Some Caribbean islands have wiped away every trace of their local culture, so determined have they been to create homogenized winter playgrounds for tourists from all over the world.  It’s a short-sighted policy because it fails to recognize that many visitors want more than beaches and pools, visitors who can afford to take their dollars, euros, or whatever to other destinations offering something more distinctive.

St. Lucia, like its near neighbor Grenada, seems to be looking for the middle road.  It helps that the island is naturally distinctive, with its volcanic, hilly landscape, lush vegetation and stunning waterfalls.  The government is attempting to diversify the island’s economic base, moving into areas such as port facilities and petroleum storage.  Of course, many visitors won’t know or care about this, content with the stunning beaches, dependable weather, and warm waters, but it’s vitally important for the St. Lucians and their future.