Country Profiles

St. Vincent and the Grenadines is located within the Windward Islands, just North of Venezuela and the Twin Island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. The entire nation has a land area of 389 km², of which 345 km² on the main island of St. Vincent.

Jamaica was originally inhabited by the Arawaks (also called Tainos) who named the island Xaymaca meaning ‘Land of wood and water’. The Arawak led a peaceful and quiet life until 1494 when Christopher Columbus discovered the island.

The Water and Sewerage Company Inc. (WASCO), wholly owned by the Government of St. Lucia, is responsible for the provision of water and wastewater services in St. Lucia. WASCO is responsible for water abstraction, treatment and distribution of potable water as well as the provision of sewerage services in available regions. In addition, there are a number of private providers of bottled water which is sourced from either private springs or utility piped water.

History: The first known inhabitants of the islands were Taíno Indians, who left evidence of their occupation in the form of utensils and a ball court. Locals claim that the islands were the first landfall of Columbus in 1492. Some argue for Grand Turk, where a monument casts the claim in stone.