The owners of this wonderful piece of real estate
donated Cassada Bay to United Caribbean Trust for one year to be utilised
as a base of operations for their humanitarian efforts.
United Caribbean Trust presents our
gratitude and compliments for the New Year and wishes Chris,
Moira and the Knighton family peace, prosperity and abundance
in 2006.
Chris & Moira seen here enjoying an evenings
meal with company whilst on holiday in Carriacou.
Cassada Bay is a beautiful old, once- empty, hotel
located on the outskirts of the village of Belmont on the island
of Carriacou. Now the home for 2005 of the United Caribbean Trust.
Seen here U.C Co Founders Jenny and Dawnay with her son and friends
from the local village who joined us to bless the First Food served
at Cassada Bay.
Enjoying the first
official meal at base headquarters.
.
Our small gatherings entertained the members of Youth
with a Mission, seen here enjoying the view whilst guests at Cassada
Bay in January 2005, during an outreach programme of WYAM Discipleship
Training Schools(DTS).
Cassada Bay appears to to be the perfect retreat location,
dispite its rather neglected state it is being utilised as a base of operations
for United Caribbean Trust.
The tranquil, peace- filled setting can also house
up to 12 relief workers or working holiday volunteers.
Unfortunately due to further hurricane damage the
facility can no longer be used for this purpose.
Cassada Bay could provide serene glorified
camping accommodation for working holiday volunteers assisting in
the church rebuilding project.
Cassada Bay has been empty for some years now but
the hotel could very easily be upgraded with a moderate injection
of capital, lots of elbow grease and plenty love.
The entrance foyer and office area have been
significantly damaged by wind and water.
The ceiling is damaged and water has pooled on the
floor of the reception area.
The lovely entrance to the open plan lounge/bar
and dining area is clean and debris free.
The wall murals of sea creatures can be upgraded
with minimum inputs.
There is a healthy land turtle population.
The lounge is in need of some minor renovations,
such as replacement of termite eaten balcony rails, floor paint
or tiling, and lounge and recreational furniture.
The stunning views over White Island and distant
Grenada from the open air deck are breathtaking.
The dining area overlooks the hills and distant mangrove of the
protected bay.
There has been window damage following Ivan but
this can be repaired with minimum outlay. The floor area can be
crazy-tiled economically.
The kitchen area is well equipped but could do with
some new appliances and accoutrements.
There is adequate storage space for food, provisions
and relief supplies.
Despite some damage to the roof of the storage
area, the linen room is a perfect store for the 'baby survival kits'
and other non-food aid supplies, and these can be sorted and allocated
efficiently, for Carriacou, Gouyave and Soubise.
Transport is being sought to transfer provisions
from the Customs Storage in Hillsborough to the secure base at Cassada
Bay.
The accommodation
in Cassada Bay is a collection of semi-detached one bedroom chalets
overlooking White Island, Saline and Grenada in the distance.
Located on eight acres of beautiful grounds, damaged
fencing needs replacement to keep the cows out.
Some careful replanting could restore the lovely
tropical garden, with a minimum outlay and a run on a seed bank.
The natural pond could provide irrigation for an
organic kitchen garden and the surrounded grounds planted with appropriate
vegetation. The old cemetary will be restored to its former dignity,
enclosed an blessed..
The jetty has been destroyed and is in need of reconstruction,
but has basic capability as a functional boat landing. As this base
will continue to distribute relief supplies to coastal villages in
Grenada, the facility of the jetty needs immediate attention.
Fallen and uprooted trees clutter the volcanic beach
since the storm. Much clearing, burning and reconstruction has already
begun to help this area to return to its former beauty. Beach clean
up working holidays are planned!
There are tremendous opportunity here short term
to create not only a safe, peaceful base for the United Caribbean
concept but also to house short term volunteer working holidays.
