HISTORY

THE ARAWAK INDIANS WERE SOME OF THE FIRST SETTLERS IN ST LUCIA. FOR 800 YEARS THE PEACEFUL COMMUNITY OF POTTERS, WEAVERS AND BUILDERS INHABITED THE ISLAND BEFORE THE CARIBS OVERPOWERED THEM. WHEN THE FIRST EUROPEAN SHIPS ARRIVED, THE CARIBBEAN DEVELOPED RAPIDLY.

The first English settlers came to St Lucia in 1605. They left the island after just one month, and the island was then inhabited by the French in 1667. St Lucia then endured ownership disputes for 150 years, changing rulings some 14 times. It was finally ceded to the British in 1814, becoming an independent nation on February 22nd 1979.

Today, St Lucia is influenced by many cultures. St Lucians drive on the left and have a passion for cricket. The Caribbean influences arise in the drink – rum, the music – calypso, soca and reggae, in Creole cuisine, festivals and days of national pride.