Grenada

Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique – a tri-island state often referred to as the Island of Spice is located in the Southern Caribbean.

History

In 1763, the mainland was named Grenada when the British gained control from the French who had named the country ‘La Grenada’. The name originates from Granada given by the Spaniards in the 1520s. When the British regained control, they failed in their attempts to rid the island of French influences imposed since 1649. Years on, theislands reveal influences of Amerindian customs, French and English settlement fused with African, East Indian and Caribbean ancestry.The first people believed to have settled in Grenada were the Arawak-speaking Amerindians from South America. Archaeological sites have unearthed evidence of the settlers, which reveal skilled agriculturists and fishermen who built their own boats, leaving behind skills that remain with us today. Other archaeological treasures are the petroglyphs at Duquesne Bay in the Parish of St. Mark, where carvings on large boulders depict faces

and drawings from the past.

The National Museum in the capital city St. George’s, Carriacou Museum on the island of Carriacou and Rome Museum at Walker in the Parish of St. Andrew house rare antiques and collectibles from Grenadians of the past. There are also several historical sites preserved – and in some cases, restored – offering a physical experience of invasions, battles and tragedies throughout our history.On February 7th 1974, Grenada became the first Windward and Leeward Island to become a sovereign state. Each year on this day, this achievement is celebrated through formal and informal traditions to commemorate the independence of the islands. Visitors travelling to Grenada in the month of February, can relish the Independence celebrations by feasting on a plate of ‘oil down’ – breadfruit slow-cooked with meat, fish and vegetable combinations, absorbing the wonderful flavour of callaloo and coconut milk.The revolutionary period from 1979 to 1983 and the subsequent intervention of American and Caribbean military are remembered during the month of October, with a formal recognition on Thanksgiving Day. Initially celebrated on October 25th 1983 to commemorate the restoration of democracy, Grenadians have embraced this annual public holiday by showing friendship and appreciation for their families and fellow men and women by reflecting and giving thanks.Carriacou and Petite Martinique boast the most beautiful coral reefs. Carriacou – the larger of the two – is known as the ‘Land of Reefs’, with shallow clear waters: ideal for snorkeling. Occupants of both islands are independent and fiercely traditional. On Carriacou – home to 6,000 people – the musical customs of their African descendants can be experienced at the Carriacou Maroon and String Band Music Festival held in the month of April.

French settlers were the first on Petite Martinique, which is an island not phased by modernity. Petit Martiniquians make their livelihood from boat-building and fishing – a skill they have mastered, which is fascinating to hear about and witness. If you’re seeking a more authentic experience, a short trip by ferry or local aircraft will transport you to the islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

BCs

• (20Mil BC) Grenada was formed as an underwater volcano

1400s

• (1498) Christopher Columbus sailed by Grenada, named the island Concepcion

1600s

• (1609) British attempted to settle Grenada
• (1650) French settlers from Martinique established colony, founded Saint George’s, present-day capital

1700s

• (1705) French began construction of Fort George on Grenada; completed by British
• (1779) French fleet occupied Grenada
• (1783) France ceded Grenada to Britain in accordance with Treaty of Versailles; African slaves brought in to work on cotton, sugar, tobacco plantations

1800s

• (1834) Slavery abolished
• (1885-1958) Grenada acted as administrative headquarters of British Windward Islands

1900s

• (1950) Eric Gairy founded Grenada United Labor Party
• (1955) Hurricane Janet hit Grenada, destroyed 75% of nutmeg trees
• (1958-62) Grenada became part of British-sponsored Federation of West Indies
• (1967) Grenada became associated state of Britain
• (1974) Grenada became independent; Eric Gairy prime minister
• (1979) New Jewel Movement led by Maurice Bishop overthrew corrupt government led by Eric Gairy; Grenada strengthened ties with Cuba, US
• (1983) Bishop ousted, executed by former left-winged allies led by General Hudson Austin, who objected to his attempts to improve ties with the US
• (1984) Herbert A. Blaize became prime minister
• (1989) Blaize died; replaced by Ben Jones
• (1991) Following the inconclusive general election, Nicholas Braithwaite (NDC) headed the coalition government
• (1995) Braithwaite resigned; agriculture minister George Brizan became prime minister until elections; Keith Mitchell (NNP) won election as prime minister
• (1999) Keith Mitchell’s New National Party won all 15 parliamentary seats

2000s

• (2000) Truth and Reconciliation Commission set up with South African help to examine political upheavals of “Revolutionary Years”
• (2001) Grenada blacklisted by Paris-based Financial Action Task Force for not tackling money-laundering; government began review of offshore banking
• (2002) Grenada removed from the Paris-based Financial Action Task Force blacklist
• (2003) Prime Minister Keith Mitchell won third term in
• (2004) Grenada took direct hit from Hurricane Ivan; prime minister declared national disaster; 90% of the island devastated
• (2005) Grenada re-established diplomatic ties with China, favored Beijing over its former diplomatic partner Taiwan; Grenada hit by Hurricane Emily; storm killed one person, destroyed crops and damaged homes
• (2008) Former Prime Minister, Sir Eric Gairy, named country’s first National Hero on 34th anniversary of independence; Tillman Thomas, former political detainee, sworn in as the new prime minister of Grenada
• (2009) Prime Minister Tillman Thomas stated Grenada sold 100 Venezuelan -built houses for only $2,000 to people left homeless by Hurricane Ivan
• (2010) Grenada businessman Michael Raeburn-Delfish was reported missing, his severed head and limbs were found in three shallow pits; suspect Ronald Michael Phillip had been deported from the US to his native Grenada as a convicted felon in 2000