History of Bequia

The early 18th century saw the development of a sugar industry and the production of related products including molasses and rum. Other major produce included coffee, indigo andarrowroot. At one point in time, the islands of St. Vincent and the Grenadines were the single largest producer of arrowroot starch in the world. Currently, Hairoun and Vincy strong rum are major export products primarily to the European Union.

Under a programme instituted by Great Britain to give land to indigent settlers, James Hamilton, father of Alexander Hamilton moved from St. Croix to Bequia in 1774 where he remained until 1790. The land granted to Hamilton lies along the shore of Southeast