEQUIA

 

You can help by donating, or even volunteering.  Alternatively, support our “Pack for a Purpose” scheme, and we can advise which supplies are required for The Learning Centre – a pivotal part of the Grenadines Initiative program here on island.

Learn more about this wonderful charity on the link here;

https://grenadinesinitiative.ca/

 

Hub Collective

This is another non-profit organisation that is focussed on “Fostering creative heritage, ecological resilience & community care in Bequia”

THE HUB COLLECTIVE TEAM AT THE CREATIVE ARTS CENTRE

 

This is achieved via 3 pillars;

The Arts – the Creative Arts Centre is a vibrant hub, delivering workshops in youth art, music, drumming, maritime, and dance.

Healing – providing connection, healing and rehabilitation opportunities for families, youth, as well as SVG-based NGO relief workers, and grassroots volunteers.  One part of this is using creative arts therapy to help those surviving natural disasters, and experiencing anxiety, depression, and PTSD.  Other initiatives include mindful movement sessions.

The Environment - Bush Medicine Revival uses a medicinal garden and storytelling to promote community healing and environmental stewardship through the recovery of Traditional Ecological Knowledge on Bequia.

The Hub Collective key partners include “Kids on Pan” – a group of youngsters learning the art of traditional Caribbean steelpan drumming.

There is so much more to learn, and their website is the ideal platform to explore further;

https://thehubsvg.com/

 

Bequia Reading Club

Cheryl & daughter La Fayette at “The Fig Tree” restaurant run a very special program every Saturday afternoon at 2pm. 

Youngsters of ages ranging from 3 up to 16 years are encouraged to attend.  They choose a book that has been donated to the vast library here, then they read aloud with a volunteer, discuss it, make a drawing that represents their view of the contents, and finally they report back. 

Therefore, this program goes way beyond just improving reading skills, with other benefits including artistic flair, confidence, self-esteem, and public speaking too.

The Bequia Reading Club started 19 years ago in 2006, when Cheryl ran the local bookstore.  She was perplexed as to why very few children ever came to visit.  As a former headteacher too, Cheryl was keen to address the issue, and now has up to 40 children attending the reading club every week.

LOUISE FROM "THE LOOKOUT" DELIVERING BOOKS FOR THE READING CLUB, KINDLY DONATED VIA OUR "PACK FOR A PURPOSE" SCHEME

 

The sailing community provides the bulk of the support as volunteers, but land-loving tourists are equally welcome & encouraged to join the fun whilst on their vacation.  You can also bring in books in your luggage via our “Pack for a Purpose” scheme, and why not offer to provide snacks & drinks too.  Most of the time, this is laid on free of charge by Cheryl’s restaurant.

This video from the summer of 2025 will help you to get to know Cheryl, and how the program works;

 

 

BAPA & Chappie House

The Bequia Animal Protection Alliance (BAPA) is a non-profit organisation that was created in response to the growing number of stray animals on Bequia. They are dedicated to preventing cruelty, and replacing it with kindness to all animals.  BAPA works tirelessly to provide medical care to animals in need, and subsidising veterinary care to low income families.

THE BEQUIA ANIMAL & PROTECTION ALLIANCE CARRIES OUT INVALUABLE WORK ON THE ISLAND

 

BAPA conducts ongoing spay/neuter and vaccination campaigns, treats medical conditions, administers emergency/first aid care, and facilitates animal adoption.  

Working independently, but with similar animal-friendly goals, “Chappie House” has a dedicated centre in Ocar, Bequia.  Their main goals are to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome the dogs of Bequia. 

 

Set up in 2022, they are a registered non-profit organisation, aiming to reduce the population of homeless, abandoned, and unwanted dogs in Bequia through sterilisation programs, feeding, rehabilitation, and adoption. Their team also provides community outreach to support dog owners who care, but need extra help.

In October 2025, Chappie House partnered with Caribbean Spay Neuter to conduct an incredible 57 spay/neuter surgeries in just four days!  Everyone can appreciate the level of impact this kind of work has on such a small island – truly transformational.

https://www.thechappyhouse.com/

BAPA & Chappie House welcome donations & volunteers too.  Through our “ Pack for a Purpose” scheme you can travel to Bequia with much-needed supplies such as flea & tick treatment, worming tablets, shampoo, leads & collars, pet carriers, and much more.

 

The Sunshine School & Encore Thrift Store

In 1982 “The Sunshine School for Children with Special Needs” was born. At that time the Bequia Mission (now known as Grenadines Initiative) covered the comprehensive needs of the school – financially and materially.

Starting out with just a few children (and even fewer teachers), the school developed, grew and moved into various locations.  In 2000, The Sunshine School moved into its own, newly-constructed building in Port Elizabeth.  Over the next 25 years, it has evolved as a well-respected special needs school. 

https://www.bequiasunshineschool.org/

More recently in 2022, Bequia's first charity-run. thrift store named “Encore” was born.  All proceeds go to “The Sunshine School for Children with Special Needs”.  The store proved to be so successful after launch that it was forced to move to a larger location in Ocar, Bequia. 

Again, you can support this through our “Pack for a Purpose” scheme.  Items in need include second-hand clothing, books, jewellery, toys, bric-a-brac, and homeware too.

The staff are all kind-hearted volunteers, and perhaps you could spare a few hours to help too?

 

Junior Sailors

Bequia is inextricably linked to the sea, so naturally it’s also a big part of the local community.

“The Junior Academy Sailing Club of Bequia” focusses on children, aged 8 to 18 years.  The aim to is to teach and foster the love of sailing, competitive racing abilities, and career development. The club is based next to the marina in Hamilton.

 

 

And finally…..

There is a positive vibe and attitude that is generally adopted by all the island’s people, business owners, and visitors alike.  A real & genuine sense of community.  Everyone shares the love. Rather than work against each other, we actually choose to embrace and promote our competitors. We all know that it ultimately benefits the island, its people, and visitors too.

The modern world can be a cut-throat & selfish place, but not here. 

How refreshing, how very Bequia 

 

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