The eye of Hurricane Dean spared St. Lucia’s tourism infrastructure from its wrath as it past north of the island as a Category 2 storm last Friday.

Director of Tourism Maria Fowell reported today that the airports in the north and in the south of the island were now open for business with the news that services were being resumed with increased airlift to help delayed passengers.

Fowell added that all roads affected by landslides have now been cleared and are passable, returning access between the north and south. Additionally, electricity has been restored and businesses resumed operations on Saturday.

Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Senator Allen Chastanet reported that government authorities are making admirable progress with the clearing up debris on the island. Similarly, hoteliers have reported no significant damage to their properties as they complete the clean-up this weekend.

“We are pleased to announce that St. Lucia is indeed open for business,” said Chastanet. Senator Chastanet, who also is chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization, added “Our prayers are with our brothers and sisters in the Eastern Caribbean who have been affected by this storm and those in the Central and Western Caribbean who are preparing for its passage over the next few days.”

Maria Fowell said, “We’re thankful that the island is back to full operational capacity, due in part to the spirit of the St. Lucian people and the fact that the hurricane passed the island in its early stages.” She too empathized with her Caribbean neighbours and prayed for minimal loss of life and property in the ensuing days.
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