The main language in Saint Lucia is English although many St. Lucians also speak French.

Here are some of St. Lucia, phrases, meanings available below:

(coming soon)

New Year’s Day – January 1-2 – Public Holidays
Assou Skwe
Cricket Season begins
National Creole Cooking Competition
Cricket Season
Calypso
The Assou Skwe is a giant fair, which is held at the Pigeon Island ground to mark the beginning of the New Year. Calypso tents are a major attraction during the Calypso season. There are a number of tents set up with tents compete against each other while at the same time presenting their calypsos for the season.

February

Independence Day – February 22
Kite Flying
Ash Wednesday
Lent/Kawem
There are a number of gala events and parties that are held on Independence Day and the days leading up to the National Day. The calypso tents are in full swing and there are the competitions for the “King” and “Queen” crowns.

March

Traditional Lenten Period
President’s Ball
Easter Holidays – Good Friday Easter Sunday Easter Monday (occur either late March or early April)
St. Lucia’s dominant religion is Catholicism and at the Easter Holidays is marked by church services and Easter Sunday has a number of church services and parties. This also marks the end of abstinence.

April

Earth Day
Lent
Easter Holidays – The Easter Holidays – Good Friday Easter Sunday Easter Monday (occur either in late March or early April)
Festival of Comedy
The Easter Holidays are the most solemn days on the St. Lucian calendar. Easter Sunday is a day when there are many church services and gift giving. This day also marks the end of the season of abstinence.

May

Labour Day – May 1 – Public Holiday
African Liberation Day
Mother’s Day
Whitsuntide Weekend
St. Lucia Jazz Festival
Labour Day is a holiday for all the workers in St. Lucia and is organized by the labour unions.

June

Small Hotels Retreat
Father’s Day
Corpus Christi
The Fisherman’s Feast
St. Lucia Squash Open
Calypso season
The Fisherman’s Feast begins with a church service, which is followed by the blessing of boats and boat sheds on the beaches.
There is great merriment, which lasts the whole day and well into the night.

July

The Fisherman’s feast
Kids’ Safari Summer
Miss SLHTA
The Miss SLHTA Beauty Pageant takes place in July and has grown from strength to strength over the years. It comprises of six beautiful ladies each represents a hotel and vie for the coveted title. The winner usually goes on to represent St. Lucia at regional pageants during the year of her reign.

August

Emancipation Day
Market Vendors Feast
Fete La Woz / The Rose Festival
Emancipation Day celebrations mark the end of slavery in the Eastern Caribbean well over 100 years ago. It is celebrated on the first Monday of the month.

October

Thanksgiving Day
Jounen Kweyol
Entennasyonal (International Creole Day)
Bill Fish Tournament
Jounen Kweyol is organized each year by the Folk Research Centre and celebrated in different communities around the island.

November

All Saints Day
All Souls Day (Fete Le Mo)
Remembrance Day
St. Cecilia’s Day
ARC – major yacht event
International Food Fair
All Souls Day is celebrated to remember the departed loved ones and this is done by burning a lamp in their homes, beautifying the cemeteries, repainting the tombs and installing fresh flowers and wreaths on the graves.

December

National Day
National Day Festivals
Christmas Day
Masquerade
Legends Tennis Tournament
December in St. Lucia is a month-long festival, which starts around National Day celebrations and continues through Christmas events. The focus on National Day is to build pride in the country with sporting, cultural, religious, social and commercial activities, such as the Festival of Lights, which features a lantern-making competition and the decoration of towns and villages with lights. It also has a market festival and festival of musical bands.
]]> http://ucaribbean.com/blog1/2008/12/27/st-lucia-calendar-of-events/feed/ 0 http://ucaribbean.com/blog1/2008/12/27/st-lucia-important-addresses/ http://ucaribbean.com/blog1/2008/12/27/st-lucia-important-addresses/#comments Sat, 27 Dec 2008 17:00:43 +0000 Blogger http://www.ucaribbean.com/blog/?p=465 LOCAL TOURIST INFORMATION:

St Lucia Tourist Board;
PO Box 221;
Pointe Seraphine;
Castries;
St Lucia
Tel: 452 4094 or 452 4094
Fax: 453 1121.

Foreign Embassies in the United States:

In addition to the embassies listed below, some Caribbean
countries have consulates or tourist offices in large cities in the
United States. Look for them in your telephone book.

Embassy of St. Lucia
3216 New Mexico Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20016
(202) 364-6792

U.S. Embassies and Consulates Abroad:

Note that the Bahamas , Cuba , Haiti , and Jamaica are on
Eastern Time. All others are one hour ahead. Note: Some (809)
area codes are expected to change. If you are unable to get
through on (809), consult your telephone directory or the operator.

Embassy of St. Lucia:
3216 New Mexico Avenue,
N.W. Washington, D.C. 20016.
Tel: (202) 364-6792;
Fax: (202) 364-6723.

St. Lucia Tourist Board:
820 Second Avenue,
Suite 900-E, New York, NY 10017
Tel: (212) 867-2952; (800) 456-3984;
Fax: (212) 867-2795.
(Internet: http://www.interknowledge.com/Stlucia)

St. Lucia Tourist Info
820 Second Avenue, 9th Floor
New York, NY 10017
Tel: 212-867-2950
Tel: 800-456-3984
Fax: 212-867-2795

Canada Embassies and Consulates Abroad:Canada:

St. Lucia Tourist Info
4975 Dundas Street W, Suite 457
Etobicoke D, Islington
Ontario M9A 4X4
Canada
Tel: 416-236-0936
Tel: 800-456-3984

UK Embassies and Consulates Abroad:

St. Lucia Tourist Info
421A Finchley Road
London NW3 6HJ
England
Tel: 171-431-3675
Fax: 171-437-7920

Lucia Embassies and Consulates Abroad:

St. Lucia Tourist Info
PO Box 221
Castries, St. Lucia W.I
Tel: 758-452-4094
Fax: 758-453-1121
St. Lucia Tourist Info
Vigie Airport, St. Lucia
Tel: 758-452-2596

St. Lucia Tourist Info
Bay Street
Soufrière, St. Lucia
Tel: 758-459-7200

St. Lucia Tourist Info
Jeremie Street
Castries, St. Lucia
Tel: 758-452-2479

St. Lucia Tourist Info
Hewanorra International Airport
St. Lucia
Tel: 758-454-6644

St. Lucia Tourist Info
Point Seraphine
Castries Harbor, St. Lucia
Tel: 758-452-4094

Medical Clinics:

Caribbean Optical Eye Clinic

Address: 42 St Louis St, Castries
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1638
Phone: (1-758) 452-3675 / (1-758) 451-8969
Fax: (1-758) 451-7794

Hospitals:

Dennery Hospital
(Main Rd., Dennery,
St. Lucia. PHONE: 758/453-3310).

St. Jude’s Hospital
(Airport Rd., Vieux Fort,
St. Lucia. PHONE: 758/454-6041).

Soufrière Hospital
(W. Quinlan St., Soufrière,
St. Lucia. PHONE: 758/459-7258).

Victoria Hospital
(Hospital Rd., Castries,
St. Lucia. PHONE: 758/452-2421).

Pharmacies:

M & C Drugstore
(Bridge St., Castries,
St. Lucia. PHONE: 758/452-2811,

J. Q.’s Shopping Mall, Rodney Bay,
PHONE: 758/458-0178;

Gablewoods Mall,
Gros Islet Hwy., Choc Bay,
PHONE: 758/451-7808;

New Dock Rd., Vieux Fort,
PHONE: 758/454-3760).

Emergencies Contact Information?

Area Code 758

Ambulance and fire emergencies (PHONE: 911).

Police:

Dial 999. Marine police (PHONE: 758/453-0770 or 758/452-2595).

Sea-Air Rescue (PHONE: 758/452-2894, 758/452-1182, or 758/453-6664).

Hospital (758) 454-6041

Emergency Air Service:

Ferry Services:

Automobile Rentals:

St Lucia Yacht Service Car Rental

Address: Vigie Cove, Castries
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 188
Phone: (1-758) 452-5057 / (1-758) 451-9164
Fax: (1-758) 452-6787

A & A 24 Hours Car Rental
Address: Cnr of Virgie Field, Castries
Phone: (1-758) 452-1330 / (1-758) 453-2702
Fax: (1-758) 458-1901

Hertz Rent-A-Car
Address: Rodney Bay, Castries
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1191
Phone: (1-758) 452-0679 / (1-758) 452-0680 / (1-758) 454-9636
Fax: (1-758) 452-8980
E-Mail Address: hertzr@candw.lc

Budget Rent A Car
Address: Vide Boutielle, Castries
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 986
Phone: (1-758) 452-0233 / (1-758) 452-8021
Fax: (1-758) 452-9362 / (1-758) 454-7579

Avis Rent A Car
Address: Vide Boutielle, Castries
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1010
Phone: (1-758) 452-2700 / (1-758) 452-2202 / (1-758) 452-4554
Fax: (1-758) 453-1536
E-Mail Address: avisslu@candw.lc

Taxi Companies:

St Lucia Taxi Service

Address: Castries
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 232
Phone: (1-758) 452-2492

Vigie Airport Taxi Service
Address: Geoge FL Charles Airport, Castries
Phone: (1-758) 452-1599
Fax: (1-758) 452-2923

Courtesy Taxi Co-Op Society Ltd
Address: Pt Seraphine, Castries
Phone: (1-758) 452-1733
Fax: (1-758) 453-7175

Gablewoods North Taxi Service

Address: Rodney Bay, Gros Islet

Phone: (1-758) 458-0428

Hospital Taxi Service
Address: Hospital Rd, Castries
Phone: (1-758) 453-0376

People’s Choice Taxi Service

Address: Coral St, Castries
Phone: (1-758) 453-2057

Rainbow Taxi Service
Address: Reduit Gros Islet, Castries
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1653
Phone: (1-758) 458-0389

Cruises:

Internet Service Providers:

Comtec Ltd
Address: Sunny Acres La Clery, Castries
Phone: (1-758) 452-4102 / (1-758) 452-7021

I S I S Wintrust
Address: John Compton Highway, Castries
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 990
Phone: (1-758) 452-5444
Fax: (1-758) 450-8896

Internet Cafes:

Elite Logics
Soufriere, St. Lucia
Tel: (1-758) 457-1171

Travel Agents and Bureaus:

American Express Travel Service Rep Agents

Address: Micoud St, Castries
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 102
Phone: (1-758) 452-1529

Carib Travel Agency
Address: 20 Micoud St, Castries
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 102
Phone: (1-758) 452-2151 / (1-758) 452-3176 / (1-758) 451-7262
Fax: (1-758) 451-8028
E-Mail Address: Carib.Travel@caribtravelltd.com

International Travel Consultants

Address: Micoud St., Castries
Phone: (1-758) 452-3131
Fax: (1-758) 452-3151

Seasons Travel & Tours
Address: J Q Charles Mall, Rodney Bay
Phone: (1-758) 458-0234 / (1-758) 458-0235 / (1-758) 458-0236
Fax: (1-758) 458-0237
E-Mail Address: seasons@candw.lc

St Lucia International Travel Services

Address: 32 Micoud St, Castries
Phone: (1-758) 452-1293 / (1-758) 452-3282
Fax: (1-758) 452-6041

Airline Companies:

Air Martinique
Address: G F L Charles Airport, Castries
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 663
Phone: (1-758) 452-2463 / (1-758) 453-6660 / (1-758) 453-6661

Fax: (1-758) 453-6869

American Airlines Inc
Address: 50 Micoud St, Castries
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1734
Phone: (1-758) 454-6777 / (1-758) 454-6795 / (1-758) 454-6778
Fax: (1-758) 453-6358 / (1-758) 454-5953

American Eagle
Address: George Charles Airport
Phone: (1-758) 452-1820

British Airways
Address: William Peter Blvd, Castries
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 450
Phone: (1-758) 452-3951 / (1-758) 452-3952
Fax: (1-758) 452-2900

Caribbean Dispatch Services, Ltd.

Address: Hewanorra Airport Vieux-Fort
Phone: (1-758) 454-8186
Fax: (1-758) 454-8259
E-Mail Address: caribdisp@candw.lc

Banks:

Barclay’s Bank PLC (1)
Address: Bridge St, Castries
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 335
Phone: (1-758) 456-1000 / (1-758) 456-1125
Fax: (1-758) 453-6171 / (1-758) 452-6860

Barclay’s Bank PLC (2)
Address: Vieux Fort
Phone: (1-758) 454-6255 / (1-758) 454-6165
Fax: (1-758) 454-6513

Barclay’s Bank PLC (3)

Address: Soufiere
Phone: (1-758) 459-7255 / (1-758) 459-7277
Fax: (1-758) 459-7114

Barclay’s Bank PLC (4)
Address: Rodney Bay Marina
Phone: (1-758) 452-9384
Fax: (1-758) 452-9854

C I B C Caribbean Ltd (1)

Address: Wm Peter Blvd, Castries
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 350
Phone: (1-758) 456-2422
Fax: (1-758) 452-3735

C I B C Caribbean Ltd (2)
Address: Frederick Clarke St, Vieux Fort
Phone: (1-758) 454-6262 / (1-758) 454-6263
Fax: (1-758) 454-5309

Categories: Banks

Caribbean Banking Corporation Ltd (1)

Address: Micoud St, Castries
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1531
Phone: (1-758) 452-2265
Fax: (1-758) 452-1668

Caribbean Banking Corporation Ltd (3)
Address: Gablewoods Mall South, Black Bay Vieux Fort
Phone: (1-758) 454-7264 / (1-758) 454-9960
Fax: (1-758) 454-7833

Eastern Caribbean Central Bank
Address: Financial Center Bridge St, Castries
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 295
Phone: (1-758) 452-7449 / (1-758) 451-9464
Fax: (1-758) 453-6022

National Commercial Bank of Saint Lucia (2)

Address: Waterfront Branch, Castries
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1031
Phone: (1-758) 456-6000
Fax: (1-758) 453-1604
E-Mail Address: ncb@candw.lc

National Commercial Bank of Saint Lucia (3)

Address: Vieux Fort Branch, Vieux fort
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 261
Phone: (1-758) 454-6327 / (1-758) 454-6612
Fax: (1-758) 454-5222
E-Mail Address: ncb@candw.lc

National Commercial Bank of Saint Lucia (4)

Address: Soufiere Branch, Soufiere
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 243
Phone: (1-758) 459-7450 / (1-758) 459-7845
Fax: (1-758) 459-7101
E-Mail Address: ncb@candw.lc

National Commercial Bank of Saint Lucia (5)

Address: Gros Islet Branch, Gros Islet
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2046
Phone: (1-758) 450-8002 / (1-758) 450-0928
Fax: (1-758) 450-0816
E-Mail Address: ncb@candw.lc

National Commercial Bank Of Saint Lucia (Head Of)

Address: Financial Center Building 1 Bridge St, Castries
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1860
Phone: (1-758) 456-6000
Fax: (1-758) 456-6702
E-Mail Address: ncb@candw.lc

Royal Bank of Canada (1)
Address: Wm Peter Blvd, Castries
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 280
Phone: (1-758) 452-2245 / (1-758) 452-2246 / (1-758) 452-2247
Fax: (1-758) 452-7855

Royal Bank of Canada (2)
Address: Rodney Bay Marina, gros Islet
Phone: (1-758) 452-9921
Fax: (1-758) 452-9923

Royal Bank of Canada (3)

Address: New Dock Rd, Vieux Fort
Phone: (1-758) 454-5804 / (1-758) 454-5808 / (1-758) 454-5810
Fax: (1-758) 454-5855

Royal Bank of Canada (4)
Address: Business Banking Centre
Phone: (1-758) 450-3951 / (1-758) 450-3961
Fax: (1-758) 450-3962

St Lucia Co-Operative Bank (3)

Address: Commercial St, Vieux Fort
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 342
Phone: (1-758) 454-6213
Fax: (1-758) 454-6137

St Lucia Co-Operative Bank Ltd (1)

Address: 21 Bridge St, Castries
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 168
Phone: (1-758) 452-2880 / (1-758) 452-2881 / (1-758) 452-2882
Fax: (1-758) 453-1630

St Lucia Co-Operative Bank Ltd (2)
Address: J Q’s Mall, Rodney Bay
Phone: (1-758) 452-8882 / (1-758) 452-8883 / (1-758) 458-0469
Fax: (1-758) 452-8884

St Lucia Development Bank
Address: The Financial Centre Bridge St, Castries
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 368
Phone: (1-758) 457-7532
Fax: (1-758) 457-7299
E-Mail Address: sldb@candw.lc

The Bank of Nova Scotia (1)
Address: 6 WM Peter Blvd, Castries
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 301
Phone: (1-758) 456-2100
Fax: (1-758) 456-2130
E-Mail Address: bns@candw.lc

The Bank of Nova Scotia (2)

Address: Cnr Chausse Rd & Hight St
Phone: (1-758) 452-3797
Fax: (1-758) 452-2938
E-Mail Address: bns@candw.lc

The Bank of Nova Scotia (3)

Address: New Dock Rd, Vieux Fort
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 223
Phone: (1-758) 454-6314
Fax: (1-758) 454-5616
E-Mail Address: bns@candw.lc

The Bank of Nova Scotia (4)

Address: Rodney Bay
Phone: (1-758) 452-8805
Fax: (1-758) 452-0047
E-Mail Address: bnsQcandw.lc

Tourism info centers:

Saint Lucia Tourist Board
Address: Vide Bouteille (Sure Line Building), Castries
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 221
Phone: (1-758) 452-4094
Fax: (1-758) 453-1121
E-Mail Address: slutour@candw.lc

Tourists’attractions:

Pigeon Island Museum & Interpretive Centre
St. Lucia National Trust
Tel: (1-758) 452-5005

Errard Plantation
Tel: (1-758) 453-1260

Marquis Estate
Tel: (1-758) 452-3762

Morne Coubaril Estate
Tel: (1-758) 459-7340

Sightseeing tours:

Barefoot Holidays St Lucia Ltd
Address: Rodney Bay Gros Islet, Castries
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 130
Phone: (1-758) 450-0507 / (1-758) 450-0599
Fax: (1-758) 450-0661

Copains Copines Tour Operators
Address: Marisule, Castries
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1346
Phone: (1-758) 450-1278
Fax: (1-758) 450-2329

Cox & Co Ltd
Address: Wm Peter Blvd, Castries
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 88
Phone: (1-758) 452-2211 / (1-758) 452-2212
Fax: (1-758) 453-1868

Minvielle & Chasnet Tours Ltd
Address: Bridge St, Castries
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 99
Phone: (1-758) 458-8283 / (1-758) 458-8000
Fax: (1-758) 458-8259 / (1-758) 458-8007
E-Mail Address: mctours@candw.lc

Pame Veronique
Address: Marisule, Gros Islet
Phone: (1-758) 450-1278

Pitons Travel Agency Ltd
Address: Richard Fanis Building Marisule, Castries
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1763
Phone: (1-758) 450-1486 / (1-758) 450-1487
Fax: (1-758) 450-1395

Spice Travel Ltd
Address: Reduit Gros Islet
Mailing Address: P.O. Box GM 848
Phone: (1-758) 452-0865 / (1-758) 452-0866 / (1-758) 452-0933
Fax: (1-758) 452-0869 / (1-758) 452-8557

St Lucia Promotions Ltd
Address: 29 Mary Ann St, Castries
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 291
Phone: (1-758) 452-2516

Sunlink Tours
Address: Reduit Ave, Castries
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 879
Phone: (1-758) 452-8929 / (1-758) 452-8232
Fax: (1-758) 452-0459
E-Mail Address: tours@stluciareps.com
]]> http://ucaribbean.com/blog1/2008/12/27/st-lucia-important-addresses/feed/ 0 http://ucaribbean.com/blog1/2008/12/27/st-lucia-things-to-do/ http://ucaribbean.com/blog1/2008/12/27/st-lucia-things-to-do/#comments Sat, 27 Dec 2008 16:58:37 +0000 Blogger http://www.ucaribbean.com/blog/?p=463 Time Zone* EST+1

Summer Sunrise/Sunset: 5:38 AM to 6:32 PM

Winter Sunrise/Sunset: 6:22 AM to 5:43 PM

Average Temperature Summer: 83 degrees F

Average Temperature Winter: 79 degrees F

Average Rainfall: 86″

Rainiest Months: June-November

Water Temperature Summer: 82 degrees F

Water Temperature Winter: 79 degrees F

Average humidity: 66%-94%

Dry Season: January-April

Hurricane season: August-November

Cruise ships from major lines call at Castries and Soufriere.
At Port Castries, ships tie up at berths right in town and are
convenient to duty-free shops, the market, and transportation
for sightseeing excursions. When cruise ships are in port, a
water taxi shuttles back and forth between Pointe Seraphine on
the north side of the harbor and Place Carenage on the south
side of the harbor for $1 per person each way. In Soufriere,
ships anchor offshore, and passengers are transferred ashore
by tenders.

For visitors arriving at Rodney Bay on their own or chartered
yachts, a ferry travels between the marina and the shopping
complex daily on the hour, from 9 to 4, for $4 per person
round-trip.

Information:

Rodney Bay Ferry (PHONE: 758/452-8816).

By Air:

Air Canada has direct weekend service to Hewanorra from
Toronto and Montreal. Air Jamaica flies daily to Hewanorra
from New York via Montego Bay or Barbados and from London
via Barbados. American Airlines flies direct between Miami
and Hewanorra; American Airlines flies connecting service
from New York and other major U.S. cities to San Juan and
via American Eagle to George F. L. Charles. British Airways
has direct service to Hewanorra from London via Barbados.
BWIA has direct service to George F. L. Charles, via either
Barbados or Trinidad, from Miami, New York, Washington, D.C.,
and London. US Airways flies twice-weekly between Philadelphia
and Hewanorra. Virgin Atlantic flies nonstop to Hewanorra
from London. From other parts of the world, connections must
be made through U.S. cities, San Juan, Toronto, or London.

Air Caraibes, Caribbean Star, and LIAT fly into George
F. L. Charles Airport from various neighboring islands.
HelenAir flies charter service between Barbados and
George F. L. Charles Airport.

Airline Information:

Air Canada (PHONE: 758/452-3051 or 758/452-2550).

Air Caraïbes (PHONE: 758/452-2463 or 758/453-6660).

Air Jamaica (PHONE: 758/453-6611).

American Airlines/American Eagle (PHONE: 758/452-677).

British Airways (PHONE: 758/452-3951).

BWIA (PHONE: 758/452-3778, 758/451-7700, or 758/454-5075).

Caribbean Star (PHONE: 758/452-5898).

HelenAir (PHONE: 758/453-2777).

LIAT (PHONE: 758/452-3051 or 758/452-2348).

US Airways (PHONE: 758/454-8186).

Virgin Atlantic (PHONE: 758/454-3610).

Airport Information:

George F. L. Charles Airport (PHONE: 758/452-1156).

Hewanorra International Airport (PHONE: 758/454-6355).

St. Lucia Helicopters
(Pointe Seraphine, Castries,
St. Lucia. PHONE: 758/453-6950,
FAX: 758/452-1553, www.stluciahelicopters.com).
]]> http://ucaribbean.com/blog1/2008/12/27/st-lucia-getting-around/feed/ 0 http://ucaribbean.com/blog1/2008/12/27/st-lucia-getting-there/ http://ucaribbean.com/blog1/2008/12/27/st-lucia-getting-there/#comments Sat, 27 Dec 2008 16:53:27 +0000 Blogger http://www.ucaribbean.com/blog/?p=459 Caribbean:
Airline: BWIA Airport: Hewanorra International Gateway: Trinidad, Barbados, Jamaica, Miami, New York, London

Airline: Air Jamaica Airport: Hewanorra International Gateway: Montego Bay, Toronto, London

Airline: George Charles Airport: Hewanorra International Gateway: Daily inter-island flights

International:
Airline: American Eagel Airport: George Charles Inter-island Gateway: Miami, New York, Puerto Rico

Airline: Virgin Atlantic Airport: Hewanorra International Gateway: London
Airline: British Aiways Airport: Hewanorra International Gateway: London

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

U.S. citizens need to present at least one form
of photo identification and original or certi-
fied birth certificate, naturalization certificate,
or voter’s registration cards, as well as a return
or ongoing ticket. A valid passport is recom-
mended, though not required.

DEPARTURE TAX: $2O

AIRLINES

Air Canada: (800) 776-3000

Air Jamaica: (800) 523-5583

Air Martinique: (011-596) 42-16-60

America Eagle: (800) 433-7300

BWIA: (800) 538-2942

Helen Air: (758) 453-2777

LIAT: (800) 468-0482

St. Lucia Helicopters: (758) 453-6950
]]> http://ucaribbean.com/blog1/2008/12/27/st-lucia-getting-there/feed/ 0 http://ucaribbean.com/blog1/2008/12/27/st-lucia-faqs/ http://ucaribbean.com/blog1/2008/12/27/st-lucia-faqs/#comments Sat, 27 Dec 2008 16:37:01 +0000 Blogger http://www.ucaribbean.com/blog/?p=457 When is the best weather in St. Lucia?

The weather in St. Lucia is wonderful year round. From Dec. – May temperatures
range from 70 – 85°F and from June – Nov. 80 – 95° temperatures are enjoyed

Do I need a passport to visit St. Lucia?

Passport, visa, and return/onward ticket required. For additional information,
contact the Embassy of Saint Lucia, 3216 New Mexico Ave., Washington, DC 20016
(202/364-6792) or Permanent Mission to the U.N., 820 Second Ave., Suite 900E,
New York, NY 10017 (212/697-9360).

Is the water safe to drink?

Water is untreated and not safe to drink.

Do I need electrical adaptors for my hairdryer/radio etc?

Electricity is 220 volts, 50 cycles AC, which is the European standard. Some
hotels also have 110 volts, 60 cycles.

Should I exchange my money for local currency?

The unit of currency used in St. Lucia is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$)
but a wide range of currencies such as US$, Canadian dollar, Euro and British
pounds are freely convertible in our banks. The EC dollar is fixed to the
US dollar at the rate of US$1.00 = EC$2.70 and varies in value along with
it against the other world currencies.

Are there any airport fees?

EC$54. Transit passengers and children under 12 years of age are exempt.

What is the legal drinking/gambling age?

The legal drinking and gambling age in St Lucia is 18 years old.

Can I get married in St. Lucia?

Both parties must be on the island for 48 hours before the ceremony. Present
your passport or birth certificate, plus, if applicable, proof of divorce or
the death certificate of a deceased spouse. It usually takes about 2 days
before the ceremony to process all the paperwork. Fees run around $200 for a
lawyer (one is usually needed for the application to the governor-general),
$40 for the registrar to perform the ceremony, and $150 for the stamp duty,
notary, certificates, and the license. Some resorts also offer wedding packages
that include all the necessary arrangements for a single fee. For more
information, contact the St. Lucia Tourist Board, 800 Second Ave., Suite 910,
New York, NY 10017 (tel. 800/456-3984 or 212/867-2950; fax 212/867-2795

Can I bring my pet to St. Lucia?

For information on importing a pet into St. Lucia contact the Veterinary
Unit of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, 5th Floor,
Sir Stanislaus Building, Waterfront, Castries, St. Lucia; tel (758) 450-2812;
e-mail vetunit@slumaffe.org.

What about fishing?

Sport fishing in St Lucia is a rewarding experience with Captain Mike’s friendly
and experienced crew. This company is the oldest and most well established sport
fishing outfit on the island, it being started in the 1940’s by ‘Big Bill’, and
then continued and run on a truly professional basis by Captain Mike and his
son’s, Bruce and Andrew, who have now taken over the company.

These guys have been fishing all around the Caribbean since they were knee-high
to a grasshopper, so no-one can beat their knowledge of the fishing grounds
around St Lucia and the windwards. They have recently broken the St. Lucian
record of 705 lbs as well as that of of the windward islands, by catching a
940 lb blue marlin.

Capt. Mike’s Sportfishing Cruises
Phone: 758-452-7044
Pat and Bruce 758-450-1216
Andrew and Penny 758-452-0922
Fax: 758-452-4845
Phone: 758-452-0922

Deep sea fishing; Annie Baby (798-452-0412), which motors out of Rodney Bay Marina,
welcomes experienced, neophytes and just-wanna-lie-out-and-tan travelers. Reservations
are highly recommended. Half and full day tours are available.

Can I use a metal detector on the beaches?

There are no restrictions on the use of metal detectors.

Where are the “clothing optional” beaches?

The “World’s Most Glamorous All Inclusive,” Sandals Regency St. Lucia is set
on a pristine half mile crescent-shaped beach with 4 pools including the Eastern
Caribbean’s largest and a challenging 9 -hole golf course on property. Discover
The Villas On Sunset Bluff, dramatic new oceanview suites, some with private plunge
pools, perched on top of a coral bluff. Dine at 6 gourmet restaurants and with our
“Stay at One, Play at Three” exchange program, enjoy 7 more gourmet restaurants at
our other two nearby properties in St. Lucia.

Nudity Status: On the beach’s of St. Lucia, topless for the women is rapidly
becoming commonplace… slower at Sandals, but it is happening here too. While
not yet “officially endorsed by Sandals management it is unlikely that you will
be asked to cover up.

What is there to see or do in St. Lucia?

St. Lucia has two golf courses, the Sandals La Toc and the Cap Estate public
course, which is run by the Cap Estate Golf Club. For more information,
call 450-8523.

Tennis courts are available at most major hotels. The St. Lucia Racquet Club
at Club St. Lucia (tel: 450-0551) has nine lighted courts. The St. Lucian
Hotel (tel: 453-8351)

International Riding Stables in Gros Islet (tel: 452-8139)

Trims Riding School (tel: 452-8273), is located at Cas en Bas.

Body Inc., located at the Gablewoods Mall (tel: 451-9744), offers weight training,
step and regular aerobics, and a cardio center.

Gonard La Borde’s Gym on Hospital Road (tel: 452-2788) has modern Weider equipment.

Caribbean Fitness Expression in Vide Boutielle, Castries (tel: 451-6853),
offers jazzercise, step, stretch and tone sessions, a large weight room and
restaurant.

Horseback riding via numerous trail rides offered at the International Riding
Stables in Gros Islet. Included is a countryside tour and a beach picnic.
Call 758-452-8139.

St. Lucia is a great place, can I move there?

Americans living or traveling in St. Lucia are encouraged to register with the nearest
U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration website,
https://travelregistration.state.gov, and to obtain updated information on travel and
security within St. Lucia.

The U.S. Embassy is located in the First Caribbean International Bank Building on Broad
Street, telephone 1-246-436-4950, website http://bridgetown.usembassy.gov/. The Consular
Section is located in the American Life Insurance Company (ALICO) Building, Cheapside,
telephone 1-246-431-0225 or fax 1-246-431-0179, website http://bridgetown.usembassy.gov.
Hours of operation are 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:00-2:00 p.m. Monday-Friday, except Barbados
and U.S. holidays.

What about island hopping?

LIAT CARIBBEAN AIRPASS

For up to 21 days of island hopping consider a LIAT Caribbean Airpass* allowing
3 stopovers from £165 per person plus taxes. Please call 0845 058 7000 for details.
*Conditions apply.

What is the Dress code in St. Lucia?

Dress in St. Lucia is casual. Still, it is unacceptable to wear bathing suits,
short shorts, and short tank tops in public. Men should wear shirts in public.
Lightweight, cotton clothing is suitable. Casually elegant is appropriate for
evenings out. You may want to bring a light sweater/jacket for evenings.

Do you need a driving License?

Driving is on the left – you’ll need to obtain a temporary license from the
Immigration Office upon arrival. If you are renting a car, try to reserve your
car in advance, especially in the winter months.

Emergencies Contact Information?

Emergencies– Call the police at tel. 999. Marine police
(PHONE: 758/453-0770 or 758/452-2595). For an ambulance or in case of fire
call tel. 911.

Hospitals– There are 24-hour emergency rooms at St. Jude’s Hospital, Vieux Fort
(tel. 758/454-6041), and Victoria Hospital, Hospital Road, Castries
(tel. 758/452-2421).

Sea-Air Rescue (PHONE: 758/452-2894, 758/452-1182, or 758/453-6664).

Pharmacies– The best is M&C Drugstore, Bridge Street, in Castries (tel. 758/458-8147),
open Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm, and Saturday from 8am to 1pm.

What are the entry requirements in St. Lucia?

A valid passport is preferred, however, Americans and Canadians can also use an
original birth certificate and official photo identification. All visitors must
also have an onward or return ticket.

Nationals of other countries may require visas. Consult your nearest St. Lucia
embassy or consulate, or the High Commission for the Eastern Caribbean States,
which provides full consular services for St. Lucia.

What is the lanquage in St. Lucia?

English is the official language of St. Lucia, but French Creole patois is
spoken by the locals. The Eastern Caribbean Dollar is the official currency,
but the US dollar is accepted everywhere.

What are the store hours in St. Lucia?

While store hours vary from establishment to establishment, you will find the
majority are open from 8:30AM to 12:30PM and 1:30PM to 4:30PM Monday to Friday.
The Castries Market is particularly vibrant on Saturdays, especially during
St. Lucia Jazz and Carnival. Most shops are open Saturdays regularly from
8:30AM to 12:30PM, while the major shopping centers are open in the afternoon
as well. With the exception of the marina- based shops, shopping is generally
closed on Sundays.

What about tipping?

Tip about 15 per cent. Some hotels and restaurants automatically add your tip
to the bill so check first as it is not necessary to leave an additional tip.

Can you use credit cards?

All major credit cards are accepted. Travellers cheques in US dollars are preferred.

Is there a best time to visit the island?

You can visit St. Lucia anytime as there is always something going on; and best
of all, the temperature is warm and it’s sunny year-round. The island has a higher
volume of visitors during December through mid-April; regarded as the most popular
time to visit by travellers (because it’s cold up North!). Hotel operators categorized
their rates as low season and high season; meaning that these seasons relate, generally,
to the North American and European seasons of summer and winter respectively. Low season
rates are in effect, usually from April 14 to December 14, and high season rates from
December 15 to April 14.

Is there an airport?

George F L Charles (SLU) (services inter-island connections and small aircraft
from Puerto Rico only) and Hewanorra (UVF), 3km (2 miles) and 67km (42 miles)
from Castries respectively. Taxis or buses are available from both airports to
Castries. Airport facilities at George F L Charles include a bar/restaurant, a
shop and car hire; at Hewanorra there is a bar/restaurant, left luggage and
lockers, shops, tourist information, outgoing duty free shop and car hire
(Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz and National).

George F. L. Charles Airport
PHONE: 758/452-1156).

Hewanorra International Airport
PHONE: 758/454-6355).

St. Lucia Helicopters (Pointe Seraphine, Castries, St. Lucia.
PHONE: 758/453-6950, FAX: 758/452-1553

What about Taxes?

Taxis are readily available on St. Lucia, especially at the airport, the harbor
and at most major hotels. Taxis do not have meters, but the rates for common routes
are set by the government. For example, the rate from Vigie Airport to most northern
hotels is $7-$15, and from Hewanorra Airport to Castries is about $50.

What about Banks?

St. Lucian banks have a full range of banking and foreign currency services.
Cash in local currency can be obtained by credit cards or bank cards through
the ATM machines located at most banks. Normal banking hours are from 8: 00
a. m. to 3: 00 p. m. and some banks are open until 5: 00 p. m. on Friday.
Banks at the Rodney Bay Marina are also open from 8: 00 a. m. until 12: 00
noon on Saturday.

What about Crime?

St. Lucia has its share of crime, like every other place these days. Use common
sense and protect yourself and your valuables. If you’ve got it, don’t flaunt it!
Don’t pick up hitchhikers if you’re driving around the island. The use of narcotic
drugs is illegal, and their possession or sale could lead to stiff fines or jail.

Calling to and from St. Lucia?

The area code for St. Lucia is 758. Make calls to or from St. Lucia just as you
would with any other area code in North America. On the island, dial all seven
digits of the local number. If your hotel won’t send a fax for you, try Cable &
Wireless, in the SMC Building on the waterfront in Castries (tel. 758/452-3301).
To access AT&T Direct, call tel. 800/225-5288; to reach MCI, dial
tel. 800/888-8000.

Can I access the Internet from St. Lucia?

ISPs include Cable & Wireless (website: www.candw.lc). Public access is available
at the Internet kiosk at Pointe Seraphine. Three Internet cafes are also run by
Cable & Wireless.

Internet Cafes:

Elite Logics
Soufriere, St. Lucia
Tel: (1-758) 457-1171

Can I use my cellular telephone in St. Lucia?

St. Lucia uses the TDMA (North American) system and therefore the GSM system
used in Europe is not compatible.

Two mobile phone operators provide good GSM network coverage of the island.
Email and internet access is available at internet cafes throughout the island.

Network operated by AT&T, Cable & Wireless and Digicell. All phones should now
work on the island, although visitors should ensure their telephone settings are
correct before traveling.
]]> http://ucaribbean.com/blog1/2008/12/27/st-lucia-faqs/feed/ 0 http://ucaribbean.com/blog1/2008/12/27/about-st-lucia/ http://ucaribbean.com/blog1/2008/12/27/about-st-lucia/#comments Sat, 27 Dec 2008 16:34:08 +0000 Blogger http://www.ucaribbean.com/blog/?p=454 WHY ST LUCIA?
Secludes coves – steeply rising mountains – exotic rainforests – the twin volcanic peaks – botanical gardens – golden sand beaches – water sports – sightseeing – 19th century creole architecture – shopping and more…

ABOUT ST LUCIA?
Volcanic in origin, St. Lucia is dominated by dense jungle and a central ridge of forested mountains. The island is ringed with sandy beaches, friendly villages and spectacular scenery at every turn.

The capital city of Castries and the surrounding resorts, as well as the coastal village of Soufriere and the nearby nature attractions are the major draws for visitors.

PEOPLE / CULTURE:
(To understand as well as enjoy St. Lucia’s culture is largely a matter of gaining some sense of the various peoples who have contributed to it. The first of these were the Arawaks and the Caribs, Amerindian peoples indigenous to the entire Caribbean. They were expert hunters, farmers, fishermen, and skilled artists. Their primary crops were cassava, yams, sweet potatoes, all of which still play a central role in the island’s food. The Amerindians were decimated by the arrival of the Europeans, and only a small number of St. Lucians can still trace their roots back to this group. Some of the few particular aspects of Amerindian culture that survive include farina and cassava bread, fish-pots and other local craft items. Some villages still practice the ancient art of fishing in dug-out canoes.

Saint Lucia was probably first visited by Europeans about 1500. The first successful colony was established in 1635 by the French, who signed a treaty with the indigenous Carib people in 1660. England held the island between 1663 and 1667, and the island changed hands between England and France several more times before it was finally ceded to the British in 1814. Representative government was introduced in 1924. From 1958 to 1962 Saint Lucia was a member of the Federation of the West Indies. In 1967 it became a member of the West Indies Associated States with full internal self-government.

On February 22, 1979, Saint Lucia became an independent state within the Commonwealth of Nations. In 1992 the poet Derek Walcott, a native of Castries, won the Nobel Prize for literature. In June 1997 the Labour Party won 16 of 17 seats in the parliament, defeating the United Workers Party, which had controlled the government since 1982. Labour leader Kenny Anthony became the new prime minister.