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Motto
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The Land, The People, The Light
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Brief History
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The Carib name of the island was “Hewanorra” land of the iguana. The island, which was contested between France and England throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, had a very strong French presence throughout its history and consequently speaks a French patois. Saint Lucia was ceded to the British in 1814 and was granted self-government in 1967. Full independence was gained in 1979.
Saint Lucia has produced two Nobel Laureates: Sir Arthur Lewis (Economics) and Mr. Derek Walcott (Literature).
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General Information
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Geographic Coordinates
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13 53 N, 60 58 W
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Area
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616 sq km / 240.6 sq miles
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Population
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159 585 [0-14 years: 25.2%; 15-64 years 65.8%; 65 years and over : 9%]
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Language
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English (official), French patois
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Religions
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Roman Catholic, Seventh Day Adventist, Pentecostal, other Christian and Rastafarian
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Capital
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Castries
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Government Type
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Constitutional monarchy with British Sovereign as Head of State. Bicameral Parliament: Senate and House of Assembly.
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Last Elections
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11 December 2006. Next in 2011.
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Opposition
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Hon. Stephenson King, United Workers Party.
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Independence
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22 February 1979 (from UK)
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Constitution
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22 February 1979
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Legal System
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Based on English common law.
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Governor General
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Dame Pearlette Louisy
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Airport(s)
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George FL Charles (SLU)
Hewanorra International (UVF)
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Currency
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Eastern Caribbean dollar. Exchange rate of EC$2.70 = US$1.00
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Literacy
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90.1% of population
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Suffrage
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18 years of age
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National Flowers
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Rose and Marguerite
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National Bird
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St. Lucia Parrot (Amazona Versicolor)
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National Dish
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Green fig and salt fish.
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National Holidays
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New Year’s Day – 1 & 2/01
Independence Day 22/02
Good Friday
Easter Monday
Labour Day – 1/05
Whit Monday
Corpus Christi
Emancipation Day 1/08
Thanksgiving Day
National Day – 13/12
Christmas Day – 25/12
Boxing Day – 26/12
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National Anthem
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Sons and Daughters of Saint Lucia
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Working Hours
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Business : Mon-Fri : 0800 – 1600
Govt. : Mon-Fri : 0830 -1630
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Economy
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GDP (2009)[1]
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XCD 1,683.45 M
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GDP per capita (2009)
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XCD 9,786.00
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Agriculture
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Fruit and vegetables including citrus, bananas, cocoa, root crops, coconut, breadfruit, root crops, mango, melons, hot pepper; livestock and fishing
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Industry
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Clothing, assembly of electronic components, beverages, corrugated cardboard boxes, coconut oil.
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Services
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Tourism, Off-shore banking services.
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External Debt (Dec.2008)
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XCD 1,012.12 M
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Government
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Ministry / Office
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Name of Officer
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Contact Details
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Prime Minister and Minister for Finance and Economic Affairs
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Hon. Dr. Kenny D. Anthony
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The Prime Minister’s Office – 5th Floor, Graeham Louisy Administrative Building, Waterfront, Castries
Tel.: 758 468 2111 / 468 2101 Fax : 758 453 7352 Email :
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Minister for Infrastructure, Port Services and Transport.
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Hon. Philip J Pierre
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Minister for External Affairs, International Trade and Civil Aviation.
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Hon. Alva Baptiste
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Minister for Education, Human Resource Development and Labour.
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Hon. Dr. Robert Lewis
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Minister for Health, Wellness, Human Services and Gender Relations.
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Hon. Alvina Reynolds
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Minister for Agriculture, Food Production, Fisheries and Rural Development.
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Hon. Moses Jn Baptiste
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Minister for Social Transformation, Local Government and Community Empowerment.
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Hon. Harold Dalson
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Minister for Commerce, Business Development, Investment and Consumer Affairs.
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Hon. Emma Hippolyte
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Minister for Tourism, Heritage and the Creative Industries
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Hon. Lorne Theophilus
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Minister for Legal Affairs, Home Affairs and National Security.
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Sen. Hon. Victor Philip LaCorbiniere
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Minister for Public Service, Sustainable Development, Energy, Science and Technology.
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Sen. Hon. Dr. James Fletcher
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Minister for Youth Development and Sports.
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Hon. Shawn Edward
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Minister for Physical Development, Housing and Urban Renewal.
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Sen. Hon. Stanley Felix
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GIS (Government Information Service
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Lucius Doxerie
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Tel.: 758 468 2164 / 2116 Fax : 758 453 1614
Email :
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Ambassador to the OECS
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H.E. Dr. June Soomer
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Office of PM, 5th Floor, Graeham Louisy Building, The Waterfront, Castries
Tel. : 758 458 2481 / 468 2182 Fax : 758 453 7352
Email:
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