Given that the chances for achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) continues to
diminish for many states with the approach of 2015, and considering the post MDG narrative, are
their any success cases, and what lessons can be learned as to the relationship between
sustainability and the MDGs? In recent years, many developing countries, particularly Small
Island Developing States, have looked towards tourism to provide an engine for sustainable
development. Like natural resources, tourism can be both a blessing and curse.
In the case of St. Lucia mainstream tourism appears polycephalic, acting as both an obstacle and
engine for development. Research done in St. Lucia explored the dichotomy and revealed that
there are ways for the sustainable achievement of the MDGs, even when the economy may be
highly dependent on tourism. The paper presents findings that small scale, community based
tourism provided a key element in unlocking the Millennium Development Goals for St. Lucia
and providing a more sustainable, equitable tourism development strategy. A key lesson learned
is that at least in the island context, success in achieving the MDGs results largely from
community-based initiatives, rather than those of the national government.