St Lucia: The Isle Of Iguanas

Saint Lucia (French: Sainte-Lucie) is a sovereign isle province inwards the eastern Caribbean Area Sea on the boundary with the Atlantic Ocean. St Lucia with its over 82.5%  people of  African descent is component of the Lesser Antilles in addition to it is located north/northeast of the isle of Saint Vincent, northwest of Barbados in addition to southward of Martinique. It covers a reason surface area of 617 km2 (238.23 sq mi) in addition to has a population of 174,000 (2010). Its working capital missive of the alphabet is Castries.

                                          St Lucian women

St Lucia which is the 2nd largest of the Windward grouping inwards the Lesser Antilles, was called the isle "Iouanalao" in addition to "Hewanorra," pregnant "Island of the Iguanas," yesteryear its early on Amerindian inhabitants. However, Saint Lucia was named after Saint Lucy of Syracuse yesteryear the French, the island's offset European settlers. They signed a treaty with the native Carib Indians inwards 1660. Britain took command of the isle from 1663 to 1667; inwards ensuing years, it was at state of war with French Republic xiv times in addition to dominion of the isle changed ofttimes (it was 7 times each ruled yesteryear the French in addition to British). In 1814, the British took definitive command of the island. Because it switched so often betwixt British in addition to French control, Saint Lucia was also known as the "Helen of the West Indies".
Island kids of St Lucia

The bulk of St Lucia population are blacks from Africa, peculiarly West Africa. "As of 2013, people of African descent are the bulk ethnic grouping inwards Saint Lucia, accounting for 82.5% of the country's population. An additional 11.9% of the province is multiracial, predominantly of mixed dark African in addition to white European descent or East Indian descent."
The blacks came to the St Lucia as slaves during the Trans Atlantic Slave trade. Most of the slaves imported to Saint Lucia were from the Bight of Biafra (it was hither that Europeans imported to a greater extent than of 3,000 slaves to archipelago, the 53% of the slaves. To Saint Lucia arrived many Igbos in addition to Yorubas slaves of Nigeria) in addition to from Central Africa (more of 1,000 slaves, the 22% of the slaves of the archipelago). In Saint Lucian also arrived hundreds of slaves from the electrical flow Senegal (Mandinka in addition to Wolof), Sierra Leone (although  they constitute only 4.4% of the slaves of the island, a 287 people), Republic of Ghana (the 4% of the slaves, a 279 people), Republic of Benin (from the Bight of Republic of Benin arrived the 6% of the slaves, a 392 people), Windward Coast (constituted only 3.9% of the slaves of the island) in addition to Republic of Angola (Ambundus). Akan slaves also arrived inwards Santa Lucia. They were belike also exported people from some ethnic groups dominated yesteryear the Mandinka Empire - such as Dyola in addition to Manjak in addition to other groups.
Between 1600-1700, most of the slaves came from Senegambia. These slaves were mainly used as servants. Meanwhile, Ewe in addition to Fon slaves, from the Slave Coast, exerted as rural slaves. The ethno-linguistic potency of specific groups inwards sure enough areas of work, had a dandy importance inwards the root of Creole identity. In addition, St. Lucia belike bought many slaves to Martinique.
Indigenous Language in addition to Culture Assertion is the physical care for through which the displaced peoples of slavery in addition to indenture declare a native, homegrown identity as an alternative to the dominant languages in addition to cultures of their colonial past. In St. Lucia in addition to the residual of the Antilles, the search for identity is a post-colonial turning point. Walcott (1962) offers 1 of the most compelling reflections of this ontological in addition to existential crossroads inwards his poetry form "A Far Cry from Africa.
                                        " I who am poisoned with the blood of both,
                                          Where shall nosotros turn, divided to the vein?
                                                       I who receive got cursed
                                          The drunken officeholder of British rule, how choose
                                          Between this Africa in addition to the English linguistic communication natural language nosotros love?
                                          Betray them both, or give dorsum what they give?
                                          How tin nosotros human face upward such slaughter in addition to live cool?                                                                                               How tin nosotros plow from Africa in addition to live?"

                              An old lady from St Lucia

St. Lucia's civilization has evolved from the intermingling of the many dissimilar groups of people who receive got participated inwards its history. Each has brought dissimilar beliefs in addition to traditions, all of which are reflected inwards the life of the isle today. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 visitor is probable to drive on the British side of the route to an Indian eating topographic point inwards a French town, greeted all along the agency inwards Creole patois.
One of the most accessible expressions of St. Lucia's rich cultural heritage is its cuisine. The fertile, volcanic soil of the isle yields an enormous render of produce, in addition to the isle is 1 of the leading banana exporters inwards the Caribbean, with vi dissimilar varieties available. In improver to bananas, St. Lucia's abundant tropical fruits include mangoes, papayas, pineapples, soursops, passionfruit, guavas, in addition to coconuts. Local chefs combine the island's fresh make with a broad diverseness of every bit fresh seafood to create tantalizing curries, Creole-style entrees, in addition to pepperpot stews. Callaloo soup, made from a leafy light-green similar to spinach, is the national dish. The island's outstanding cuisine has latterly gained international recognition yesteryear garnering several gilt medals inwards the regions most prestigious culinary competitions.

But St. Lucia's civilization extends far beyond the table, as the isle has long held a reputation for its intellectual in addition to artistic talents. St. Lucia has produced 2 Nobel Prizewinners: the belatedly Sir W. Arthur Lewis, who won the Nobel Prize for Economics inwards 1979, in addition to poet Derek Walcott, who won the 1992 Nobel Prize for Literature.

Politically, Saint Lucia is a Commonwealth realm; Queen Elizabeth II is the Head of State, represented on the isle yesteryear a Governor-General. Executive power, however, is inwards the hands of the Prime Minister in addition to his cabinet. The prime number government minister is usually the caput of the political party commanding the back upward of the bulk of the members of the House of Assembly, which has 17 seats. The other bedroom of Parliament, the Senate, has 11 appointed members.
Saint Lucia is a two-party parliamentary democracy. Five political parties participated inwards 28 Nov 2011 General Election. Dr Kenny Anthony of the St Lucia Labour Party won 11 of the seventeen seats.
Saint Lucia is a total in addition to participating fellow member of the Caribbean Area Community (CARICOM), Organisation of Eastern Caribbean Area States (OECS) in addition to La Francophonie.
St Lucian girl

Geography
The isle is of volcanic root in addition to is bisected from northward to southward yesteryear a fundamental ridge of wooded mountains, the highest signal beingness Mount Gimie (3,145 feet [958.6 metres]). Many streams flow from the mountains through fertile valleys. In the southwest are the Gros in addition to Petit peaks (2,619 feet in addition to 2,461 feet), 2 immense pyramids of stone rising sharply from the body of body of water in addition to enclosing a little bay. Near Petit Peak, inwards the crater of an ancient volcano, are the boiling sulphur springs from which the nearby town of Soufrière takes its name. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 selection tourist site, the springs also contain substantial unloosen energy potential.

The forest, which has been reduced through lumbering, contains colourful orchids in addition to anthurium. The rich birdlife includes the Saint Lucian parrot (the endangered national bird), the Saint Lucia dark finch, in addition to the Saint Lucia oriole. There is also a lizard unique to Saint Lucia, in addition to the agouti is common.

Saint Lucia lies inwards the path of the northeastern merchandise winds in addition to has a tropical maritime climate. Rainfall in addition to temperature vary with elevation. Average annual rainfall ranges from 51 inches (1,295 millimetres) on the coast to as much as 150 inches (3,810 millimetres) inwards the interior. There is a dry out flavour roughly from Jan to Apr in addition to a rainy flavour from May to November. The hateful temperature is most 80° F (27° C), with highs sometimes ranging into the upper 80s in addition to lows into the upper 60s.

                            t. Lucia inwards the Southern Caribbean Area nestled inwards a chain of islands

Language
 The official linguistic communication spoken inwards Saint Lucia is English linguistic communication although many Saint Lucians also utter a French dialect, Creole (Kwéyòl). The Saint Lucian Creole French (Kwéyòl), which is a French-based Creole colloquially referred to as "Patwah" (Patois), is spoken yesteryear 95% of the population. This Antillean Creole is used inwards literature in addition to music, in addition to is gaining official acknowledgement. It is derived chiefly from French in addition to West African languages, with some vocabulary from Carib in addition to other sources.
According to Garrett (2000), St. Lucia is dissimilar from most creole-speaking situations where the creole (basolect) is lexically related to the measure linguistic communication (acrolect) yielding a gain of speech communication varieties (mesolects) along a continuum. In fact, St. Lucia boasts 2 languages that are discrete, both lexically in addition to grammatically (Garrett, 2000). There is the Standard English linguistic communication Language in addition to at that topographic point is also St Lucian Kwéyòl, which is listed amongst the Antillean grouping of creole languages along with creoles spoken inwards Dominica, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Martinique, in addition to Trinidad in addition to Tobago (Bickerton, 1981; Holm, 1988).

St. Lucia’s odd province of affairs is that although Kwéyòl is French-lexified, it currently co-exists with English linguistic communication rather than French (recall that St. Lucia was finally ceded to Britain). French Creole or Kwéyòl is the “pure” cast of French Creole that has passed on from 1 generation to the next. The components are traceable either to French vocabulary, African structure, or a mixture of the two. Anglicized French Creole (moves away from Kwéyòl toward English) is an fifty-fifty to a greater extent than advanced cast of creolization. It incorporates English linguistic communication words from the official linguistic communication of the isle with Kwéyòl. Creolized English linguistic communication (moves away from English linguistic communication toward Kwéyòl) is commonly referred to yesteryear other names similar slang or broken English. And, finally, at that topographic point is Standard English.

                         Carnival at St Lucia

History
St. Lucia was offset settled yesteryear Arawak Indians around 200 A.D., though yesteryear 800 their civilization had been superseded yesteryear that of the Caribs.  The indigenous Kalinago (Caribs) who had originally settled on the islands across the Caribbean Area in addition to were noted for the vehement resistance they mounted for to a greater extent than than a century against attempts at European colonization. These early on Amerindian cultures called the isle "Iouanalao" in addition to "Hewanorra," pregnant "Island of the Iguanas."
 It was averred that Christopher Columbus had discovered St. Lucia inwards 1502, but recent evidence suggests that he only sailed unopen by. An alternative discoverer is Juan de la Cosa, a lesser-known explorer who had served at 1 fourth dimension as Columbus' navigator. There are some indications that de la Cosa may receive got discovered the isle inwards 1499, although at that topographic point is also evidence suggesting that he didn't discovery the isle until 1504. In whatsoever case, at that topographic point was no European presence established on the isle until its settlement inwards the 1550s yesteryear the notorious buccaneer Francois le Clerc, a.k.a. Jambe de Bois, or Wooden Leg. Peg-Leg le Clerc laid upward a fine piddling base of operations on Pigeon Island, from whence he issued forth to prey upon unwitting in addition to treasure-laden Castilian galleons. Around 1600, the Dutch arrived, establishing a fortified base of operations at Vieux Fort.
In 1605, an English linguistic communication vessel called the Olive Branch was blown off-course on its agency to Guyana, in addition to the 67 colonists started a settlement on Saint Lucia. After 5 weeks, only 19 survived, due to illness in addition to conflict with the Caribs, so they fled the island. The French officially claimed the isle inwards 1635 but it was the English linguistic communication who attempted the adjacent European settlement inwards 1639, but that likewise was wiped out yesteryear the Caribs.
In 1643, a French expedition sent out from Martinique yesteryear Jacques Dyel du Parquet, the governor of Martinique, established a permanent settlement on the island. De Rousselan was appointed the island's governor, took a Carib married adult woman in addition to remained inwards post service until his decease inwards 1654.
In 1664, Thomas Warner (son of Sir Thomas Warner, the governor of St Kitts) claimed Saint Lucia for England. He brought 1,000 men to defend it from the French, but after 2 years, only 89 survived with the residual dying to a greater extent than often than non due to disease. In 1666 the French West Republic of Republic of India Company resumed command of the island, which inwards 1674 was made an official French crown colony as a dependency of Martinique.
Both the British in addition to the French found the isle attractive after the saccharide manufacture developed, in addition to during the 18th century the isle changed ownership or was declared neutral territory a dozen times, although the French settlements remained in addition to the isle was a de facto French colony good into the eighteenth century.
In 1722, George I of Britain granted both Saint Lucia in addition to Saint Vincent to John Montagu, 2nd Duke of Montagu. He inwards plow appointed Nathaniel Uring, a merchant body of body of water captain in addition to adventurer, as deputy-governor. The British  imported enslaved Africans as workers. Caribbean Area weather were harsh, in addition to many African slaves, similar the Caribs (also used as slaves inwards the island), died, requiring continued importation of novel captives. The British continued to import slaves until they abolished the merchandise inwards 1808. By that time, people of ethnic African in addition to less so Carib descent greatly outnumbered those of ethnic European background. Uring went to the islands with a grouping of 7 ships, in addition to established settlement at Petit Carenage. Unable to acquire plenty back upward from British warships, he in addition to the novel colonists were rapidly run off yesteryear the French.
During the Seven Years' War Britain occupied Saint Lucia for a year, but handed the isle dorsum to the French at the Treaty of Paris on 10 Feb 1763. Like the English linguistic communication in addition to Dutch on other islands, the French began to develop the reason for the tillage of saccharide cane as a commodity crop on large plantations inwards 1765.
When the French Revolution occurred, a revolutionary judicature was sent to Saint Lucia, headed yesteryear captain La Crosse. Prior to this, the slaves had heard most the revolution in addition to walked off their jobs inwards 1790-1791 to go for themselves. Bringing the ideas of the revolution to Saint Lucia, La Crosse laid upward a guillotine used to execute Royalists. In 1794, the French governor of the isle declared that all slaves were free, as also happened In Saint-Domingue. However, the decree was unevenly carried out.
Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 small fourth dimension later, the British invaded the isle as a component of the latterly broken out state of war with France. On 21 Feb 1795, a grouping of locals led yesteryear Victor Hugues, defeated a battalion of British troops. For the adjacent iv months, a grouping of latterly freed slaves known as the Brigands forced out non only the British army, but every white slave-owner from the isle (coloured slave owners were left alone, as inwards Haiti). In 1796 Castries was burned as component of the conflict. In 1803, the British finally regained command of the island. Many of the rebels escaped into the thick pelting forests, where they evaded capture in addition to established maroon communities.
The slavery on the isle was continued for a small time, but anti-slavery stance was rising inwards Britain. The British stopped the import of slaves yesteryear anyone, white or colored, when they abolished the slave merchandise inwards 1807. In 1834 the establishment of slavery was abolished on the isle in addition to throughout the British Empire. After abolition, all old slaves had to serve a four-year "apprenticeship," to utilization them to the thought of freedom. During this period, they worked for their old masters for at to the lowest degree three-quarters of the go week. Full liberty was duly granted yesteryear the British inwards 1838. By that time, people of African ethnicity greatly outnumbered those of ethnic European background. Some people of Carib descent also comprised a minority on the island.
Saint Lucia continued to live contested yesteryear French Republic in addition to Britain until the British secured it inwards 1814, as component of the Treaty of Paris ending the Napoleonic Wars. Saint Lucia was considered component of the British Windward Islands colony.
In the mid-twentieth century, Saint Lucia joined the West Indies Federation (1958–1962) when the colony was dissolved. In 1967, Saint Lucia became 1 of the vi members of the West Indies Associated States, with internal self-government. In 1979 it gained total independence nether Sir John Compton of the conservative United Workers political party (UWP), who served as prime number government minister from 1982 to 1996, after which he was succeeded yesteryear Vaughan Lewis.
Dr. Kenny Davis Anthony of the Labour Party was prime number government minister from 1997 to 2006. In 2006, the UWP, 1 time to a greater extent than led yesteryear Compton, won command of parliament. In May 2007, after Compton suffered a serial of little strokes, Finance in addition to External Affairs Minister Stephenson King became acting prime number government minister in addition to succeeded Compton as prime number government minister when the latter died inwards September 2007. In Nov 2011, the Honorable Dr. Kenny D. Anthony was re-elected as prime number government minister for a 3rd time.

Economy
Throughout Saint Lucia's colonial in addition to post-colonial history, farm production has been export-oriented. More than some of its neighbors, Saint Lucia has undergone a serial of booms in addition to busts. Agricultural production nether colonial dominion focused on saccharide cane, only giving agency to bananas as a principal cash crop inwards the 1950s. Cane was grown nether a number of systems—plantation, sharecropping ( metayage ), in addition to smallholder—reflecting changing marketplace topographic point weather in addition to working capital missive of the alphabet investment over time. The shift to bananas opened upward the marketplace topographic point for large numbers of rural little producers, in addition to ushered inwards an era of prosperity that lasted from 1960 to the early on 1990s.
Other crops are coconuts, cacao, citrus in addition to other fruit, spices, cassava, in addition to yams. There is a steady local angling industry.
Saint Lucia’s manufacturing sector has been a major beneficiary of the U.S. Caribbean Area Basin Initiative, a programme designed to promote manufacturing inwards the region. An industrial gratuitous zone has been established inwards the southward of the isle close Vieux Fort; at that topographic point factories make in addition to export electronic goods in addition to toys. Other industries make cardboard cartons, clothing, rum, tobacco products, kokosnoot products, concrete blocks, in addition to beer. Tourism has developed rapidly since 1970; inwards 1987 a complex for cruise ships was opened close Castries.

Trade
The principal exports are bananas, cardboard cartons, clothing, kokosnoot products, in addition to electronic goods. Almost three-fourths of Saint Lucia’s exports are to the United Kingdom of Great Britain in addition to Northern Ireland in addition to most of the residual to other Caribbean Area islands in addition to to the United States. Imports include food, fuels, in addition to manufactured goods.

Transportation
There is an international aerodrome at Vieux Fort, at the southern tip of the island, in addition to a smaller aerodrome at Vigie for domestic in addition to regional flights. International transportation lines operate from the ports at Castries in addition to Vieux Fort. In addition, at that topographic point is an fossil oil transshipment terminal close Castries.

Land Tenure System in addition to Property
 Saint Lucia soundless supports the establishment known as "family land" ( té fami ). This is a tenure in addition to transfer practise that exists exterior the legal system, although it is partially supported yesteryear the old French legal scheme (the Napoleonic Code) which is soundless extant. Briefly, the principles of the scheme are these: reason is held non individually, but communally yesteryear household unit of measurement members; transfer, when 1 dies intestate, is inwards undivided parcel to all descendants; sale is proscribed, that is, reason is retained yesteryear the family; rights inwards reason are inherited without legal division. Family reason exists amongst private tenure in addition to reason transfers are often accomplished through wills.

Division of Labor
The partitioning of task is really much similar that of whatsoever modernizing economy, with workers hired based on skills in addition to education.

Cuisine
The island's cuisine is a unique blend of West African, European (mainly British in addition to French) in addition to East Indian cuisine; this creates dynamic repast dishes such as Marconi pie, Stew chicken, rice in addition to peas, hearty fish broths or fish water, hearty soups packed total with fresh locally produced vegetables. St Lucian cuisine is similar to that inwards many other commonwealth Caribbean Area nations such as Dominica, Jamaica, neighboring St Vincent in addition to Trinidad.

Typical essential nutrient materials are potatos, onions, celery, thyme, kokosnoot milk, the really hot scotch bonnet peppers, flour in addition to cornmeal. All mainstream meat in addition to poultry are eaten inwards St Lucia; meat in addition to seafood are usually stewed in addition to browned to create a rich gravy sometimes served over the world provisions or rice. Due to St Lucia's little Indo-Caribbean population curry is really popular, nonetheless due to the blend of betwixt cooking styles curry dishes receive got a distant Caribbean Area twist to it. In recent years roti, a flatbread of Indian origin, has go really pop beingness imported from the twin isle land of Trinidad in addition to Tobago to the southward this breadstuff is typically served as a fast nutrient snack, the breadstuff itself is really apartment (sometimes really thin) in addition to is wrapped around curried vegetables such as chickpeas, white patato or meat.
Social Stratification
Classes in addition to Castes. Although inwards recent years a middle cast has developed, the disparities betwixt rich in addition to pitiful are extreme. Rural prosperity based on banana tillage is forthwith seriously threatened. The growth of suburban areas around Castries is indicative of the economical primacy of the capital; hamlet areas go on to live marked yesteryear poverty in addition to substandard living conditions.
Symbols of Social Stratification. Race remains an of import social marker, but it is belike of less effect than inwards old times. Likewise, linguistic communication (English vs. Kwéyo`l ), patch soundless significant, is less important, peculiarly with the increase inwards spoken English linguistic communication in addition to decreasing numbers of monolingual Kwéyo`l speakers.

Political Life
Government. Saint Lucia has a parliamentary system, constructed on a British model. Universal adult suffrage has been inwards identify since 1951, in addition to yesteryear 2000, the isle had conducted 13 elections nether this system. The House of Assembly has seventeen elected members, with the bulk political party forming the government. The term of business office is usually 5 years, but elections are occasionally called before this term elapses. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 ministerial scheme is inwards identify whereby a professional person civil service is answerable to a Minister of Government, usually an elected fellow member of the House.
Leadership in addition to Political Officials Control of the authorities has shifted betwixt 2 parties during the lastly one-half of the twentieth century. The Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP), formed out of the merchandise union displace inwards 1947, controlled the offset elected authorities after 1951. The United Workers Party (UWP) succeeded them inwards 1964 after its inauguration before that year. In the intervening years the UWP has led the authorities for all but 7 years. In 2000, an SLP authorities was inwards place.

Social Problems in addition to Control
 The legal scheme is to a greater extent than often than non founded on British mutual law, with some continuing Napoleanic Code influence from the before French period. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 professionally trained police push clit forcefulness serves the island. Criminal activity has been on the ascension inwards recent years; the presence of guns inwards the hands of a criminal chemical element is increasingly troubling, in addition to violent crimes that are gun- in addition to drug-associated receive got multiplied. Saint Lucia, similar many of its neighbors, has go a locale for drug transshipment, leading to the ascension inwards crime.
 is a sovereign isle province inwards the eastern Caribbean Area Sea on the boundary with the Atlan ST LUCIA: THE ISLAND OF IGUANAS
Beautiful St Lucian ladies inwards their traditional African heritage attire during the celebration of the annual Jounen Kwéyòl (Creole Day) which is a festival, celebrated across the isle since 1984.  http://tuneinandstepup.com/

Gender Roles in addition to Statuses
Division of Labor yesteryear Gender. Although at that topographic point is a patriarchal bias inwards the society, occupational differentiation has declined inwards recent times. Both men in addition to women perform most agricultural labor, in addition to the professional person ranks are opened upward to both. Some traditional occupations go on to live sex specific—fishing is a manful someone activity, paid domestic task is done yesteryear women. Assembly factories hire a to a greater extent than often than non woman someone workforce. The significantly greater success yesteryear girls than boys inwards schoolhouse may touching on sex parity inwards positions that need pedagogy in addition to training.
The Relative Status of Women in addition to Men. Much has been made of the so-called "matrifocal" grapheme of West Indian domestic life. This is reflected inwards Saint Lucia, where men are ofttimes non dominant figures inwards households, or are absent. As to a greater extent than women are gainfully employed exterior the home, in addition to with the relative success of woman someone schoolchildren, traditional manful someone potency inwards the companionship may live severely challenged.

Marriage, Family, in addition to Kinship
Marriage. Marriage takes identify betwixt consenting adults, but is ofttimes non entered into until middle age. Other living or domestic arrangements often precede a legal marriage, especially within the lower class. These may include "friending," a visiting human relationship that often results inwards childbirth in addition to which may involve the performance of domestic services yesteryear the adult woman inwards homecoming for a stair out of fiscal contribution on the component of the man. Another organisation is a cohabitational human relationship without make goodness of legal marriage. 
This may live an enduring union eventually given the legal legitimacy of marriage; expectations of the partners in addition to the enactment of the human relationship parallel those of a legal union. The cohabitational union is usually non an choice for the middle class, for whom the respectability conferred yesteryear a legal union is an of import consideration.
Relationships exterior of union are commonplace for men, who may receive got "friending" alliances despite beingness inwards a cohabitational union. When children are born of such unions, the homo is expected to financially contribute to the assist of the child, but amongst the pitiful these contributions are probable to live meager. The chance for women to engage inwards similar activity exterior a cohabitational union is limited.
Domestic Unit. Household composition evidences considerable variation. Although domestic units include everything from nuclear household unit of measurement groupings to three-generational households with no resident males, at that topographic point are a large number of female-headed domestic units. The incidence of these is often class-determined, much to a greater extent than commonplace amongst pitiful women than inwards the middle class. Males resident inwards such units may live transient.
Kin Groups. The most of import kin grouping is the family, which is defined both matrilineally in addition to patrilineally. Family in addition to residential groups often include extended household unit of measurement in addition to others included though non-formal mechanisms. Other extensions include godparenthood, especially for the Roman Catholic majority.
                                    St Lucian man

Socialization
Child Rearing in addition to Education. Children are often fostered inwards the homes of relatives, especially grandparents. In component this is a business office of the mobility of Saint Lucians, who receive got long migrated to go opportunities leaving subject children behind. From an early on historic menses hamlet in addition to rural children receive got considerable liberty to explore their environs without much adult supervision. With immature girls this liberty is curtailed as they approach puberty, inwards the travail to avoid early on pregnancies. Childless women are considered unfortunate, but they often acquire maternal status through customary fosterage or adoption.
Children go inwards babe schoolhouse at historic menses five. At most viii years old, they displace on to primary school. These 2 institutions are found inwards most communities in addition to most are coeducational. For the bulk of Saint Lucian children, formal schooling ends when they gain the historic menses of fifteen. Although the opportunities for secondary schooling receive got expanded greatly during the yesteryear 40 years, at that topographic point are non plenty places for all who wishing admittance in addition to entrance exams create upward one's remove heed who volition continue.
Higher Education. There are no universities inwards Saint Lucia, but students tin gear upward for admittance to the University of the West Indies, which has iii campuses, yesteryear attention classes at the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College.

Religion
Religious Beliefs. Reflecting early on French colonial control, the bulk of Saint Lucians are Roman Catholics, although inwards recent years Protestant sects receive got converted many. Every hamlet in addition to many rural settlements receive got Catholic churches. Much of the clergy is forthwith Saint Lucian, a alter from colonial times when nearly all churches had French priests. All the Catholic holidays in addition to sacraments are celebrated.

Death in addition to the Afterlife
 Along with conventional religious funeral in addition to burial practices, Saint Lucians phase in addition to participate inwards wakes, the most of import of which occurs inwards the eventide of the death. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 wake is presumably attended yesteryear at to the lowest degree 1 representative from each household inwards the village. Preparations include laying out the deceased inwards their best habiliment within the business solid for viewing yesteryear guests. Attendees are served white rum in addition to strong java at intervals throughout the event, which may go on good into the night. Inside the business solid a grouping of singers renders hymns yesteryear Ira Davis Sankey, the late-nineteenth-century American gospel vocalizer in addition to hymn composer; in addition to the atmosphere is solemn. Outside, the tone is festive in addition to boisterous. Games are played, jokes are told, in addition to vignettes, sometimes of a ribald nature, are performed. The wake, inwards somewhat subdued terms, may live repeated a calendar week after the death, in addition to a Mass is often said for the deceased on the occasion of the offset anniversary of the death.
Medicine in addition to Health Care
Saint Lucia has a primary wellness assist scheme that includes wellness centers throughout the island, each with a resident nurse in addition to visited weekly yesteryear a doctor. Hospitals are situated at Vieux-Fort in addition to Castries, with a smaller unit of measurement inwards Dennery. Private medical practitioners are to a greater extent than often than non located inwards Castries, in addition to those who tin afford it seek them out. Apart from biomedical facilities in addition to personnel, at that topographic point are many who practise traditional alternative therapies. These gain from the utilization of locally grown plants in addition to herbs, combined inwards a diverseness of tinctures, poultices, in addition to remedies, to practitioners of Obeah, locally known as tchenbwa or zeb. These practitioners care for non only medical ailments but also spells, mental afflictions, in addition to troubles of a supernatural origin. Saint Lucians are eclectic inwards their selection of handling for various maladies, a phenomenon that reflects their creolized heritage.

Secular Celebrations
Two important secular events pull many participants. The offset of these is Carnival, traditionally a pre-Lenten festival, similar to those found elsewhere inwards the Caribbean, Brazil, in addition to Louisiana. Although it had some religious overtones, Carnival has go a purely secular event. 
                      Carnival kids, St Lucia

Recently the Saint Lucian Carnival has been shifted to July, peradventure to attract tourists in addition to to avoid the congestion of many events occurring inwards the spring. Carnival includes costuming, parades, Calypso contests, queen contests, in addition to full general celebratory behavior. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 2nd event, of to a greater extent than recent vintage, is Jounen Kwéyo`l (Creole Day), a week-long festival celebrating traditional music, dance, storytelling, costuming, crafts, in addition to Kwéyo`l language. 
Another pair of celebrations are the blossom festivals, La Rose in addition to La Marguerite, observed annually yesteryear local societies inwards many villages on the feast days of the patron saints, Saint Rose de Lima (30 August) in addition to Saint Marguerite D'youville (17 October).
Beautiful Afro-Amerindian daughter from St Lucia inwards traditional attire

source:http://www.everyculture.com/No-Sa/Saint-Lucia.html

Tourism potentials of St Lucia.
St. Lucia is the kind of isle that travellers to the Caribbean Area dream about--a small, lush tropical jewel that is soundless relatively unknown. One of the Windward Islands of the Lesser Antilles, it is located midway downwardly the Eastern Caribbean Area chain, betwixt Martinique in addition to St. Vincent, in addition to northward of Barbados. St. Lucia is only 27 miles long in addition to xiv miles wide, with a shape that is said to resemble either a mango or an avocado (depending on your taste). The Atlantic Ocean kisses its eastern shore, patch the beaches of the due west coast owe their beauty to the calm Caribbean Area Sea.
In natural beauty, St. Lucia seems similar an isle plucked from the South Pacific in addition to laid downwardly inwards the Caribbean. Its dramatic twin coastal peaks, the Pitons, soar 2,000 feet upward from the sea, sheltering magnificent pelting forests where wild orchids, giant ferns, in addition to birds of paradise flourish. Brilliantly-plumed tropical birds abound, including endangered species similar the indigenous St. Lucia parrot. The rainforest is broken only yesteryear verdant fields in addition to orchards of banana, coconut, mango, in addition to papaya trees.


Natural Attractions of St. Lucia
St Lucia Eco AdventuresSt. Lucia possesses a topography in addition to ecology of stunning beauty, matched yesteryear no other location inwards the Caribbean. The island's pride inwards its natural resources is evident inwards the country's ongoing protection in addition to conservation efforts. In the mountainous interior lies the enormous National Rain Forest, in addition to the island's protected coastal sights include the breathtaking, unforgettable spires of Les Pitons. All sorts of nature hikes, tours, in addition to programs receive got been developed to showcase these peerless assets, allowing visitors to relish the isle without harming its complex in addition to frail environment.

St. Lucia's environmental philosophy also extends beyond its shoreline to the protection of its beautiful coral reefs, with their rich in addition to various tropical body of body of water life. The authorities has created iv preservation areas, encompassing all of the island's outstanding reefs. Watersports enthusiasts, divers, in addition to boat owners are required to buy a permit before entering the reserve, in addition to the fees are used for repairs to the reef in addition to preserving threatened marine species.

The Pitons
Located close Soufriere, these primeval twin peaks, topping 2,000 feet, are St. Lucia's most famous landmark. Only the most daring climbers receive got ventured an ascent to their summits, but they tin live seen inwards all their glory from Mt. Gimie or from the decks of a boat offshore.

National Rain Forest
Of detail appeal to plane watchers, hikers in addition to nature lovers, it covers 19,000 acres of lush mountains in addition to valleys. It is domicile to giant ferns, birds of paradise in addition to many other indigenous tree species, exotic flowers in addition to fruits, in addition to its paths are strewn with tiny bromeliads, wild orchids in addition to mushrooms. Among the rare in addition to beautiful birds adding color to the scene are the brightly-hued St. Lucia Parrot, known locally as the "jacquot," the White Breasted Thrasher, the St. Lucia Peewee, in addition to the St. Lucia Oriole. For organized tours, contact the Forest in addition to Lands Department at 450-2231.

The Sulphur Springs
Now dormant, it is the world's only drive-in volcano. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 tour of its bubbly, steamy sulphur springs offers a straight in addition to fascinating lesson inwards the violent geology of the Caribbean Area Rim.

Mt. Gimie
At 3,117 feet, it is the highest signal on St. Lucia. One of the best eye-filling views of this peak is to live had on emerging from the pelting forest. Guided tours are conducted upward the mountain.

Diamond Falls
France's King Louis XVI had bathhouses built for his troops at these natural, mineral-rich falls. An invigorating shower nether the cascading waters is soundless a refreshing break.

Latille Gardens
This beautiful hidden treasure of St. Lucia is filled with luscious fruits, blooming flowers, thriving plants, shading trees, in addition to vibrant waterfalls. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 walk on the waterfall trails or a relaxing nighttime nether the Moon in addition to stars, amidst the odor of salubrious vegetation, are adventures non to live missed. For to a greater extent than information, contact the Gardens at (758) 454-0202.

Wildlife
Two little islands off the coast of Vieux Fort, the Maria Islands are a nature reserve in addition to the refuge of 2 species found nowhere else inwards the world. The Kouwes Snake, noted as the world's rarest snake, in addition to the Zandoli Te, a the world lizard whose males display a brilliant blueish tail. Frigate Island is a haven for frigate birds during mating season.

ST Lucia Eco Adventures
Nature Hikes, Tours, in addition to Programs
Barre de L'isle Rain Forest Trail
The highlight of this trail, which runs along the perimeter of the pelting forest, is a climb to the top of Morne la Combe that is only for the stout of heart. The mountain, towering 1,446 feet, lies on the Barre de Lisle ridge in addition to offers panoramic views due west to the Roseau in addition to Mabouya valleys. The walk takes some iii hours. For to a greater extent than information, telephone phone 450-2231/7-8.

Union Nature Trail
Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 beautiful, looping, graveled path parades through a dry out wood punctuated yesteryear hummingbirds, warblers, in addition to finches. The nature of the trail allows upward unopen in addition to personal views of several spectacular introduced tree species, medicinal herbs, in addition to local fruit trees, plus exotic wild animals at a miniature zoo. There is also a pump that provides data most the island's endangered species, vegetation zones, in addition to life inwards the forest. The tour lasts exactly over 1 hour.

Naturalist Tour
This tour is peculiarly appealing to those interested inwards horticulture, biology, entomology, ornithology, in addition to native flora in addition to fauna. Though it is guided, the tour volition venture off the beaten runway to wherever the participants wishing to go, including upward in addition to downwardly mountains, into the forests in addition to bushes. The schedule in addition to prices vary, depending on the type of tour in addition to the number of participants. For farther data contact the Forestry Department.

Fregate Island Nature Trail
This tour along St. Lucia's Atlantic Coast offers several scenic views on a mile-long trail circling the national park. The tour calls on the breeding the world of St. Lucia's Fregate plane population, a locale that is also domicile to a number of rare species of birds, Boa Constrictors, in addition to some odd forms of vegetation. Tours are arranged through the St. Lucia National Trust.

Morne Le Blanc/Laborie
Morne Le Blanc towers over the coastal community of Laborie in addition to the southern plains of St. Lucia. The mountain's summit affords a view of distant St. Vincent in addition to a scenic, shady residual spot for picnics.

Southern Safari
This tour yesteryear omnibus travels through St. Lucia's interior with stops at historic sites, including a working soundless at an old plantation business solid inwards Balembouche, interesting remains of a waterwheel, in addition to ancient Amerindian "potholes." Another version of this tour includes a see to the Pitons in addition to a petroglyph site, returning yesteryear boat along the due west coast. Lunch is included inwards the tour. For farther information, telephone phone 452-5005.

Hardy Point Cactus Valley Walking Trek
This walking tour (which tin also live taken yesteryear bus) begins at Hardy Point, a natural outcrop with splendid views of the entire Esperance Bay, the northern coast in addition to the La Sociere mount range. There are stops inwards Cactus Valley (aptly named because of its numerous resident species) in addition to at several of the "blowholes" created yesteryear the forcefulness of the Atlantic Ocean. Across Donkey Beach, the trek visits Pigeon Island for sightseeing in addition to swimming. Lunch at the Jambe de Bois Restaurant is included.

Mankote Mangrove
Located on the southeast coast, exactly exterior of Vieux Fort, it is the regulation source of nutrients for the island's natural fish plant nursery inwards the nearby Savannes Bay. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 viewing tower provides an first-class advantage signal for birdwatching in addition to a diorama in addition to brochures provide data on the unique features of the Mangrove. Guided tours tin live arranged through the St. Lucia national Trust (452-5005) or the Caribbean Area Natural Resources Institute (454-6060).

Birdwatching
In areas such as the Bois D'Orange Swamp, the Rain Forest in addition to Boriel's Pond, visitors tin discovery some of St. Lucia's rare, indigenous species, similar the St. Lucian Parrot, White Breasted Thrasher, St. Lucia Peewee, St. Lucia Oriole, in addition to St. Lucia Wren. Arrangements tin live made through the St. Lucia Forestry Department for early on morn or belatedly afternoon trips. Four-hour excursions cost US$40.00 per someone in addition to accommodate a maximum of x persons, minimum of three.

Turtle Watching
Grande Anse Beach, on the northward coast, is the pump for this activity during mid-March to the destination of July. Housed inwards a piddling tent city, in addition to soothed yesteryear the body of body of water aglow inwards the starlight, campers tin relish the spectacle of leatherback turtles rising from the surf. It is a dandy sense fifty-fifty if the guests of award don't show. Watches are held on Sat nights betwixt 4:00pm to 6:30am in addition to the cost is EC$10 per person.

Exploring St. Lucia
St. Lucia has some of the most overwhelmingly beautiful scenery to live found anywhere inwards the world. Amongst the natural beauty of its splendid forests in addition to soaring peaks are ancient fortresses, gem-like angling villages, in addition to gracious town squares, places waiting similar buried treasure to live discovered yesteryear newcomers.
Castries
St. Lucia's bustling working capital missive of the alphabet is domicile to several of St. Lucia's historical sights, similar the La Toc Battery, in addition to beautiful architecture, including the uniquely decorated Cathedral in addition to the Central Library. There is first-class shopping inwards the town marketplace topographic point in addition to Bagshaws, where the fine art of silkscreening tin live observed.

Morne Fortune (Hill of Good Luck)
Overlooking Castries, this was a key battleground during the menses of skirmishes over colonial possession of St. Lucia. The French began constructing a fortress at this strategic outpost inwards the 17th century, but it was the British who finished it when the French surrendered inwards 1796.

Marigot Bay
Another vital wartime base, where a British Admiral 1 time ambushed the French yesteryear camouflaging his fleet with palm fronds. This picturesque bay is forthwith a yacht haven in addition to 1 of St. Lucia's most beautiful spots.

Derek Walcott Square
Located inwards the capital, Castries, a 400-year-old samaan tree shades the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, built inwards 1897.

Anse-le-Ray & Canaries
An afternoon see to these tiny angling villages offering an interesting written report of 1 of St. Lucia's main traditions, angling inwards dug-out canoes.

Soufriere
Located inwards the south, it is the oldest town inwards St. Lucia, established yesteryear the French inwards 1746. Of detail banking venture complaint is its odd marketplace, decorated with colourful murals in addition to gingerbread trim.

Choiseul
Midway betwixt Soufriere in addition to Vieux Fort on the southwest coast, this hamlet is rich inwards history, crafts in addition to spectacular views. It is domicile to a petroglyph carved centuries agone yesteryear the island's early on inhabitants in addition to Fort Citreon, where only a unmarried cannon remains.

Gros Islet
Like Cinderella preparing for the Ball, this angling hamlet transforms itself every Fri nighttime into a colorful carnival scene, featuring soca in addition to reggae music in addition to a "jump up" (dancing inwards the streets).

Pigeon Island
Pigeon Island, a 40-acre islet connected yesteryear a causeway to St. Lucia's due west coast, is a beautiful nature green which reflects a M years of history. There are marked trails with a number of historical sites, similar the remains of an 18th-century British fort in addition to Fort Rodney, where the Admiral for which it is named spied on the French ships from its strategic viewpoint . The isle also has 2 secluded beaches in addition to is the major venue of St. Lucia's annual Jazz Festival.
The Pigeon Island Museum & Interpretive Centre, displaying the island's history, is housed inwards a landmark old British officers' mess building, restored to its 1808 elegance. Through interactive audio/visual aids in addition to ancient artifacts, visitors acquire most the offset Carib Indian settlers in addition to the island's purpose inwards the French/British battles during colonization. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 highlight is Admiral Rodney's victory inwards 1782 at the famous "Battle of the Saints." The museum opens daily 9:00am to 5:00pm; admission is EC$5.00 for adults in addition to EC$.50 for children. For information, contact the St. Lucia National Trust (452-5005).

Plantation Tours
Errard Plantation
The drive to Errard, close the hamlet of Dennery, crosses the interior of the isle in addition to borders the pelting forest. The tour includes an introduction to the various fruit crops, a "cocoa dance," which polishes the beans, in addition to a Creole dejeuner featuring local fruit juices. For arrangements, telephone phone 453-1260.

La Sikwe Historical Sugar Mill & Plantation
Bordering the hamlet of Anse la Raye, the 400-acre estate is laid inwards a beautiful botanical garden. The tour features an onsite museum in addition to cultural house with a 40-foot H2O bicycle depicting the sugar-growing years of the 18th century. Tours must live scheduled inwards advance in addition to tin live arranged through whatsoever hotel.

Marquis Estate
St. Lucia's largest estate is located exactly exterior of Castries. This working plantation offers insights into the production of St. Lucia's nowadays export crops, banana in addition to copra, as good as the principal crops of previous years, java in addition to cocoa. The tour includes a scenic drive along St. Lucia's northeast coast to the countryside, a see to an old saccharide mill, a boat ride on the Marquis river in addition to dejeuner at the plantation house. Call 452-3762 to accommodate a tour.

Morne Coubaril Estate
Overlooking the picturesque town of Soufriere, the tour includes a demonstration of cocoa, copra, in addition to manioc processing, a walk on an original street formerly used yesteryear mule carriages, in addition to a see to a workers' village.

 Weddings & Honeymoons inwards St. Lucia
Wedding PictureSt. Lucia, known for its lush tropical beauty in addition to breathtaking scenery, is highly-regarded as a romantic retreat in addition to a honeymoon in addition to nuptials destination.

                                       couple inwards honeymoon

Most of the hotels inwards St. Lucia provide special facilities for couples getting married on the island; some volition also provide a private room or suite for the ceremony, if yous prefer. They tin usually grip whatsoever other requirements, including bridal bouquet, photos or videos, music, the nuptials cake, champagne toast for the span in addition to groom, in addition to fifty-fifty the services of the best man, if necessary. Honeymooners acquire special handling inwards most hotels, with a handbasket of fruit in addition to flowers or a bottled of chilled sparkling vino on arrival.

Hotels that offering special nuptials packages include Anse Chastanet, Club St. Lucia, Green Parrot Inn, Le Sport, Royal St. Lucian, Sandals St. Lucia, Sandals Halcyon, Rex St. Lucian, in addition to Windjammer.

Documents Required
The next original documents are required to live produced inwards someone before the local registrar (foreign documents must live translated into English):

Passport
Birth Certificate
Proof of Absolute, if 1 of the parties is divorced.
Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 Death Certificate for the old spouse, inwards the instance of a widow/widower.
Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 Deed Pool, if a mention has been changed.
Evidence of parental consent, inwards the cast of a notarized sworn affidavit, if 1 of the parties is nether the historic menses of 18.
Residency
Application to live married inwards St. Lucia must live made yesteryear a local solicitor to the Attorney General, who volition number a union license after a two-day residency period. It takes 2 concern days to physical care for the application.

Fees
You tin hold off to pay the next fees:

Notarial Fees & Marriage Licence - EC$335.00 if yous are at that topographic point 7 days before marriage. If yous are at that topographic point less in addition to so 7 days the fee for the Marriage License volition live EC$540.00.
Registrar Fees - EC$100.00
Marriage Certificate - EC$8.00
Note:  It is possible to live married on the 5th twenty-four threescore minutes menses after arriving inwards St. Lucia, if the inwards a higher identify procedures are followed. Church weddings tin live arranged for most denominations inwards advance
source:http://www.geographia.com/st-lucia/lcmarr01.htm




 is a sovereign isle province inwards the eastern Caribbean Area Sea on the boundary with the Atlan ST LUCIA: THE ISLAND OF IGUANAS


 is a sovereign isle province inwards the eastern Caribbean Area Sea on the boundary with the Atlan ST LUCIA: THE ISLAND OF IGUANAS







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