Saint Vincent and the Grenadines–United Kingdom relations facts for kids
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 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines |
 United Kingdom |
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Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and the United Kingdom have a long history, tracing back to early British settlements and British conflicts with the French during the Colonial era.
History
Control of the island of Saint Vincent was ceded to Britain by the French following the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1763. The French recaptured the island but ceded it again after the second Treaty of Paris in 1783.
The British began a program of agricultural development and established plantations across the island; a program opposed by local Black Caribs.
Saint Vincent remained under British colonial rule for the until independence movements began in the 20th century.
Saint Vincent was granted "associate statehood" status by Britain on 27 October 1969. This gave Saint Vincent complete control over its internal affairs but was short of full independence. On 27 October 1979, following a referendum under Milton Cato, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines became the last of the Windward Islands to gain independence. Independence came on the 10th anniversary of Saint Vincent's associate statehood status.
Current relations
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines maintains a High Commission in South Kensington in London. In turn, the United Kingdom maintains a High Commission in Bridgetown, Barbados which also serves as High Commission to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
