History of Saint Lucia

Pre-Colonial Period (0 - 1498)

Kalinago (Caribs) were the cominant group on the island after having displaced the Arawak

Originally from the Orinoco river in South America, they had migrated throughout the caribbean islands.

Settlements were mainly central with natural defenses. Carib society was highlky organised with a warrior class and advanced agriculture

Caribs continued building fortified villages and thriving with a rich oral culture

Diets consisted of cassava, fruits and gish

Caribs practiced animism, believing natural elements had spiritual signifance

Societal inheritence was passed down through the mother

Other Caribbean islands were colonised by the spanish while the Caribs were active in their resistance

Christopher Columbus landed in 1498 and named the Island after Saint Lucy

Permanent settlements were not established due to local resistance and other interests in gold and silver on Hisaniola and Puerto Rico

The French began making expeditions to the island in the early 1600s as it was a strategic location for sugar and tobacco plantations

The locals resisted the French's attempts to settle until the mid 1600s. When the French eventually settled, the Caribs were pushed to the mountains

The British also began taking interest in the Island around the same times, with battles for control ensuing

Enslaved Africans were brought to the Island in the 1700s to work on sugar plantations

Many slave revolts occured. Maroons who were descendants of escaped slaves formed communities in the island's interior

Slavery was abolished on the island in 1834, under British rule. The British replaced African slaves with labourers from Infia

Gained independence in 1979. Focused on development and national identity