This year will be a landmark for many St Lucians (Lucians) as they celebrate their 29th year of independence from the British, which took place on the 22nd February 1979.

St Lucia has had a long history of occupation by foreign invaders, which began with the Awarak Indians settlers who came from the neighbouring South America.

From the Spanish invasion in 1492 there were constant battles between the British and French for this ‘Helen of the West’.

The French were officially responsible for the first settlement in Soufriere in 1746.

An entire industry developed out of sugar and African slave labour, but in 1814 the governance of the island changed hands.

Under British rule times were soon to change, and in 1838 the English parliament abolished slavery, spelling the end of the sugar industry in St Lucia.

Along with many of the other islands, St Lucia sought increasing autonomy through the unsuccessful West Indian Federation in 1958.

By 1967, St Lucia had enacted a new constitution which expired when the island was finally granted full independence.

The Unity of (UK) St Lucian Associations will officially celebrate St Lucia's Independence on Saturday 23rd February at the Ocean Music Venue; for more information see the events section.