Marsy will rock you over

“I cater for people. Just give me a call and I will provide all that you need for parties, weddings, anniversaries, holiday celebrations, picnics, or any gathering.
“It’s on the beach. You can play any sport you want. Marsy will provide all the necessary things.” {{more}}
That’s how entrepreneur Alstar Mars promotes his establishment called Marsy Under the Rocks. This is overlooking the small playing field at Troumaca Bay about 18 miles north-west of capital city Kingstown.
Troumaca Bay is halfway between the North Leeward villages of Coulls Hill to the south and Troumaca northwards.
The name Under the Rocks is ideal, for there are rocks above the area where this restaurant and bar is located. But you don’t have to worry. The building is safely carved out in a place that is out of real and threatening danger.
What makes Under the Rocks so outstanding is its unusual setting. Troumaca Bay is replete with history and still remains the tranquil and carefree zone it was in pre-colonial days. One other building is in the direct vicinity. But the playing field there is the hub of sporting activity for the two neighbouring communities and indeed the entire North Leeward area.
Cricket matches are played there with an intensity that far exceeds the size of the outfield. Crowds descend there, drawn intimately into action on the arena owing to the closeness of the spectators to the flow of command.
The Troumaca Bay beach is sheltered and has the potential for pleasure and business.
That is one aspect that perhaps contributes to Marsy Under the Rocks’ growth and popularity.
One can get there by turning off the North Leeward Highway, past the Troumaca cemetery and up to the spot. You can reach Marsy by boat also.
The Troumaca Bay Wharf was built many years ago and was a pivotal point of communication for persons commuting between North Leeward and Kingstown.
But that’s one area of concern that Marsy has now. The wharf is damaged and Marsy thinks that if it is renovated, yachts will have easier access to land, and business for the entire North Leeward area will be enhanced.
“I could do more if the wharf improves,” Marsy said.
Marsy was born and grew up in Troumaca. He established a profession as a carpenter. He is the last of seven children born to Ruby and George Mars. They were originally from Barrouallie. But the Laynes and the Akers took care of the Mars’ once they settled in Troumaca. Marsy’s father went to Aruba and helped to establish the family base.
Marsy went to school in Troumaca and came through the normal Troumaca pattern. He was a stalwart opening batsman, and a useful seamer. In 1968, with support from his family, Marsy joined his sisters in Canada.
Always one with a patriotic outlook, Marsy recalls his contact and interaction with Vincentians and others of Caribbean extract while in Canada.
He returned home in 1992 and started a shop in Troumaca. But he is one with some sense of vision, and saw that tourism development was a natural thing in SVG.
A number of visitors enjoy the atmosphere at Marsy Under the Rocks. And they have served as a source of inspiration to Marsy. In fact, Marsy’s visitor book is filled with comments and the observations of people who have travelled from different parts of the world and have enjoyed some stress-free moments at Under the Rocks.
A Danish couple, Peter and Herise, were the first visitors when Marsy opened his doors April 27, 1996.
Marsy boasts of his 24/7 operation. And patrons relish the out-of-the-way nature of the business. He boasted that most of his customers return, mainly from yachts. But he enjoys the support of neighbouring villages, especially from Rose Bank and Rose Hall.
Marsy’s main preoccupation is to be able to “employ people”, and he is of the view that once the wharf is fixed, business will grow by leaps and bounds.
It is not just a place where you can enjoy your favourite drinks and food, which Marsy provides for all your nutritional needs. There is also a supply of local craft products, enhancing the national aspect of the project. Marsy pays tribute to a number of supporters but he underlines Robert Providence as his number one supporter. Followed closely by Hugh Marshall.
Looking further ahead, Marsy plans to build some bungalows so that when persons want to stay over, they will have no difficulty.