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St Lucia still in ‘state of disaster’, warns Foreign Office
P&O Cruises Oceana became the first cruise ship to call at St Lucia since Tropical Storm Tomas ravaged the island but the Foreign Office is warning holidaymakers to check their hotels are open before travelling.
Although the St Lucia tourism minister issued a statement on November 3 insisting the island would be able to welcome visitors again from last Friday, the FCO warned that large parts of the island, including many hotels, were without mains water.
It said a state of disaster was still in force and likely to last until November 14. the hurricane left at least 14 people dead and others are still missing.
"British nationals due to travel to St Lucia are strongly advised to check with their accommodation provider before travelling," says an FCO statement on its website. "We understand that a number of hotels are closed and many (hotels) are reporting that they are unable to accept any new guests."
Hewanorra International Airport is open, although access by road from the rest of the island is currently limited to emergency vehicles. Access for visitors to the rest of the island is by internal flight or boat.
The smaller George Charles airport (SLU) in Castries, which serves regional destinations, is also open.
Oceana docked yesterday in St Lucia’s port of Castries just ahead of Holland America Line’s Noordam.
Oceana’s captain, Mark Symonds was met by St Lucia’s Prime Minister Stephenson King and tourism minister Allen Chastanet as he presented donations to the local Red Cross, including two pallets of mineral water, biscuits, mattresses and furniture.
The Prime Minister reported that Hurricane Tomas has “wiped out” agriculture and destroyed 100% of the island’s banana crop.
The town of Soufriere was the hardest hit although roads are expected to reopen soon.
All the usual tourist and duty free shops have opened for cruise ship visits, and the majority of shore excursions including Dolphin Watch, St Lucia Ziplining, Piton’s pleasure cruise and the aerial tram are operating as normal, said P&O.
By Linsey McNeill
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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