Dear Islander,

It’s almost time to hit the road in beautiful St. Lucia!

We’re super excited that you are able to join us, and hope that your St. Lucia Carnival experience is both rejuvenating and memorable. We have a packed agenda during your time with us, so please take a few minutes to review the information below, and share with the other members of your group.

 

PAYMENT REMINDER

Gentle reminder your package needs to be paid off in FULL on or before June 01 2019… NO EXCEPTIONS! You can visit your account to view and clear any outstanding balance(s), pay via Zelle Quickpay (name: Soca Islands; email: [email protected]), or contact us for alternative payment options. If you’ve already paid for your package in full, thank you, you’re all set!

 

FLIGHT INFORMATION

We know some of you submitted your flight information via WhatsApp. However we are asking you to reconfirm this information using this form (click here).

 

ACCOMMODATION

For you Islanders who are staying at accommodations arranged via SOCA ISLANDS, please note the information below where applicable. You will be required to provide the address of your accommodation to Immigration Officials at the airport in St. Lucia, so please keep it close.

  • Bay Gardens Hotel, Rodney Bay Village, Gros Islet. Tel: (758) 457- 8006/8007

For you Islanders who are NOT staying at accommodations arranged via SOCA ISLANDS, please submit this information using this form (click here).

 

PHOTO ID

Please send us a scanned copy of a photo ID. This is needed to pre-check you into the accommodations..

 

TRANSPORTATION

Airport transfers, as well as transport to all the events are covered. So no need to worry about that ;)

 

ARE WE COLLECTING YOUR COSTUME ON YOUR BEHALF?

Please ensure you follow the rules of your band for having someone collect your costume on your behalf. Most bands require you send a scanned authorization letter with a copy of a valid picture ID. You can use the text below in your letter. Email us a signed copy of the letter, along with a copy of a valid photo ID. You do NOT need take further action if you purchased your costume through SOCA ISLANDS.

—

Date: [yyyy-mm-dd]

To Whom It May Concern,

Re: Collection of my [insert name of band] costume/package

Please be advised that SOCA ISLANDS (or one of its representatives) is authorized to collect my costume/package on my behalf.

Regards,

[Your Signature]

[Your Name]

[Your Phone Number]

———–

 

GET READY TO FETE + J’OUVERT + MAS + COOL DOWN

The team is very excited to host you for St. Lucia Carnival 2019. Your primary SOCA ISLANDS reps are:

  • Roger – (868) 388-2937
  • Martin – (758)

 

EVENTS

Please see the list of events where applicable. Over the past week we would have finalized your fete list with you. It is not guaranteed that we can facilitate any changes at this time; additional changes may come at an additional cost. Times below are subject to change.

  • Aura – Thursday July 11, 6p.m.
    Event Type: Cooler Party | Dress Code: Summer Casual / Trendy
  • Island Tour (Soufriere) – Friday July 12, 9a.m.
    Dress Code: Shorts, tees, comfortable sneakers. Bring clothes to get wet :)
  • J.O.B. Boatride  – Friday July 12, 10a.m. (new)
    Event Type: Cooler Cruise | Dress Code: Summer Casual / Swimwear with wrap
  • Blocko  – Saturday July 13, 3a.m. (new)
    Event Type: Drink Inclusive / Paint and Powder | Dress Code: Shorts, tees, comfortable sneakers that you don’t mind getting dirty.
  • Silent Morning –  Saturday July 13, 10a.m.
    Event Type: Cooler Cruise Experience  | Dress Code: Summer Chic / Swimwear with wrap.
  • Remedy –  Saturday July 13, 3p.m.
    Event Type: Beach Cooler Party  | Dress Code: Summer Casual / Beachwear.
  • Indulgence – Sunday July 14, 4a.m.
    Event Type: Premium Drinks Inclusive | Dress Code: Summer Casual / Casual Chic / Trendy.
  • Brazen – Sunday July 14, 3p.m.
    Event Type: Cooler Breakfast Party / Dress Code: Summer Casual.
  • J’ouvert Morning – Monday July 15, 3a.m.
    Event Type: Drink Inclusive / Paint and Powder | Dress Code: Shorts, tees, comfortable sneakers that you don’t mind getting dirty.
  • Carnival Monday Street Parade – Monday July 15, 11a.m.
    Dress Code: Full carnival wear.
  • Carnival Tuesday Street Parade – Tuesday July 16, 8a.m.
    Dress Code: Full carnival wear.

 

HOW TO PACK

Take a look at the packing guide on our website – http://www.socaislands.com/packing-for-your-visit/

 

SPENDING MONEY

We recommend you bring along daily budget of USD$30 (EC$80) to pay for food and other items on the trip. We can assist you with foreign exchange 1.00 USD = 2.50 EC. Some businesses accept USD at a rate of 1.00 USD = 2.50 EC.

 

SOCA MUSIC

Soca is the main genre of music played at fetes, and during the two-day street parade. In recent years, Soca has evolved into many new forms and sub-genres.

Coming out of St. Lucia, you have the “Dennery Segment”, a raw, infectious style of Soca music. Although this sub-genre has just begun to penetrate Soca’s mainstream in the last couple years, it has been circulating on islands like St. Lucia, Martinique and Guadeloupe for quite some time.

In “Dennery Segment”, you may recognize popular songs like these: Split in di Middle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylwm_RgKw-8) and Bad in Bum Bum/Back Bend (https://youtu.be/TgHk2J7J8rw?t=115). You can listen to a Dennery segment here – https://soundcloud.com/largeupdotcom/black-widow-sounds-dennery-segment-2018.

Aside from the Dennery Segment, you should get to know the music of some of the island’s Soca artistes. Here is a short list of some of the popular Soca artistes from St. Lucia:

You should also familiarize yourself with the music for Trinidad Carnival 2019 which will be played in St. Lucia. Here are some collections on YouTube we found:

 

FITNESS & REST

We strongly recommend you try to get some rest during the feting schedule :)

We cannot tell you how to have a good time, however PLEASE KNOW YOUR LIMITS; both physically and mentally.

 

EMERGENCY CONTACT

Please submit this information using this form (click here). You can give your emergency contact our primary number (868) 388-2937 as well.

 

INSURANCE

Let’s face it. Sh!t happens! Therefore while travel insurance is not required for your trip, it is highly recommended. You can purchase insurance through SOCA ISLANDS via the following link – https://socaislands.com/insurance/

 

OTHER CONTACT NUMBERS WHILE IN ST. LUCIA

  • Hotels
    • Bay Gardens Hotel: (758) 457- 8006/8007
  • UK High Commission
    • Contact Number: (758) 452-2484
  • Canada High Commission (Barbados)
    • Contact Number: (246) 629-3550
  • US Embassy (Barbados)
    • Contact Number: (246) 227-4399 / Emergencies: (246) 227-4000
  • Emergency Numbers
    • Police: 911
    • Fire and Ambulance: 911
    • Ambulance: 911
  • Hospitals
    • M-Care Medical Clinic: (758) 453-2552
    • Gros Islet Polyclinic: (758) 450-9661

FAQs

Be sure to check out the FAQs on our website – http://www.socaislands.com/frequently-asked-questions/

If you have any other questions please do not hesitate to call or WhatsApp +18683882937.

 

Regards,
Team SOCA ISLANDS
(868) 388-2937 | [email protected]
@socaislands