First cruise ships return to St Lucia

The first cruise ships have returned to the Caribbean island of St Lucia following the devastation caused by hurricane Tomas. P&O’s Oceana arrived in Castries yesterday, closely followed by Holland America’s Noordam.
Oceana’s captain, Mark Symonds, was met by Prime Minister Stephenson King and tourism minister Allen Chastanet as he presented donations to the local Red Cross, including two pallets of mineral water, biscuits, mattresses and furniture.
The Prime Minister reported that Tomas has destroyed the island’s entire banana crop, and “wiped out” agriculture. The town of Soufriere was the hardest hit and roads to the town in the south of the island have not yet been re-opened.
Water supply remains a big problem although supplies are expected to return to normal by Wednesday.
The Foreign Office is warning that a state of disaster is still in force on the island, and is likely to remain until at least November 14. Large parts of the island, including many hotels, are without mains water, and the FO says British nationals due to travel to St Lucia, are “strongly advised” to check with their accommodation provider before departure. At least 14 people died as a result of the storm.
Despite the problems, the souvenir duty free shops have opened for cruise ship visits, and the majority of shore excursions including Dolphin Watch, St Lucia Ziplining, Piton’s pleasure cruise and the aerial tram are operating as normal.
Prime Minister King has accepted an invitation to lunch on board Oceana on Tuesday when the ship returns to the island. He will be accompanied by the Prime Minister of Grenada who will be visiting St Lucia.
PICTURE SHOWS: (from left) Alasdair Ross, Oceana food and beverage manager; Captain Mark Symonds; a representative from the Red Cross; Prime Minister Stephenson King and Mrs King