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Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Origin

The first inhabitants of the country were the arawaks, coming from South America. Later they were replaced by the Carib people coming from South America. When Christopher Columbus arrived to these islands in 1498 he had to comfort them. It is probable that Saint Vincent was sighted and named by him in 1498. The country was inhabited by the fierce Carib peoples and it was only in 1762 when it was successfully colonized by Christopher Columbus and the Britishestablished a settlement there. The Carib peoples were subdued and many of them were deported after an uprising that took place in 1795.


Constitution

October 27 1979.


Government

Charles Antrobus, the governor-general was appointed by the United Kingdom in 1996. James Mitchell, prime minister and head of the government. The Parliament has 13 members. There is also a Senate of 6 members. The New Democratic Party (NDP), The Labor Party of Saint Vincent (SVLP),The Movement of National Unity (MNU), The Social Democracy and the United People’s Movement (UPM) form a left wing alliance. The governor-general represents the British sovereign but the real power is exerted by a prime minister, responsible before the House of the Assembly, made up by 21 member, 15 popularly elected and 6 appointed by the governor-general on recommendation of the prime minister and the leader of the opposition.


General History

Saint Vincent, of volcanic origin, is the country's largest and major island. Its capital is Kingstown. The island is marked by a great variety of massifs and torrents harboring an odd and abundant tropical vegetation. La Soufriere, Richmond Peak, the Grand Bonhomme and Mount Saint Andrews are indeed the island nation's rugged mountains. This is by and large a very lively and brisk city. Once you're there, don't forget to visit the fruit and vegetable market, as well as Fort Charlotte, both located atop a breathtaking promontory near the sea.