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We here on St Lucia are eagerly awaiting the quickly approaching St Lucia Food and Rum Festival. The weekend of October 30-Nov 2 will see top chefs from around the world, as well as premium rum companies come to the Rodney Bay area of St Lucia to show off their talents and tastes. Saturday and Sunday afternoons will be showcasing the international cuisine in the Chef Demonstration Tent, a treat for all five senses as you observe the culinary experts at their game and sample their newest creations. A Rum Pavilion will also be set up close by so you can try your palate at some of the finest Rums the world has to offer. Although dominated by the Caribbean islands, Rum has become a prized spirit distilled in all parts of the world, and as such, many parts of the world will be represented. Most of the Rum (or Rhum from our French neighbors) companies will also be bringing their well tested mixologists to prepare the finest versions of their favorite cocktails.

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A festival is never complete without culture and entertainment which is provided by the Lecture Hall, where the big hit last year was Duane Dove’s “Rum and Chocolate Pairing” presentation as well as Live Music. The festival was originally founded as the “Rum and Reggae” festival, but as international chefs and exquisite food took center stage, the name adapted to the proper surroundings. Even though the name of the festival may have changed, there will still be plenty of live music, mostly focused still on Reggae, headlined by Rootz Underground. There are more acts yet to be named, as well as rum companies and chefs that will be in attendance. Check out the Food and Rum Festival’s Website for more info and updates, and we’re excited to see you over this celebratory weekend!

I spent a little time with the Karib Cable people in order to update the comments I made in June. At that time I said that they were expecting Cap Estate to be receiving service in September. Well, we’re two months from that report, and only half a month from that deadline. It appears they haven’t been pushed back too far though, now saying October is when they’ll be reaching the north of the island. So it’s coming, and the pace is not too far off.

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In the mean time, I was able to get my hands on their rates and the channel line-up so you can compare to Cable and Wireless to determine what’s best for you. Cable tv (80 channels) will run you EC$69.99/ mo. They do not have options on other premium channels. Internet price is based on speed; 1.1 MB is $79/m, 2.2MB at $149, 3.3MB at $249 and 4.4 MB at $499. You can also combine cable and 1.1 MB internet for $135/m, saving you $15 (or $180 yearly). There is also a one-time modem purchase fee of $99 to start. I also have the channel list as follows:

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TV Guide, CNN, CNN International, Headline News, BBC World, Fox News, ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, CW11, City TV, ISAT, TNT, USA, Military, Sci Fi, Discovery, TLC, HGTV, Food Network, Travel, Animal Planet, National Geographic, Discovery Times, Weather Channel, Gameshow Network, Toon Disney, Discovery Kids, PBS, Boomerang, Cartoon Channel, Lifetime, WE, FTV, Bravo, American Life, OLN, Comedy Central, ESPN2, ESPN International, Fox Soccer Channel, Blackbelt TV, K45, DBS, HTS, TCT, NTN, Choice, Visitors Channel, Caribvision, Tempo, RE TV, CMT, MTV Hits, VH1 Soul, VH1 Classic, VH1, TV Land, TV5, DW, Action, Stz in Black, Sho, Starz!, Turner Classic Movies, Lifetime Movies, Hallmark, EWTN, TBN, 3ABN, JCTV, Bloomberg, MSNBC, gospel, symphonic, country, easy listening, reggae, urban hits.

The ARC, or Atlantic Rally for Cruisers, is the largest trans-Atlantic sail annually as the European/Mediterranean fleet returns to the Caribbean following the Hurricane Season. This is a massive event for St. Lucia, as we are the ending point for the Rally and upwards of 200 boats come in over a week long window. The events are always entertaining for the hundreds of sailors and visitors to the island, but as the event grows in popularity, so too do the facilities required. Inspired by this event, as well as the increasing tourism and investment numbers, the international marina facility company of IGY has purchased Rodney Bay Marina and is well under way in a US$100,000,000 renovation. The first necessity of this project, an increased number of slips for docking are aimed to be complete by 13 Dec of this year, the arrival date of our first cruisers coming from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the Canary Islands.

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The original press release of the project, from their website, is as follows:

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GROUNDBREAKING HELD to UNVEIL PLANS for ENHANCED MARINA FACILITIES and SERVICES

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA (November 19, 2007): Island Global Yachting (IGY), one of the world’s premier owners, developers and managers of marina properties and yachting lifestyle destinations, announced today that it had commenced a redevelopment of its Rodney Bay Marina on St. Lucia, W.I. The project was presented during a groundbreaking ceremony at the marina attended by company executives and Island officials. Slated for completion in late 2008, the new Rodney Bay Marina will feature 252 fully reconstructed slips including the addition of 30 berths dedicated to megayachts and a refurbished upland component with retail and restaurant facilities. During the renovation, the marina will remain operational.

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Already considered one of the Caribbean’s leading centers for yachting and sport fishing, Rodney Bay Marina also offers a 4.5 acre boatyard and is situated in a well-protected hurricane hole. For the past 16 years the Marina has been the completion stop for the famous Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC), a grueling 2,700 nautical mile voyage undertaken by more than 230 yachtsmen each year. IGY purchased the marina in early 2007.

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Andrew L. Farkas, chairman and founder of Island Global Yachting said, “Rodney Bay Marina is already the leading marina facility in the region and has been a cornerstone for IGY in the Caribbean. We are excited to work with the Government and people of St. Lucia to further develop this property into one of the finest luxury yachting destinations in the world. This renovation at the Rodney Bay Marina will continue to reposition the island of St. Lucia as a major megayacht destination and enhance the tourism industry in Rodney Bay by serving as a port of disembarkation to the southern Caribbean.”

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“Our strategic location will allow for the megayacht circuit to cruise through the southern islands in the Caribbean towards Barbados, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, and Trinidad and Tobago,” continued Cuthbert Didier, general manager of Rodney Bay Marina.

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“Prior to this redevelopment, there were no first-class marina ports in the southern Caribbean which cater to the megayacht industry. We look forward to continuing to serve our loyal clientele with an even better facility and welcoming new customers to the Rodney Bay Marina.”

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The Rodney Bay Marina was established in 1986 by Arch Marez, a California-based entrepreneur who died in 2005. Through the years, the Rodney Bay Marina has become the center of yachting tourism on the island of St. Lucia, complementing the luxury hotels and condominiums which support its northern tourism belt. For reservations and more information on the Rodney Bay Marina, please click to www.igy-rodneybay.com.

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ABOUT ISLAND GLOBAL YACHTING
From the islands of the Caribbean to the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf and other beautiful yachting destinations around the world, IGY is redefining the very idea of luxury marina experiences.

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Founded in 2005, IGY focuses on acquiring, controlling and/or servicing luxury-yacht marinas and the surrounding upland real estate properties. Island Global Yachting marinas operate under the signature Yacht Haven Grande collection and the IGY series brands, as well as several private labels. Headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, IGY also has offices in New York, NY; St. Thomas, USVI; and Dubai, UAE.

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IGY is an affiliate of Island Capital Group LLC, a real estate merchant banking firm led and founded by Andrew Farkas, former chairman of Insignia Financial Group. For more information, please visit www.igymarinas.com.

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Last month an excited young group of students came from the US to St Lucia as part of a study abroad program. The trip, sponsored by Lynchburg College and Randolph College, both in Lynchburg Virginia, focused on education and service. Here’s a quick report of the trip:

50 Lynchburg College and Randolph College students, faculty and staff traveled to St. Lucia for 17 days as part of a service-learning program that focused on health, developmental, and educational needs; mentoring and tutoring adolescents at risk and learning about government and cultural programs in St. Lucia. The study abroad experience was from May 21 to June 6. The largest study-abroad program out of LC, the venture is also the school’s first to combine education with service learning projects. Students are working alongside St. Lucia residents in academic concentrations in education, nursing and international relations.

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Dr. Bradley Bullock from Randolph College along with his wife, Sabita Manian, an associate professor of international relations at LC, will also lead the trip. Before returning to Lynchburg June 6, other planned projects include teaching residents skills such as counting money, reading, following directions, and telling time; cleaning up a beach; restoring a community center; building a playground for preschoolers with no safe place to play; and planting a garden.

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This trip helps develop valuable people skills that one will need to be successful in any work related field in the future. The International relations program worked with the RC boys catholic school in Castries. The nursing and education program did screenings for younger children in Castries and in the southern part of the island.

It’s great to hear that Lynchburg and Randolph Colleges have decided to send their students to St Lucia as part of a service project. These trips work both ways, in that the country and its people are given a service, whether it be a personal one such as education in life skills, or a physical one like painting buildings and building playgrounds, and the students gain immeasurable experience. While it’s not a traditional college course, these students were exposed to a new culture and view on the world, all the while using their professional skills in a real life setting.

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Flagship Homes is glad to report on stories like these. We constantly hear about construction, development and tourism being the engines that are driving the current economy, but the people have as much to do with it as anything. St Lucia, just like any other country, has its population of less educated, and volunteerism has been a prevailing factor in improving these conditions. Both foreign volunteers, such as the students from Virginia, and especially local initiatives are constantly working to make and keep St Lucia the beautiful tourist destination and residence that it is today and will be tomorrow.

The Caribbean fleet generally heads north to the US or east to the Med for the summer season. This mass exodus is two fold, it’s dangerous to be on the water during hurricanes, and second, both areas are very nice, sought after vacation destinations this time of year. It’s a holiday for many in the northern hemisphere because the good weather is only around 3 months out of the year.

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Well, here in St. Lucia, we don’t really have to worry about the hurricane part of the season, as you can read above in our section labeled "Afraid of Hurricanes?" , although on the rare chance that one comes through, you have plenty of time to either pull out of the water, or sail down towards Trinidad and Tobago, and out of any treacherous path. As far as the good weather goes, well, we have that 12 months a year, it’s more a way of life than a holiday. The term "low season" and the diminished tourist numbers are more a factor of other people not needing to seek out all the beauty that St Lucia has to offer all year round, because they’re relishing their 3 months of escapism.

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Despite, or maybe because of, the lower numbers, the people of the island, and avid sailors alike find a great deal of things to keep themselves busy. The St Lucia Yacht Club has a constant list of activity, that refuses to slow down over the summer months. I will try to keep you informed of them as they happen, because sailing is a big part of the island culture, as well as a great draw for tourism. I feel letting you know what our sailors are up to will give you a good idea of when to come visit. On short notice, any fans of future generations, or maybe aspiring Olympians would be interested to know that this Saturday, 28 June, will be the first St Lucia Optimist Championship, from the St. Lucia Yacht Club itself. This is a race geared for the novice and intermediate racers, as the boats are designed for children under the age of 15 . The yacht club has a pretty extensive learning program, and I count a few of the instructors amongst my friends. There’s no doubt the event will be both entertaining for casual observers, and exciting for those who hope to see a Lucian presence on the world sailing map.

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Our fine young sailors have also been extended an invitation to the "The Chief Minister’s International Youth Regatta ", 11 to 14 July on the island of Tortola. Sponsored by the Tortola Rotarians and ‘Kids an the Sea’ (kats), the SLYC will send a six man crew to compete in this international event.

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Finally, in near-future sailing news (as there is plenty of far off news that I can’t quite cover yet), 2 August is the BMW J24 Invitational here on St Lucia, at the SLYC, naturally. Here is a chance to watch top skilled international competitors tack and jibe against each other in crews of 5. This was an exciting event last year, as our junior team took home the top prize, skippered by 18 year old Fredric Sweeney, and second going to a Lucian crew led by SLYC member Nick Forsberg. Martinique and Trinidad took home 3rd and 4th, and with their return and others, this is sure to be a great day again. It is my hope that I’ll be able to report first (or is it second?) hand the action of the day, and we’ll all get to appreciate what St Lucia brings to the world of sailing, even as the world of sailing is elsewhere at the time.

In this, my first official news from the island, I’d like to set the rumour mill ablaze. I wish I could say this was totally fact based, but their website is not too helpful in my endeavor, the good news is I have a good amount of knowledge on the subject anyway. Karib Cable (www.karibcable.com) is working on spreading itself to the island.

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Let me back up for a minute. Currently, the island’s cable and internet services are provided by ‘cable and wireless’ (www.candw.lc). They’re also the parent company of bmobile, one of the two cell phone services available. Since c and w is the only provider of internet, they haven’t had much incentive to improve their service. The internet on the island comes through the phone lines and is sporadic at best. Yes, logging on and surfing around is easy and accessible, but trying to stream in a video, or downloading a program have proved to be impossible. You have to visit an area that is set up with a high cost business account in order to do that. The complaints over the service here compared to the US or UK are uncountable.

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Enter Karib Cable, the knight in shining armour. You can see their trucks and crews all over the island now as they’re stringing up lines to areas around Rodney Bay, Castries and even into individual houses in Cap Estate. With them, they’re bringing fiber optics along with the coaxial cables, insuring high internet speeds and multiple tv stations. Rumours have it up to 100 stations. The backbone to this improvement is the (also rumoured) infrastructure behind it. The problem with c and w is not that they send the internet through phone lines (although that is now quite antiquated), but they string service from the US through one island to the next, creating a daisy chain of service that is affected down the line if any part has a problem. This is an inevitable dilemma which is virtually impossible to improve to the point that we will have constant, streaming internet. Karib Cable, on the other hand, will be dropping a direct line from St. Lucia to the US. That alone should create a faster, better internet and cable service for us.

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The news of Karib Cable is a welcome change for the island. In the spirit of capitalism, competition drives down prices and improves services exponentially faster than a stagnant monopoly, happy with what they have and having no reason to spend money to improve upon it. Thanks Karib Cable, we hope you bring us great things, and even bring out the best in the old standard Cable and Wireless. You’re a fine addition to the beautiful island of St Lucia, the Helen of the West Indies.

We here at Flagship Homes would like to welcome everyone to our New Website!

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Designed with the foreign investor in mind, the site should help you learn about new home construction and available real estate on our beautiful island of St. Lucia. Being a new website inevitably means there will be problems to iron as we look to improve the experience for you. Please contact us with corrections you find or suggestions for something you’d like to see. The internet is a constantly evolving medium and we hope to stay on the forefront of what it offers for you.

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In addition to our comprehensive website, we’re bringing to you the first "on the ground, in the streets" description of everything going on around St. Lucia both professionally and recreationally in the form of this blog. As much as we’ll keep you abreast of the progress and development of our projects, we’ll be bringing to you accounts of everything going on around the island as well. If you think you might want to be living in St. Lucia, isn’t it right that you know what the country itself is like? We think so. Don’t be shy in contributing to our conversations, the comments section is here for you to offer opinions on our posts and ask the questions that you want answered. The more dialogue created here, the better your experience is sure to be.

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Thank you for taking the time to visit us. We hope to see you here again and especially on the island of St. Lucia in person, where you can experience all that the Helen of the West Indies has to offer.

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