The Bounty

Back in the 70s and early 80s a trip to the mainland was, for me at least, a hot and rather trying ordeal. The Friendship Rose departed Bequia at 6:30 sharp in the morning, and, as it was the only ferry, I had to dash frantically around Kingstown if I wanted to return home the same day. This frenzy to get chores done made me hungry and thirsty, and I therefore always saved precious time for a quick stop at the Bounty.

The Bounty was a popular haven for many people. Centrally located on Halifax Street, it offered welcome relief from the sun’s heat as well as icy cold drinks and simple, delicious food. By mid-morning the restaurant was always packed; it was THE gathering spot in Kingstown for socializing, a place where I could meet up with friends before making the trek back to Bequia, and I grew to love the place. I would order and pay for my usual 6 patties and a Pepsi, then join friends to listen in on the latest island gossip. Those spicy beef patties hit the sweet spot in my stomach, and the large bottle of Pepsi, always WAY too big until it was suddenly gone, took care of my need for a cold sugar buzz. The Bounty also had quite an amazing selection of iced cakes, something rarely seen on Bequia back then, and I always took a few slices home with me.

The Bounty wasn’t simply an eatery; it also served as an art gallery, a feature I discovered during my initial search for the rest rooms. The dimmer, less frequented room off the busy restaurant displayed wonderful paintings by Vincentian artists, and that’s where I first met Tracy Connell, owner of the Bounty. A tall, graceful and extremely handsome man, Tracy often circulated around his restaurant to chat with customers, and although I never got to know him well his gentle manner impressed me – he was a thoroughly NICE man.

Tracy had gone to England at the age of 19 to join the Royal Air Force, his dream being to become an actor. He somehow managed to attend acting school, where he studied dance, acting and singing, studies that were funded by the RAF. He later adopted the stage name “Nik Zaran”, and appeared in productions such as “Man in a Suitcase”, “The Saint” and “Doctor Who” to mention just a few. Tracy returned home in the 1970s and brought his passion for the arts with him. He shared this passion generously, tutoring several Vincentians in dance and theatre. He was quite active with the Carnival Development Committee, and even set up a theatre for aspiring actors. In short, Tracy’s contribution to the performing arts in St. Vincent and the Grenadines was immense, and hopefully the legacy of this unsung national hero will continue to flourish.

Years ago, the Bounty changed location and, at some point during this transition, Tracy married a friendly Canadian woman named Toni. The new location wasn’t nearly as bustling (or as big) as the previous one, proving that the old real estate adage, “location, location, location” is, indeed, a fact. The Bounty was no longer just a step off the main drag, rather up a steep flight of stairs off a side street, but I still stopped there for my 6 patties and a Pepsi – those tasty pastries were addictive, and I never tried anything else on the menu! I would chat a bit with Toni, admire the local paintings adorning the walls and inspect the new and often quite lovely gift selection. The new Bounty was still a haven, but a peaceful one.

Tracy sadly passed away in 2014 and the Bounty no longer exists. People and places change over time, that’s life, but I have to say that I DO miss my 6 patties each and every time I go to Kingstown – those sold elsewhere simply don’t compare!