St. Vincent & the Grenadines is a nation of 32 islands located between St. Lucia and Grenada. St Vincent – the main population centre – is mountainous and lush. Rainforests thrive in the interior and La Soufriere, a 4,000ft tall active volcano, dominates the north. On the south west coast is Kingstown, the nation’s capital. The remaining Grenadines lie to the south of St. Vincent. The largest and most populated are Bequia, Mustique, Canouan and Union Island.
St. Vincent was granted associate statehood status on October 27th 1969, giving it complete control over its internal affairs. Exactly 10 years later, on 27th October 1979, following a referendum under Milton Cato, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines became the last of the Windward Islands to gain full independence.
One of the features of Saint Vincent’s Independence celebrations is an annual cycling competition, which has been taking place this weekend. Cycling is increasingly popular on the island.
As the 27th October falls on a Sunday this year, the public holiday will be tomorrow, Monday 28th October.
We we wish all Vincentians a peaceful holiday celebration. Happy 34th Independence to all Vincentians worldwide!