#slhta

[kirklelliott]

Community self help is often the way of life and the wealth of simple indigenous people. This #seine #fishing scene begs the question - How do you define #happiness ... would love to hear your comments #stlucia #slhta #saintlucianow #castries #caribbeantravel #caribbeanstyle #simplelife #beach #ocean #iamatraveler #wonderful_places #tlpicks #livetravelchannel #bbctravel #travelling #travelphotography #caribbeantravel #abctravel #nikonnofilter #kirke9580 #travelagent #travel (at Anse La Raye)

[csnews]

Dolphinarium/No Dolphinarium: Are we misplacing our priorities?

Fiola Jennings-Clarke - September 22, 2018

If you live in Saint Lucia you will know there’s a longstanding debate about plans for a dolphinarium to set up here. Things blew up in early 2017 when a new proposal came to light to place facilities on the Pigeon Island National Landmark. Environmentalists and animal rights activists have been lambasted by people claiming this will bring new jobs in and diversification of the tourism product. Well yes, we are in dire need of both jobs and diversification! But when I listen to the various experts who have weighed in on the issue, I find the arguments that a dolphinarium would provide either of those dubious at best.

Yes, there is still a market for such activities. But it is a shrinking market and opinion is undoubtedly moving against captive cetacean business. Countries are phasing them out and companies refusing to sell or promote them. So, why would we risk our limited resources and our reputation for this? The actions recorded in the recently aired the “Dolphin Dilemma’” documentary about Antigua & Barbuda’s experience with Dolphin Fantaseas and Dolphin Discovery, show scant regard for effective planning, environmental care or other tourism businesses. The documentary shows when things went wrong due to the company’s shoddy operations, overnight, the company airlifted the dolphins out, packed up shop and left the country with around $400,000 in debt.

Proponents will tell you that the powers that be, will ensure such things don’t happen here. My question would be: How? And my instincts ask: Based on what track record of enforcement of regulations should I believe this claim is valid? On that basis alone, we should be extremely concerned. But let’s look at other angles: The September 4 press release from the SLHTA, published in this newspaper, clearly indicates the risk to Saint Lucia’s tourism product, including companies refusing to promote the destination.

At the airing of the documentary, statements issued by the makers of Dolphin Dilemma, describe jobs brought to Antigua & Barbuda as few and limited to cleaners and low-level staff. Listen to Jeannine Compton-Antoine, former chair of the International Whaling Commission, list off the many concerns regarding existing livelihoods that depend on the near-shore resources around Pigeon Island National Landmark and the Rodney Bay area: For fishermen, from Gros Islet and other communities, their traditional catch will probably no longer frequent this highly productive area due to the constant presence of predators (dolphins).

The snorkelers, snuba and divers, possibly numbering around 100 a day, who use the area will likely suffer restricted access to the area, decreased water and reef quality due to dolphin excreta. Will vendors in the area be given concessions to sell dolphin souvenirs or will they experience competition for sales from Dolphin Discovery shop?

These impacts will be largely the same wherever such a facility might be placed. Ms. Compton-Antoine advises the Trust and ‘No’ supporters to gather empirical evidence to make the case that we’ve far more to lose, than to gain. She is right, and I will ask anyone who can help gather this data, to volunteer your assistance to the Trust. But despite this, I can’t help but think the onus should be on commercial companies, with the multi-million-dollar budgets, wishing to profit off business that uses our resources, to prove beyond reasonable doubt, that the activities they wish to run for their profit, with our tax-dollar subsidies, will in fact, profit Saint Lucia and her people.

We have cultural, natural, historical and heritage resources that foreign investors covet – ask why? We have culinary, musical, artistic and entrepreneurial local talent that bursts out and takes over the world despite persistent lack of investment support. Ask why we don’t prioritise them for benefit of the nation: local business, meaningful local jobs. There will always be a place for foreign investment but based on what we see on our own shores and around us, we must ask – and answer – are our priorities misplaced?

Finola Jennings Clark works in heritage and cultural community development and runs www.islandeffect.com, a website dedicated to promoting local tourism. She is also currently a member of the Council of the Saint Lucia National Trust.

[damajority]

DaMajority Fresh Article https://www.damajority.com/prime-minister-meets-private-sector-to-help-shape-national-response-to-covid-19/

Prime Minister Meets Private Sector to Help Shape National Response to COVID 19

                                                 OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER

  15th March, 2020 

Press Release 

Prime Minister Meets Private Sector to Help Shape National Response to COVID 19

As the Government of Saint Lucia continues to monitor and respond to the COVID-19 situation, Prime Minister Honouble Allen Chastanet and the Cabinet of Ministers held an open meeting with the Private Sector Community on Sunday 15th March 2020. 

The purpose of the meeting was to allow key stakeholders of the country’s private and economic landscape the opportunity to make recommendations and proposals amidst the COVID-19 health threat for the Government to consider moving forward. 

The Prime Minister chaired the meeting and in his opening remarks said: “At this time, our focus as a Government is on containment and mitigation. This is why it was important for us to meet as a collective to decide on a strategy moving forward. To ensure that no segment of our society is left behind. We can only do this together.” 

Director of Finance, Esther Rigobert gave an overview of the economy and how the decisions made will have a financial impact on the government, households and businesses who depend heavily on sectors like Tourism, Trade and Business. 

Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce Brian Louisy presented on behalf of the Private Sector expressing concerns, ideas and options for moving forward within this evolving health threat. Mr. Louisy commended the Government of Saint Lucia, in particular the work of the Ministry of Health and Wellness, for the work that they continue to do, he added: “The Chamber is ready to play its part in this dynamic health situation. We advocate for everyone to come together to better respond.” 

Echoing the sentiments of the Chamber’s Executive Director, was the President of the Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association (SLHTA) Karolin Troubetzkoy. Joining the meeting via ZOOM, Ms. Troubetzkoy said that hotels are already recording high cancellations and the Association is discussing next steps based on various Government decisions moving forward. 

More key stakeholders were present and made presentations on behalf of their members: these include The Saint Lucia Medical Dental Association’s (SLMDA) Dr. Merle Clarke, Saint Lucia’s Employers Federation represented by Ms. Tecla Fitz Lewis, The National Workers Union (NWU) Ms. Solace Myers, The Carnival Bands Association’s (CBA) Adrian Augier, just to name a few.  The Prime Minister also thanked the Opposition for participating in the essential discussions.

These presentations and recommendations according to the Prime Minister in his closing remarks are important as the Government considers and weighs all options.

“I want to be able to understand the ramifications of every single decision we will be making,” noted the Prime Minister. “This is why it is so important that we continue to have these consultative meetings to ensure that all decision makers have a clear picture of what we are dealing with; and how it will affect every Saint Lucian. The health and safety of our country and nation is number one and we will all have to make sacrifices. Our focus now is to try to cushion the economic fall-out that our businesses may face, to minimize bankruptcy, secure resources for food, and healthcare.”

A National Emergency Management Advisory Committee (NEMAC) will be held on Monday 16th March 2020 AT 9:00AM and will broadcast live via all local television and radio stations. At this meeting, the country will be updated on definitive decisions and moves to help contain and mitigate against the spread of the COVID-19. 

Meanwhile, the country is encouraged to follow the Government of Saint Lucia social media pages and uphold the public health advisories given by the Ministry of Health and Wellness.

  END.

[oleggor]

Доброе утро (at Crete Greece) https://www.instagram.com/p/CCP34-SlhTa/?igshid=13av50ezob3bp

[laterrassestlucia-blog1]

About the event:

The Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) is a famous annual transatlantic event that is the largest Trans Ocean race of its kind in the world. The ARC Race organisers ensure a high level of safety and also organise some great social events suitable for the whole family. The ARC yacht race takes you across 2700 miles of the Atlantic Ocean from the Canaries to the Caribbean on the trade wind route intended to give optimum exciting downwind sailing.

Where?

The start of the ARC race is in Las Palmas in the Canaries and the race fleet head west until they hit rum. It finishes in Rodney Bay in the idyllic Caribbean Island of St Lucia.

When?

· Training dates: 17th to 21s tNovember 2015

· Race start: 22nd November 2015

· Approximate finish: Soon after the 9th of December

· Note- this race can take between 14 and 21 days to complete and we cannot predict an accurate ETA.

[kirklelliott]

So I was down in #soufriere the other day scouting locations for #photoshoots with my Buddy #teamgrooveland™💯, badass drummer for #jomersamarley, grandson of the one and only #bobmarley when we stumbled upon this absolutely #beautifuldestination ... #iamatraveler #wonderful_places #tlpicks #livetravelchannel #bbctravel #saintlucianow #slhta #pitons #stlucia #travelphotography #kirke9580 #nikonnofilter #exploring #stluciabeach (at La Haut)

[kirklelliott]

What's for dinner? ... and then my guy got down to some serious fishing! #saintlucianow #slhta #castries #travelphotography #travelling #stlucia #fishing #flyfishing #nikonnofilter #sunsets #rendezvousstlucia (at Malabar Beach)

[damajority]

DaMajority Fresh Article https://www.damajority.com/saint-lucia-offers-worry-free-holiday-guarantee-program/

Saint Lucia Offers Worry- Free Holiday Guarantee Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

  Saint Lucia Offers Worry- Free Holiday Guarantee Program

Castries- Tuesday July 30, 2019 – Saint Lucia continues to prove why she is a destination that inspires travelers to visit and explore her beauty and splendor. 

  Visitors to Saint Lucia can enjoy the perfect summer getaway with 25 properties on the island that are offering guests a holiday guarantee if their vacation were to be interrupted by adverse weather. 

  Though Saint Lucia is seldom affected by hurricanes, hotel operators associated with the Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association (SLHTA) created the holiday guarantee, so visitors could book their vacations with confidence at any time of the year. This unique Holiday Guarantee programme covers cancellations made prior to arrival and if the vacation is cut short because of a hurricane.

  The guarantee becomes effective upon the issuance of a hurricane warning by the Saint Lucia Meteorological Service and offers a waiver of cancellation penalties and an opportunity to rebook the vacation. 

  Travel Agencies and Tour Operators who can now offer their clients an additional layer of security for their vacations, in the event of a hurricane, have welcomed the Holiday Guarantee Programme, which got underway in 2018.

  Chief Executive Officer at the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority- Beverly Nicholson-Doty said; “As a sought after Caribbean destination,  it is utterly necessary that our Holiday Guarantee remains in full effect to assure our visitors that Saint Lucia takes pride in its tourism product.”

  Participating properties in the 2019 Holiday Guarantee Programme include; Serenity at Coconut Bay, Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa, Ti Kaye Resort & Spa, Calabash Cove Resort & Spa, Hotel Chocolat, Coco Palm, East Winds, Fond Doux Plantation & Resort, Ladera, The Landings Resort & Spa by Elegant Hotels, Villa Capri, Bay Gardens Resorts (Inn, Hotel, Resort and Marina Haven), Anse Chastanet, Jade Mountain, Mango beach Inn, C’est La Vie, Tet Rouge Resort, Aupic Paradise, Top of the World Apartments, Castles In Paradise Villa Resort and Marigot Bay Resort Spa and Marina. 

  For more information on the terms and conditions of the Holiday Guarantee Programme and offerings by the various participating hotels, visit; https://www.stlucia.org/en/specials/summer-specials or call 1-800-456-3984, or 1-888 4STLUCIA

  ##END##

  About Saint Lucia 

One of the Windward Islands of the West Indies’ Lesser Antilles, Saint Lucia (pronounced Saint LOO-sha) is nestled halfway down the Eastern Caribbean archipelago. The “Helen of the West Indies,” Saint Lucia is known for its natural beauty and diverse attractions, including the signature Piton Mountains – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – a tropical rainforest and one of the world’s few drive-in volcanoes. 

  Culturally rich offerings include the bustling marketplace in the capital of Castries, quaint fishing villages along the coastline, and the annual Soleil Saint Lucia Summer Festival. Saint Lucia’s wide range of accommodations includes world-class five-star resorts, all-inclusive resorts, intimate inns and value-oriented properties. Saint Lucia is also home to world class cruise and yachting facilities. The island is continually recognized as one of the leading Wedding and Honeymoon destinations worldwide.

[damajority]

DaMajority Fresh Article https://www.damajority.com/public-and-private-sectors-support-governments-decision-not-to-accede-to-subsidy-demands-by-virgin-atlantic-airways/

Public and Private Sectors Support Government’s Decision Not to accede to Subsidy Demands by Virgin Atlantic Airways

Public and Private Sectors Support Government’s Decision Not to accede to Subsidy Demands by Virgin Atlantic Airways

  Castries- Monday, July 29, 2019- While there are concerns over the loss of the Virgin Atlantic flight operated from London Gatwick (LGW) to Hewanorra International Airport (UVF),  the public and private sectors have arrived at a consensus that the demands from the British carrier were too onerous on the destination. This was made clear at a meeting on Saturday, July 27, 2019 chaired by Tourism Minster- Honourable Dominic Fedee, at Harbor Club.

During the meeting, some hoteliers subscribed to the view that paying a large subsidy of EC $20 million over a three-year period for the carrier’s 7% global contribution to Saint Lucia’s arrivals would create a ripple effect with other carriers to follow suit.

“In proactively addressing the situation at hand, the Government of Saint Lucia has already commenced dialogue with other carriers from the United Kingdom and will also continue to explore global options for more airlift into Saint Lucia.” Said Tourism Minister- Honourable Dominic Fedee.

Contributing to the discussions, CEO of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority- Beverly Nicholson-Doty, said, “We understand the possible impact that the British carrier’s withdrawal can impose on the industry, however the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority is committed to effective ways of building ‘Brand Saint Lucia’ with the investment of additional revenue to increase robust marketing and advertising efforts globally.”

Saturday’s agenda also welcomed questions from the audience, which were met with satisfactory responses. Concerns arising at the meeting include local hotels taking a collective position to Booking.com new website commission policy of 15% on Service charges paid to hotel employees.

Hoteliers also provided positive feedback on the recently held seventh annual Saint Lucia Showcase, which welcomed 22 buyers from North America who sell Saint Lucia as a primary market.

“The general positive feedback expressed at the industry meeting is encouraging and at the SLHTA we stand ready to assist our sister organizations and our general membership in the development and management of the hospitality industry.” Said CEO of the Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association – Noorani Azeez.

Progressing collaboratively towards an improved tourism product, the Ministry of Tourism, Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) and the Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association (SLHTA) will continue to meet with industry stakeholders to share concerns, ideas and recommendations that would seek to advance tourism locally.

For more information about Saint Lucia, visit www.stlucia.org or call 1-800-456-3984, or 1-888 4STLUCIA

  ##END##

[damajority]

SLHTA’s Virtual Agricultural Clearing House Honored for its work in Supporting Agri-Tourism Linkages

SLHTA’s Virtual Agricultural Clearing House Honored for its work in Supporting Agri-Tourism Linkages

SLHTA’s Virtual Agricultural Clearing House Honored for its work in Supporting Agri-Tourism Linkages   The SLHTA’s Virtual Agricultural Clearing House (VACH) was recently honored as a finalist in the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association’s 2017 CHIEF Awards. The CHTA’s Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum Awards highlights Caribbean businesses that through their best practices improves…

[laterrassestlucia-blog1]

what are your thoughts? This painting hangs from one of the entrances of La Terrasse!!

[laterrassestlucia-blog1]

You don’t want to deny your taste buds GREATNESS!! Come indulge!!

[laterrassestlucia-blog1]

We welcome you to La Terrasse Inn and French Restaurant, when in St. Lucia you are missing out if you don’t dine with us!!!

[laterrassestlucia-blog1]

To end the perfect dinner, Home Made Profiteroles are the best!