Mayreau Village and History
Mayreau has one village, a few hundred residents and a single road. Its history is that of a small Grenadine island shaped by the sea: fishing, salt, sailing visitors and, more recently, recovery from a major hurricane.
The village on Station Hill
The island's only village, often called Old Wall, sits on Station Hill, a hilltop in the southwest of the island above Saline Bay. The top of the hill holds the small elementary school, the telecommunications building and the island's churches. Children attend the school from kindergarten to grade 6, then go on to secondary school on Union Island or St. Vincent.
From the crest of the hill there is an overlook of the Tobago Cays, Canouan and Union Island, one of the finest views in the Grenadines.
Who owned the island
According to Doyle Guides, the whole island was originally owned by the Eustace family of St. Vincent, and the people who lived there owned no land. Land in the village was later made available to residents, and much of the island has since been sold.
The churches
For generations the stone Roman Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception was the landmark of the hill. It is the building in the banner at the top of this page, pictured with the sea and islands behind it. A significant portion of it collapsed during Hurricane Beryl. A larger, newer church faces it across the road, and there is also a Pentecostal church on the island.
Salt, water and power
Saline Bay is named for the salt pond just east of the beach. Salt was once harvested and exported; today it is gathered only for local use. The island collects much of its water from catchments on its east side, and electricity comes from a central generator at Saline Bay, a fairly recent arrival in island life.
Making a living
Most islanders make their living from fishing and from tourism, especially the yachts that anchor at Salt Whistle Bay and Saline Bay.
Hurricane Beryl
Hurricane Beryl caused severe damage across the southern Grenadines. On Mayreau, much of the old church collapsed and the beach bars and restaurants at Salt Whistle Bay were destroyed. Rebuilding has since made good progress. If you visit, spending money with local businesses is one of the most direct ways to help.
Visiting respectfully
- Dress modestly away from the beach, especially in the village and near churches.
- Ask before taking close-up photographs of people.
- Greet people as you pass. On a small island, a good morning goes a long way.