Campaign Rally

Son Mitchell, owner of the Frangipani Hotel, was also the founder of the New Democratic Party of St. Vincent, and at the time was leader of the Opposition Party. He had served as Premier before the country became independent but had been unable to become its first Prime Minister.  Son was determined to beat Prime Minister Cato in the upcoming elections and began to campaign with a vengeance.

Son was wildly popular in the Grenadines, especially on his home turf of Bequia.  Therefore, when he chartered the Friendship Rose for a campaign rally on Union Island it caused great excitement, everyone wanted to attend.  It would be a free return trip down the Grenadines and back, and I decided to close the Pizzeria so my staff and I could go.

The boat had to leave before first light, it would take a long time to sail all the way to Union Island.  My staff and I boarded the Friendship Rose along with what seemed to be half the population of Bequia, everyone geared up by the prospect of a fun day on the campaign trail!

Before we got to West Cay it became obvious that we were in for a rough ride, a REALLY rough ride.  I could see by the faces of the Adams brothers and Captain Lewis that they were worried, and I grew apprehensive.  I was NOT a brave sailor!  It was decided that the Rose didn’t have enough ballast, and that everyone had to go down into the ship’s hold.

Well, wild horses were not going to get me to go down into a dark hold in a rough sea …… I had served as ballast on many boats but always up on deck! The rest of the passengers obediently trooped below, and then the hatch was covered.  I was placed in the cabin with the captains, where I cowered in fear as the Rose pitched about on the wild sea.  I should have known better than to join the trip, I was terrified and just wanted to get OFF.

I could hear the three captains talking, and wished I couldn’t from the tone of their conversation!  Each time Captain Lewis reached to throttle back the engine I cringed, knowing that he was slowing the boat down for an especially big wave.  The rain was coming down in sheets, what is referred to as “White Rain”, and visibility was practically nil.  At one point I heard Captain Lewis shouting, “Dat Canouan ahead? You tink dat Canouan?”.  Terrific, conditions were so bad the Captain didn’t even know where we were! I was sure we were about to die, that’s how bad it was that day.

The sea calmed when we got in the lee of Mayreau, and once it was deemed safe the passengers in the hold were allowed back up on deck. Many were covered in vomit, making me seriously thankful I had not been forced to join them in the hold!

Trooping ashore at Union, spirits picked up and the crowd from Bequia had a rousing time at the rally, shouting encouragement to Son as he made his campaign speeches.  As for me, all I could think about was having to get back on the Friendship Rose for the trip home. I was NOT a happy camper!