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St. Lucia may be described in terms of its size (twenty seven by fourteen miles), its approximate population (160,000), its climate (tropical), or its main sources of income (banana production, tourism, light manufacturing) - but what do such descriptions mean to those of us who were born and raised here? Or to those of us who now live overseas? It doesn't stir up memories of the exhilaration felt when going up river with a gang of other kids to slide down the waterfalls, crying 'Whiiiiee Sallee!' all the way down. It doesn't convey anything of the all-familiar sight of school children, barefoot with their uniforms dishevelled, pelting stones into fruit-laden mango trees and later, bellies full, pulling the stringy bits from between their teeth with their shirtsleeves. And what does dry, quantitative information teach those of us who intend to visit the island for the first time, hoping for a relaxed get-away on a soft, sandy beach, or a romantic time in a smoothly-run hotel? Lets try to keep those smells, sights and sounds in mind, and remember that they are what really make up the culture and people of St. Lucia – as we take ourselves on a concise tour of the island's history, its political make-up and social structure. th and 18 th centuries. | |
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