St Lucia’s Historical Background

History provides no clear record on how St. Lucia was discovered; even the presumed view about Christopher Columbus’ discovery of the country has long been disapproved. Despite this, it has been believed by many that St. Lucia was discovered on December 13, 1502. As a proof, the country celebrates its “National Day” every December 13. This belief roots from an old French tradition that the island was first landed upon by a shipwrecked French seamen on December 13 then named it in honor to the Virgin Martyr of Syracuse. However, Spain claims that they are the ones to discover the island but refuse to give an exact date of their landing.

Probably one of the most supported theories on the history of St. Lucia is the settlement of the Arawaks between 1000 to 500 B.C. Archeological remains proved this claim. There was this time when St. Lucia belongs to the list of the grant territories to Earl of Carlisle, but made effortless commands to colonize this island. It was in 1638 that Captain Judlee settled on St. Lucia with 300 men. From then, the relationship between his troop and the natives grew and there was no dispute at all. But after some time of peace came the moment of trial when the Caribs returned and took a revenge on Judlee. This caused the British to take over the island for two decades.

For the next decades, the claim on St. Lucia was fought over by two opposing countries – Britain and France. Until 1814, with the provisions on the Treaty of Paris, possession was given to the British. This 150-year dispute on the ownership of St. Lucia is the reason why the country changed its national flag fourteen times.

On January 1, 1960, a Constitution was established and the island was being administered as an in dependent unit with its Administrator, Chief Minister, four other Ministers and an Attorney General.

St. Lucia has long been colonized alternately by two nations, that’s why it’s been real hard for them to establish their own customs. It was in 1842 when English became the national language of St. Lucia in place of French. Finally, full independence was reached by St. Lucia on February 2, 1979 being a member of the Commonwealth. Until now, the island is striving hard to attain political stability and economic prosperity.