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Saint Lucia

Origin

Saint Lucia was probably first visited by the Spanish about 1500. The French, who signed a treaty with the indigenous Carib people in 1660, successfully established the first colony there. 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. A representative government was introduced in 1924.


Constitution

En 1958 Santa Lucía forma parte de la Federación de las Indias Occidentales cuya vida institucional dura sólo 4 años; posteriormente obtiene una nueva constitución y su autonomía en 1967. El 22 de febrero de 1979 se convierte en un estado independiente dentro de la Mancomunidad Británica con un gobernador general residente en la isla y nombrado por el monarca inglés de turno. Está vigente la constitución de 1978


Government

Executive power is nominally vested in the British monarch, who is represented by a governor-general. Actual executive power is wielded by a cabinet, consisting of a prime minister and other ministers who are appointed by the prime minister. Legislative power is held by a parliament. The 17 members of its lower house, the House of Assembly, are elected by general suffrage; the 11 members of the Senate are appointed on the advice of the prime minister, the leader of the opposition, the governor-general, and others: the conservative United Party of Workers, headed by the former prime minister John Compton; The Labor Party of Saint Lucia (SLP); The Labor Progressive Party of George Odlum, who defines himself as of the “new left”.


General History

St. Lucia is an independent state of the British Commonwealth located in the Leeward Islands of the Lesser Antilles, south of Martinique and north of St. Vincent. This volcanic-origin island is run through from north to south by mountain range and covered by heavy tropical forest. Like in other Caribbean islands, St. Lucia is one of the latest treasures dug out in the Caribbean. Arawak Indians were the first dwellers of the territory. As years rolled on, the island has been blessed with peerless cultural values, historic attractions and natural virtues, coupled with the memories of the times when it was both a French and British colony. Its capital and main port is Castries. Among the most astonishing archeological dregs, visitors could visit Fort Charlotte in Morne, and the former Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Soufrière is the old French capital of the island with a strong influence still seen in its architecture. Vieux Fort is the island’s second-largest port and has one its airports. The city is close to the natural reserve of Maria Islands. Its highest peak is Gimie Mount, made up of a gorgeous pair of twin volcanic knolls in the southeastern part of the island: the Petit Pito and the Gros Piton. Other attractions are the Dimante Waterfalls of mineral water. Travelers can also tour natural reserves and mangroves inhabited by abundant tropical flora and wildlife. Here, nature is marked by beautiful beaches that combine their freshness with the windy heights of its volcanic soil. Two of the most famous ones are Anse Chastanet and Anse Cochon. Travelers driving south of Soufrière can visit Jalousie Bay, while neat the Castries port they find La Toc Bay, another beach of gray sands, and Reduuit Beach caught between Choc Bay and Pigeon Point, all of them outfitted with an assortment of hotel offers and other choices. There are lots of outdoor activities on the island. Chances of practicing different sports are plentiful. There are golf courses, sport centers and others for nautical activities. Bicycle rentals, horseback rides and contests are galore. On the other hand, St. Lucia hosts the annual world-class Jazz Festival.