MBAA Caribbean District
General Information

HOST COUNTRY 44 TH MBAA DISTRICT CARIBBEAN CONVENTION

St. Lucia is twenty-seven miles long and fourteen miles wide, yet it combines a mixture of lush, golden beaches, woods, volcanic mountains and thick rainforest. It uncovers a tropical paradise, whose beaches and waterfalls, bubbling sulphur springs and mud pools, and forested volcanic slopes constitute some of the natural wonders of the world.

Strategically located and magnificently endowed by nature, St. Lucia has known human settlement for some 3,000 years. A turbulent history, which includes no less than fourteen conflicts between France and Britain for colonial possession of this jewel in the Caribbean Sea, has produced a welcoming, self confident, vibrant and dynamic people, whose unique culture and personality effortlessly blends their Amerindian, African, Indian, French and English heritage with other influences.

With an economy traditionally based on agriculture, fishing, forestry and tourism, St. Lucia has responded intelligently to both natural and economic challenges. A warm welcome for foreign investment has facilitated economic diversification in areas such as manufacturing and oil storage and tourism.

St. Lucia has two airports. Hewanorra International at Vieux Fort some forty miles south of the capital Castries and George F.L. Charles five minutes from the centre of Castries. American Airlines, Air Jamaica, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic to name a few service Hewanorra International Airport, whereas American Eagle, Caribbean Star and Liat service George F.L. Charles airport. The 44th MBAA convention is being held at Coconut Bay Resort and Spa, an all inclusive resort only minutes from Hewanorra Airport. Where possible, we encourage you to travel via this airport. A departure tax of US$21 or EC$54 is applied to non Caricom citizens and US$13 or EC$35 to Caricom citizens.

Valid passports are necessary for persons entering St. Lucia. Visas are not required if a visitor is a citizen of the US or a Commonwealth country, or if a visitor is a national of a country which has an agreement for exemption of the visa requirement. Please check via the nearest St. Lucian Consulate or via the Conference Organizers if you are in doubt. Citizens of Colombia, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Haiti, and Panama currently do require a visa.

Annual temperatures range between 70F and 90F and cooling breezes guarantee a natural air conditioning. Rainy season starts from June 1 to November 30. Summer clothing is worn year round. Summer sweater for cooler evenings can also be worn. Casual resort wear for daytime.

St. Lucia uses the Eastern Caribbean dollar which is EC$2.65 = US$1.00. English is the official language, however most St. Lucian’s speak local French –based patois.

St. Lucia’s electricity is 220 volts 50 cycles, with square three pin plug. A limited number of converters and adapters will be available at the resort.