| SAINT LUCIA Saint Lucia Saint Lucia Joined United Nations: 18 September 1979 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Click here Updated 06/15/10 |
| CAPITAL |
| POPULATION |
| CHIEF OF STATE |
| SELECTION PROCESS |
Castries
160,922 (July 2010 est.)
Elizabeth II of United Kingdom
Queen since 6 February 1952
Queen since 6 February 1952
The monarch is hereditary and holds that position for life or until
abdication. The Governor General is selected by the Queen.
Next scheduled election: None
abdication. The Governor General is selected by the Queen.
Next scheduled election: None
HEAD OF GOVERNMENT
SELECTION PROCESS
Following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or
the leader of a majority coalition is usually appointed prime
minister by the governor general; deputy prime minister
appointed by the governor general.
Next scheduled election: December 2011
the leader of a majority coalition is usually appointed prime
minister by the governor general; deputy prime minister
appointed by the governor general.
Next scheduled election: December 2011
| DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS |
| ETHNIC GROUPS |
Black 82.5%, mixed 11.9%, East Indian 2.4%, other or unspecified 3.1% (2001 census)
| RELIGIONS |
Roman Catholic 67.5%, Seventh Day Adventist 8.5%, Pentecostal 5.7%, Anglican 2%, Evangelical 2%, other
Christian 5.1%, Rastafarian 2.1%, other 1.1%, unspecified 1.5%, none 4.5% (2001 census)
Christian 5.1%, Rastafarian 2.1%, other 1.1%, unspecified 1.5%, none 4.5% (2001 census)
| GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE |
Parliamentary democracy with 11 quarters. Legal system is based English common law
Executive: Monarch represented by Governor General; Prime Minister is typical the leader of the majority party or
coalition appointed by the governor general
Legislative: Bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (11 seats; 6 members appointed on the advice of the prime
minister, 3 on the advice of the leader of the opposition, and 2 after consultation with religious, economic, and social
groups) and the House of Assembly (17 seats; members are elected by popular vote from single-member
constituencies to serve five-year terms)
elections: House of Assembly - last held 11 December 2006 (next to be held in December 2011)
Judicial: Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (jurisdiction extends to Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, the British Virgin
Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines)
Executive: Monarch represented by Governor General; Prime Minister is typical the leader of the majority party or
coalition appointed by the governor general
Legislative: Bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (11 seats; 6 members appointed on the advice of the prime
minister, 3 on the advice of the leader of the opposition, and 2 after consultation with religious, economic, and social
groups) and the House of Assembly (17 seats; members are elected by popular vote from single-member
constituencies to serve five-year terms)
elections: House of Assembly - last held 11 December 2006 (next to be held in December 2011)
Judicial: Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (jurisdiction extends to Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, the British Virgin
Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines)
| LANGUAGES |
English (official), French patois
| BRIEF HISTORY |
Saint Lucia's first known inhabitants were Arawaks, believed to have come from northern South America around
200-400 A.D. Numerous archaeological sites on the island have produced specimens of the Arawaks' well-developed
pottery. Caribs gradually replaced Arawaks during the period from 800 to 1000 A.D. They called the island Hiwanarau,
and later Hewanorra, which is now the name used for the Hewanorra International Airport in Vieux Fort. The Caribs had
a complex society, with hereditary kings and shamans. Their war canoes could hold more than 100 men and were fast
enough to catch a sailing ship. They were later feared by the Europeans because of stories of violence and cannibalism,
but much of this was probably exaggeration on the part of the Europeans. The Caribs were usually generous until attacked
or deceived (which are situations common to much of European colonial history). Europeans first landed on the island in
either 1492 or 1502 during Spain's early exploration of the Caribbean. The Dutch, English, and French all tried to
establish trading outposts on St. Lucia in the 17th century but faced opposition from Caribs whose land they were
occupying. Although the French pirate Francois de Clerc (also known as Jamb de Bois, due to his wooden leg)
frequented Saint Lucia in the 1550s, it wasn't until years later, around 1600, that the first European camp was started by
the Dutch, at Vieux Fort. In 1605, an English vessel called the Olive Branch was blown off-course on its way to Guyana,
and the 67 colonists started a settlement on Saint Lucia but after five weeks only 19 of them remained due to disease and
conflict with the Caribs, so they fled the island. The French officially claimed the island in 1635 but it was the English that
started the next European settlement in 1639, which was wiped out by the Caribs. It was not until 1651 that the French
came, this time from Martinique, commanded by De Rousselan, who held the island until his death in 1654. In 1664,
Thomas Warner (son of the governor of St Kitts) claimed Saint Lucia for England. He brought 1000 men there to defend
it from the French, but after two years there were only 89 left, mostly due to disease. For years after this, the island was
official traded back and forth between the English and the French in various treaties, as a bargaining chip. The English,
with their headquarters in Barbados, and the French, centered on Martinique, found St. Lucia attractive after the sugar
industry developed in 1765. Colonists who came over were mostly indentured white servants serving a small percentage
of wealthy merchants or nobles. Conflict with the Caribs increased as more and more land was taken. Near the end of the
century, the French Revolution occurred, and a revolutionary tribunal was sent to Saint Lucia, headed by captain La
Crosse. Bringing the ideas of the revolution to Saint Lucia, he set up a guillotine that was used to execute Royalists. In
1794, the French governor of the island declared that all slaves were free, but only a short time later the British invaded
again in response to the concerns of the wealthy plantation owners, and restored slavery after years of fighting. Castries
was burned in 1796 as part of that battle between the British and the slaves and French republicans. Britain eventually
triumphed, with France permanently ceding Saint Lucia in 1815. The British had abolished the slave trade in 1808, 3
years after slaves in Haiti gained their independence as the first Black republic in the Caribbean, but it wasn't until 1838
that slavery was actually abolished on Saint Lucia. Even after slavery was officially abolished, all former slaves had to
serve a four-year "apprenticeship" which forced them to work for free for their former slavemasters for at least three
quarters of the work week. Also in 1838, Saint Lucia was incorporated into the British Windward Islands administration,
headquartered in Barbados. This lasted until 1885, when the capital was moved to Grenada. Increasing self-government
has marked St. Lucia's 20th century history. A 1924 constitution gave the island its first form of representative
government, with a minority of elected members in the previously all-nominated legislative council. Universal adult suffrage
was introduced in 1951, and elected members became a majority of the council. Ministerial government was introduced in
1956, and in 1958 St. Lucia joined the short-lived West Indies Federation, a semi-autonomous dependency of the United
Kingdom. When the federation collapsed in 1962, following Jamaica's withdrawal, a smaller federation was briefly
attempted. After the second failure, the United Kingdom and the six windward and leeward islands--Grenada, St.
Vincent, Dominica, Antigua, St. Kitts and Nevis and Anguilla, and St. Lucia--developed a novel form of cooperation
called associated statehood. As an associated state of the United Kingdom from 1967 to 1979, St. Lucia had full
responsibility for internal self-government but left its external affairs and defense responsibilities to the United Kingdom.
This interim arrangement ended on February 22, 1979, when St. Lucia achieved full independence. St. Lucia continues to
recognize Queen Elizabeth II as titular head of state and is an active member of the Commonwealth of Nations. The island
continues to cooperate with its neighbors through the Caribbean community and common market (CARICOM), the East
Caribbean Common Market (ECCM), and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
Source: Wikipedia History of Saint Lucia
200-400 A.D. Numerous archaeological sites on the island have produced specimens of the Arawaks' well-developed
pottery. Caribs gradually replaced Arawaks during the period from 800 to 1000 A.D. They called the island Hiwanarau,
and later Hewanorra, which is now the name used for the Hewanorra International Airport in Vieux Fort. The Caribs had
a complex society, with hereditary kings and shamans. Their war canoes could hold more than 100 men and were fast
enough to catch a sailing ship. They were later feared by the Europeans because of stories of violence and cannibalism,
but much of this was probably exaggeration on the part of the Europeans. The Caribs were usually generous until attacked
or deceived (which are situations common to much of European colonial history). Europeans first landed on the island in
either 1492 or 1502 during Spain's early exploration of the Caribbean. The Dutch, English, and French all tried to
establish trading outposts on St. Lucia in the 17th century but faced opposition from Caribs whose land they were
occupying. Although the French pirate Francois de Clerc (also known as Jamb de Bois, due to his wooden leg)
frequented Saint Lucia in the 1550s, it wasn't until years later, around 1600, that the first European camp was started by
the Dutch, at Vieux Fort. In 1605, an English vessel called the Olive Branch was blown off-course on its way to Guyana,
and the 67 colonists started a settlement on Saint Lucia but after five weeks only 19 of them remained due to disease and
conflict with the Caribs, so they fled the island. The French officially claimed the island in 1635 but it was the English that
started the next European settlement in 1639, which was wiped out by the Caribs. It was not until 1651 that the French
came, this time from Martinique, commanded by De Rousselan, who held the island until his death in 1654. In 1664,
Thomas Warner (son of the governor of St Kitts) claimed Saint Lucia for England. He brought 1000 men there to defend
it from the French, but after two years there were only 89 left, mostly due to disease. For years after this, the island was
official traded back and forth between the English and the French in various treaties, as a bargaining chip. The English,
with their headquarters in Barbados, and the French, centered on Martinique, found St. Lucia attractive after the sugar
industry developed in 1765. Colonists who came over were mostly indentured white servants serving a small percentage
of wealthy merchants or nobles. Conflict with the Caribs increased as more and more land was taken. Near the end of the
century, the French Revolution occurred, and a revolutionary tribunal was sent to Saint Lucia, headed by captain La
Crosse. Bringing the ideas of the revolution to Saint Lucia, he set up a guillotine that was used to execute Royalists. In
1794, the French governor of the island declared that all slaves were free, but only a short time later the British invaded
again in response to the concerns of the wealthy plantation owners, and restored slavery after years of fighting. Castries
was burned in 1796 as part of that battle between the British and the slaves and French republicans. Britain eventually
triumphed, with France permanently ceding Saint Lucia in 1815. The British had abolished the slave trade in 1808, 3
years after slaves in Haiti gained their independence as the first Black republic in the Caribbean, but it wasn't until 1838
that slavery was actually abolished on Saint Lucia. Even after slavery was officially abolished, all former slaves had to
serve a four-year "apprenticeship" which forced them to work for free for their former slavemasters for at least three
quarters of the work week. Also in 1838, Saint Lucia was incorporated into the British Windward Islands administration,
headquartered in Barbados. This lasted until 1885, when the capital was moved to Grenada. Increasing self-government
has marked St. Lucia's 20th century history. A 1924 constitution gave the island its first form of representative
government, with a minority of elected members in the previously all-nominated legislative council. Universal adult suffrage
was introduced in 1951, and elected members became a majority of the council. Ministerial government was introduced in
1956, and in 1958 St. Lucia joined the short-lived West Indies Federation, a semi-autonomous dependency of the United
Kingdom. When the federation collapsed in 1962, following Jamaica's withdrawal, a smaller federation was briefly
attempted. After the second failure, the United Kingdom and the six windward and leeward islands--Grenada, St.
Vincent, Dominica, Antigua, St. Kitts and Nevis and Anguilla, and St. Lucia--developed a novel form of cooperation
called associated statehood. As an associated state of the United Kingdom from 1967 to 1979, St. Lucia had full
responsibility for internal self-government but left its external affairs and defense responsibilities to the United Kingdom.
This interim arrangement ended on February 22, 1979, when St. Lucia achieved full independence. St. Lucia continues to
recognize Queen Elizabeth II as titular head of state and is an active member of the Commonwealth of Nations. The island
continues to cooperate with its neighbors through the Caribbean community and common market (CARICOM), the East
Caribbean Common Market (ECCM), and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
Source: Wikipedia History of Saint Lucia
| ECONOMIC OVERVIEW |
The island nation has been able to attract foreign business and investment, especially in its offshore banking and tourism
industries, with a surge in foreign direct investment in 2006, attributed to the construction of several tourism projects.
Although crops such as bananas, mangos, and avocados continue to be grown for export, tourism provides Saint
Lucia's main source of income and the industry is the island's biggest employer. Tourism is the main source of foreign
exchange, although tourism sector revenues declined with the global economic downturn as US and European travel
dropped in 2009. The manufacturing sector is the most diverse in the Eastern Caribbean area, and the government is
trying to revitalize the banana industry, although recent hurricanes have caused exports to contract. Saint Lucia is
vulnerable to a variety of external shocks including volatile tourism receipts, natural disasters, and dependence on
foreign oil. The public debt-to-GDP ratio is about 70% and high debt servicing obligations constrain the KING
administration's ability to respond to adverse external shocks. Economic fundamentals remain solid, even though
unemployment needs to be reduced.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Saint Lucia)
industries, with a surge in foreign direct investment in 2006, attributed to the construction of several tourism projects.
Although crops such as bananas, mangos, and avocados continue to be grown for export, tourism provides Saint
Lucia's main source of income and the industry is the island's biggest employer. Tourism is the main source of foreign
exchange, although tourism sector revenues declined with the global economic downturn as US and European travel
dropped in 2009. The manufacturing sector is the most diverse in the Eastern Caribbean area, and the government is
trying to revitalize the banana industry, although recent hurricanes have caused exports to contract. Saint Lucia is
vulnerable to a variety of external shocks including volatile tourism receipts, natural disasters, and dependence on
foreign oil. The public debt-to-GDP ratio is about 70% and high debt servicing obligations constrain the KING
administration's ability to respond to adverse external shocks. Economic fundamentals remain solid, even though
unemployment needs to be reduced.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Saint Lucia)
| POLITICAL CLIMATE |
Politics of Saint Lucia takes place in the framework of an independent parliamentary democratic Commonwealth Realm
with Queen Elizabeth II as its head of state, represented by a Governor General, who acts on the advice of the prime
minister and the cabinet. The prime minister is the leader of the majority party of the house, and the cabinet conducts
affairs of state. The Governor General exercises basically ceremonial functions, but residual powers, under the
constitution, can be used at the governor general's discretion. The actual power in St. Lucia lies with the prime minister
and the cabinet, usually representing the majority party in parliament. Politics in St. Lucia was once dominated by the
United Workers' Party (UWP), which, until 1997 had governed the country for all but three years since independence.
John Compton was premier of St. Lucia from 1964 until independence in February 1979 and remained prime minister
until elections later that year. The Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) won the first post-independence elections in July
1979, taking 12 of 17 seats in parliament. A period of turbulence ensued, in which squabbling within the party led to
several changes of prime minister. Pressure from the private sector and the unions forced the government to resign in
1982. New elections were then called and were won resoundingly by Compton's UWP, which took 14 of 17 seats. In
the general elections held on December 11, 2006 the UWP, once again led by Sir John Compton, defeated the SLP,
winning 11 of the 17 seats
Source: Wikipedia Politics of Saint Lucia
with Queen Elizabeth II as its head of state, represented by a Governor General, who acts on the advice of the prime
minister and the cabinet. The prime minister is the leader of the majority party of the house, and the cabinet conducts
affairs of state. The Governor General exercises basically ceremonial functions, but residual powers, under the
constitution, can be used at the governor general's discretion. The actual power in St. Lucia lies with the prime minister
and the cabinet, usually representing the majority party in parliament. Politics in St. Lucia was once dominated by the
United Workers' Party (UWP), which, until 1997 had governed the country for all but three years since independence.
John Compton was premier of St. Lucia from 1964 until independence in February 1979 and remained prime minister
until elections later that year. The Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) won the first post-independence elections in July
1979, taking 12 of 17 seats in parliament. A period of turbulence ensued, in which squabbling within the party led to
several changes of prime minister. Pressure from the private sector and the unions forced the government to resign in
1982. New elections were then called and were won resoundingly by Compton's UWP, which took 14 of 17 seats. In
the general elections held on December 11, 2006 the UWP, once again led by Sir John Compton, defeated the SLP,
winning 11 of the 17 seats
Source: Wikipedia Politics of Saint Lucia
| INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES |
Joins other Caribbean states to counter Venezuela's claim that Aves Island sustains human habitation, a criterion under
UNCLOS, which permits Venezuela to extend its EEZ/continental shelf over a large portion of the Caribbean Sea.
UNCLOS, which permits Venezuela to extend its EEZ/continental shelf over a large portion of the Caribbean Sea.
| REFUGEES AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDP) |
None reported.
| ILLICIT DRUGS |
Transit point for South American drugs destined for the US and Europe
| HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENTS, ANALYSIS AND CRITIQUES |
2009 Human Rights Report: Saint Lucia
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
Saint Lucia is a multiparty, parliamentary democracy with a population of approximately 171,000. In generally free and fair
elections in 2006, former prime minister Sir John Compton returned to power when his United Workers Party (UWP) defeated the
previously ruling Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP), winning 11 seats in the 17-member House of Assembly. In 2007 Stephenson
King was appointed prime minister following Compton's death. Civilian authorities generally maintained effective control of the
security forces.
While the government generally respected the human rights of its citizens, there were problems in a few areas, primarily:
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
Saint Lucia is a multiparty, parliamentary democracy with a population of approximately 171,000. In generally free and fair
elections in 2006, former prime minister Sir John Compton returned to power when his United Workers Party (UWP) defeated the
previously ruling Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP), winning 11 seats in the 17-member House of Assembly. In 2007 Stephenson
King was appointed prime minister following Compton's death. Civilian authorities generally maintained effective control of the
security forces.
While the government generally respected the human rights of its citizens, there were problems in a few areas, primarily:
- abuse of suspects and prisoners by the police,
- long delays in trials and sentencing,
- violence against women,
- child abuse.
Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
Thirty-fifth session
15 May-2 June 2006
Concluding comments of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
Saint Lucia
Introduction
2. The Committee commends the State party for ratifying the Convention without reservations and expresses its appreciation to the
State party for its combined initial, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth periodic report, which followed the Committee’s guidelines,
while regretting that it was long overdue and noting that the report does not refer to the Committee’s general recommendations. The
Committee notes with appreciation the quality of the report, which includes data disaggregated by sex.
3. The Committee commends the State party for its delegation and expresses its appreciation for the frank and constructive
dialogue that took place between the members of the Committee and the delegation. The Committee expresses its appreciation to
the State party for the written replies to the list of issues and questions raised by its pre-session working group, and for the
introductory statement and further clarifications provided in response to the questions posed orally by the Committee.
Positive aspects
4. The Committee commends the State party on the initiation of a constitutional review process, which also includes a review of
other laws, such as the civil code and citizenship act. It welcomes the entry into effect of the Criminal Code No. 9 on 1 January
2005 and which includes new provisions on sexual offences and which now permits abortion under certain circumstances, and of
the Domestic Violence Act of 1994.
Principal areas of concern and recommendations
7. The Committee is concerned that it did not receive a fully satisfactory explanation regarding the standing of the Convention in the
national legal system. The Committee notes that, although the Convention was ratified in 1982, it appears that the Convention has
not yet been incorporated into domestic legislation, rendering its provisions non-enforceable and non-justiciable in the courts. The
Committee is also concerned that the judiciary may not be sufficiently aware of the Convention and the State party’s obligations
thereunder.
Click here to read more »
Thirty-fifth session
15 May-2 June 2006
Concluding comments of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
Saint Lucia
Introduction
2. The Committee commends the State party for ratifying the Convention without reservations and expresses its appreciation to the
State party for its combined initial, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth periodic report, which followed the Committee’s guidelines,
while regretting that it was long overdue and noting that the report does not refer to the Committee’s general recommendations. The
Committee notes with appreciation the quality of the report, which includes data disaggregated by sex.
3. The Committee commends the State party for its delegation and expresses its appreciation for the frank and constructive
dialogue that took place between the members of the Committee and the delegation. The Committee expresses its appreciation to
the State party for the written replies to the list of issues and questions raised by its pre-session working group, and for the
introductory statement and further clarifications provided in response to the questions posed orally by the Committee.
Positive aspects
4. The Committee commends the State party on the initiation of a constitutional review process, which also includes a review of
other laws, such as the civil code and citizenship act. It welcomes the entry into effect of the Criminal Code No. 9 on 1 January
2005 and which includes new provisions on sexual offences and which now permits abortion under certain circumstances, and of
the Domestic Violence Act of 1994.
Principal areas of concern and recommendations
7. The Committee is concerned that it did not receive a fully satisfactory explanation regarding the standing of the Convention in the
national legal system. The Committee notes that, although the Convention was ratified in 1982, it appears that the Convention has
not yet been incorporated into domestic legislation, rendering its provisions non-enforceable and non-justiciable in the courts. The
Committee is also concerned that the judiciary may not be sufficiently aware of the Convention and the State party’s obligations
thereunder.
Click here to read more »
FREEDOM IN THE WORLD REPORT- 2010
Political Rights Score: 1
Civil Liberties Score: 1
Status: Free
Overview
In 2009, St. Lucia was battered by economic uncertainty and rising crime as Prime Minister Stephenson King reshuffled his cabinet
amidst strong criticism from the opposition.
The SLP in 2008 repeatedly threatened to mount public demonstrations and called for King’s resignation. The opposition disagreed
with the government over its signing of the International Criminal Court agreement, its initial reluctant Saint Lucia is an electoral
democracy. The December 2006 elections were deemed free and fair, marking the first time that observers from the Caribbean
Community and the Organization of American States were invited to observe. A governor-general represents the British monarch as
head of state. Under the 1979 constitution, the bicameral Parliament consists of the 17-member House of Assembly, elected for five
years, and an 11-member Senate. The prime minister is chosen by the majority party in the House of Assembly. Six members of
the Senate are chosen by the prime minister, three by the leader of the parliamentary opposition, and two in consultation with civic
and religious organizations. The island is divided into 11 regions, each with its own elected council and administrative services.
stance on the Economic Partnership Agreement with Europe, and its failure to enter a drug interdiction agreement with Britain.
In 2009, Prime Minister King reshuffled his cabinet for the second time since taking office in an effort to regain political
momentum in the face of a deteriorating economic situation. A 12 percent decline in the tourism sector precipitated an economic
slowdown across most sectors and emboldened opposition leaders. King faced increasingly effective criticism from the opposition
on topics including the planned privatization of the Water and Sewerage Authority and higher salary scales for public servants. In
August, the opposition led protests in an effort to force out the minister of health and the attorney general. Meanwhile, problems
with renovations at the country’s High Court prompted a strike by court employees and members of the bar association.
The few incidents of official corruption recorded in 2009 were appropriately addressed through the judicial system, and the country
generally scores well in international surveys. Government officials are required by law to present their financial assets annually.
Saint Lucia was ranked 22 out of 180 countries surveyed in Transparency International’s 2009 Corruption Perceptions Index, the
best performer in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Click here to read more »
Political Rights Score: 1
Civil Liberties Score: 1
Status: Free
Overview
In 2009, St. Lucia was battered by economic uncertainty and rising crime as Prime Minister Stephenson King reshuffled his cabinet
amidst strong criticism from the opposition.
The SLP in 2008 repeatedly threatened to mount public demonstrations and called for King’s resignation. The opposition disagreed
with the government over its signing of the International Criminal Court agreement, its initial reluctant Saint Lucia is an electoral
democracy. The December 2006 elections were deemed free and fair, marking the first time that observers from the Caribbean
Community and the Organization of American States were invited to observe. A governor-general represents the British monarch as
head of state. Under the 1979 constitution, the bicameral Parliament consists of the 17-member House of Assembly, elected for five
years, and an 11-member Senate. The prime minister is chosen by the majority party in the House of Assembly. Six members of
the Senate are chosen by the prime minister, three by the leader of the parliamentary opposition, and two in consultation with civic
and religious organizations. The island is divided into 11 regions, each with its own elected council and administrative services.
stance on the Economic Partnership Agreement with Europe, and its failure to enter a drug interdiction agreement with Britain.
In 2009, Prime Minister King reshuffled his cabinet for the second time since taking office in an effort to regain political
momentum in the face of a deteriorating economic situation. A 12 percent decline in the tourism sector precipitated an economic
slowdown across most sectors and emboldened opposition leaders. King faced increasingly effective criticism from the opposition
on topics including the planned privatization of the Water and Sewerage Authority and higher salary scales for public servants. In
August, the opposition led protests in an effort to force out the minister of health and the attorney general. Meanwhile, problems
with renovations at the country’s High Court prompted a strike by court employees and members of the bar association.
The few incidents of official corruption recorded in 2009 were appropriately addressed through the judicial system, and the country
generally scores well in international surveys. Government officials are required by law to present their financial assets annually.
Saint Lucia was ranked 22 out of 180 countries surveyed in Transparency International’s 2009 Corruption Perceptions Index, the
best performer in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Click here to read more »
Summit of the Americas fails to address human rights
20 April 2009
The fifth Summit of the Americas has failed to recognize that human rights must be placed at the centre of efforts to confront the
many fundamental challenges facing the region.
Governments from every country in the Americas, except for Cuba, took part in the four-yearly meeting held in Port of Spain,
Trinidad and Tobago, between 17 and 19 April.
The 34 heads of state and government discussed the Summit's three principal themes: human prosperity, energy security and
environmental sustainability.
The Declaration of Commitment of Port of Spain was adopted by consensus at the close of the Summit on 19 April. Based on the
three themes, the Declaration fails to lay out a clear human rights framework for progress in these areas.
A number of governments, including Venezuela, Bolivia, Nicaragua and Honduras, indicated that they were not prepared to formally
sign the Declaration. Leaders agreed to instead adopt it by consensus and have Trinidadian Prime Minister Manning sign on behalf
of all leaders.
The governments that had registered objections did not feel that the Declaration deals adequately with the current global economic
crisis. They also wanted to see strong references to the issue of Cuba's reintegration into Organization of American States (OAS)
and the lifting of the US embargo against Cuba.
Amnesty International delegates at the Summit urged the governments of the region to make a firm commitment to ensuring that all
measures taken in response to the current global economic crisis fully conform to their human rights obligations. But the
recognition in the Declaration of the responsibility governments have to address the crisis does not acknowledge human rights at all.
"At a time of global economic turmoil and with a new spirit of compromise in the air between the government of US President
Barrack Obama and other governments in the Americas this Summit offered an unparalleled opportunity to lay out a strong human
rights vision for the Americas," said Alex Neve, Secretary General of Amnesty International Canada, who was part of the Amnesty
International delegation at the Summit. "Instead, human rights have once again been pushed to the back."
Click here to read more »
20 April 2009
The fifth Summit of the Americas has failed to recognize that human rights must be placed at the centre of efforts to confront the
many fundamental challenges facing the region.
Governments from every country in the Americas, except for Cuba, took part in the four-yearly meeting held in Port of Spain,
Trinidad and Tobago, between 17 and 19 April.
The 34 heads of state and government discussed the Summit's three principal themes: human prosperity, energy security and
environmental sustainability.
The Declaration of Commitment of Port of Spain was adopted by consensus at the close of the Summit on 19 April. Based on the
three themes, the Declaration fails to lay out a clear human rights framework for progress in these areas.
A number of governments, including Venezuela, Bolivia, Nicaragua and Honduras, indicated that they were not prepared to formally
sign the Declaration. Leaders agreed to instead adopt it by consensus and have Trinidadian Prime Minister Manning sign on behalf
of all leaders.
The governments that had registered objections did not feel that the Declaration deals adequately with the current global economic
crisis. They also wanted to see strong references to the issue of Cuba's reintegration into Organization of American States (OAS)
and the lifting of the US embargo against Cuba.
Amnesty International delegates at the Summit urged the governments of the region to make a firm commitment to ensuring that all
measures taken in response to the current global economic crisis fully conform to their human rights obligations. But the
recognition in the Declaration of the responsibility governments have to address the crisis does not acknowledge human rights at all.
"At a time of global economic turmoil and with a new spirit of compromise in the air between the government of US President
Barrack Obama and other governments in the Americas this Summit offered an unparalleled opportunity to lay out a strong human
rights vision for the Americas," said Alex Neve, Secretary General of Amnesty International Canada, who was part of the Amnesty
International delegation at the Summit. "Instead, human rights have once again been pushed to the back."
Click here to read more »
Saint Lucia
Child Soldier Global Report 2001
From the Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers
Grenada, Saint Lucia, Dominica, Saint Vincent and Grenadine and Saint Kitts and Nevis have police forces only, although some
paramilitary training is provided for special units. The police are generally organised and supervised according to British law
enforcement practices. None of these Caribbean states has a system of conscription into security forces and, therefore, recruitment
is on a voluntary basis only.
June 12, 2001 Multi Country Report
Saint Lucia: Landmine Monitor Report 2000
Saint Lucia signed the Mine Ban Treaty on 3 December 1997 and ratified on 13 April 1999. The treaty entered into force for Saint
Lucia on 1 October 1999. It is not believed to have enacted domestic implementing legislation. Saint Lucia has not yet submitted its
Article 7 transparency report, due on 29 March 2000. Saint Lucia did not participate in the First Meeting of States Parties to the
Mine Ban Treaty in Maputo in May 1999 and has not participated in the intersessional meetings of the ban treaty. It voted in favor
of UN General Assembly Resolution 54/54B in December 1999 in support of the Mine Ban Treaty. Saint Lucia has never produced,
transferred, used or stockpiled antipersonnel landmines. It is not mine-affected.
August 1, 2000 Multi Country Report
Click here to read more »
Child Soldier Global Report 2001
From the Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers
Grenada, Saint Lucia, Dominica, Saint Vincent and Grenadine and Saint Kitts and Nevis have police forces only, although some
paramilitary training is provided for special units. The police are generally organised and supervised according to British law
enforcement practices. None of these Caribbean states has a system of conscription into security forces and, therefore, recruitment
is on a voluntary basis only.
June 12, 2001 Multi Country Report
Saint Lucia: Landmine Monitor Report 2000
Saint Lucia signed the Mine Ban Treaty on 3 December 1997 and ratified on 13 April 1999. The treaty entered into force for Saint
Lucia on 1 October 1999. It is not believed to have enacted domestic implementing legislation. Saint Lucia has not yet submitted its
Article 7 transparency report, due on 29 March 2000. Saint Lucia did not participate in the First Meeting of States Parties to the
Mine Ban Treaty in Maputo in May 1999 and has not participated in the intersessional meetings of the ban treaty. It voted in favor
of UN General Assembly Resolution 54/54B in December 1999 in support of the Mine Ban Treaty. Saint Lucia has never produced,
transferred, used or stockpiled antipersonnel landmines. It is not mine-affected.
August 1, 2000 Multi Country Report
Click here to read more »
Prime Minister, Minister for Finance, Economic Affairs and National Development on the occasion of Saint Lucia’s
31st Anniversary of Independence:
National Youth Rally
Theme: Promoting Excellence in Saint Lucian Youth
Monday, 22nd February 2010
Permit me this opportunity; from the onset, to extend a blessed, peaceful and happy 31st anniversary of independence to all of you
under God’s care, protection and guidance. And as we celebrate, in observance of this great milestone in our Nation’s history, let
us stop for a moment – one single moment, to reflect on our past, our achievements, and our present situation in our history, and
let us recommit ourselves to the ideals for which independence was sought.
When the journey towards independence was initiated in 1966/67 the dream then; like most West Indian brother and sister islands,
was to liberate our country from Colonial rule and to clad ourselves with that responsible cloak of independence. Convincingly, the
fathers of independence intimated that as a people we were mature enough to fend for ourselves, determine our own destiny and
build a strong nation on the sound foundation of freedom and democracy.
Our journey through “Associated Statehood” in 1967 and eventually independence in 1979 gave us our constitutional entitlement to
the fundamental rights and freedoms enjoyed in any civilised and democratic society. Our Constitution – that instrument of
independence, guarantees each and every citizen the right to life, liberty, security, equality before the law and the protection of the
law. In addition, we are guaranteed freedom of conscience, of expression, of assembly and association, of protection of the
family, personal privacy, the privacy of one’s home and other property and the deprivation of property without compensation. All
of those are subject to respect for the rights and freedoms of others. Yet still, after 31 years of accepting that instrument of
independence, we are faced with challenges to those very rights and freedoms.
Today; though having attained much progress since independence, we stand at the cross roads of serious social and economic
challenges that threaten our very survival as an independent nation. Our basic and fundamental right to life, liberty and security is
under serious threat by a few who fail to respect the rights and freedoms of their fellowmen.
AS Prime Minister of this beautiful “... land that gave us birth”, I shall not cower, neither fail, nor waiver in my responsibility to
ensure the full entitlement of all Saint Lucians to the fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed under our Constitution.
I feel obligated, particularly to you the youth, to protect these rights and freedoms and to give you hope of a better tomorrow and a
brighter and prosperous future.
It is in this vein that I shall not allow our gains as a small developing nation; after 31 years of toil, to be evaporated by the growing
trend of lawlessness and deviant behaviour, disregard to law and order, and criminality in our society. There is no room in our
society for such alien attitudes and therefore this trend must stop now! In keeping with my recent announcement of a “zero
tolerance” to this type of activity, the Police; supported by the judiciary, has been mandated to, and must undertake, their
responsibility to protect the citizenry and bring the criminals to justice, without fear or favour to anyone whatsoever. Our society
must be purified as an investment to preserve the prospects of a brighter future for our children – “the sons and daughters of Saint
Lucia”.
Click here to read more »
31st Anniversary of Independence:
National Youth Rally
Theme: Promoting Excellence in Saint Lucian Youth
Monday, 22nd February 2010
Permit me this opportunity; from the onset, to extend a blessed, peaceful and happy 31st anniversary of independence to all of you
under God’s care, protection and guidance. And as we celebrate, in observance of this great milestone in our Nation’s history, let
us stop for a moment – one single moment, to reflect on our past, our achievements, and our present situation in our history, and
let us recommit ourselves to the ideals for which independence was sought.
When the journey towards independence was initiated in 1966/67 the dream then; like most West Indian brother and sister islands,
was to liberate our country from Colonial rule and to clad ourselves with that responsible cloak of independence. Convincingly, the
fathers of independence intimated that as a people we were mature enough to fend for ourselves, determine our own destiny and
build a strong nation on the sound foundation of freedom and democracy.
Our journey through “Associated Statehood” in 1967 and eventually independence in 1979 gave us our constitutional entitlement to
the fundamental rights and freedoms enjoyed in any civilised and democratic society. Our Constitution – that instrument of
independence, guarantees each and every citizen the right to life, liberty, security, equality before the law and the protection of the
law. In addition, we are guaranteed freedom of conscience, of expression, of assembly and association, of protection of the
family, personal privacy, the privacy of one’s home and other property and the deprivation of property without compensation. All
of those are subject to respect for the rights and freedoms of others. Yet still, after 31 years of accepting that instrument of
independence, we are faced with challenges to those very rights and freedoms.
Today; though having attained much progress since independence, we stand at the cross roads of serious social and economic
challenges that threaten our very survival as an independent nation. Our basic and fundamental right to life, liberty and security is
under serious threat by a few who fail to respect the rights and freedoms of their fellowmen.
AS Prime Minister of this beautiful “... land that gave us birth”, I shall not cower, neither fail, nor waiver in my responsibility to
ensure the full entitlement of all Saint Lucians to the fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed under our Constitution.
I feel obligated, particularly to you the youth, to protect these rights and freedoms and to give you hope of a better tomorrow and a
brighter and prosperous future.
It is in this vein that I shall not allow our gains as a small developing nation; after 31 years of toil, to be evaporated by the growing
trend of lawlessness and deviant behaviour, disregard to law and order, and criminality in our society. There is no room in our
society for such alien attitudes and therefore this trend must stop now! In keeping with my recent announcement of a “zero
tolerance” to this type of activity, the Police; supported by the judiciary, has been mandated to, and must undertake, their
responsibility to protect the citizenry and bring the criminals to justice, without fear or favour to anyone whatsoever. Our society
must be purified as an investment to preserve the prospects of a brighter future for our children – “the sons and daughters of Saint
Lucia”.
Click here to read more »
Parliamentary Commissioner Appointment Extended
....Another two Years for Mr. Madison Stanislaus
Thursday, 25 September 2008 – Her Excellency the Governor General Dame Pearlette Louisy acting in accordance with Section
110 (2) of the Constitution of Saint Lucia has been pleased to appoint Mr. Madison Adrian Stanislaus to the Office of Parliamentary
Commissioner for Saint Lucia for a further term of two years, with effect from October 1st, 2008.
Click here to read more »
....Another two Years for Mr. Madison Stanislaus
Thursday, 25 September 2008 – Her Excellency the Governor General Dame Pearlette Louisy acting in accordance with Section
110 (2) of the Constitution of Saint Lucia has been pleased to appoint Mr. Madison Adrian Stanislaus to the Office of Parliamentary
Commissioner for Saint Lucia for a further term of two years, with effect from October 1st, 2008.
Click here to read more »
Stamping out Gender based violence Crisis Centre has sixteen days!
25 November 2009
The St Lucia Crisis Centre will be staging a public awareness and sensitization campaign in the form a drums festival with the tag
line “Beat Pan and Drum . . . not People” at the Derek Walcott square in Castries on Saturday, November 28, 2009 from 11am,
under the patronage of Mrs Ione Erlinger-Ford-Patron of the St Lucia Crisis Centre.
This initiative is part of the action plan for a UNIFEM funded project as regards 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based
Violence. The 16 days begins on November 25 and ends December 10; the theme this year’s 16 Days of Activism is Commit, Act,
Demand: We can End Violence Against Women! The St Lucia Crisis is one of five organizations in the Caribbean region who each
secured a UNIFEM grant of US$4000 based on a competitive review of 15 proposals from a number of organizations throughout
the region, including Belize and Suriname. The objective of the SLCC project is to engender a balanced approach to the elimination
of gender-based violence and the promulgation of gender-equity within households, by taking steps to change perspectives of
masculinity while empowering women to “break the silence.”
November 25, White Ribbon Day is the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. This year,
the St Lucia Crisis Centre will join organizations around the world to commemorate this important time which gives persons around
the world the opportunity to share their best practices and show support for each other and the survivors and victims of gender-
based violence. This period also provides an opportunity to meaningfully engage in activities to raise awareness of gender-based
violence at the local and international level. It reminds us that gender-based violence is a violation of our basic human rights and this
is poignantly brought to our attention at the conclusion of the 16 Days of Activism, on December 10.
This year, the St Lucia Crisis Centre will try to heighten awareness of gender-based violence in a very creative way, in an effort to
reach a wide cross section of our society. The objective of the “Beat Pan and Drum . . . not People” campaign on November 28,
2009 is to engage especially young men in a zero tolerance of gender-based violence public awareness campaign and to empower
women to “break the silence” and to voice their experiences and desire for “healthy” relationships. The organizing committee,
which is chaired by the Crisis Centre, consists of representatives of the National Youth Council, Caribbean Healthy Lifestyles
Project [CHLP]-St Lucia Chapter, the Cultural Development Foundation, Division of Gender Relations and the St Lucia National
Netball Association.
The day’s activity on November 28, 2009 will be filled with entertainment and live performances from various artistes such as the
renowned Barbara Cadet and Angelbot. There will also be steel band and drum performances throughout the afternoon. Various
Government agencies and Civil Society Organizations will use this festival to mount exhibitions to educate the public on personal
health, wellness and gender-based violence, and offer assistance to persons in need. They will also be able to direct persons to the
relevant agencies so that their needs can be addressed. The St Lucia Crisis Centre invites the public to this public awareness and
sensitization campaign and to show their commitment to end gender-based violence.
In continuation of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender based Violence, the Caribbean healthy Lifestyles—St Lucia Chapter will
be collaborating with the Crisis Centre r in “Kicking AIDS Out” workshop.
The objective of this workshop is draw attention to the relationship between gender-based violence and HIV/AIDS; consequently
reducing the stigma of HIV/AIDS and positively impact on socio-cultural norms around sex, violence and women’s status. This
workshop will be held on World Aids Day—Tuesday, December 1, 2009. The theme for World Aids Day 2009 is “Universal
Access and Human Rights.”
In commemoration of Human Rights Day on December 10, 2009, the St Lucia National Netball Association will be partnering with
the Crisis Centre in an advocacy campaign which is geared towards promoting, through sport, gender equity as a basic human
right. This advocacy campaign will be in the form of a netball fiesta, with participating teams made up of both male and female
players. Players and officials will all wear T-shirts which carry the tag line: “Gender equity is a basic human right.” The Netball
Fiesta will be held at the Beausejour Indoor Facility on Thursday, December 10, 2009 from 5:30pm. At least four gender-balanced
teams will be participating.
Click here to read more »
25 November 2009
The St Lucia Crisis Centre will be staging a public awareness and sensitization campaign in the form a drums festival with the tag
line “Beat Pan and Drum . . . not People” at the Derek Walcott square in Castries on Saturday, November 28, 2009 from 11am,
under the patronage of Mrs Ione Erlinger-Ford-Patron of the St Lucia Crisis Centre.
This initiative is part of the action plan for a UNIFEM funded project as regards 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based
Violence. The 16 days begins on November 25 and ends December 10; the theme this year’s 16 Days of Activism is Commit, Act,
Demand: We can End Violence Against Women! The St Lucia Crisis is one of five organizations in the Caribbean region who each
secured a UNIFEM grant of US$4000 based on a competitive review of 15 proposals from a number of organizations throughout
the region, including Belize and Suriname. The objective of the SLCC project is to engender a balanced approach to the elimination
of gender-based violence and the promulgation of gender-equity within households, by taking steps to change perspectives of
masculinity while empowering women to “break the silence.”
November 25, White Ribbon Day is the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. This year,
the St Lucia Crisis Centre will join organizations around the world to commemorate this important time which gives persons around
the world the opportunity to share their best practices and show support for each other and the survivors and victims of gender-
based violence. This period also provides an opportunity to meaningfully engage in activities to raise awareness of gender-based
violence at the local and international level. It reminds us that gender-based violence is a violation of our basic human rights and this
is poignantly brought to our attention at the conclusion of the 16 Days of Activism, on December 10.
This year, the St Lucia Crisis Centre will try to heighten awareness of gender-based violence in a very creative way, in an effort to
reach a wide cross section of our society. The objective of the “Beat Pan and Drum . . . not People” campaign on November 28,
2009 is to engage especially young men in a zero tolerance of gender-based violence public awareness campaign and to empower
women to “break the silence” and to voice their experiences and desire for “healthy” relationships. The organizing committee,
which is chaired by the Crisis Centre, consists of representatives of the National Youth Council, Caribbean Healthy Lifestyles
Project [CHLP]-St Lucia Chapter, the Cultural Development Foundation, Division of Gender Relations and the St Lucia National
Netball Association.
The day’s activity on November 28, 2009 will be filled with entertainment and live performances from various artistes such as the
renowned Barbara Cadet and Angelbot. There will also be steel band and drum performances throughout the afternoon. Various
Government agencies and Civil Society Organizations will use this festival to mount exhibitions to educate the public on personal
health, wellness and gender-based violence, and offer assistance to persons in need. They will also be able to direct persons to the
relevant agencies so that their needs can be addressed. The St Lucia Crisis Centre invites the public to this public awareness and
sensitization campaign and to show their commitment to end gender-based violence.
In continuation of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender based Violence, the Caribbean healthy Lifestyles—St Lucia Chapter will
be collaborating with the Crisis Centre r in “Kicking AIDS Out” workshop.
The objective of this workshop is draw attention to the relationship between gender-based violence and HIV/AIDS; consequently
reducing the stigma of HIV/AIDS and positively impact on socio-cultural norms around sex, violence and women’s status. This
workshop will be held on World Aids Day—Tuesday, December 1, 2009. The theme for World Aids Day 2009 is “Universal
Access and Human Rights.”
In commemoration of Human Rights Day on December 10, 2009, the St Lucia National Netball Association will be partnering with
the Crisis Centre in an advocacy campaign which is geared towards promoting, through sport, gender equity as a basic human
right. This advocacy campaign will be in the form of a netball fiesta, with participating teams made up of both male and female
players. Players and officials will all wear T-shirts which carry the tag line: “Gender equity is a basic human right.” The Netball
Fiesta will be held at the Beausejour Indoor Facility on Thursday, December 10, 2009 from 5:30pm. At least four gender-balanced
teams will be participating.
Click here to read more »
Represented by
Dame Pearlette Louisy
Governor General since 1 September 1997
Dame Pearlette Louisy
Governor General since 1 September 1997
| Click map for larger view |
| Click flag for Country Report |
Leonard Montoute
Deputy Prime Minister
since 15 December 2006
Deputy Prime Minister
since 15 December 2006
Stephenson King
Prime Minister since 9 September 2007
Prime Minister since 9 September 2007
| TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS |
None reported.