History
Early migrants to St Vincent and the surrounding islands were Amerindian Ciboney, Arawak and Carib people.

During the eighteenth century St Vincent was disputed between France and Britain.

In 1783 the Treaty of Versailles ceded St Vincent to Great Britain. British control of the internal government lasted until 1969; ten years later St Vincent and the Grenadines finally gained independence. Links with Britain continued through membership of the Commonwealth.

Economy
The economy slowed down in 2006 and again in 2009. Infrastructure projects include a new airport.

The services sector of St Vincent and the Grenadines provides employment for over half of the working population. This sector is based mainly on tourism; there are also offshore banking facilities.

Agriculture accounts for a significant percentage of the labour force. Bananas are an important crop. Other agricultural produce are coconuts, sweet potatoes, spices and arrowroot. Chickens, goats, sheep, pigs and cattle are reared.

There is a small fishing industry in St Vincent and the other islands.

The industrial sector includes construction, boat building, cement, furniture, clothing and food processing. (2011)

Arts
The biggest cultural event in St Vincent and the Grenadines is Carnival, known as Vincy Mas, which takes place at the end of June and the beginning of July.

During Carnival music includes St Vincent's Big Drum music, and steel bands and reggae originating from Trindad and Tobago and Jamaica respectively.

Sport
The St Vincent and the Grenadines National Olympic Committee promotes a variety of sports including track and field, tennis and taekwondo.

Cricket, football, basketball and netball are popular team sports.

The islands provide plenty of opportunities for water sports such as swimming, snorkeling, diving, sailing and fishing.

Holidays
Easter, Christmas and New Year are celebrated. Other holidays include Labour Day - May 1, Emancipation Day - August 1, and Independence Day - October 27 (1979).

News
News is available from Newslink.

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