Gros Islet District Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Gros Islet
District
Gros Islet from Pigeon Island

Country	St. Lucia
Area
• Total	100.3 km² (38.73 sq mi)
Population (2010)
• Total	20,872
• Density	100.3/km² (208/sq mi)
ISO 3166-2:LC	LC-06

Gros Islet District is one of the ten main areas, or districts, of Saint Lucia. Saint Lucia is a beautiful island nation in the Caribbean Sea. This district is at the very northern tip of the island. It includes a famous spot called Cap Point and the fancy Cap Estate, home to the St. Lucia Golf and Country Club.

While the town of Gros Islet is important for local government, Rodney Bay is the main business area. It's a lively place for both locals and visitors!

A Look at Gros Islet's Past
- Pirates and Early Settlers
- World War II History
How Gros Islet is Governed
Fun Things to Do in Gros Islet Today
Images for kids
See also

A Look at Gros Islet's Past

Pigeon Island, a historic spot in Gros Islet

People have lived in the Gros Islet District for a very long time. Scientists have found old tools and items from the Arawak and Carib people. These items date back to about 1000 A.D., showing a rich history.

Pirates and Early Settlers

In the 1550s, a famous pirate named François Le Clerc used Pigeon Island as his hideout. He was known as Jambe de Bois, which means "Wooden Leg." From here, he would attack Spanish ships. He was the first European to settle on Saint Lucia.

Because the harbor at Gros Islet was so good for ships, both French and British sailing vessels often stopped there. By 1775, the French had set up 47 sugar farms in the area.

World War II History

During World War II, a large part of Gros Islet, about 221 acres, became a U.S. Naval Air Station. This was a base for seaplanes. Today, you can still see the concrete ramps where the planes would come ashore.

How Gros Islet is Governed

Kenson Casimir, the current representative for Gros Islet

The Gros Islet District is an important area for elections. Since July 2021, the people of Gros Islet have been represented in the House of Assembly of Saint Lucia by Kenson Casimir. He is their "Parliamentary Representative," which means he speaks for the district in the country's government.

Fun Things to Do in Gros Islet Today

A view of Gros Islet from nearby Monchy

The town of Gros Islet is located north of Castries, which is the capital city of Saint Lucia. Gros Islet is one of the newer towns on the island. It was officially made a town in 1985.

Sports and Entertainment

Gros Islet is home to the Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium. This is a big sports venue where important international cricket matches are played. Parts of major tournaments, like the 2007 Cricket World Cup and the 2010 ICC World Twenty20, were held right here!

The Famous Friday Night Street Party

One of the most exciting things for visitors is the Friday Night Street Party, also called the "jump-up." This party takes over several blocks in the town. Street vendors set up stalls selling delicious food like steamed fish and barbecue chicken. You can also try St. Lucia's own Piton beer (for adults). Locals and tourists dance together in the streets to lively music like calypso, zouk, reggae, and R&B. It's a fantastic way to experience local culture!

Rodney Bay: A Modern Hub

Just south of the main town is the Rodney Bay area. This part of the district is very modern and focuses on tourism. Around the marina, you'll find many shops, malls, restaurants, and nightclubs. These places offer a more upscale experience compared to other local businesses.

Rodney Bay is a very popular and valuable area. Many hotels and restaurants have bought the land right on the beach. This sometimes makes it harder for local people to get to the public beaches.

Pigeon Island: Nature and History

The historic Pigeon Island is a favorite spot for tourists. It's known for its peaceful atmosphere and interesting wildlife. A special path, built by people, connects the island to the mainland, making it easy to visit.