History of SVG Volume 1 handed over to Dr Gonsalves

A document of our story, written by our own Vincentians, is how Minister of Culture, Carlos James, has described Volume One of the History of Saint Vincent
and the Grenadines, produced by four Vincentian
Scholars.

The Volume One book of SVG’s history, titled: “Native Genocide and African Enslavement in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to 1838”, was officially launched at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Global Campus, Kingstown last Monday, August, 11, 2025.

The book was authored by Vincentian historians Dr. Adrian Fraser, Dr. Arnold Thomas, Dr. Cleve Scott, and Dr. Garrey Dennie.

Speaking at the launch, Minister James said that the Volume is important as when the next generation of Caribbean people study our civilization- “the historical legacy of who we are as a people”- it will not be told, reflected, and recorded with a Eurocentric view, but through the eyes of our own Vincentian storytellers and historians.

Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves, delivering the keynote address entitled, “Our Vincentian Civilisation: Retrospect and Prospect”, said he has read parts of the book and it is fascinating.

This Volume examines the history of SVG, focusing on the period of Native genocide and African enslavement, ending with the abolition of slavery in 1838.