The Caribbean
Island of Grenada
Grenada is an island nation and sovereign state consisting
of the island of Grenada and six smaller islands at the
southern end of the Grenadines in the southeastern Caribbean
Sea. Grenada is located northwest of Trinidad and Tobago,
northeast of Venezuela, and southwest of Saint Vincent and the
Grenadines. Its size is 344 km² with an estimated population of
110,000. Its capital is St. George's. The national bird of
Grenada is the critically endangered Grenada Dove.
History
The
recorded history of Grenada begins in 1498. At the time the
indigenous Island Caribs (Kalinago) who lived there called it
Camahogne. The Spaniards did not permanently settle on
Camahogne. Later the English failed their first settlement
attempts, but the French fought and conquered Grenada from the
Caribs circa 1650. The French conquest resulted in the genocide
of 17th century Caribs from present-day Grenada. Warfare also
existed between the Caribs of present day Dominica and St.
Vincent and the Grenadines with the French invaders. The French
took control of Camahogne and named the new French colony La
Grenade. La Grenade prospered as a wealthy French colony; its
main export was sugar. The French established a capital known
as Fort Royal in 1650 as ordered by Cardinal Richelieu. To wait
out harsh hurricanes, the French navy would shelter in the
capital's natural harbor. No other French colony had a natural
harbour to even compare with that of Fort Royal (later renamed
St. George's). The colony was ceded to the United Kingdom in
1763 by the Treaty of Paris. A century later, in 1877 Grenada
was made a Crown Colony.[citation needed]
Geography
On his third voyage to the New World in 1498, Columbus
sailed by Grenada and named it Concepcion.
The British attempted a small settlement in 1609, but it was
the French that successfully battled the cannibalistic Carib
Indians, finally driving them off the island in 1651.
Military and political struggles continued on the islands for
two centuries, with Grenada finally becoming an independent
country in 1974.
Then, in 1983, Grenada was seized by a Marxist military group.
This action facilitated an invasion by US forces and those of
six other Caribbean nations; they captured the ringleaders and
hundreds of Cuban advisers and free elections were reinstituted
the following year.
Grenada (the country) includes the large island of Grenada, and
a few islands on the southern edge of the Grenadines, with
Carriacou and Petit Martinique the most significant.
Volcanic in origin, Grenada is dominated by a central ridge of
mountains, all covered with lush rainforests. The island is
blessed with numerous bays and harbors, and some of the best
beaches in the Caribbean.
Once famed only for its indigenous spices (namely mace and
nutmeg), Grenada's modern focus is tourism, and the islands are
deservedly garnering the attention of the travel industry.
The island
Grenada itself is the largest island;
smaller Grenadines are Carriacou, Petit Martinique, Ronde
Island, Caille Island, Diamond Island, Large Island, Saline
Island and Frigate Island. Most of the population lives on
Grenada itself, and major towns there include the capital, St.
George’s, Grenville and Gouyave. The largest settlement on the
other islands is Hillsborough on Carriacou.
The islands are of volcanic origin with extremely rich soil.
Grenada’s interior is very mountainous with Mount St. Catherine
being the highest at 2,756 feet (840 m). Several small rivers
with beautiful waterfalls flow into the sea from these
mountains. The climate is tropical: hot and humid in the rainy
season and cooled by the trade winds in the dry season.
Grenada, being on the Southern edge of the hurricane belt, has
suffered only three hurricanes in fifty years. Hurricane Janet
passed over Grenada on 23 September 1955 with winds of 115 mph,
causing severe damage. The most recent storms to hit have been
Hurricane Ivan on September 7, 2004 causing severe damage and
thirty-nine deaths and Hurricane Emily on July 14, 2005,
causing serious damage in Carriacou and in the north of Grenada
which had been relatively lightly affected by Hurricane
Ivan.
Economy and
Tourism
Economic
progress in fiscal reforms and prudent
macroeconomic management have boosted annual growth to 5%–6% in
1998–99; the increase in economic activity has been led by
construction and trade. Tourist facilities are being expanded;
tourism is the leading foreign exchange earner. Major
short-term concerns are the rising fiscal deficit and the
deterioration in the external account balance. Grenada shares a
common central bank and a common currency (the East Caribbean
dollar) with seven other members of the Organization of Eastern
Caribbean States (OECS)
Grenada is called The Spice Isle because it is a leading
producer of several different spices. Cinnamon, cloves, ginger,
mace, allspice, orange/citrus peels, wild coffee used by the
locals, and especially nutmeg, providing 20% of the world
supply, are all important exports. The nutmeg on the nation's
flag represents the economic crop of Grenada; the nation is the
world’s second largest producer of nutmeg (after
Indonesia).
Grenada
Flag
The
flag of Grenada features the usual Pan-African
colors of red, Gold and green since, the country has an African
origin. The flag was given official status in 1974. Although
the civil ensign and the national flag of Grenada are
different, yet, they are only marginally so differing only in
the color ratio. The naval ensign of Grenada portrays the
British white ensign but with the national flag being featured
on the cross.
On the Pan
African color background are portrayed 7 stars which are a
representation of the 7 parishes in this small Caribbean
island. One of the stars, the central one is portrayed
specially with a red disk surrounding it and this star is a
dedication to Saint George after whom the capital of Grenada
has been named. The flag also gives due importance to the name
of “Spice Island” that Grenada is popularly referred to as. On
the flag's left-hand corner is portrayed a clove of nutmeg
which incidentally is also Grenada's principal
crop.
Tourism is
Grenada’s main economic force.
Conventional beach and water-sports tourism is largely focused
in the southwest region around St Georges, the airport and the
coastal strip; however, ecotourism is growing in significance.
Most of these small ecofriendly guesthouses are located in the
Saint David and Saint John parishes. The tourism industry is
increasing dramatically with the construction of a large cruise
ship pier and esplanade. Up to 4 cruise ships per day were
visiting St. Georges in 2007–8 during the cruise ship
season.
The island has also pioneered the cultivation of organic cocoa
which is also processed into finished bars by the Grenada
Chocolate Company.
Tourism is concentrated in the southwest of the island, around
St. Georges, Grand Anse, Lance Aux Epines, and Point Salines.
Grenada has many idyllic beaches around its coastline including
the 3 km long Grand Anse Beach in St George's which is
considered to be one of the finest beaches in the world, and
often appears in countdowns of the worlds top 10 beaches.
Grenada is linked to the world through the Point Salines
International Airport and the St. George’s harbour.
International flights connect with other Caribbean islands, the
United States, and Europe. There is also a daily fast ferry
service between St. George’s and Hillsborough.
Demographics
A majority of
the citizens are descendants of the African slaves brought by
the Europeans; few of the indigenous Carib and Arawak
population survived the French purge at Sauteurs. A small
percentage of descendants of East Indian indentured workers
were brought to Grenada mainly from the North Indian states of
Bihar and Uttar Pradesh between May 1, 1857–January 10, 1885.
There is also a small community of French and English
descendants. The rest of the population is of mixed
descent.
Grenada, like many of the Caribbean islands is subject to a
large amount of migration, with a large number of young people
wanting to leave the island to seek life elsewhere. With just
110,000 people living in Grenada, estimates and census data
suggest that there are at least that number of Grenadian-born
people in other parts of the Caribbean (such as Barbados and
Trinidad) and at least that number again in First World
countries. Popular migration points for Grenadians further
north include New York City, Toronto, the United Kingdom
(London and Yorkshire predominantly — see Grenadians in the UK)
and sometimes Montreal, or as far south as Australia. This
means that probably around a third of those born in Grenada
still live there.
The official language, English, is used in the government, but
Grenadian Creole is considered the lingua franca of the island.
French Patois (Antillean Creole) is still spoken by about
10%–20% the population. Some Hindi/Bhojpuri terms are still
spoken amongst the Indian descendants, mostly those pertaining
to the kitchen; such as aloo, geera, karela, seim, chownkay,
and baylay. The term bhai, which means 'brother' or 'partner'
in Hindi, is a common form of greeting amongst Indo-Grenadians
males of equal status. Aside from a marginal community of
Rastafarians living in Grenada, nearly all are mainstream
Christians, about half of them Roman Catholics; Anglicanism is
the largest Protestant denomination with Presbyterian and
Seventh Day Adventist taking up the remainder. Most Churches
have denomination-based schools but are open to all. There is a
small Muslim population mostly from Gujarati Indian immigrants
who came many years ago and set up some merchant shops.
Culture
Although French influence on Grenadian culture is much less
visible than on other Caribbean islands, surnames and place
names in French remain, and the every day language is laced
with French words and the local dialect or Patois. Stronger
French influence is found in the well seasoned spicy food and
styles of cooking similar to those found in New Orleans and
some French architecture has survived from the 1700s. Island
culture is heavily influenced by the African roots of most of
the Grenadians but Indian influence is also seen with dhal
puri, rotis, Indian sweets, and curries in the cuisine.
The "oildown" is considered to be the national dish. The phrase
"oil-down" refers to a dish cooked in coconut milk until all
the milk is absorbed, leaving a bit of coconut oil in the
bottom of the pot. Early recipes call for a mixture of salted
pigtail, pigs feet (trotters), salt beef and chicken, dumplings
made from flour, provision: breadfruit, green banana, yam and
potatoes. Callaloo leaves are some times used to retain the
steam and for extra flavour.
This dish is a common tradition at family and other gatherings
at the beach, There is a modest debate in the West Indies about
the origin of this dish, with some experts attributing it to
other islands like Barbados or Trinidad & Tobago.[citation
needed]
Foods aren’t the only important aspect of Grenadian culture.
Music, dance, and festivals are also extremely important. Soca,
calypso, and reggae set the mood for Grenada's annual Carnival
activities. Zouk is also being slowly introduced onto the
island. The islanders’ African heritage plays an influential
role in many aspects of Grenada’s culture.
As with other islands from the Caribbean, cricket is the
national and most popular sport and is an intrinsic part of
Grenadian culture.
An important aspect of Grenadian culture is the tradition of
story telling, with folk tales bearing both African and French
influences. The character, Anancy, a spider god who is a
trickster, originated in West Africa and is prevalent on other
Caribbean islands as well. French influence can be seen in La
Diablesse, a well-dressed she-devil, and Ligaroo (from Loup
Garoux), a werewolf.
Music in
Grenada
Grenada is a small Caribbean island nation that has produced
several major musicians, including David Emmanuel, one of the
best-selling reggae performers ever, and Mighty Sparrow, a
legendary calypsonian. The island is also known for jazz, most
notably including Kingsley Etienne, a keyboardist, while the
Grenadan-American Joe Country & the Islanders have made a
name in country music.
African dances brought to Grenada survive in an evolved form,
as have European quadrilles and picquets. Some of the most
popular recent dances include Heel-and-Toe and Carriacou Big
Drum, with popular dancers including Willie Redhead, Thelma
Phillips, Renalph Gebon and the Beewee Ballet.
Independence in 1974 launched a Grenadian national identity
which was exemplified in the calypso of the time, which tended
to be intensely patriotic. More modern calypso performers have
experimented, using political commentary and poetry to expand
the possibilities of Grenadian calypso. Indian influences have
also changed the sound of Grenadian calypso.
Shopping in
Grenada
Grenada offers a colorful palette of Souvenirs.
Wood carvings and paintings, ranging from naive to
sophisticated, jewelry , from natural materials to Emeralds and
Gold. Batiks in the fabulous colors of the Caribbean and of
course Spices, Jams, Jellies and our Plantation Rum's.
Shopping Malls: most of Grenada (big) shopping centres are
located in the Grand Anse area, but you will also find a huge
variety of souvenirs shops and art galleries in town
(St.George's). Not to be forgotten, our vendor market directly
on the Grand Anse beach.
Our general business hours are from Monday - Friday| 8 am - 4
pm and Saturdays from 8 am - noon. But most of our big
Supermarkets are open until 7 pm, the Real Value Supermarket in
the Spiceland Mall (Grand Anse) until 9 pm weekdays and also
open on Sunday until 4 pm.
Be sure to check to all these items in your list if you want to
say back home that you visited Grenada:
1) Walk in St.George, Grenada's beautiful capital; visit St.
George's Roman Catholic Church, York House (the site of the
House of Representatives), the Senate and the Supreme
Court;
2) Walk along the wharf road by the harbor and have a look at
the luxurious ships and modest fishing boats arriving and
departing from the Carenage;
3) Visit Market Square on Saturday morning and buy spices;
4) Walk along the Esplanade in the evening and admire the
dramatic sunset; 5) Visit Fort George and admire the wonderful
sight of the harbor;
6) Visit Grenville and take a tour to the see the processing of
nutmeg, Grenada's most valued spice;
7) Visit River Antoine Rum Distillery, learn the traditional
methods of rum preparation;
8) Admire Mt. Rich Ameriandian petroglyphs;
9) Visit Levera National Park and snorkel in the waters to
admire the coral reefs and sea grass beds; and
10) Go to the beach, spend hours swimming and enjoying the
sight of the turquoise sea.
Getting married in
Grenada
Couples must be resident in Grenada for 3 working days in
advance of their wedding.
Application for a Marriage Licence should be made in person at
the Prime Minister's Office after the necessary stamp duty and
licence fees have been paid at the Treasury office. This
process takes approximately two days (and slightly longer if
either partner is divorced, as documents must then be sent to
The Ministry of Legal Affairs).
Documents required
* Valid Passports
* Birth Certificates
* If one of the parties is divorced, proof
of a Decree Absolute
* Proof of Single Status: an affadavit, or a
letter from a clergyman, lawyer, or Registry on official
letterhead attesting to the fact that the parties involved have
not been married previously.
* If a name has been changed by Deed Poll
proof is necessary
* If either party has been widowed, a Death
Certificate is needed
* If either party is under 21 evidence of
parental consent is required in the form of an affadavit
* All papers must be in English. If the
original papers are in another language, they should be
translated into English and certified
* No blood tests are required
Fees
Marriage Licence: EC$10
Stamp: EC$15
Registration Search: EC$2
Stamp: EC$5
Registrars Offices
The registrar's office should be contacted for specific
rules regarding planning your destination or beach wedding in
Grenada. They will also provide information regarding marriage
licenses and marriage certificates.
Prime Ministers Office
6th Floor
Ministerial Complex
Botanical Gardens
St George's
Grenada
Tel: 473 443 4688
Registry General's Office
Ground Floor, Ministerial Complex,
Botanical Gardens
St George's
Grenada
Tel: 473 330 2649
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Our source:
Over 70% of the information on this page was taken
from http://wikitravel.org
the other information was from
knowledge of the island and
http://www.mapsofworldcom
' http://www.islandbrides.com
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