Current Time in Castries
Culture of time in Saint Lucia
Culture of time in Saint Lucia
Relatively relaxed about time
A relaxed sense of time, also known as "Island time," is common in Saint Lucia. It is not uncommon to arrive a little late for the scheduled start time, and there is a culture in which this is tolerated in everyday life.
Event start times are only a guideline
Weddings and local events often start later than the official start time, and organizers and participants tend to prepare with this in mind.
Lifestyle that emphasizes daytime activities
Activities tend to be more subdued after the sun goes down, with outdoor events and work mainly concentrated in the morning and afternoon. Making use of daylight hours influences the rhythm of life.
Values of time in Saint Lucia
Relationships with people are more important than time
The attitude of valuing conversations and relationships is rooted in Saint Lucia, rather than being a little late for an appointment. It is a culture that emphasizes content and atmosphere over form.
It is considered a virtue to take things slowly
There is a sense that "slow and steady wins the race," and in many situations a calm and careful approach is valued over efficiency. In both work and life, it is common to proceed without forcing yourself.
Life in harmony with the rhythm of nature
Many people live in an environment surrounded by the sea and mountains, feeling the changes in the weather and seasons, and tend to value "this moment" more than artificial time management.
Things about time that foreigners should know when traveling or relocating to Saint Lucia
Things do not often go as planned
Bus and taxi times, government procedures, etc. may be delayed, so it is important to schedule with plenty of time. It is important not to expect too much "minute-by-minute accuracy" like in Japan.
Punctuality is required in business situations
Even if people are relaxed about time in everyday life, they are more conscious of time in business situations. In particular, when dealing with foreign companies and public institutions, being on time is valued.
Mornings are a great time to make important contacts
Mornings are the most active time in Saint Lucia, and government offices and stores are often less busy and more responsive in the morning, so it is wise to complete procedures and negotiations in the morning.
Interesting trivia about time in Saint Lucia
"Island time" is also used for humor
There is a culture where people joke about being late or changing plans, saying things like, "Sorry, I was late because it was island time." Flexibility in time brings humor to conversations.
Local radio is a "guideline for time"
Radio culture is stronger than television, and the music and DJ comments played on morning and afternoon programs form a kind of "sense of time." There is an aspect of feeling time by sound rather than by clock.
Sometimes bells don't ring at school or work
The culture of bells to mark time, like in Japan, is not necessarily widespread, and sometimes things are done according to the sense of teachers and superiors. There is a tendency to value flow over time.