ocr: In the 17thand18th centuries, St.Lucia, which provided: an excellent naval raiding base in the Caribbean, was fought over by France and Britain. Ownership alternatedbetween the two before it was finally cededto Britain in 1814.French intluence survives in St.Lucian patois and the local cuisine. . 1958 Joins West Indies Federation. 1964 Sugar growing ceases. - 1967 Gains internal autonomy. 1979 Gains independence andjoins Commonwealth. 1990 Anti-drug force established. 1990 Establishes body with Dominica, Grenada and St. Vincent to discuss forming a Windward Islands Federation.
