Capital: (largest city) Castries 14°1 N 60°59 W	Area: 239 square miles	Language: English is the official language of the island, but Kwéyòl, a French/African patois, is spoken among the majority or the locals.
Government: Parliamentary democracy Commonwealth Realm Head of State H.M. Queen Elizabeth II Governor General H.E. Dame Pearlette  Louisy Prime Minister Hon. Stephenson King	Internet TLD: .lc St lucia Time & Date: :: click here :: Time Zone St Lucia lies in the time zone of VENEZUELA (Caracas) at -4 GMT (DST in place).	Calling code: + 1 758 Yellow pages telephone directory
Currency: USD $1.00 = EC$ 2.67 GBP £1.00 = EC$ 4.72 EUR €1.00 = EC$ 3.20 CAD $1.00 = EC$ 2.30 Please note that these are not exact and can change daily. Find out more...	Electricity: 220 ~ 240 volts, 50 cycles AC (a few hotels are 110 volts, 60 cycles). Most sockets take 3 pin square plugs (UK standard) but some take 2 pin round plugs or flat American plugs, which are rarer. Adaptors are genersally available at the hotels.	Island Districts: Anse-la-Raye Castries Choiseul Dauphin Dennery Gros Islet Laborie Micoud Praslin Soufrière Vieux Fort View Towns & Villages of St Lucia View map of St Lucia
Population: Saint Lucia counts 166,312 inhabitants (July 2005 estimate), and sees about 250,000 visitors annually, with 36 percent visiting from the U.S. more...	Getting here: If you are traveling via an international flight, it is most likely that you will arrive at Hewanorra International Airport near the city of Vieux Fort. Most Caribbean based travelers arrive via George F. L. Charles Airport in the capital - Castries located in the north of the island.	Geography: Saint Lucia is a volcanic and mountainous island with some broad, fertile valleys. It is located in the Caribbean, between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and south of Martinique and Dominica

 

The earliest settlers on our island were the Amerindians with archeological evidence of Arawak settlements existing as early as 200 A.D. A peaceful tribe, they exhibited highly advanced traditions of agriculture, pottery, weaving and building. Nearly 800 years later, the warlike Caribs arrived effectively annihilating the Arawaks. Numerous artifacts and petrogliphic evidence serve to document this long period in the island’s history.

A precise date for the European discovery of St. Lucia is not known but the island appears on the map of Spanish explorer Juan de la Cosa made in 1500. The first European settler was the pirate Francois Le Clerc, also known as Jambe de Bois (‘Wooden Leg’) who, beginning around 1550, used Pigeon Island to attack passing Spanish ships. While the Spanish never attempted colonization of the island, they are credited with giving St. Lucia her name.

In 1605, a British settlement was established at the southern end of the island. Within a few weeks, most had been killed by the Caribs and the remaining 19 settlers fled in a canoe. Around 1625, the Dutch built a fort in the same vicinity, which provided the name for the present day town of Vieux Fort. The British made a second attempt to settle the island in 1639, this time lasting one year before being wiped out by the hostile Caribs.

The French attempted colonization in 1651 when the Governor of Martinique purchased and claimed the island. In 1659, a dispute over St. Lucia’s ownership arose between the French and the British, who were established in Barbados. Thus began a long period of hostility between the two countries that resulted in St. Lucia changing hands between the French and English some 14 times until 1814 when St. Lucia finally remained under British control. Numerous important battles were fought during this period with interesting and popular historical sites remaining today on Pigeon Island and at Morne Fortune overlooking Castries.

During the hostilities the French offered freedom to slaves under the condition that they fight for the French against the British. The slaves accepted the agreement but soon fled into the remote parts of the island to become guerrilla freedom fighters, known as the Brigands. Numerous Brigand historical sites remain today in tribute to St. Lucia’s first heroes.

English commercial law was finally established in 1827 with emancipation coming in 1834.

St. Lucia became an independent nation on February 22, 1979.

History taken from - Paradise St lucia

St Lucia is for the most part an idyllic, laid-back place, but it is not without its hazards and nuisances.  Hotels have gated security and there are police stations in each of the island’s districts. 

The more densely populated areas like Castries and the Rodney Bay/Gros Islet area are patrolled by police regularly.  Be mindful about venturing alone in deserted areas, or out late at night in unlit places.  Keep your valuables locked up and be aware of your environment.  Don’t pick up strangers when driving a hired car; take the precaution of informing your reception of housekeeping staff of your plans and anticipated return.

If you are travelling by yacht, then inform neighbouring yachts when you are going ashore for the day or evening.  St Lucia’s many delights and its wonderful people are yours to enjoy with these few precautions in mind. 

Dial 999 to reach the police in an emergency, 911 for fire or ambulance.

Below is a listing of other useful numbers:

Police Headquarters Castries	452 2854
Marine	452 2595
Crime Action Line	458 2880
Fire/Ambulance Castries Soufriere Vieux Fort	452 2373 459 7448 454 6339
Electricity North South	452 2165 454 6617
Water Castries Vieux Fort Soufriere	452 5344 454 6585 459 7131
Disaster Preparedness	452 3802
Hospitals  Dennery  Golden Hope (Mental Hospital) Gros Islet Polyclinic  Soufriere  St Jude’s (Vieux Fort) Tapion (Private) Victoria (Castries)	453 3310 452 2289 450 9661 459 7258 454 6041 459 2000 452 2421

Embassies & Consulates

 

British High Commission
N.I.S Building, Waterfront
2^nd Floor
P.O Box 227
Castries

Tel. 452 2484
Fax 453 1543

 

Denmark Royal Danish Consulate

Box RB 2500
Rodney Bay

Tel. 450 0190
Fax 450 0191

 

Dominican Republic Consulate

Cnr Brazil & Mongiraud Sts
Box 45
Castries

Tel. 452 7865
Fax 452 2931

 

Embassy of Cuba

Rodney Heights
Gros Islet

Tel. 458 4665
Fax 458 4666

 

Embassy of The People’s Republic of China

Cap Estate, Gros Islet
Box GM 999

Tel. 450 8300/450 8900

 

Embassy of Mexico

Clarke Ave
Vigie

Tel. 453 1250

 

French Embassy to the OECS

Clarke Ave.
P.O Box 937
Vigie

Tel. 455 6060
Fax 455 6086

 

Italian Vice Consulate

Box GM 848
Castries

Tel. 452 0866
Fax 452 0869

 

Netherlands Consulate

M&C Building
P.O. Box 1020
Bridge St
Castries

Tel. 452 3592
Fax 458 8007

 

Republic of Trinidad & Tobago Consulate

12 Laborie St
Castries

Tel. 452 2434
Fax 452 2534

 

Royal Norwegian Consulate

Box 169
Castries

Tel. 450 1548

 

Sweden Consulate of Sweden

Box RB 2500
Rodney Bay

Tel. 450 0190
Fax 450 0191

 

Venezuelan Embassy

Clarke Ave.
Vigie
Box 494

Tel. 452 4033

The United States Embassy and Canadian Consulate for the region are based in Barbados

Saint Lucia is a volcanic and mountainous island with some broad, fertile valleys. It is located in the Caribbean, between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and south of Martinique and Dominica;

The island covers 616 sq. km. which is 3.5 times the size of Washington D.C. It has 158km of coastline, boasting beautiful black or yellow sand beaches.
The climate is tropical, moderated by northeast trade winds; the dry season is from January to April, and the rainy season from May to August.

Among the natural resources of Saint Lucia, you can find forests, sandy beaches, minerals (pumice), and mineral springs.

The highest point is Mount Gimie at 950m and the most spectacular scenery is the twin Pitons (Gros Piton and Petit Piton), striking cone-shaped peaks south of Soufriere, are one of the scenic natural highlights of the Caribbean, soon to be among the UNESCO’s classified sites.

The natural hazards that rarely occur are hurricanes and volcanic activity.

Saint Lucia counts 166,312 inhabitants (July 2005 estimate). The average age is 24.5 years, a very young population. There is a majority of black people (90%), mixed (6%) , East Indian people constitute (3%) and the white people (1%).

People here are very religious, and visiting mass can be a fun and interesting experience thanks to the gospel choirs and the cheerful crowds. The main religions are Roman Catholic 67.5%, Seventh Day Adventist 8.5%, Pentecostal 5.7%, Anglican 2%, Evangelical 2%, other Christian 5.1%, Rastafarian 2.1%, other 1.1%, unspecified 1.5%, none 4.5% (2001 census)

The official language for the island is English, but a majority of citizens speak both English and Patois a version of French Creole..

Taken from CIA World Fact Book

Saint Lucia’s government functions with a Westminster-style parliamentary democracy. The capital is Castries, and it has 11 administrative divisions called quarters or districts: Anse-la-Raye, Castries, Choiseul, Dauphin, Dennery, Gros-Islet, Laborie, Micoud, Praslin, Soufriere, Vieux-Fort.

The legal system is based on the English common law. Saint Lucia is part of the Commonwealth.

The chief of State is Queen Elizabeth II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General Dame Pearlette Louisy (since September 1997).

For more information visit the Government of St. Lucia website at this internet address: http://www.stlucia.gov.lc

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The head of government is Prime Minister Stephenson King.

Stephenson King is a Saint Lucian politician who is currently the country's Prime Minister.

King represents the constituency of Castries North for the United Workers Party. King won the seat at the general election held on 11 December 2006.

King served in the government under Prime Minister John Compton in the 1990s as Minister of Health and Local Government.

Following the UWP's victory in the 2006 election, a new government under Compton was sworn in on 19 December 2006, and King was appointed Minister for Health and Labour Relations. After Compton fell ill in May 2007, King became Acting Prime Minister. In a cabinet reshuffle in early June 2007, he became Minister of Finance (including International Financial Services), External Affairs, Home Affairs, National Security, Labor, Information and Broadcasting.

Compton died on September 7, and King announced his death on September 8.

King was subsequently sworn in as Prime Minister by Governor-General Pearlette Louisy on September 9. All ten of the UWP's members of the House of Assembly agreed on King's designation as Prime Minister. King reshuffled the cabinet on September 12; in addition to being Prime Minister, he is Minister of Finance, International Financial Services, External Affairs, Home Affairs and National Security.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephenson_King (December 21, 2007)

Prime Ministers of Saint Lucia, 1979 - present:

John Compton:	22 February - 2 July 1979
Allan Louisy:	2 July 1979 - 4 May 1981
Winston Cenac:	4 May 1981 - 17 January 1982
Michael Pilgrim (interim):	17 January - 3 May 1982
John Compton:	3 May 1982 - 2 April 1996
Vaughan Lewis:	2 April 1996 - 24 May 1997
Kenny Anthony:	24 May 1997 - 11 December 2006
John Compton:	11 December 2006 - 7 September 2007
Stephenson King:	10 September 2007 - present

Saint Lucia has been an independent state since 1979.

A brief History of Politics in St Lucia:

As an associated state of the United Kingdom from 1967 to 1979, St. Lucia had full responsibility for internal self-government but left its external affairs and defense responsibilities to the United Kingdom. This interim arrangement ended on February 22, 1979, when St. Lucia achieved full independence. St. Lucia continues to recognize Queen Elizabeth II as titular head of state and is an active member of the Commonwealth. The island continues to cooperate with its neighbors through the Caribbean community and common market (CARICOM), the East Caribbean Common Market (ECCM), and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

Politics in St. Lucia was once dominated by the United Workers Party (UWP), which, until 1997 had governed the country for all but three years since independence. John Compton was premier of St. Lucia from 1964 until independence in February 1979 and remained prime minister until elections later that year.

The St. Lucia Labor Party (SLP) won the first post-independence elections in July 1979, taking 12 of 17 seats in parliament. A period of turbulence ensued, in which squabbling within the party led to several changes of prime minister. Pressure from the private sector and the unions forced the government to resign in 1982. New elections were then called and were won resoundingly by Compton's UWP, which took 14 of 17 seats.

The UWP was elected for a second time in April 16, 1987, but with only nine of 17 seats. Seeking to increase his slim margin, Prime Minister Compton suspended parliament and called new elections on April 30. This unprecedented snap election, however, gave Compton the same results as before--the UWP retained nine seats and the SLP eight. In April 1992, Prime Minister Compton's government again defeated the SLP. In this election, the government increased its majority in parliament to 11 seats.

In 1996, Compton announced his resignation as prime minister in favor of his chosen successor Dr. Vaughan Lewis, former director-general of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). Dr. Lewis became prime minister and minister of finance, planning and development on April 2, 1996. The SLP also had a change of leadership with former CARICOM official Dr. Kenny Anthony succeeding businessman Julian Hunte.

In elections held May 23, 1997, the St. Lucia Labor Party won all but one of the 17 seats in Parliament, and Dr. Kenny Anthony became Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Planning and Development on May 24, 1997.

In elections of December 3, 2001 the St. Lucia Labor Party won 14 of the 17 available seats. The leader of the UWP, Dr. Morella Joseph failed to win a seat. Arsene James is the leader of the Parliamentary Opposition.

As a member of CARICOM, St. Lucia strongly backed efforts by the United States to implement UN Security Council Resolution 940, designed to restore democracy to Haiti. The country agreed to contribute personnel to the multinational force, which restored the democratically elected government of Haiti in October 1994.

St. Lucia participated, along with 14 other Caribbean nations, in a summit with President Clinton in Bridgetown, Barbados in May 1997. The summit, which was the first-ever meeting in the region between the U.S. and Caribbean heads of government, strengthened the basis for regional cooperation on justice and counter narcotics, finance and development, and trade issues.

Of the legacies left by the colonial powers of France and England, religion is perhaps second only to languages.  The country has historically been Christian: 67% Roman Catholic, a demographic which has only begun to see changes in the last ten or fifteen years.    This has been in part due to an active missionary movement and also to the influx of new expatriate communities.  There are large Baptist and Seven Day Adventist communities, smaller Methodist and Anglican groups and incipient but growing Muslim and Jewish communities.  Rastafarianism, a regionally indigenous religion also has a strong following.   Roman Catholic holy days dictate much of the holiday calendar with Christmas and Easter being the larger two celebrations of the year.  Houses of worship are found in communities all over the island but Castries and Gros Islet and their environs host most of them. 

 

The Roman Catholic Church, Pastoral Centre, Castries - 452 0790

The Seventh Day Adventist Church, Castries 452 4408, Vieux Fort - 454 8089

First Baptist Church, Castries - 452 4569

The Anglican Rectory, Castries - 452 4485

The Methodist Church, Castries - -452 4274

Islamic Association of St Lucia, Castries - 715 5501

The easiest and by far the best way of getting around is to drive yourself. Renting a car is easy, to see a list of car rental companies within the island click here. To rent a car in St Lucia you are required to get a Temporary Permit at a cost of $22 for a 3 month period. Permits can be obtained at Airport Immigration offices, local Police Stations or from your car rental company.

Driving in St Lucia also requires you to drive on the LEFT HAND side of the road, and due to the islands infrastructure and basic road system it is advices that caution be taken while driving through the island as many of the roads are narrow and often uneven.

Mini Bus

We have a local mini bus system in place, these mini buses can take you from place to place throughout the island. The buses run on specific routes and cost varying amounts, averaging about EC $2 per trip one way.

Castries to Gros Islet -	EC$2.25
Castries to Rodney Bay -	EC$2.00
Castries to Choc / Vigie -	EC$1.25
Castries to Soufriere -	EC$10
Castries to Vieux Fort -	EC$6

Taxi Services

There are a large number of Taxi services available, these are usually conveniently placed near tourist locations, hotel, guest houses, shopping centres etc.

Δ ADVERTISMENT Δ

TAXI SERVICE

Do the island tour special and enjoy yourself in the friendly comfort of my taxi...
Whatever you require is my desire!!

Ready to hire!!!

Charlie Sonson - Taxi Driver
Tel: 758 450 0265
Cel: 758 486 4169

Δ ADVERTISMENT Δ

Taxi associations:

Courtesy Taxi Service -	☎ 452 3555
Gablewoods Mall Taxi Stand -	☎ 451 7521
Marigot Bay Taxi -	☎ 453 4406
Rodney Bay Taxi -	☎ 452-9957
St Lucia Taxi Service -	☎ 452 2493
Southern Taxi Association -	☎ 454 6136

Sample taxi fares within St Lucia:

Castries to Gros Islet -	EC$50	US$20
Rodney Bay to Gros Islet -	EC$20	US$10
Rodney Bay to Pigeon Island -	EC$20	US$10
Castries to Soufriere -	EC$160	US$60
Castries to Vieux Fort -	EC$150	US$60
Castries to Anse La Raye -	EC$80	US$30

St Lucia enjoys a sub-tropical climate.  Temperatures range from 18 degrees (evening temperatures) to about 30 degrees Celsius most of the year but in the hot summer months can go as high as 35 degrees.  Light breathable clothes are recommended, cottons and linens and natural fibres do best in this climate.  In the winter months a light jacket or shawl may be useful.  Don’t leave home of course without your swimming gear.  Chances are you will be exposed to the sun a fair bit so hat, sun block and sunglasses are de rigueur.  St Lucians generally dress conservatively when not at the beach or out at a fete, particularly in the town and city centres.  It is recommended that visitors do the same. 

The dress code at most restaurants or night clubs is elegantly casual, though you will see the gamut when strolling through the island’s nightlife district Rodney Bay.

There are adventures aplenty to take advantage of that take visitors to the rainforest, whether to hike or go zip-lining, so good walking shoes are a must.  If you are an avid snorkeller, you will have plenty of chances to use any equipment should you bring it.  Golf clubs, tennis racquets, kite surfing and scuba equipment and the like are all available for hire at various excursion facilities, but the more devoted to these sports might want to travel with their own.

In the evenings of the wet and cool months mosquitoes can be a nuisance so insect repellent is highly recommended.  Carry your medical supplies and a copy of your regular prescription.

Do not forget your camera and spare batteries or charger.

Changes in the EU import preference regime and the increased competition from Latin American bananas have made economic diversification increasingly important in Saint Lucia.

The island nation has been able to attract foreign business and investment, especially in its offshore banking and tourism industries. The manufacturing sector is the most diverse in the Eastern Caribbean area, and the government is trying to revitalize the banana industry.

Economic fundamentals remain solid. The inflation rate for 2001 was estimated at 3%. The unemployment rate has reached 25% in 2004.

Saint Lucia’s mains industries are agriculture (bananas, coconuts, vegetables, citrus, root crops, cocoa) and clothing, assembly of electronic components, beverages, corrugated cardboard boxes, tourism, lime processing, coconut processing. Saint Lucia mainly exports bananas (41%), clothing, cocoa, vegetables, fruits, coconut oil.

The main export partners are the UK (48%), US (24%), Antigua and Barbuda (6%), Dominica (6%), Grenada (4%) (2003 estimate).

The main imports are food (23%), manufactured goods (21%), machinery and transportation equipment (19%), chemicals, fuels; and come from the following import partners: Brazil (47%), US (19.2%), Trinidad and Tobago (10.4%) (2003 estimate).

The East Caribbean dollar (XCD) is Saint Lucia’s national currency, and 1 dollar is divided into 100 cents. The exchange rate for the US dollar is fixed at EC$ 2.67 for US$1.00.

The rates for other currencies fluctuate regularly:

GBP £1.00 = EC$ 4.72
EUR €1.00 = EC$ 3.20
CAD $1.00 = EC$ 2.30

Please note that these rates are for example purposes, you should consult one of our local banks or rate exchange agents in your hotel.

For a more accurate conversion, go to - xe.com

Credit Cards:

Credit cards are widely accepted by anywhere that deals regularly with tourists, in restaurants, duty free shops, large stores and supermarkets. Most major cards are accepted, but perhaps double check in advance when making reservations at restaurants.

Do not expect local bars or small local restaurants to accept them.

The Country code is 1-758; many Hotels provide International Direct Dialing, Rodney Bay Village also has payphones facilities at your disposal, either with phone cards or with coins operated.

Emergency Telephone Numbers:
Police - 999, Fire and Ambulance - 911

Cable TV is widely accessible in all hotels and most of the local bed & breakfasts.

Internet Access is provided as well, you can also find wireless access in some hotels and broadband access in most of the others.

The duty free allowance into St. Lucia is 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco or 50 cigars, one litre of spirit or wine. Duty free shopping is available at Pointe Seraphine, La Place Carenage and at the departure lounge of Hewanorra Airport. Luxury items include Jewelry, Batiks, Giftware, Local Crafts, Liquor, Cigarettes and Cigars.

Visitors must carry valid passports, except USA and Canadian citizens who possess valid return tickets and I.D., staying for less than 6 months. Visas are not required where the visitor is a citizen of the USA or a Commonwealth country, or where there is agreement for exemption between the home country and St. Lucia.

Departure Tax

As of 1st January 2008 a Departure Tax of EC$68 (US$26) is now included in the cost of all tickets.

220 ~ 240 volts, 50 cycles AC (a few hotels are 110 volts, 60 cycles). Most sockets take 3 pin square plugs (UK standard) but some take 2 pin round plugs or flat American plugs, which are rarer. Adaptors are generally available at the hotels.

Being an island much of the local activities are based around the water, but all the normal activities are also available.

View a list of sporting activities below:

ATV Adventures	Rainforest Canopy Adventure
Deep Sea Fishing	Sea Kayaking
Golf	Scuba Diving
Hiking	Squash
Horse Back Riding	Surfing
Jet Skiing	Tennis
Kite Boarding	Water Skiing
Mountain Biking	Wind Surfing
Open Air Jeep Tours	Yacht Charters
Parasailing