jkurtiak

I am just curious since I have heard so much about the poverty being REALLY bad in st. lucia but it hardle seems mentioned in these boards.
DO many people feel safe leaving there resorts at night or do you stick to one location and not really venture out?
any info is appreciated

Diana

No offense, but if you are AT ALL bothered by this prospect, STL is probably not for you.
I'd suggest Caymans, St Barts, Aruba.
To those of us who have traveled extensively in the Caribbean, it is not a problem and does not in most cases indicate a increased crime level.
St Lucia is not the safest island, nor is it the one with the most crime.
It falls in about the middle.
I've been all over the island twice at all times of the day and night at resorts and to local parties and have never had any problems.
That having been said, if this is a concern for you, don't stress over it and go somewhere it is not as visible and it won't cause you discomfort. (It can be found on virtually every island, but some cover it up better than others.)
Just as an aside, most of the people who live in the homes tourists might find to be "spartan," keep them spotlessly clean and are some of the happiest people I've ever met.

caribtraveler

I have to agree with Diana.
If poverty bothers you, it might not be the place for you. I think there are other islands and countries that are far worse than St. Lucia.
It didn't bother us at all when we went there, but then again I've lived in the central and southern part of Africa..places that make St. Lucia look pretty good re: poverty.

gyppielou

seemed extremely high to me when we went to Wyndham, the drive past shanty's and the attitude by the help at an all inclusive gated resort made me feel like, " The American Tourist Caged" However the other side of the island, Pitons area felt much more friendly, and a wonderful destination. I don't like ot feel gated and corralled in. The Pitons does not have that feel>good luck

DAVECAROL

We just got back a month ago. I tend to agree with the other posters - it's right in the middle of the spectrum.

There is some real visible poverty, particularly in places like Soufriere and Anse La Raye. But I wouldn't say that I ever felt unsafe ... just not truly comfortable like I felt in St. John, the Caymans, Turks & Caicos, Anguilla.

hammail

Maybe I live in a dodgy area, but if you want to talk about poverty go to Cambodia. St. Lucia to me seemed like the healthiest of all the regular Carribean Islands of course not including the high-p[riced non-stick frying pan types like St. Barts et al. St. Lucian people are the nicest I have met in the region...they are proud (not alabama-rally-behind-the-flag proud mind you) individualistic,well educated and happy. Of course thos were my observations two years ago...things may have changed.