Life on the Island

St. Vincent and the Grenadines is an English speaking independent nation in the Windward Islands of the Eastern Caribbean. St. Vincent, the largest island, is a densely green and mountainous island with a population of about 110,000. The capital city is Kingstown. St. Vincent and the Grenadines are among the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean, with luxurious homes of many famous people.

The Grenadines are a chain of islands stretching from St. Vincent in the North to Grenada in the South. The northernmost island is Bequia, with its Admiralty Bay visited by yachtsmen from around the world.

St. Vincent has an excellent communication system with an undersea fibre optic cable linking it to the world. Direct dial, facsimile, internet and computer modem facilities are readily available. There are also excellent postal and courier services.

While St. Vincent does not have an international jet airport, there are turbo prop aircraft serving the island, with international connections through Grenada, Barbados, Antigua, Trinidad, and San Juan, Puerto Rico. An international airport in St. Vincent  with direct flights from various US airports is scheduled to open in 2011.

Government

St. Vincent and the Grenadines became independent on 27 October 1979. The system of government is a parliamentary democracy on the Westminster (UK) style. St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a member of the British Commonwealth with a Governor General appointed by Queen Elizabeth II of the UK. There is universal suffrage for all persons 18 years of age and over. The Prime Minister is the leader of the governing party and, together with his cabinet, forms the executive branch of the government. The legislative branch is the House of Assembly consisting of 21 seats; 15 elected representatives and 6 appointed senators. Members are elected by popular vote to serve five year terms.

St Vincent and the Grenadines is a member of the British Commonwealth, the United Nations, Caricom and other international organizations.

Legal System

The legal system is based on English Common Law.

Monetary Systems and Exchange Controls

St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a member of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank. The local currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar which is pegged to the US dollar (US 1$ equals EC $2.70). US currency is also widely used and is acceptable everywhere.