Located in Saint Lucia, Des Voeux Island is one of the smaller islands in the country. The island has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s when it was used as a naval base. In 1834, Des Voeux Island served as the site of the last battle between British and French forces before the signing of the Treaty of Paris. The island has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.
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Des Voeux Island History
Des Voeux Island has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s when it was used as a naval base. In 1834, Des Voeux Island served as the site of the last battle between British and French forces before the signing of the Treaty of Paris.
The island is also notable for its ties to Walter Sisulu, one of South Africa’s most influential politicians and activists. Walter Sisulu was born in the African quarter of Saint Lucia. It was here that he built the foundations of what would eventually become one of South Africa’s biggest liberation movements: the African National Congress.
Today, visitors can build their own walking tour through St Lucia including stops to visit Fort Charlotte and The Cistern – both sites which are being conserved by UNESCO.
Climate
The climate on Des Voeux Island is warm and dry. The temperature ranges from 18 to 28 degrees Celsius, with an average of 22 degrees. There is plenty of sunshine throughout the year, with a total amount of 476 hours. The rainfall is never more then 25 cm . The island experiences both the eastern and western trade winds but on average, it gets about 7 – 8 hours of sunshine a day.
The Coral Coast Trail is open to visitors throughout the year for hiking, mountain biking or boating tours amongst other recreations. The trail borders history and natural beauty all combined into an unforgettable experience in beautiful St Lucia’s lush jungle setting.
Culture
Des Voeux Island is home to a variety of cultural highlights including:-
-The St. Lucia Botanic Gardens: With more than 10,000 plants from all over the world, this 52-acre garden offers visitors an awe-inspiring view of nature’s beauty at its finest.
-Mount Irvine National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most interesting natural wonders on the island, Mount Irvine offers hikers breathtaking views of both coastlines of St Lucia.
-The Cape Vidal National Park: Known as a place where anyone who visits has to see the ‘mountain carved in chunks of ice’, this desert landscape and one of the last major remnants of dry land on the island is truly awe-inspiring.
-Sugarloaf Mountain Beach and Golf Club: The first golf complex in St Lucia, Sugarloaf offers visitors two 18 hole championship courses ideal for half marathon running, walks in the rainforest or simply a quiet place to get away from it all.
-The St Lucia Botanic Gardens: Featuring over 10,000 plants of over 230 species with outstanding views of nature at its prime, this is one garden that you should check out if you are on the island and have time for a visit!
Politics
As an overseas country, St Lucia has its own British Parliament and is considered to be within the Commonwealth. The head of state is Queen Elizabeth II who is represented by an Governor General and the national day of Saint Lucia celebrates her birthday.
Economy
Tourism accounts for around 40% of GDP, with agriculture (primarily sugarcane) constituting 5%. Other significant industries include lobster fishing, shipbuilding and aircraft repair. Its main trading partners are Canada, the European Union and the USA.
Religion
The national religion practiced in St Lucia is Roman Catholic who have 1 bishop located at Castries Cathedral. Notable people from Saint Lucia include;
-George Leile – Local politician who served as “overseer”, the ‘Sovereign’ of Gran Christy until his death in 1634, having declared himself to be a monarch. His story is reflected in an English ballad called “King George’s Ghost”.
Government services
St Lucia is a Commonwealth realm and as such its government is centered around the Westminster system. The United Kingdom remains responsible for defense, foreign affairs and trade while the island has its own parliament which has responsibility for taxation, some social benefits (e.g. health care) and education.
The Prime Minister and Cabinet must be elected from within the House of Representatives. The territory has its own President, who only acts as head of state during a controversial Saint Lucia coup d’état in 1979 where soldiers shot at members of parliament and took control.
St Lucia is divided into 10 district (electoral areas) which elect representatives to the National Assembly. St John East –
Previously known as District 1 before January 2006 .
St Lucia South – is a recently renamed electoral district. Previously it was known as District 14 for the 2006 general election and District 11 in previous years when its Regional seat had an additional member elected by St Vincent since 1967 prior to that, with this being dropped following independence from Britain.
Tourism
Saint Lucia is a popular island for tourists, with excellent beaches and resorts. The main tourist destinations are: Castries (the capital), Gros Islet, Vieux Fort, Peter Island (the second-largest island in the Leeward Islands chain), and Soufrière.
Saint Lucia is also home to Richard Branson’s Virgin Active Bay, a luxury modern hotel complex that opened on 5 November 2011. The remote Pitons are an important location for hikes as well as kayaking tours of the island Biogeography.
The flora includes ferns, orchids (“Anacamptis stolidior”), ginger (Asarum y odontopetalum), giant African tulips and the gravellant, a type of mangrove that grows along the shore. Although Saint Lucia is primarily an organic garden, there are also some introduced tropical nature gardens.
Transport
Air
The main airport is Raymond James Grant Airport, which services flights to the United States, Canada and Europe.
Sea
There are regular ferry connections with Guadeloupe and Martinique. There are also two private yachting clubs on the island that operate ferries: Saint Lucia Yacht Club (SLYC) in Gros Islet and The Pitons Yacht Club in Soufrière.
Conclusion
If you’re planning on traveling to Canada anytime soon, Des Voeux Island is a must-see location. This island located in the Saint Lawrence River is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that celebrates its French colonial history. Aside from its historical significance, Des Voeux Island is also a great place to enjoy nature. With lush greenery and crystal-clear waters, this island is perfect for swimming, kayaking, fishing, and even hiking.
FAQs
1.What Are Some Interesting Facts About Des Voeux Island?
Ans: Des Voeux Island is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site that celebrates its French colonial history. The island also has lush greenery and crystal-clear waters, making it perfect for swimming, kayaking, fishing, and even hiking.
2.What Is Des Voeux Island?
Ans: Des Voeux Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Saint Lawrence River. The island celebrates its French colonial history and features lush greenery and crystal-clear waters.
3.Is There A Way To See The Island From The Air Or From The Water?
Ans: There are regular ferry connections with Guadeloupe and Martinique. Additionally, there are two private yachting clubs on the island that operate ferries: Saint Lucia Yacht Club (SLYC) in Gros Islet and The Pitons Yacht Club in Soufrière.
4.How Can I Get To Des Voeux Island?
Ans: The best way to get to Des Voeux Island is via ferry from Guadeloupe or Martinique.
5.What Is The Postal Code Of Hong Kong?
Ans: The postal code of Hong Kong is 9169.
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