Pawol Le Paradis Newsletter - Vol. 3 Issue 3

DCG
Paw ol Le Paradis
PROPERTIES LIMITED
TOP O’
THE MORNE,
MORNE FORTUNE
RED
TAPE LANE,
P
BOX 376,
O
CASTRIES,
ST.LUCIA,
758 452
W.I
V O L U M E
3603
• Showtime in Paradise Pg 2
• Anse Ger Secondary School
Students at DCG Properties Ltd
Office Pg 3
• St. Lucia to be featured on Food
Network Pg 4
• St. Lucia Tourism Arrivals Pg 5
• Getting to Know Praslin - Errad
Plantation Pg 9
INSIDE THIS
ISSUE:
Inside the Westin Le
2
American Airlines
Strengthens Domestic & 4
Int’l Flights from NY
Greg Norman Golf
Course & Le Paradis
Construction Update
3
We thought it was time to put those voices to faces and present our Real Estate team who have been working around the
clock in guiding our residents in selecting the perfect ‘Le
Paradis’ spot.
• Son of the Soil returns Pg1
St. Lucia’s Food & Rum
Festival
I S S U E
J U L Y
2 0 0 7
UP CLOSE & PERSONAL WITH THE DCG TEAM - REAL ESTATE EXECUTIVES
SPECIAL POINTS OF
INTEREST:
Paradis Residences
3 ,
5
4
Wet your Appetite - First
look at the Le Paradis
6
Marina & Marine Village
Having a ‘Whale of a
Time’ in St. Lucia’s
Tropical Waters
7
St. Lucia Carnival 07
8
In this issue, we introduce to you the Real Estate Sales team
which is headed by Andrew Hadley. In the next issue we
will meet the Commercial Sales team.
The Director of Sales Mr. Andrew Hadley
is originally from Austin, TX. He received
a degree in Political Science from Texas
State University before moving to Vail, CO
in 1992. He lived in the Vail Valley for
eleven years before deciding that he had
enough of the cold winters in his life. “My
move to St. Lucia has put a permanent
smile on my face,” he remarks. An avid golfer and fisherman, Andrew loves the natural beauty, amenities and lifestyle
that St. Lucia has to offer. “I promise to make sure that the
Sales Executives on my team here at Le Paradis do their best
to help you achieve your real estate goals,” he declared.
Real Estate Executive, Ms. Carol Simmons
is originally from Trinidad and Tobago
and has called St. Lucia home for the past
two years. Carol has three beautiful girls
who are the apple of her eye. Prior to
joining the DCG team, Carol spent eighteen years as a flight attendant in her native country. “Although I’ve lived on St.
Lucia for two years, the natural beauty and friendly people
continue to inspire me,” she said.
John Ray Esquivel was raised in San
Marcos, a small town just south of
Austin, Texas. As a young student at
Texas Tech University, he discovered
his passion for the real estate industry. Upon graduation he pursued his
dream by working for nationally recognized builders where he specialized in
new homes sales and general real estate over the past seven
years.
Raised in a military family, Stephanie Frazier has lived all over the world but the
beauty of St. Lucia and the friendliness of
the local community continue to overwhelm her, making it truly her favorite
place in the world. “The scuba diving,
boating, ocean vistas and tropical rain
forest are all amazing,” she commented. Prior to arriving in St. Lucia, Stephanie worked for
seventeen years in residential real estate in Northern Virginia,
D.C. and South Florida. “It has always been a dream of mine
to find a luxury resort that protected the natural beauty of the
island while providing luxurious residences, services and
amenities. Le Paradis exceeds all of my dreams,” she states.
Corey Yanez is from Austin, Texas but is
originally from Minnesota. She obtained
her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. Her mother was born Canadian
and her father is Mexican-American. “I feel
very fortunate to have a taste of both cultures,” she states. During her University
years, she traveled and studied abroad in
Mazatlan, Mexico where she learnt to speak Spanish.
Christopher Wardrep is from Atlanta, Georgia, and has been selling real estate for
eight years. He studied civil engineering
and computer science for four years at
Georgia Tech. He returned to university to
earn a BBA in Real Estate from Georgia
State. In his spare time, he enjoys sailing,
snorkeling and is training to become certified in scuba diving.
Jo Ann Hawley is from the southwest
Florida coastal town of Naples, where
she had lived for the past three years.
She specialized in the sales of branded
private residence club ownership, as
well as general real estate. “Born,
raised and embraced by the bewitching Ozark Mountains of Northwest Arkansas, I appreciate
and relish the beauty of Mother Nature and where does she
reveal her crowning glory? - on St. Lucia,” she stated. “St.
Lucia is a destination unlike any other, where time stands
still and the beauty and tranquility of the island transcends
one into a blissful state.”
Son Of The Soil Returns
Our recent addition to the DCG
team is Mr. Germaine Serieux.
Germaine was born to Andrea
Serieux in the community of
Micoud. He was adopted at the
age of one year by Mr. Nugent
and Mrs. Vera Dennehy, who
raised him as their son along with
their three girls in the communities of Mon Du Don, Summersdale
and Praslin.
Mr. Dennehy, was the previous owner of the 554 acres on which
Le Paradis-Praslin Bay is being developed. Germaine states it will
be like having an overseer on the estate which has been in his
family for over one hundred years.
Germaine recalls exploring the estate on his own and enjoying
many family ‘get-togethers’ at the family’s house, soon to be the
Greg Norman Golf Club House.
He admits, “When the opening came up for Real Estate Executive it
presented the opportunity to see and appreciate the estate over and
over again form the client’s point. I viewed it as a means of sharing
my love for the area with others.”
With plans to someday have his own advertising and marketing
company, Germaine plans to make the most of this opportunity.
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2
INSIDE THE WESTIN LE PARADIS RESIDENCES
Le Paradis Resort interior living spaces
design concept.
DCG Properties Ltd. have partnered
with the Howard Design Group to
create the ultra-luxurious Westin Le
Paradis Residences.
Project Manager for the Westin Le
Paradis gives some insight as to the
concept and innovation behind the
interior design for the condominium.
“In order to integrate the vision of our
design with Starwood Westin's cuttingHoward Design Group was established edge modern style and the colonial
in 1971 by Jeffrey Howard. Among his style of the Le Paradis Resort we have
extensive credits are a large number of utilized color, texture and materials
hotel projects, both national and inter- that are inspired by the natural beauty
of the Island of St. Lucia without over
national.
stepping on the splendid views and
His firm which is based in Florida were natural elements”, he describes. “Our
rated #1 Interior Design Firm in 1986 design will unite all the components
by Interior Design Magazine.
that will be the image of Le Paradis.
More recently, the Firm’s work has This design includes the sophistication
appeared in numerous national and and simplicity that will provide the
international periodicals and books, "elegant and free" ambiance of the
including Florida Architect, Interior Caribbean and it provides an exquisite
Design, and South Florida Design. In and memorable experience.”
addition, the firm was rated "Top 100 Le Paradis Resort promotes serenity,
Design Visionaries" by Florida Interna- relaxation and understated elegances.
tional Magazine in the 2005 July/ Howard Design’s vision is to incorpoAugust issue.
rate these inspiring elements with in
Mr. Xavier Calero, Howard Design’s
Photo above: The Westin Heavenly Bed®. Using
some of the world's finest linens, a few thousand
feathers and a custom designed pillow.
The furnishings have been designed with the sensibility of integrating the cutting-edge modern style of
Westin Resorts and the colonial architectural elements of Le Paradis Resort.
Dark wood finishes enrich the contrasting, light
textures and color schemes of selected fabrics.
the resorts’ living spaces.
Photo above: The residences’ splendid views are
lightly framed with subtle window treatments in
the bathroom.
The residences’ splendid views are lightly framed
with subtle window treatments which serve to soften its crisp and white walls.
Clean and contemporary light fixtures accentuate
simplicity and elegance with in the living spaces.
Inspiring art work has been selected to echo the
Photo above: The living area of the Westin Le Paradis Residences.
Photo below: Front of one of the beachfront Westin Le Paradis Condominium
Residences.
Photo above: Back of the Westin Le Paradis Condominium Residences.
natural beauty of the Caribbean with its free-flowing
images.
The integration of light color schemes; enriching
textures and deep, rich woods all serve to orchestrate an ambiance that invites freedom and sophistication; an image that Le Paradis Resort invites its
residences and hotel guests to experience.
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VOLUME
3,
ISSUE
3
PAGE
3
Inside St. Lucia
Anse Ger Secondary School - One Day Work Experience
As part of its continued effort to assist in the social economic improvement of life on the Eastern Seaboard, DCG Properties Ltd. hosted two students from the Anse Ger Secondary School for a one day
work experience at the their offices in Castries.
Miss. Keiza Joseph - “My experience at DCG Properties Ltd. was really great! Just meeting the different
workers and seeing the place, I knew I would have had a wonderful time. The centre of attraction for
me at DCG Properties Ltd. was the picturesque view of Castries. The building itself, both inside and out
side was well decorated and really beautiful.”
Miss. Keitha Descates - “ My one day job experience was a good experience for me. Everyone was kind
and made me feel very welcome. I felt at home. They showed me what their work was all about and I
really appreciate the workers and managers for the time they took off their work to attend to me that
day.”
Teacher Mrs. Annius-Isidore expressed her heartfelt gratitude to DCG properties Ltd. on behalf of the
Anse Ger Secondary School.
Showtime in Paradise!
By David Pascal
Excerpt from the St. Lucia Star, July 02 2007
Photo: Minster of Tourism Allen Chastanet
with boxing promoter, Dan Goosen.
nation and the great thing about boxing is it
“We are really ecstatic and excited about bring pro- generates a lot of electricity.”
fessional boxing to St Lucia,” said Goosen. The overwhelming support we have not only from the Tourist For Chastanet, the timing for the November 16
Board and when speaking to everyone here about boxing match couldn’t be better. The day before
doing an event of this magnitude there is a lot of is the inauguration of the American Airlines
flight starting out of New York. The Minister is
excitement here.”
on cloud nine just thinking about the possibiliGoosen who is the President of Goosen Tutor Promo- ties and could hardly contain his enthusiasm at
tions, has been a promoter for over 25 years. He the press conference. “We are going to be able
discovered and managed the career of bouncer- to combine these two events to really make this
turned-actor Mr. T and guided the careers of several a massive launch for American Airlines,” he
young boxers who went on to become well-known said.
and respected World Champions. The list includes
Michael “Second to” Nunn, “Terrible” Terry Norris Chastanet feels St Lucia is being transformed
and the Ruelas brothers, Gabriel and Rafael. His into a major tourist attraction and will not be
achievements include being named WBA Promoter perceived as a romantic sleepy destination but
of the Year (2001). He is the first and only person an exciting one. He feels that over the next few
(and probably the last) in the United States to ever years, boxing will become very meaningful in
hold a boxing manager’s and promoter’s license helping that message get out.
simultaneously in the 1980’s. In 1999, Goosen was
The financial commitment for this boxing match
inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame.
is for one year; however, Chastanet was quick
How did the St Lucia connection come about? Chas- to point out that the moral commitment is for a
tanet was invited by Goosen to Las Vegas for the De much longer term. The thought process here is
La Hoya / Mayweather bout, where he met several to build up for a World Championship bout in
boxing officials. That started the ball rolling. Chasta- St Lucia. For the first couple of years there will
net and Minister of Sports, Lenard Montoute, are be championship bouts here but not for a World
eager to utilize the BCG for other sports besides title. Having big time bouts here is not only
cricket and are working together to bring big time good for the tourism product. It should also
boxing to the island. “Coming up with boxing really benefit the SLABA. Chastanet feels it will give
solves two problems for us,” said the Tourism Minis- young boxers the opportunity to meet and interter. “It gave us another avenue to promote this desti- act with professional boxers and possibly have
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Foreign investors are continuing to express confidence in St. Lucia's economy. Caribbean Cinemas
officially opened its 16 million dollar facility here
on 31st May making St. Lucia its fifth destination.
During the gala
opening, President
of Caribbean Cinemas Robert Carrady
said the company is
honoured to be a
part of the St.
Lucian
business
community, and is
committed to offerPhoto: Caribbean Cinema
ing St. Lucians a
located in Choc Estate, St.
premium
movie
experience they cannot get at home or anywhere
else.
The St. Lucia facility is equipped with eight auditoriums with a total seating capacity of one thousand nine hundred. Commerce Minister, Senator
the Honourable Guy Mayers, has expressed satisfaction with the investment and says he is equally
happy that the investors have placed strong emphasis on family entertainment.
There was the Thriller in Manila and Rumble in the
Jungle. Now get ready for Showtime in Paradise this
November, right here at the Beausejour Cricket
Ground, courtesy of TV networks Fox and Showtime
Sports
This will be big time boxing never before seen in St
Lucia. The official announcement was made at a
press conference Tuesday afternoon at Bay Gardens
Beach Resort. Special guests include Minister of
Tourism, Allen Chastanet; Chairman of the St Lucia
Tourist Board, Laurie Barnard; Director of Tourism,
Maria Fowell; world renowned Boxing Promoter,
Dan Goosen; and President of the St Lucia Amateur
Boxing Association (SLABA), Joseph “Reds” Perreira.
Caribbean Cinema Mega 8 Opens In St.
Lucia
“I welcome this new facility to the business sector
of St. Lucia,” Mayers said, “hopefully that discipline that would be exerted in that place would
encourage us to bring our little children to the
facility. I must say having seen what you have to
offer, cinema in St. Lucia has certainly come of
age.”
Caribbean Cinema is a family owned business
which began 38 years ago, with one location in
Puerto Rico, but now boasts a total of 3070
screens in 45 locations in Puerto Rico, Dominican
Republic, Trinidad, St. Maarten, St. Thomas and
now St. Lucia.
them take part or observe training sessions.
Perreira who is president of the SLABA knows the
significant impact of big time boxing in the Caribbean. He was one of the commentators in Jamaica
Photo: St. Lucia’s Beausejour Cricket Ground.
for the championship bout between George Foreman and Joe Frazier. He is looking forward to
November 16 and said, “it will be a proud night
for St Lucia and the Caribbean, because Showtime
is a major organization and some 35 million
homes are expected to tune in for the event.”
Perreira feels this mega event is full of positives for
the SLABA and will serve as a major vehicle for
attracting more youngsters to the sport.
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Inside St. Lucia
A winning formula for St Lucia Jazz
Excerpt from the St. Lucia Star, May 23, 2007 -By Bevan Springer
Minister of Tourism, Allen Chastanet
says the innovation of putting jazz
music back to center stage at the
world famous St Lucia Jazz festival
has paid off this year which was
held on May 4th - 13th.
Senator Allen Chastanet, who also
holds the Civil Aviation cabinet
portfolio, was very excited with the
response to the changes in this
year’s 16th festival last weekend,
which saw less R&B, but more jazz
performances from the likes of Brazilian Tania Maria, Grammy awardwinning Natalie Cole, as well as Al
Jarreau, George Benson and George
Duke. Grammy winner John Legend’s performance on Friday night also received rave reviews.
American Airlines Strengthens Domestic and
International Flights from New York
The format of straight-ahead and
Latin-Caribbean jazz on Thursday; a
great headliner on Friday and the
variety of smooth jazz and blues on
the Saturday and Sunday is a winning formula and I am really looking
forward to be able to continue with
that,” said Chastanet, who also was
pleased with the upgrade to the
main venue at Pigeon Island which
attracted about 20,000 patrons over
the four days. The John Legend show
sold a record-breaking three thousand tickets.
But the Senator will not allow complacency and is already planning changes for the 2008 festival, which include better lighting,
increased seating and expanding the corporate area. “With another
year to promote the festival and its new format, I think it’s going to
continue to do well,” said Chastanet.
St Lucia to be featured on Food Network
July 11, 2007
American will begin its nonstop service three times weekly on
November 15, 2007, from John F. Kennedy International Airport
(NY) into St. Lucia’s Hewanorra International Airport.
The Food Network’s two-time Emmy winning
personality Paula Deen (Best Lifestyle Host
and Best Lifestyle Program 'Cooking with
Paula Deen'), along with her sons Bobby and
Jamie and their families, spend a fun-filled
holiday in St. Lucia experiencing the island’s
culture and cuisine in an hour long special.
From New York JFK to St. Lucia (Hewanorra)
Flight
2009
Departs
10:45 a.m.
Arrives
4:20 p.m.
From St. Lucia (Hewanorra) to New York JFK
The Deen family chose St. Lucia for its natural beauty and legendary cuisine. The show
will air worldwide and be repeated throughout the year. Appropriately titled, the “Deen
Service operates on Thursday/Saturday/Monday through Dec. 13, 2007, and
then Thursday/Sunday/Monday thereafter.
Family Caribbean Vacation”, tune in to watch
Deen and the crew experience attractions
American currently offers daily nonstop service to St. Lucia
such
as
a
zip
line
adventure
tour through the rainforest, Fond Doux
(Hewanorra) from Miami.
Cocoa Plantation, Castries Market with local chef Robby Skeete, a
From Miami (MIA) to St. Lucia (Hewanorra)
traditional fish fry in Anse La Raye, Beasejour horseback riding, and
Flight
Departs
Arrives
much more.
Flight
2018
Departs
5:30 p.m.
Arrives
9:25 p.m.
2297
10:50 a.m.
2:15 p.m.
From St. Lucia (Hewanorra) to Miami (MIA)
Flight
2298
Departs
3:30 p.m.
Arrives
7:10 p.m.
Certain to build on the legacy of St. Lucia’s authentic Caribbean
dishes and savory flavors, Paula Deen showcases several of the
island’s tasty fare, including local produce, indigenous salt fish and
herring as well as island specialties like banana ketchup.
AA’s regional partner, American Eagle, will begin three weekly Food Network and Paula Deen are very selective
AIR TIMES:
when choosing the location for the “Deen Family
flights between St Lucia and Barbados on September 5.
Vacation” episodes--her previous segment in- July 14, 2007
St. Lucia to Barbados
9:00 PM ET/PT
cluded London and Paris.
Flight
5058
Departs
4:35 p.m.
Arrives
5:35 p.m.
Days
Wed., Thu., Sat.
Arrives
7:05 p.m.
Days
Wed., Thu., Sat.
Barbados to St. Lucia
Flight
5040
Departs
6:05 p.m.
American Airlines, strengthening its already robust schedule of
domestic and international flights from New York, will also begin
nonstop service between La Guardia Airport and Minneapolis/St.
Paul International Airport starting this September.
Also in September, they will begin new nonstop service from New
York to Las Vegas, while American Eagle will start nonstop service
to Louisville, Kentucky.
In May 2007, American opened its international service at JFK into
Concourse B of its new $1.3 billion terminal.
Air Jamaica also has non-stop flights from JFK International Airport
(NY) to Hewanorra International Airport every Sunday, Monday
and Thursday.
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Commenting on the Paula Deen shoot, July 15, 2007
Maria Fowell, Director of Tourism said, "This is 12:00 AM ET/PT
certainly a huge opportunity for St Lucia to be
featured to a niche audience that is responsive to July 15, 2007
7:00 PM ET/PT
an exotic Caribbean destination, coupled with
the double delight of a culinary adventure as July 21, 2007
seen through the eyes of a world famous televi- 4:00 PM ET/PT
sion food personality."
Forbes Magazine listed Deen on their
“100 most Powerful Celebrities in 2007”
list and last year the Wall Street Journal
said her show “Cooking with Paula
Deen” was the highest rated cooking
show.
Photo: Jamie & Bobby
discovered the joys of
kite-surfing.
With St. Lucia’s natural beauty, rich culture and exceptional St. Lucian personalities, the island was the ideal place to film
the show.
VOLUME
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Inside St. Lucia
St. Lucia’s Food & Rum Festival
The Food & Rum Festival is a gastronomic annual event which attracts
some of the best chefs, rum connoisseurs, food critiques and gourmands
from not only the Caribbean, but internationally.
Profits from ICC CWC 2007 will eliminate WICB deficit
Excerpt from the Jamaican Observer, July 13, 2007
A huge positive of hosting the ninth ICC Cricket World Cup will be the elimination
of the current WICB financial deficit.
Speaking following the 22nd meeting of the Board of Directors, held in Kingston,
Jamaica last week, ICC CWC WI 2007 Inc Chairman, Mr. Kenneth Gordon confirmed that the tournament profits will contribute heavily to securing the future of
West Indies Cricket and will assist in the provision of a direct return to host counThe festival is used to promote regionally and internationally re- tries.
nowned chefs, restaurants, Caribbean rums and Caribbean food "We broke new ground by hosting this event successfully in the Caribbean. Of
which is fast becoming an international delicacy.
course there are lessons we have learned and things which occurred that could not
The festival is a fun-packed weekend of food have been anticipated. The fact that we were able to effectively deal with the chaldemonstrations from internationally renowned lenges is a credit to the excellent work and high quality of the management team.
chefs as well some of St Lucia’s finest chefs The staging of the Cricket World Cup was an experience we all take great pride in."
rum tasting, wine tasting, gastronomic dinners said Mr. Gordon
at five star restaurants. The combination of
dinners featuring menus from the invited
chefs, lectures on rum, chef demonstrations,
rum tastings of over 40 rums from across the
region and concerts held on Saturday and
Sunday night.
"We compare very favorably
with much larger countries that
have hosted this event before.
We sold more tickets (672,000)
Photo: Chef Tony
than the last two Cricket World
Abou-Ganim
Cups in South Africa (625,000) and England (476,000) and garnered US$32 million
This year, the festival has a truly star studded culinary team which in ticket revenue which the ICC has told us is the highest gate ever. Along with the
will allow this festival to rival some of the best culinary festivals in high standard of organization of the matches, these are worthy achievements the
the world. Participates includes Chef Tony Abou-Ganim, currently Caribbean can be justifiably proud of. The profit from the event will also eliminate
the deficit of the WICB and this augurs well for the future of West Indies cricket," he
featured on the Iron Chef America competition with Mario Batali.
added.
St Lucia’s second annual Food and Rum festival will be even bigger
The Board of CWC 2007 comprises 18 distinguished West Indians including profesand better in 2007, thanks to a
sionals, government ministers and business leaders drawn from across the region.
ground-breaking partnership with
Caricom, the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), the Caribbean Hotel AssociaBET J. Upcoming television expotion (CHA) and the University of the West Indies are also represented.
sure will help organizers expand it
significantly during its second stagMr. Gordon pointed to some of the successes of the tournament including the investing.
ment in infrastructure made by regional Governments and the management of over
9,000 persons across the region in the staging of the largest ever event in the CaribCybelle Brown, Vice President of
bean.
Sales and Marketing with BET Digital Networks, said her company had
Photo: Bartenders at the 2006
invested in the 2006 festival –
Food & Rum Festival.
which was presented by the St Lucia
Hotel and Tourism Association, MACO Caribbean Living and BET J –
and upcoming television exposure will help organizers expand it
significantly during its second staging from November 1 to 4, 2007.
"Thanks to our governments we now have 12 world-class cricket stadiums and 22
practice facilities for the further development of West Indies cricket - built on time
and to specification. Over 4,300 volunteers and 3,000 event security personnel were
trained and deployed and we now have a cadre of over 500 West Indians trained
and experienced in world games event management."
Despite the inherently high costs of staging the event in the Caribbean, the prelimi“The event in October 2006 was a tremendous success and we are nary financial results indicate a healthy profit which will greatly assist the WICB and
thrilled to have made a contribution to its sustainability,” said Brown. provide a direct return to host countries.
Festival organizer and St. Lucia’s Minster of Tourism & Civil Aviation
Allen Chastanet, said the event will develop into a major "linkage"
event in years to come, promoting the nexus between tourism, agriculture and art.
The 2007 Food & Rum festival will be held from November 1st to
4th on Pigeon Island, St. Lucia.
For more information visit - www.foodandrumfestival.com
St. Lucia Travel & Tourism Navigating the Path Ahead
Economic Impact
Source: World Travel & Tourism Council
• Travel & Tourism Demand in Caribbean is expected to reach US$56,077.4
mn in 2007, growing to US$107,279.5 mn in 2017.
• In Saint Lucia, in 2007, Travel & Tourism is expected to post US$634.6 mn
of economic activity (Total Demand), growing to US$1,111.3 mn by 2017.
• Saint Lucia's Travel &Tourism Industry is expected to contribute 16.2% to
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2007 (US$167.6 mn), rising in nominal
terms to US$298.9 mn (19.5% of total) by 2017. The Travel &Tourism Economy contribution (percent of total) should rise from 46.0% (US$475.1 mn) to
53.7% (US$825.0 mn) in this same period.
• In Caribbean, Travel & Tourism is expected to post average annualized
gains of 3.4% between 2008 and 2017.
Tourism Arrivals to St. Lucia
2007
TOTAL ARRIVALS
Source: The St. Lucia Tourist Board
Provisional results
Jan
21,887
Feb
Mar
April
May
24,610 26,573 27,716 25,212
TOTAL
125,998
MARRIAGE LICENSES ISSUED
233
253
249
312
367
1,414
CRUISESHIP PASSENGER
81,536 79,152 77,679 57,684 24,336 320,387
76.8
80.7
73.3
59.1
69.2
71.8
AVERAGE HOTEL OCCUPANCY(%)
BEDNIGHTS
195,049 209,972 249,492 198,203 179,622 1,032,338
YACHTING
2,871
3,213 2,502 2,772 2,917
14,275
ARRIVALS BY
COUNTRY OF RESIDENCE
UNITED STATES
CANADA
UNITED KINGDOM
FRANCE
GERMANY
OTHER EUROPE
7,871
2,902
6,271
409
197
586
8,489
2,770
7,631
569
208
480
10,200 10,502 10,770
2,710 1,549
759
8,459 7,243 6,787
233
346
272
194
124
133
345
467
284
47,832
10,690
36,391
1,829
856
2,162
CARIBBEAN
OTHER COUNTRIES
3,604
47
4,160
303
3,754
678
5,845
362
22,090
4,148
21,887
24,610 26,573 27,716 25,212
125,998
TOTALS
4,727
2,758
• For Saint Lucia, Travel & Tourism activity is expected to grow by 3.9% per • Minister of Tourism & Civil Aviation, Allen Chastanet is projecting an increase to
annum in real terms between 2008 and 2017.
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1,000,000 arrivals within the next five years.
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LE PARADIS RESIDENCES & WESTIN HOTEL CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS
Now that the excavation of the Westin Hotel site
has commenced, more of the site have been
opened up and the size and scale of Le Paradis
Phase 1A can be appreciated from the main highway.
The construction company, Ashtrom International
Limited is looking to complete all eighteen condo
blocks to the ground floor slab level and advance
the hotel area as much possible before mid rainy
Photo above: Le Paradis Phase 1A
Left to right - block 8, 10, 9 4 and 2
Photo above: The Westin Hotel Site
4, 9 and 10 towards the southern end of the peninsular where all floors are completed and are
awaiting the roof which is due to commerce in
mid July.
Construction is now well underway on ten of the
eighteen condo blocks with excavation in progress
on a further five. Most advanced are condo blocks
Work on the infrastructure of the site has progressed with the main access road and the car
paths around the condo blocks.
Photo above: Foreground - block 7
Far left to right - block 10 and 9
season which generally starts around June through
to November.
LE PARADIS GREG NORMAN GOLF COURSE CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS
The signature Greg Norman golf course remains on schedule to meet the proposed
completion date of August 2008.
is complete. The next step is to
install the pumps and connect them
to the pipe now being installed.
Irrigation has started on the driving range.
The system is state of the art computer controlled to conserve water.
The best possible growing medium
for growing grass is sand. The plan
is to spread 12” of sand over the
entire golf holes.
The conventional PVC (polyvinyl chloride)
has been switched to a much more ecofriendly HDPE (high density polyethylene).
Photo above: HDPE pipes service life of 100 years.
The use of HDPE moves Le Paradis one step
closer to becoming a green resort.
The longevity or service life of HDPE is
over 100 years.
All sand is not alike; the DCG team
needed to find one that meet very Photo above: The Greg Norman golf course
and Le Paradis Phase 1A.
specific specifications. This process
has taken many months, with a
multitude of samples sent to the lab in the States. The sand was secured this
month.
The new pump stations have been received
in order to deliver the water around the golf
course. These stations deliver water at
pressures over 250 PSI.
Photo above: New pump stations
o
to be used to deliver the water. The excavation of the reservoir on hole N 5
Work is currently on the way on the construction of the stone wall at the hole number
4 and at the driving range.
Photo left: Construction of the stonewall at the
driving range.
‘Wet your Appetite’ - The first look at the Le Paradis Marina & Marina Village
The preferred concept plan was selected
by DCG Properties’ development and
marketing team during the charrette. The
consensus is that plan offers several advantages over other schemes, including the
saltwater lagoon, a long continuous beach
and an entry bridge over the Praslin River.
The saltwater swimming lagoon creates a
unique focal point for the marina village
and resort residents. This central feature,
together with the marina and Greg Norman golf course, creates a strong marketing and sales potential for Le Paradis. Secondly, the realignment of the Praslin River
allows for a long continuous beach with
public access. An inland canal with walkways for pedestrians is possible along the
river.
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The roundabout feature and Entry Bridge over the Praslin
River will create a grand sense of arrival on the main road.
Security is suggested at entry points to the marina village
and upland to the golf and boutique hotel. The boutique
hotel reception building
is located to
maximize
views of the
marina and
Praslin Bay. It
is centered on
the lighthouse
restaurant as
a key resort
icon
and
marine navigational feature.
PARADIS
VOLUME
3,
ISSUE
3
PAGE
Having a ‘Whale of a Time’ in St.
Lucia’s Tropical Waters
St. Lucians are lucky to
have several different
species of whale and
dolphin in their waters,
either resident in the
area or passing through.
The experience of encountering whales in
their natural habitat
makes for an adventure
not easily forgotten.
What is even more
amazing is the affinity
that one feels for whales
and dolphins when
paths cross, even if their
appearance is so unlike
that of other mammals. Photo above: Short-finned Pilot
nations of the Southern Caribbean. There
have been a recorded 25 different of marine mammals species found in the area.
Unlike other whale-watching destinations,
in St Lucia you can see different species of
whales all year round.
Some of these are Sperm, Humpbacks,
Orcas, Bryde’s, Pilots whales and dolphins
such as Spotted, Spinners, Bottlenose,
Risso’s and Frasers. Also spotted are
Beaked whales, Pygmy Sperm whales and
False and Pygmy Killer whales.
There are other
regular sightings of rarer
cetaceans,
including
dwarf and/or
pygmy Sperm
whales,
and
possibly Goose
beaked
and
A n t i l l e a n Photo above: A Humpback whale
breaching.
b e a k e d
whales. These reported sightings have been off
the Pitons on the west side of St. Lucia out of
the port of Soufrière, sometimes as close as a
mile (1.6 km) from shore, especially during the
months of April through July.
The most common cetaceans seen by boat
year-round are the Spinner and pantropical
Spotted dolphins which are sighted from
inshore to 2-3 miles offshore (3-5 km) and
short-finned Pilot whales some 3-20 miles According to St. Lucia's Chief Fisheries Officer,
(5-32 km) from shore.
the best sites where cetaceans occur commonly
Sperm whales are also regularly seen off and in fairly large numbers are in Soufrière Bay,
the northwest, west and southwest of the on the southwest coast which has deep waters
island, as well as False Killer whales. close to shore, and off northwest St. Lucia, from
Occasionally, Bryde's whales, as well as in the lee of the island to the waters between St.
whale and bottlenose dolphin.
Humpback whales are seen in the period Lucia and Martinique, traveling in pods of 20 to
St. Lucia is known to be
100 animals.
one of the premiere whale and dolphin watching desti- from January to April.
Wild St. Lucia - Trekking The Nature Trail
Tours along St. Lucia's Atlantic Coast offers outstanding views of the Island’s scenery, geographical features and biodiversity. For Instance, the
Eastern Nature Trail tour which forms part of Le Paradis project site traverses breeding ground of the frigate bird and other endemic species of the
island of St. Lucia home to numerous rare species.
Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)
Agouti (Dasyprocta antillensis)
The leatherback is the largest turtle and the largest living reptile in the
world. Mature males and females can be as long as six and a half feet (2
m) and weigh almost 2000 lbs. (900 kg). It is usually black in color with a
mottled black and white underside.
Its shell is leathery and raised into
seven prominent ridges.
The Agouti is a mammal indigenous to St. Lucia and is a member of the
rodent family. These little mammals are kin to the Guinea Pig.
Dasyprocta is Greek for "fuzzy butt," dasys meaning "hairy or shaggy" and
procta meaning "rectum" or "tail-end."
Leatherbacks migrate hundreds of
miles every year. Males never leave
the water, but females come back to
land for a short time (1.5 hours) to lay
eggs. Females mate every three or
four years, returning to the beaches
where they themselves hatched, to
deposit their eggs for as long as thirty years. One female may lay as
many as ten clutches in one breeding season. The interval between laying is about nine days. Around the month of March to August, there are
frequent visits to Grande Anse located in the north east of St Lucia by
both tourist and locals as this is normally
the time of the year that turtles come there
to lay their eggs.
Leatherback turtles subsist on a diet of
jellyfish, as well as other aquatic animals
and plants. The leather back turtle is said to
have the highest chance of survival among
all the other species of turtles.
The leatherback turtle Dermochelys coriacea is classified as critically
endangered by the World Conservation Union (IUCN).
The Common House Gecko (Hemidactylus mabouia)
The common house gecko is locally known as mabouya. It grows to a length of five inches, half of
which is taken up by the tail. During the day, the
gecko is found in dark crevices and shows a series
of V-shaped, transverse bands on the back and tail.
In the late evening, these geckos come out to hunt:
they may congregate at lights to feed on insects
attracted there.
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PARADIS
It has long, coarse brown hair and sits erect on long slender legs. The
Agoutis became scarce as were established as protected species in 1980.
They have a body length of approximately 50 cms (20 inches), a short tail
measuring approximately 2.5 cms (1 inch) and they weigh approximately
3 Kgs (6.5 lbs).
They eat nuts and fruits which fall to the forest floor
from the canopy above. Like squirrels, they will bury
food in time of plenty to dig up when food is scarce.
Agouti's are known as jungle gardeners as they often
bury nuts and seeds and forget where they put them,
therefore helping new plants to grow.
Agoutis have special adaptations to help them escape
from predators, their long legs and toenails, enlarged
like tiny hooves, help them run fast. They can erect long, bristle like hairs
on their back so that any enemy who tries to bite them will get a mouthful
of hair instead of meat.
They are active during the day and in the wild they are shy animals, fleeing from humans if they approach. These adaptations do not, however,
help them against human enemies who hunt them for meat as a delicacy
in many parts of St. Lucia.
Black- crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)
Known as ‘Crabier-la-Nuit’ by the locals, the night
heron has a stocky body, with a comparatively short
neck and legs. The length averages 58-72 cm, with the
females averaging slightly smaller than the males. The
adult has distinctive coloring, with a black cap; the bill
is stout and black, and the eyes are red. For most of
the year, the legs of the adult are yellow-green, but by
the height of the breeding season, they have turned pink.
Black-crowned night herons are social at all times of the year, associating
with other species of herons frequently. The fact that this night heron feeds
throughout the night means that it avoids competition with day herons
which use the same habitat.
7
VOLUME
3,
ISSUE
PAGE
3
Calendar of Events July - September 2007
St Lucia Carnival Celebrations Go
With A Bang!
St Lucia will be celebrating the most extravaganza event on the island that is Carnival with
a calendar full of electrifying events throughout June and July.
Each year in the capital, Castries, throngs of
people jam the streets in colorful costumes to
parade to the latest soca and calypso hits.
More than 3,000 locals and visiting festivalgoers are expected to come together to revel in
the annual cultural showpiece. With the introduction of a number of new activities, this year
promises to be bigger and more diverse than
ever before.
A highly traditional
event, Carnival festivities includes competitions and performances by masquerade
(Mas) bands, calypso
and soca singers, steel
bands, and beauty
contestants.
Highlights of the Carnival include the Calypso Monarch Finals, where the crowning of
the Carnival King and Queen takes place, the
Panorama Championships, seeing steelbands
EVENT
DATE
Official Carnival Launch
Fri - June 22
out the Caribbean.
The Jour Ouvert street
jump up is a wild affair
involving loud pulsating soca and calypso
music and dancing in
the streets of Castries.
Revelers are free to
wear whatever they
wish, and are judged
for the best, weirdest
outfit (referred to as Ole
Mas). Ole Mas is one of
the traditional forms of carnival that was transported from Trinidad during the early days and
has survived through dedicated individuals who
TIME
VENUE
rd
3:00 p.m.
Mindoo Philip Park
nd
2:00 p.m.
RC Boys School
Sun - June 3
RC Jam
competing for the top
spot and the legendary
Street Parade, where
individuals representing
particular bands compete in elaborate costumes before a panel of
judges.
Amidst the
revelry there is also a
jam that features top
soca acts from through-
Calypso Semi Finals
Sun - July 1st
4:00 p.m.
National Cultural
Centre
Groovy Soca Monarch
Wed - July 4th
Carnival Queen Show
Fri - July 6
Soca Monarch Finals
TBA
Gaiety, Rodney Bay
th
8:00 p.m.
Saamans Park, Choc
th
8:00 p.m.
Mindoo Phillip Park
th
10:00 a.m.
Vigie Sports Complex
Sat - July 7
National Junior Carnival
Sun - July 8
Mas On The Square
Mon 9th - 13th July
Square Jam
Mon 9th - 11th July
Inter Commercial House
Calypso Competition
Thurs - July 12th
8:00 p.m.
National Cultural
Centre
Panorama
Fri - July 13th
8:00 p.m.
Beausejour Grounds
Calypso Monarch Finals
Sat - July 14
th
8:00 p.m.
Mindoo Phillip Park
King & Queen Of The
Bands/Caribbean Soca
Monarch
Sun - July 15th
8:00 p.m.
Mindoo Phillip Park
J’Ouvert
Mon - July 16th
4:00 a.m. - 8:00
a.m.
Streets of Castries
Day One Parade Of Bands
Mon - July 16th
11:00 a.m. -8:00
p.m.
Streets of Castries
Day Two Parade Of Bands
Tues - July 17th
1:00 p.m. - 7:00
p.m.
Streets of Castries
Prize Giving Ceremony
Wed - Aug 15th
8:00 p.m.
TBA
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12 noon - 2:00
p.m.
7:00 p.m. -11:00
p.m.
Derek Walcott Square
Derek Walcott Square
8
thrive each year on presenting satire, wit, theatre, pun
during the early hours of
Jour Ouvert when the competition is judged by persons appointed by the carnival coordinating committee.
Ole Mas represents popular
entertainment because the
simple drab presentations
are humorous and readily
invoke infectious laughter.
During that same afternoon (Monday), Mas bands
head through the streets of Castries to be judged at
the Mindoo Philip Park. On Tuesday, all Mas bands
parade through the streets for judging which, ends in
numerous ‘Last Lap’ circuits round the city; a massive
“conga line”.
Preparation for the eagerly anticipated event starts
well in advance with the official launch which took
taking place last Sunday 3rd June. A street parade
leading into Mindoo Park, along with a dance melange and musical performances by top Calypsonian
and Soca acts were on hand to make sure the launch
went with a bang. The steel, national panorama and
junior pan champions were also showcasing their
talents on the day, giving visitors a taste of what is to
come in the weeks ahead.
The recently appointed Minister for Tourism, Senator
Allen Chastanet is keen to ensure even more emphasis is placed on the St. Lucia Carnival, and as a result,
budget for festivities this year has topped an impressive EC$1 million. This has not only allowed for
more promotional activity on island and further a
field, it means the party activities will be more extravagant than previously.
If you are planning to visit
St. Lucia for Carnival, be
there one week before or at
least by Friday before the
Monday and Tuesday parades (see calendar of
events). From Saturday
evening to Tuesday night
the city of Castries transforms into a large street
party scene.
Visitors who would like to participate in one of the
Mas bands (or ‘play Mas’ as called by the locals) can
reserve a costume by contacting the Cultural Development Foundation or visit www.luciancarnival.com
or www.stlucia.org.
The buzzing atmosphere, colorful costumes, energetic dancing in the streets and vibrant music are not
to be missed, and with the guarantee of a few surprises unveiled along the way, not being there is
simply not an option!
Lushun Carnival is a must see event!
VOLUME
3,
ISSUE
PAGE
3
GETTING TO KNOW PRASLIN
Calendar of Events July - September 2007
JULY
Errad Plantation is a 300year old a former spice
estate, full of fragrant nutmeg and abundant cocoa
trees. The estate located
near the village of Dennery
(5 minutes from Le Paradis,
Praslin Bay) crosses the
interior of the island and
borders the rain forest. The
old Estate House which was
built in 1903 is the Deveaux family's last remaining plantation house.
THE HERBAL CORNER
July 14 - 15
Rugby - Schoolboys 10’s Club Event
July 16
St. Lucia Carnival, Parade of the Bands - Day 1
July 17
St. Lucia Carnival, Parade of the Bands - Day 2
AUGUST
Aug 1
Emancipation Day
Aug 31
Fet La Woz - Feast of St. Rose De Lima (La Rose)
TBA
Coco Cola Junior Tennis
Cricket – School boys festival with schools from
Trinidad, Barbados and Windwards and St. Lucia
Fet Wivandez - Market Vendors’ Feast
TBA
Aug
SEPTEMBER
Visitors have a choice of several walks and hikes. After enjoy a short walk
on the plantation, which will take you into the undergrowth of the secondary lush, green rainforest you can return to the house to see and try the
"cocoa dance," which is processing and polishing of the cocoa beans,
including the drying of nutmeg mace.
After 'dancing the cocoa' you can take a short walk to St. Lucia’s largest
and most beautiful waterfall where you can take a dip before sampling a
veritable feast set against the backdrop of the majestic Plantation House.
Sept 27 - Oct 2
Bill Fishing Tournament
Dates in Bold are observed as public holidays.
- A poultice of heated leaves is beneficial for swellings and a counterirritant on
the gums for toothache.
- Decoction of leaves is use for cracks and eruptions of the soles of the feet.
- Infusion or extract from leaves is used for asthma.
Preparation of the bark for cold or flu
White Frangipani
A piece of the bark measuring about 2.5 to 3.0 square inches, brought to a boil
with a pinch of salt added and drank as a tea. The flu is known to disappear after
a day of two if taken for at least three times daily.
Botanical Name: Plumeria Alba
Family: Apocynasceae
Frangipani is well-known for its intensely
fragrant, lovely, spiral-shaped blooms
which appear at branch tips June through
November. The tree itself is rather unusual in appearance; the 20-inch-long, coarse, deciduous leaves clustered only
at the tips of the rough, blunt, sausage-like, thick, grey-green branches. Branches
are upright and rather crowded on the trunk forming a vase or umbrella shape
with age. They are rather soft and brittle and can break but are usually sturdy
unless they are mechanically hit or disturbed. A milky sap is exuded from the
branches when they are bruised or punctured. The flowers are about 2 inches
long, arranged in 5 petals.
The Frangipani is a xerophytic plant known to survive in
stony to rocky areas within coastal areas. The plant is
known to exhibit symbiotic relationships with caterpillars
(in particular the ‘Frangipani caterpillar’ as shown in the
photo to the left) which feed on its leaves. The plant
depends on the caterpillars to eat its leaves in order to
flower. By the time the caterpillars would have completed the feeding process of pruning those leaves they
would have metamorphosized into butterflies/moths and
the Frangipani plant would then blossom with beautify scented white flowers.
The Frangipani flowers are used in making perfume.
Recommended dosage
½ tea cup - 3 times daily.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Praslin Crossword
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Folkloric Medicinal Value
The frangipani plant is useful because of its medicinal value that is used as a
diuretic for the treatment of venereal disease and a remedy for skin complaints
and intermittent fever. All parts of the plants contain a thick, milky sap which is
poisonous if ingested.
However decoction of the Frangipani bark is used for:
•
Purgative.
•
Emmenagogue.
•
Febrifuge.
•
Preventive for heat stroke, (taken as a cooling tea).
•
Dysentery or diarrhea.
- A mix of the latex or sap with coconut oil (warm) is applied to affected area
for:
•
Arthritis.
•
Rheumatism.
•
Pruritic skin lesions.
•
Treatment of cold sores.
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9
PARADIS
16
Across
1. Record ticket sales for this sporting event
3. Name of son who has returned
4. The 'Mabouya' who lives in houses
5. Top country tourism arrivals are from
8. Plant found in Praslin used to treat the flu
11. Number of condo blocks in phase1A
12. Creole name for the 'Feast of St. Rose'
13. Designer of the Westin Residences
15. Owner of the Westin brand
16. Name of the restaurant at the Le Paradis
Marine
Down
1. Must see event!
2. Indigenous mammal
6. Le Paradis Executive with a military family
7. Name of construction crew
9. Unbleached beauty of Praslin
10. Found off the coastline also in a
plane
11. Coco plantation in Dennery
14. Praslin phonetic spelling