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 Grenada
Travel Tips
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A collection
of important information that can make your trip more enjoyable.
| OVERVIEW |
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Christopher Columbus discovered Grenada in 1498. The island was already inhabited by the Carib Indians, who had migrated from the South American mainland, killing or enslaving the peaceful Arawaks who where already inhabiting the island. The Amerindians called their island Camerhogue, but Columbus renamed the island Concepcion. However,passing Spanish sailors found its lush green hills so evocative of Andalusia that they rejected this name in favor of Granada.
The French then called it La Grenade, and the British followed suit, changing Grenade to Grenada (pronounced Gre-nay-da).
Agressive defence of the island by the Caribs prevented settlement by Europeans until the 17th century. In 1609 some Englishmen tried and failed, followed by a group of Frenchmen in 1638, but it was not until 1650 that a French expedition from Martinique landed and made initial friendly contact with the inhabitants.
Hostilities between the Caribs and the French broke out almost immediately afterward, as the French endeavoured to extend their control over the whole of the island. Determined not to submit to French rule, the Caribs fought a succession of losing battles, and ultimately the last surviving Caribs jumped to their death off a precipice in the north of the island. The French named the spot "Le Morne de Sauteurs," or "Leapers' Hill." |
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For the next ninety years, the French struggled unsuccessfully to keep the island from falling into the hands of the British. Fort George and Fort Frederick, which still command the heights overlooking St. George's harbour, are relics of that fight. Finally, under the Treaty of Versailles in 1783, the island was permanently ceded to the British. Having gained stable possession of Grenada, the British immediately imported large numbers of slaves from Africa and established sugar plantations.
In 1795, however, British control was seriously challenged once again, this time by Julian Fedon, a black planter inspired by the French Revolution. Under Fedon's leadership, the island's slaves rose up in a violent rebellion, effectively taking control of Grenada. Although the rebellion was crushed by the British, tensions remained high until slavery was abolished in 1834. The site of Fedon's Camp, high up in Grenada's beautiful central mountains, is today a popular destination for hikers.
In 1877 Grenada became a Crown Colony, and in 1967 it became an associate state within the British Commonwealth before gaining independence in 1974. Despite the island's long history of British rule, the island's French heritage (both colonial and revolutionary) survives in its place names, its buildings, and its strong Catholicism.
In 1979, an attempt was made to set up a socialist/communist state in Grenada. Four years later, at the request of the Governor General, the United States, 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 20 years has been a peaceful, democratic and fruitful back to normal existence, which has included many new building structures and vastly improved infrastructure. Grenada continues to grow, while still evoking the idyllic lifestyle of the Caribbean of old, which portrayed that rare quality called gracious living. |
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| CLIMATE OF GRENADA |
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The abundance of water that characterizes Grenada is primarily caused by the tropical, wet climate. Yearly precipitation, largely generated by the warm and moisture-laden northeasterly trade winds, varies from more than 350 centimeters on the windward mountainsides to less than 150 centimeters in the lowlands. The greatest monthly totals are recorded throughout Grenada from June through November, the months when tropical storms and hurricanes are most likely to occur. Rainfall is less pronounced from December through May, when the equatorial low-pressure system moves south. Similarly, the highest humidities, usually close to 80 percent, are recorded during the rainy months, and values from 68 to 78 percent are registered during the drier period. Temperatures averaging 29°C are constant throughout the year, however, with slightly higher readings in the lowlands. Nevertheless, diurnal ranges within a 24-hour period are appreciable: between 26°C and 32°C during the day and between 19°C and 24°C at night. |
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| ECONOMY |
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In the late 1980s, Grenada was in the midst of a lengthy economic transition following the downfall of the PRG government in October 1983. Although somewhat limited in choice by the country's economic resource base, the PRG and the parliamentary government of Blaize that followed opted for two distinct economic development strategies. The PRG's economic strategy was based on a centrally governed economy dependent on substantial Cuban assistance. The Blaize strategy was one that allowed market forces to regulate the economy, with financial assistance from the United States.
Bishop's PRG guided the economy into a phase aptly described as "foreign aid socialism," a form of socialism maintained by financial dependence on other socialist countries. Early PRG economic philosophy espoused a strong, diversified agricultural sector and government control of industry through cooperative management and nationalization. What actually developed was a program dependent on the construction industry for growth and on foreign grants for capitalization. Analyses following the removal of the PRG government suggested that the attempt at socialist transformation did not produce a revolution in economic development; there was no change in the distribution of income, and the standard of living actually declined slightly. This occurred because the PRG failed to develop a well-defined economic plan, managed economic enterprises poorly, and became overly concerned with political, rather than economic, priorities.
The Blaize government, by contrast, undertook a change in economic orientation emphasizing tourism and agriculture as the leading economic sectors. Private control of economic enterprises, attraction of both public and private foreign capital, and pursuit of a strong export trade were the fundamental elements of the development policy. This approach was in keeping with the economic realities of an island nation with natural resources limited to small amounts of arable land, natural tourist attractions, and an underutilized labor force. Because of this resource restriction, as well as limited domestic consumption, cultural and historical ties, and easy market penetration, Grenada's economy was naturally linked to the import markets of the United States, Britain, and the Caribbean Community and Common Market countries |
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| CULTURE |
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Grenada may not be well-known around the world, but it's had plenty of time to develop a personality of its own. Beginning with music and Carnival, Grenada's culture is a well-developed adventure in the arts.
Spoken Words
There are many linguistic nuances in Grenada, mostly due to its history. Though English is the main language, traces of French and African languages can still be heard.
Folklore has also been an important spoken tradition in Grenada. The tradition of telling folk stories is alive and well here, particularly on the island of Carriacou. Three of the most popular characters from these tales testify to the many cultures that have combined on these islands: Anancy, a West African spider, trickster-god; La Diablesse, the devil-woman; and Ligaroo, from the French Loupgaroux, meaning werewolf.
Song and Dance
Traditionally, calypso and reggae have been the most important musical styles in Grenada. But in more recent years, outside sources have influenced the local music. “Zouk” from the French Caribbean is changing the sound of calypso, while steel band music has been imported from nearby Trinidad and Tobago.
African dances are particularly important as well, as many Grenadians have been able to maintain their tribal heritage throughout the years. Each tribe has its own unique drum and dance style. These are often performed at Big Drum festivals. Carnival is an important time to remember song and dance, as well.
Grenadians' mixed heritage has given the islanders a culture all their own. From their two Carnival celebrations to the folklore and personal histories passed down in family memories, you're sure to get a truly Caribbean feel from this spirited mix. |
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| GETTING THERE |
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Once you arrive on Grenada, you will be greeted by friendly faces, warm hospitality, and the aroma of fresh spices. A number of travel options are available to whisk you away to this Caribbean paradise.
Travelers can reach Grenada by plane from almost anywhere in the world. Many airlines have flights to Grenada's Point Salines International Airport. Air travel is the most popular and fastest way to reach the island, and scheduled flights from cities around the world as well as from other islands in the Caribbean touch down daily. Travelers visiting Grenada can also hop a plane to neighboring Carriacou, which has a landing strip that can accommodate smaller aircrafts. |
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If you sail into Grenada on a cruise ship, your travels can be as exciting as reaching your destination. Cruise tourism is growing on Grenada, and many cruise lines stop here as part of a Caribbean tour. Cruise ship passengers dock at St. George's harbor, which is located near the heart of the downtown area. Once on land, travelers can visit a number of the capital city's historic sites, renowned dining establishments, and local shops.
Independent boaters can also visit Grenada, but its small sister island of Carriacou is more popular among sailors and yachters. Many boaters consider this little island a yachting paradise. Once you gain clearance to either of the islands' harbors, you will enjoy sailing the blue waters of the Caribbean Sea.
No matter how you choose to arrive on Grenada, vacationers are sure to have an unforgettable experience on this gorgeous tropical paradise. |
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| PEOPLE |
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Population density: 263/km2 (681/mi2)
Main languages spoken: English, English Creole
Most Grenadians are descendants of Africans brought over to work sugar plantations in the 16th to 19th centuries. The black community now comprises over 80% of the population, and intermarriage has negated any serious racial tension. As in other Caribbean states, extended families with absentee fathers are not uncommon. |
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| ENTRY REQUIREMENTS |
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A valid passport and return or onward ticket is required. However, proof of citizenship bearing a photograph is acceptable from British, Canadian and US citizens, if accompanied with a copy of your birth certificate. Visas are not required from citizens of USA, Canada, United Kingdom and its dependencies, British Commonwealth countries, Caribbean countries (except Cuba), European Community countries and their dependencies, Norway, Japan, and Israel. Commonwealth of Independent States such as Russia and the Ukraine and the Baltic States such as Estonia and Latvia, and other eastern European countries such as Hungary, Romania and Slovenia are required to purchase a tourist visa on arrival in Grenada and costs EC$ 25.
Duty Free Allowances - Personal items, one quart in total wines and spirits, half-pound tobacco or 50 cigars or 200 cigarettes. No restrictions on the amount of money that can be brought in. Restricted items are fruits, vegetables, meat, soil, illegal drugs, firearms and ammunition.
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| CLOTHING |
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| Casual, light comfortable clothing is appropriate during the day as well as in the evening. No restaurants expect gentlemen to wear jackets in the evenings. Beachwear should not be worn in the streets or stores. Long trousers and hiking shoes are recommended for hiking. |
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| SAFETY AND SECURITY |
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Virtually all the thousands of visitors to Grenada each year have happy and trouble-free holidays. This is a friendly island and visitors are very much welcomed. However, even in these idyllic surroundings you should not become complacent about safety and security. Isolated incidents, although very rare, can occur here as they can in any part of the world and visitors should exercise common sense wherever they travel. We would advise visitors to use taxis after dark whenever possible. Many restaurants will offer help with taxis to and from their premises – some offer a free pick-up and collection service. We also advise particular caution when visiting isolated beaches and deserted areas at all times of day. |
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| MEDICAL FACILITIES |
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There is a General Hospital in St George’s , a smaller hospital in Mirabeau on the East coast and one in Carriacou. Clinics and doctors can be found throughout the island and doctors can generally make hotel visits – your hotel/accommodation will offer any necessary assistance, as will our local agents. Pharmacies are generally well stocked with all the usual medications, but we advise you to take sufficient supplies of any medication that you normally take. |
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