Today (October 27) is the 43rd anniversary of St Vincent and the Grenadines’ independence from English rule in 1979.

The country consists of 32 islands and was the last Windward Island – following Dominica, Grenada, and St Lucia – to gain independence.

St Vincent is often referred to as the ‘Gem of the Antilles’, as represented in the national flag’s multiple gems in the shape of a ‘V’ for Vincent and symbolising the many islands.

Sometimes called ‘the Breadfruit Island’, the island hosts an annual breadfruit festival in addition to its own carnival and the small island nation’s national dish is roasted breadfruit and fried jackfish.

The island has been leaving its mark on the music industry since producing artistes such as Kevin Lyttle who sang Turn Me On, in the early 2000s and more recently soca powerhouses Problem Child and Skinny Fabulous who have been adding more cultural influence to the genre.