The Grenadines are believed to have first been inhabited by the Ciboney, as long as 7000 years ago, who were a race of primitive hunter-gatherers. They were displaced by the Arawaks around 2000 years ago. The Arawaks originated from South America and traveled in small crafts. They were advanced in agriculture and pottery. The Caribs arrived around 1000 A.D. There are many petroglyphs which detail the history of the Caribs. 

In the 19th century the British colonized the area and a large sugar cane industry was developed on the nearby St. Vincent, and boat building and whaling became important industries on Bequia. 

The sugar industry declined throughout the 20th century. This resulted in a diversification of agricultural industries. Bananas, arrowroot, nutmeg, as well as many vegetables and fruits have become staples of the islands economy. In 1969, St. Vincent and the Grenadines became a British Associated State. This included complete internal autonomy. They became an independant nation on October 27, 1979.