St. Vincent and The Grenadines Historical and Cultural Events

Throughout history, St. Vincent and The Grenadines have been defined by domestic events. Whether it be political or historical events, these have caused outsiders to view the people of St Vincent a special way.

Historically, St. Vincent has mostly not been known as an independent nation. In fact, for most of its history, the people of St. Vincent and The Grenadines have seen and been dominated by not only French conquers but the British as well.

 After being inhabited by early Africans, the colonization of St. Vincent and The Grenadines would soon begin. This is seen today, as almost two-thirds of the population of St. Vincent is from African descent (Source 1). 

During the time of Anglo-French War, the French and the British would exchange ownership of St. Vincent and The Grenadines a couple times (Source 1). After a few transitions in possession of the St. Vincent colony between the British and French, the British finally gained control and instated a controlling government over the people. 

Due to being controlled and led by the British for most of the St. Vincent colony’s lifetime, the people were influenced to speak English. (Source 1). But despite the fact that most people living there speak English, some forget that French patois and creole is also spoken commonly in St. Vincent and The Grenadines.

After finally gaining recognition as an independent state in the late 1970’s, the people of St. Vincent and The Grenadines would set up their own government. This would be similar to how the formerly installed British government was structured (Source 2). This would be a constitutional monarchy with the Queen of England, Queen Elizabeth II, as head of state and a Prime Minister below her.

In 2001, after the general election in St Vincent, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves was appointed to the prime minister position in favor of the Unity Labor Party over the New Democratic Party. This demonstrated a shift in favor of a different political stance of the people after the seventeen year streak in governmental seating of the New Democratic Party was broken. 

To the right is Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and The Grenadines (Source 3).

As of 2020, Dr. Gonsalves continues to serve as Prime Minister of St. Vincent and The Grenadines.

Today, a section of the culture of St. Vincent and The Grenadines has developed from national pride and identity based on the past (Source 4). The people of St. Vincent and The Grenadines identify and align themselves with the earlier people of the resistance who helped them achieve independence. No matter their descent, religion, or heritage; they are unified by their independence. 

St. Vincent and The Grenadines’ flag to the left (Source 5) 

Sources:

1. St.Vincent and the Grenadines. 2020, ggccaribbean.wpengine.com/listing/st-vincent-and-the-grenadines/. 

2. Site designed and built by Hydrant (www.hydrant.co.uk). “St Vincent and The Grenadines : Constitution and Politics.” St Vincent and The Grenadines : Constitution and Politics | The Commonwealth, 2020, thecommonwealth.org/our-member-countries/st-vincent-and-grenadines/constitution-politics. 

3. “Dr. Ralph Gonsalves.” Https://Thecommonwealth.org/Our-Member-Countries/St-Vincent-and-Grenadines/Constitution-Politics, 2020, thecommonwealth.org/sites/default/files/styles/heads_of_gov/public/P13741_St%20Vincent.jpg?itok=5yx85Jf8. 

4. Zane, Wallace W. “Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.” Countries and Their Cultures, 2006, www.everyculture.com/No-Sa/Saint-Vincent-and-the-Grenadines.html. 

5. “Flag of Saint Vincent and The Grenadines.” Wikimedia.org, upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6d/Flag_of_Saint_Vincent_and_the_Grenadines.svg/2000px-Flag_of_Saint_Vincent_and_the_Grenadines.svg.png.