The country’s language issue reflects the ongoing struggle for a national identity. Up until the 1970s, the nation’s symbols were of European origin: the square in central Castries, the cricket ground in Victoria Park, and the annual event commemorating the recapture of the island by English forces in 1796. This also marked the return of slavery to the island. This language issue is a reflection of the island’s cultural and social struggle.
Piton
Perhaps the most prominent feature of St. Lucia is its pair of volcanic spires, known as the Pitons. The two summits of the island, the Gros Piton and the Petit Piton, border the colorful Saint Lucia town of Soufriere. The Pitons are the remains of dormant volcanoes that have cooled into volcanic plugs. The Pitons are among the largest of these volcanic plugs, and the area surrounding the Pitons is home to a number of resort hotels and a PMA.
Bouyon stew
The local dish of St. Lucia is Bouyon stew, which can be found at many local restaurants. It’s popular at family gatherings and special occasions and is made with local ingredients, such as sweet potato, pumpkin, yam, and slices of pork. Bouyon is usually served with a spicy scotch bonnet sauce. In addition to pork and vegetables, the local version is also available with goat meat and lamb.
Bananas
Until recently, St. Lucia was a leader in the banana industry. Not only did the banana industry provide jobs for local farmers and a sustainable income for islanders, but it also kept the island’s economy together. Several years ago, the Allen Chastanet government announced that they would seek new markets for the island’s bananas. They targeted France and Martinique as possible markets, but their plans didn’t materialise. Currently, the government has set up a project called WINFRESH to sell the island’s bananas overseas.
Sulphur Springs
Sulphur Springs in St. Lucia is an ideal day trip destination, but visitors can also take a dip at night. It is accessible from virtually any point on the island, and a 45-minute drive from either Castries or Rodney Bay will have you there in an hour. You can also rent a car or arrange a transfer to take you to the hot springs. No matter where you are staying, there is a Sulphur Springs tour that will take you to the geyser.
Birdlife
Saint Lucia is known as one of the greenest countries in the Caribbean. Its beautiful landscapes support approximately 170 species of birds. You can see the endangered Saint Lucia parrot and other bird species at Des Cartiers Rain Forest, Edmund Forest Reserve, and Castries Water Works Reserve. Birds are endemic to St. Lucia, but there are also numerous migrant species. If you’re looking for something a little more exotic, try a visit to St. Lucia.
Agriculture
The agricultural industry in St. Lucia has long been synonymous with the nation, generating over 20% of the national income. However, the industry is experiencing significant challenges, including climate change, which has severely damaged banana crops. Tropical storms like Kirk, which passed through the island in late September, have further compounded these problems. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, up to 80% of the nation’s banana crop was destroyed.
Tourism
The Caribbean island of Saint Lucia is popular among tourists, and tourism accounts for 65 percent of its GDP. Although bananas have been its primary source of income for decades, tourism now represents the island’s largest source of income, accounting for 65 percent of the country’s total GDP. Because Saint Lucia is a small, beautiful island, it is vulnerable to world events and natural disasters, but tourism is the island’s biggest industry. In the wake of 9/11, the island’s economy suffered and many businesses collapsed.