Building on the Main Street of Gros IsletThis is where we parted ways with most of the tourists of St Lucia, as we were staying in the small fishing village of Gros Islet, sandwiched in between the Marina, Rodney Bay, and the Sandals and the Landings condo development. Although staying in a small fishing village sounded quaint, the village itself was pretty rough. We were the only tourists – which didn’t bother us – but the complete lack of restaurants, the locals smoking pot on every corner, open sewers running through the streets – well let’s just say it took away considerably from the charm of the fishing village. There is what could be a nice stretch of beach in front of it, but the water didn’t look overly clean, and there was a lot of junk around the area. There are no tourist facilities – no ‘real’ restaurants – mainly street food and bars selling barbecue chicken. We did end up eating at Somewhere Special with some friends we met, and we all had good meals, although despite the name, it was nothing that special.
Main Street Gros Islet
Public Beach close to Gros IsletThere is no real grocery store in Gros Islet- there’s a very basic bakery, and a small convenience store – but nowhere to buy basics like cheese, eggs, fresh fruits, or vegetables. For that, you need to drive 15 minutes to the large supermarket in Rodney Bay.
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Hi Ian and Wendy. What a lovely site. Thanks for the frank description of the town of Gros Islet. I’m a Saint Lucian national and am from the quarter of Gros Islet although not from the town itself.
The town suffered a sort of death, being cut off by the Rodney Bay Marina Channel from the rest of the economic growth of the general area. A lack of investment in the town itself also meant that its streets turned into dead zones, brewing much undesirable activity. Quite sad but a clear indication of how planning can make a big difference. I truly hope in years to come it can be a place of authentic urban regeneration to realize its potenial given such a wonderful location.
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Comment by Calixte — February 9, 2009 @ 1:21 am
I was a peace corps volunteer and worked in gros islet initiating the grow well center. while your description is accurate, it is no the only or ost important thing about grow islet. when i was there in 1996 it was a community of interdependence, mr. braverly ringing the church bells mostly on time, a place people gathered for pitons, music and dancing in the streets. i was told that the political lines created much of the demise – -not sure how accurate that was, but apparently grow islet supported the unpopular party. i remember beautiful people in grow islet, especially the children who are surely now grown. zachias, indira, the twins, and others. tourists might realize they are with a culture of warm people, and know much of the most prime,beautiful land is sold to resort corporations, meaning not much of that money ever circulates back into the country directly. if i make my way back to st. lucia, i most certainly will stay in grow islet or bobaneau….making your way is what it’s all about.
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Comment by debra — August 8, 2009 @ 8:33 pm
WELL I DISCOVER YOURS FINE WEBSITE IN ST.LUCIA AND DECIDE TO WRITE A SHORT MESSAGE,BECAUSE I HAVE HAD SOME VERY GOOD A FRIEND FROM CASTRIES,BUT I LOST CONTACT WITH HIM.SORRY!ANYWAY SO I HAVE ALREADY NOW SOME NEW TWO GOOD LADIES FROM ST.LUCIA AND ENJOY VERY MUCH.
GREETINGS FROM POLAND!
I HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOURS THE OFFICE OF ST.LUCIA AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
YOURS SINCERELY,
MIRO
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Comment by MONKA MIRO — June 6, 2010 @ 1:59 pm