Island Selections - St. Lucia Travel Info

FAST FACTS
National Flag
Map
Language	Official - English Second - French-based Creole Patois
National Bird	St. Lucia parrot (Amazona Versicolor)
National Day	December 13th
National Flowers	Rose, Marguerite
Currency	Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$2.70=US$1.00)
Electricity	220 volts
Population	Approximately 160,000

Description
St. Lucia ("saint loosha"), nicknamed "Helen of the West", is a simply beautiful island with stunning views, gorgeous beaches, interesting wildlife, and a host of options for the adventurous, and not-so-adventurous. The island is a mere 27 miles long and 14 miles wide (a total area of 238 square miles), but presents the visitor with unique experiences and diverse attractions.As part of the volcanic mountain chain within the Caribbean sea, the island’s volcanic history is evidenced by the bubbling activity of the now dormant volcano of Sulphur Springs. Dramatic are the historical landmarks of the Pitons - Gros Piton and Petit Piton - rising above the sea surface in the region of Soufriere. Equally majestic though not as well known is the highest peak of the island called Mt Gimie.

Language/Culture
The island possesses a varied culture with a history steeped in traditions influenced by English and French heritages. Though English is the official language, a French-based Creole Patois is also commonly spoken. The majority of towns, beaches, and villages are French-named: Gros Islet, Vieux Fort, Marchand, Soufriere, Grand Anse beach, Moule-a-Chique, Gros Piton, Petit Piton...to name but a few. According to cultural tradition, there are two "societies" in St. Lucia - the Roses and the Marguerites. Each year festivities are held to celebrate these two societies, typically in August and October.

National Anthem

"Sons and daughters of Saint Lucia love the land that gave us birth. Land of beaches, hills and valleys, fairest isle of all the earth. Wheresoever you may roam, love, oh love, our island home."

"Gone the times when nations battled for this Helen of the West. Gone the days when strife and discord, dimmed her children’s toil and rest. Dawns at last a brighter day, stretches out a glad new way."

"May the Good Lord bless our island; guard her sons from woe and harm. May our people, live united, strong in soul and strong in arm. Justice, truth and charity, our ideals forever be. "

Population

The population of the island is approximately 160,000 with the northern regions of the island being the most densely populated particularly in the capital region of Castries, and Gros Islet to the north. The population is predominantly Roman Catholic hence in almost every village of the island you can visit a historical cathedral.

Money
The local currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar which has a fixed exchange rate of $1.00US = $2.70EC

Airports
St. Lucia has two airports; the Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) is located in the south of the island in Vieux Fort, and is approximately a one hour drive from the other smaller airport located in Castries called the George F. Charles Airport (SLU).
Typically only smaller inter-island carriers land at the George F. Charles Airport, whereas international travellers land at the Hewanorra International Airport. Helicopter transfers can be arranged between the two airports.

Getting around
It is advisable to use only designated taxis that are usually denoted by red or blue license plates with the letters TX preceding the vehicle license plate number. Taxis are readily available and are regulated, however you should establish rates with the taxi driver before getting into the taxi. Also readily available are local minibuses which are less expensive than taxis. In and around the Castries/Gros Islet area minibus fares are typically between US$0.50 and US$1.00. For longer trips via minibus, for example between Castries and Vieux Fort, the fare is around US$5.00.

They are easily recognisable by the green number plates with the letter M preceding the vehicle license plate number. The minibuses also typically are marked at the front with a bright yellow sticker indicating their designated route such as Route 1A for the Castries to Gros Islet route. Minibus services are typically available during the weekday and some at night; services on holidays are not reliable. If renting a vehicle remember that traffic moves on the left. The roads are fairly narrow with some steep inclines; if adventuring out of Castries for a round-the-island tour, four-wheel drive vehicles are more popular. There are also strict seat belt laws. It is advisable to establish your travel plans before driving to your destination.

Travel Requirements
Some countries do not require a passport for entry but require photo identification as well as proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate). Generally however travellers should have a valid passport when travelling to St. Lucia. Although yellow fever does not occur in St. Lucia, an official yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers coming from infected areas. The airport departure tax, payable in cash, is EC$68.00 for St. Lucian non-nationals regardless of the final destination.

Government
St. Lucia gained independence in 1979 but is a member of the British Commonwealth under a Parliamentary system. Elections were held in the island in December 2006 with the opposition United Workers Party replacing the incumbent St. Lucia Labour Party. The head of Government is the Prime Minister Sir John Compton. A Governor General is also appointed by the Cabinet on the advice of the Prime Minister. The current Governor General is Dame Pearlette Louisy. The island has 11 administrative regions namely Anse-la-Raye/Canaries, Castries, Choiseul, Dauphin, Dennery, Gros Islet, Laborie, Micoud, Praslin, Soufriere, and Vieux Fort.

Communications
The telephone area code for St.Lucia is 758. The telephone system in St. Lucia is adequate. The fixed line service provider is Cable & Wireless. Mobile cellular operators are Cable & Wireless and Digicel. It is possible that your mobile phone will work in St. Lucia - check your service provider before travelling to St. Lucia. Another option is rental or purchase of a mobile cellular phone with SIM card (or replace with your own). The networks are primarily GSM 850/1900 MHz. A few Internet cafes are available within Castries such as Inspirations Café in downtown Castries.

Crime
Petty crime can occur everywhere. However you can protect yourself by following some general useful tips . In St. Lucia avoid areas such as Marchand Road, Grass Street, and Leslie Land areas even during the day as these are typically areas of high criminal activity. These areas are on the outskirts of downtown Castries. Avoid secluded areas especially on the beach after dark, and be vigilant in heavy tourist areas or events. St. Lucia has very strict laws concerning the use, possession, or sale of narcotics. Travellers have been arrested and charged for carrying small amounts of cocaine, marijuana, or other illegal drugs, with hefty fines and typically extended imprisonment.