Relaxing on the lush, tranquil island of Grenada, you'd never know that its history was literally explosive. Grenada was formed as a result of a volcanic eruption, and there's still an active underwater volcano near its shores. One of the many Caribbean islands originally claimed by Christopher Columbus, it was the scene of fierce battles between the Caribs, its original inhabitants, and the Europeans who tried to conquer them; the British and the French; and the island's slaves and the British. In 1983, the U.S. along with several Caribbean nations invaded the island to overthrow a Marxist military dictatorship.
Today, Grenada (pronounced Gre-nay-da) is one of the smallest independent countries in the Western Hemisphere. And somehow, despite its fiery past, the islanders have maintained an easy rhythm and friendly openness that is unique to other Caribbean destinations. Even the rain forests, devastated by Hurricane Ivan in 2004, have bounced back with a steady re-growth that has amazed observers.
Grenada is mountainous, dotted with picturesque towns. Its capital, St. George's, is acknowledged by many as the loveliest city in the Caribbean. Also known as the Spice Island, Grenada has long been a major source of nutmeg, cloves, ginger, cinnamon and cocoa. Their ravishing scents drift through the colorful markets and the island's dense forests. The interior of the island offers cascading rivers and waterfalls, lush rainforests, and breathtakingly beautiful mountain lakes.
In recent years Grenada has begun to protect some of its most remarkable natural assets through a system of national parks and protected areas. Ranging from the magnificent Grand Etang Forest Reserve to the tranquil beauty of Lake Antoine, these areas hold considerable attraction for hikers and birdwatchers as well as for those who simply want to become better acquainted with the peerless natural beauty of the island.
For many visitors, of course, the true test of any island is its beaches, and Grenada offers dozens to sample. They're all picture-perfect and officially public property, so they're all accessible. Grand Anse Beach, two miles of soft white sand stretching around the curve of a gentle bay near St. George's, is world famous. Grenada has much to offer those interested in diving and snorkeling as well, with pristine coral reefs off the coast of both Grenada and its sister island, Carriacou.
Trinidad hosts mini-summit - Manning under fire for generosity as host<p>Five CARICOM leaders met in Trinidad on Thursday to discuss matters relevant to the regional integration movement, according to an official statement issued Tuesday.</p>EPA 'on hold' for Grenada<p>GRENADA'S NEW one-month old government plans to delay signing the text of the Economic Partnership Agreement with the European Union before it concludes "a proper review" of the accord.</p>Mas' appeal<p>OVER 2008 is facing some stiff competition for visitors, with neighbouring islands also staging major tourist-catching events.</p>Another One Bites the Dust!... Douglas is Next<p>Another Caribbean government has fallen from power. The latest casualty is Dr. Keith Mitchell's New National Party Administration in Grenada.</p>Grenadians smarter than Trinis, says Bas --<p>The NDC won 11 of 15 parliamentary seats. "Grenadians are smarter than we are", Opposition Leader Basdeo Panday stated yesterday, as he responded to the results of the election in Grenada which saw the Keith ...</p>Grenada set for many challenges --<p>THE people of the neighbouring country of Grenada, Carriacou and Petit Martinique spoke loudly and eloquently last Tuesday, for a change of government and ostensibly a change in the direction of their country's ...</p>Ruling party concedes defeat in Grenada<p>Grenada Prime Minister Keith Mitchell's New National Party conceded defeat late Tuesday in elections that gave the opposition National Democratic Congress a majority in parliament.</p>New Grenada PM answers will of God -- ...commits to open govt at swearing-in<p>JUST AT ABOUT 2.25 p.m. yesterday, attorney Tillman Thomas took the oath of office as the eighth Prime Minister of Grenada, Carriacou and Petit Martinique, saying he was committing himself and his government to ...</p>EDITORIAL: Grenada and Zimbabwe - lessons in democracy<p>Herein lies a lesson for the likes of Robert Mugabe and other would-be tramplers on democracy.</p>Mitchell loses Grenada election -- LATEST<p>Voters seemed to have voted overwhelmingly for change here yesterday. Just after 8 o'clock last night, the Opposition National Democratic Congress, led by Tillman Thomas, was already beginning to celebrate ...</p>Grenada opposition poised to win election<p>A veteran legislator and former political detainee returned his party to power in Grenada on Tuesday after 13 years in opposition, according to preliminary election results.</p><p>The apparent win by Tillman Thomas' National Democratic Congress is a stunning setback for Prime Minister Keith Mitchell's conservative New National Party, which was seeking an unprecedented fourth consecutive term in legislative elections.</p><p>Grenada's Elections Office released a statement saying that their preliminary count showed the National Democratic Congress winning 11 of 15 seats. The ruling New National Party had four seats. The final count will be certified and announced on Wednesday.</p>Mitchell seeks fourth term today<p>AGAINSTA a background of a government seeking an unprecedented fourth term in office and an opposition which some here say has not been as effective as it was expectedA to be, Grenadians go to the polls today ...</p>A different holiday for giving thanks<p>Tomorrow is Independence Day. It has been 232 years since a band of patriots signed the Declaration of Independence.</p>Friday, July 4<p>Today is Friday, July 4, the 186th day of 2008. There are 180 days left in the year.</p>Grenada opposition party vows to halt storm reconstruction tax if it wins July election<p>ST. GEORGE'S, Grenada : Grenada's main opposition party is pledging to terminate a storm reconstruction tax if it wins parliamentary elections on July 8. National Democratic Congress spokesman Nazim Burke said ...</p>Grenada: Sun. Rum. Fun.<p>BB is Brian Benjamin, a London-trained chef who learned traditional Caribbean cooking as a young boy in his grandmother's Grenadian home.</p>Immersed in Grenada's culture<p>Meaghan Hogan, back right, poses with some children from St. Andrew's School for Children with Special Needs in Harford Village, Grenada.</p>Grenadians Going To The Polls On July 8th.<p>June 2nd, 2008. The people of Grenada will go to the Polls on July 8th. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Dr.</p>Paradise Bay Resort - Ultimate Romance<p>We designed the Ultimate Romance in Paradise package to be so special that you will never forget this unique experience.</p>See our villa rolodex<p>Your indispensable guide to 50 rigorously vetted villa rental agents CARIBBEAN MULTIPLE ISLANDS Timothy Roney, LaCURE Villas, Toronto 575 properties .</p>
