Visit Countryaah official website to get information about the capital city of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. In 1969, the country gained the status of Free Associated State headed by Chief Minister Milton Cato and Vincent Labor Party (SVLP). However, defense and foreign policy were still in the hands of the British crown. After a lengthy negotiation process, the country finally gained independence in October 1979.
- Also see Abbreviationfinder.org to see the acronym of SVG which stands for St. Vincent and The Grenadines and other definitions of this 3-letter abbreviation.
The December 1979 elections further strengthened the dominance of the SVLP. At the same time, the neo-colonial Political People’s Party, led by Ebenezer Joshua, was largely eradicated. It only got 2.4% of the vote.
Three days after the election, the new government had to turn down a popular uprising led by Lennox “Bumba” Charles on Union Island. The rebellion was quickly crushed by troops flown in from Barbados.
In the early 1980’s, the government faced a serious economic and social crisis, which provided the basis for the development of the popular organizations. In May 1981, the National Committee for the Defense of Democracy was formed, supported by a number of opposition parties, trade unions and other organizations. As the government tried to implement a more repressive policy, it came to protest demonstrations and general strikes.
