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The institutional divisions of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are located on the main island of Saint Vincent. The small islands and cays of the Grenadines jointly form one parish. Saint Vincent is divided into 5 parishes administered by a clerk who is appointed by and responsible to the central government. Local government authorities on Saint Vincent execute policies formed by central government but have some responsibilities. These are transferred from several ministries such as the Ministry of Social Development and make local authorities responsible for the management of markets, maintenance of public facilities and construction and maintenance of roads among other things. Central elections were held most recently in 2010 for a term of 5 years.
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Despite the purely administrative and executive functions of localities on Saint Vincent there has been more empowering legislation for local government in the past. From 1971 onwards however the authority of local government became more dispersed and eventually specific functions were placed under the coordination of several national ministries. In 2002 a Commission on Local Government was appointed as the result of renewed discussion on local government. Recommendations made in the report by the commission have yet to be implemented. In 2009 a constitutional referendum was held, chapter 12 of the proposed constitution speaks of the re-establishment of a system of local government. The proposed constitutional reforms were not accepted leaving the status of local government unchanged.
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Development of localities focuses mostly on national themes such as education, sustainability and tourism. Capacity building of government officials through training also takes place predominantly among central government officials. Local government thus remains intertwined with and dependent on central government policy.
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