Saint Lucia: Independence Movement

Saint Lucia's modern political status developed gradually through the twentieth century. A 1924 constitution introduced a limited elected element to the island's legislative council, and universal adult suffrage followed in 1951, giving elected representatives a majority for the first time. After a brief and unsuccessful attempt at regional federation with other British Caribbean territories, Saint Lucia and five neighboring islands entered a new arrangement with the United Kingdom in 1967 known as associated statehood, under which London retained control of defense and foreign affairs while local leaders managed internal governance.

This transitional period lasted twelve years. On February 22, 1979, Saint Lucia moved from associated statehood to full independence, becoming a sovereign parliamentary democracy within the Commonwealth while retaining the British monarch as head of state. Castries marked the occasion with a large public celebration, including a military march-past and a parade of floats and traditional costumes, and the new nation adopted its own flag and constitution.

The first general election held after independence brought the Saint Lucia Labour Party to power over the more conservative United Workers' Party, and the incoming government pursued closer ties with Cuba and other nonaligned states in the region. Saint Lucia has since remained a stable Commonwealth republic, continuing to cooperate with neighboring islands through CARICOM and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States.