Minsiter Sarah Flood-Beaubrun
Saint Lucia is still a safe destination for tourists, Castries Central Member of Parliament (MP) Sarah Flood-Beaubrun has said, in light of the Canadian government’s upgraded travel advisory for Saint Lucia.
Flood-Beaubrun said while Saint Lucia should be concerned about the new advisory, it is not something to be too alarmed about and so out of control that it cannot be addressed.
“It is of course a fact that from time to time incidents may occur but I think it is really important to state that Saint Lucia is still a safe destination for tourists,” she told St. Lucia News Online (SNO) on Monday.
The advisory which was updated on August 1, 2016 is warning Canadians travelling here to avoid places like: Marchand, Broglie Street, Grass Street, Leslie Land, and Wilton’s Yard, located off of Chausee Road, because of high rates of crime in those areas.
These are all areas within the Castries basin and falls within the Castries Central constituency.
The advisory is also warning its citizens of limited medical resources, generally poor road conditions, and unreliable public transportation in Saint Lucia.
But the Castries Central MP told SNO that these are general issues, which are being looked into.
“We know we do have issues in Castries Central and these matters are being addressed. But I think it is important that tourists take the usual precautions that they do when you go everywhere else,” she added.
The Canadian government is warning its nationals to exercise a high degree of caution when travelling to Saint Lucia due to moderate crime rates.
It said muggings have occurred in areas frequented by tourists and has advised its citizens to avoid showing signs of affluence, carry minimal sums of money and leave their passport and other valuables in their hotels safe.
Canadian tourists have also been urged to avoid unpopulated areas and unpatrolled beaches, especially after dark, and avoid staying in hotels or villas in isolated areas, which may have inadequate security.
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