St Vincent was discovered by Columbus on 22 Jan. (St Vincent’s Day) 1498. British and French settlers occupied parts of the islands after 1627. In 1773 the Caribs recognized British sovereignty and agreed to a division of territory between themselves and the British. Resentful of British rule, the Caribs rebelled in 1795, aided by the French, but the revolt was subdued within a year. On 27 Oct. 1969 St Vincent became an Associated State with the UK responsible for foreign policy and defence. On 27 Oct. 1979 the colony gained full independence as St Vincent and the Grenadines.