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    St. Lucia: Island Paradise

    BONITS is proud to be bringing clients from across the world to St. Lucia as a place to live, conduct business affairs or visit for an escape. This idyllic pearl in the Caribbean is rich in picturesque landscapes, history and culture, not to mention its competitive business and financial environment that makes it ideal for ambitious professionals looking to take their work internationally.

    History & Culture

    St. Lucia is often referred to as the ‘Helen of the West Indies’ – a reference to Helen of Troy from Greek mythology who was considered the most beautiful woman in the world – and is testament to the country’s natural beauty. The Pitons – a pair of dramatically tapered mountains – wrap the western coast of the island while volcanic beaches, fishing villages and crystal blue waters can be found right across the island.
    The island has a rich culture blending African, East Indian, French and English traditions making it the perfect place for people to escape and enjoy life by the beach while remaining connected to the world beyond St. Lucia’s waters. The Caribbean’s common history and heritage with Africa creates a hybrid culture where there is something for everyone – making it one of the most dynamic regions of the world.
    The official language is English while a large proportion of the 180,000+ population speak St. Lucian French Creole.

    History & Culture

    St. Lucia is often referred to as the ‘Helen of the West Indies’ – a reference to Helen of Troy from Greek mythology who was considered the most beautiful woman in the world – and is testament to the country’s natural beauty. The Pitons – a pair of dramatically tapered mountains – wrap the western coast of the island while volcanic beaches, fishing villages and crystal blue waters can be found right across the island.
    The island has a rich culture blending African, East Indian, French and English traditions making it the perfect place for people to escape and enjoy life by the beach while remaining connected to the world beyond St. Lucia’s waters. The Caribbean’s common history and heritage with Africa creates a hybrid culture where there is something for everyone – making it one of the most dynamic regions of the world.
    The official language is English while a large proportion of the 180,000+ population speak St. Lucian French Creole.

    Government Structure

    St. Lucia became an independent state on 22nd February 1979 and remains part of the Commonwealth of Nations - Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is the island nation’s ceremonial Head of State. Similar to the Federation of St. Kitts & Nevis, HM Queen Elizabeth II appoints a Governor-General to act as her representative on the island. The country implements a parliamentary democracy system based on the Westminster model with a House of Assembly and the Senate. The Constitution of 1978 regulates the economic and political environment across the island.

    Legislative Environment

    The St. Lucia Constitution consists of 124 Articles which cover every aspect of life on the island from rights, freedoms, public service, judicial systems and parliamentary processes. The Constitution enables the island’s leaders to make its own decisions that can directly benefit the citizens of St. Lucia.
    The country’s constitution greatly encourages innovative business ideas and enterprise projects – offering affordable company incentives.

    Currency

    The official currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD), which is shared by eight other countries, comprising the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States. The XCD has been pegged to the United States Dollar (USD) at a rate of XCD2.7169 to USD1.00 since 1976.

    Legal System

    St. Lucia adopts a legal system based on the principles of civil law and English Common Law, meaning it has a mixed legal jurisdiction. The Civil Code of St. Lucia of 1867 was influenced largely by the Quebec Civil Code of 1866 and is supplemented by English Common Law legislation. The highest judicial body is the Privy Council of the United Kingdom while the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court has jurisdiction over St. Lucia.

    Currency

    The official currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD), which is shared by eight other countries, comprising the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States. The XCD has been pegged to the United States Dollar (USD) at a rate of XCD2.7169 to USD1.00 since 1976.

    Legal System

    St. Lucia adopts a legal system based on the principles of civil law and English Common Law, meaning it has a mixed legal jurisdiction. The Civil Code of St. Lucia of 1867 was influenced largely by the Quebec Civil Code of 1866 and is supplemented by English Common Law legislation. The highest judicial body is the Privy Council of the United Kingdom while the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court has jurisdiction over St. Lucia.

    Tax Regime

    Non-resident citizens of St. Lucia benefit from a highly favourable tax regime, including zero inheritance, capital gains, dividend, savings and income tax received from overseas.