Grenada is a group of three larger islands (Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique) and several tiny islands in the Caribbean. It lies just north of Trinidad and Tobago, and southwest of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. It is famous for spices and is known as the “Spice Isle”, being a major source of nutmeg, cloves, ginger, cinnamon, vanilla and cocoa.
Capital: St George’s
Currency: East Caribbean dollar “$” or “EC$” (XCD)US$1 ≈ EC$2.7 (pegged).
Population: 197,800
Language. English and English-based Creole.
Country Code: +1473
HISTORY
Christopher Columbus discovered Grenada in 1498. Over the centuries, control of the island passed from France to Britain. The French were the first in 1652 when the last of the defending Caribs rather than be ruled by the French, threw themselves into the sea from a spot that was christened Le Morne des Sauteurs, and is known today as Leapers’ Hill and Carib’s Leap.
Exploited first for indigo and later for sugar production, the island prospered and, like many others in the Caribbean, attracted the attention of the British. Captured by Admiral George Rodney in 1762, near the end of the European Seven Years’ War (1756–63), Grenada reverted to French rule from 1779 until 1783 when the island was restored to Britain by the Treaty of Versailles.
The inhabitants’ loyalties remained divided between the two European powers for many years, as illustrated by Fedon’s Rebellion of 1795. In the course of this violent episode, a group of rebels under the command of the mulatto General Julien Fedon, and inspired by the rhetoric of the French Revolution wreaked havoc on the island and its British settlers in an unsuccessful attempt to reunite with France.
From 1784 until its independence in 1974, Grenada was a colony of the British Empire.
In 1979, after a coup d’état, an attempt was made to set up what the U.S. and other regional governments viewed at the time as a communist state in Grenada. Four years later, at the request of the Governor General, the United States (with some window dressing from Jamaica and the Eastern Caribbean States) intervened militarily. Launching their now famous “rescue mission”, the allied forces restored order, and in December of 1984 a general election re-established democratic government.
The last couple of decades have been a peaceful, democratic, fruitful and normal existence, with many new buildings and vastly improved infrastructure.
Climate. Average temperatures range from 24°C to 30°C, tempered by the steady and cooling trade winds. The driest season is between January and May. During the rainy season, from June to December, it rarely rains for more than an hour at a time and generally not every day.
GET IN
Visa Most western countries visa free.
By plane. Maurice Bishop International Airport (GND) in the extreme southwest 4 miles from St. George’s. Connections can be made on Liat via Trinidad and Barbados, and also from Barbados via SVG Airlines.
By boat. A large cruise ship terminal allows up to 4 ships to be docked at once.
GET AROUND
The town centre has several hilly, narrow streets.
By Taxi.
By Bus. The standard transportation are mini-vans for15-19 people. They are lively trips, with great music and a nice breeze.
By Car. Car rentals are expensive. A temporary Grenada license is obtained from the car rental company or police station for EC$30. Drive on the left and horn on blind corners.
By Boat. Water taxis between Cruise Terminal, Grand Anse Beach and the Carenage.
Safety. Has the lowest crime rate in the entire Caribbean. The tropical sun and high humidity deserve respect. May be more danger for pedestrians on narrow sidewalks and streets than from crime.
Health. Drinking water is chlorinated.
Respect. Law that bans bathing suits in non-beach areas. Do not confuse the laid-back attitude for lazy, as Grenadians have a very formal and conservative attitude about their lifestyle and workplace.
==============================================================NOMAD MANIA Grenada (St. George’s)
Tentative WHS
St. George Fortified System (05/08/2004)
St. George Historic District (05/08/2004)
Borders: Grenada (sea border/port)
XL: Saint Patrick parish (North)
World of Nature
Grand Etang NP and Lake
Levera Pond
La Sagesse Nature Centre
Lake Antoine National Landmark
Festivals
Grenada Chocolate Festival
Grenada Drum Festival
Spice Mas Festival
Experiences: Try or Learn how to make rum
Zoos: Crochu: Spice Island Wildlife Sanctuary And Petting Zoo
Botanical Gardens: Red Gate: Palm Tree Gardens
Beaches
Grand Anse (Sight)
La Sagesse Beach
Magazine Beach
Waterfalls
Annandale Falls
Mt Carmel Falls
Seven Sisters Waterfall
Lakes: Lake Antoine
Rivers: St. John’s River
Well-being:
Distillery: Clarke’s Court Rum Distillery
Distillery: River Antoine Rum Distillery
Bizzarium: Molinere Bay: Underwater Sculptures
Islands
GRENADA
Cities of the Americas
St. GEORGE’S World Capital
Tentative WHS
St. George Fortified System (05/08/2004)
St. George Historic District (05/08/2004)
Airports: St. George’s (GND)
Museums: St George’s: Grenada National Museum
Castles, Palaces, Forts
Fort Frederick
Fort George
Religious Temples
St. George’s Anglican Church
St.Andrew’s Presbyterian Church
Markets: St. George’s Market Square
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NOMAD MANIA Grenada – Grenadines (Carriacou, Petite Martinique)
Tentative WHS: Grenadines Island Group (18/11/2013)
Borders: Grenada (sea border/port)
XL: Petite Martinique
Experiences: Try or Learn how to make rum
Windmills: Grenada, Old Sugar Mill
Waterfalls
Salton Waterfalls
Trafalgar Falls
Open-Air Museums: Kalinago Barana Autê (Carib Cultural Village by the Sea)
Islands:
CARRIACOU
Museums: Carriacou Museum
Festivals: Carriacou Maroon and String Band Music Festival