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.
Grenadian artistes to stage benefit concert for Haiti<p>Grenadian artistes in New York will come together in a benefit concert to raise money to assist the people of Haiti following last month's devastating earthquake.</p>Former Grenada government accused of squandering money<p>Grenada trade unionist, Senator Chester Humphrey, has castigated the former New National Party government for its involvement in a long list of failed projects and the wastage of taxpayers' money.</p>Letter: Time for people action<p>Dear Sir: To build a strong and modern day progressive society it requires strong leadership at all levels, hard work, commitment, critical thinking and analysis, accountability, unity and a clear vision.</p>Regional farmers meet in Grenada<p>ST GEORGE'S, Grenada -- Agriculture Minister Denis Lett said that government has embarked on a plan to build "critical capacities'' in the agricultural sector in Grenada.</p>Holidays on Earth Today: January 22, 2010<p>Independence Day, New Year Day, and Valentines and so on. Then there are strange and weird holidays that really have no meaning besides the mere purpose to have an excuse to celebrate something.</p>Letter: Grenada National Budget<p>Dear Sir: The Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique National budget was presented to parliament on Friday 15 January 2009 by Minister of Finance Nazim Burke.</p>As Guyana prepares for the opening of its first ever casino...Some...<p>Even as Guyana prepares for the opening of its first ever casino, controversy is raging elsewhere in the Caribbean over whether casino gambling should be wholeheartedly embraced as part of the regional entertainment industry.</p>Employment-creation a priority of Grenada's 2010 Budget<p>ST GEORGE'S, Grenada -- Grenadians will find out on Friday, January 15, what the government's plans are for nationals seeking jobs, even as the country and the world remain in the grip of the global economic and financial crisis.</p>An island of quiet pleasures<p>"Look," I say to my daughter, pointing up the height of the waterfall to the place where the mountain splits and the water seems to pour from the sky.</p>Letter: Tillman Thomas a man of integrity<p>Dear Sir: I wish to differ with the opinions of Mr Strachan as it relates to his pronouncements on the Hon Tillman Thomas Prime Minister of Grenada Carriacou and Petite Martinique.</p>Letter: Grenada PM is living in a fool's paradise<p>Dear Sir: I found the Prime Minister of Grenada's New Year message long and boring as usual and without substance.</p>Letter: Carriacou and Petite Martinique in 2010<p>Dear Sir: As we close of 2009 and look forward to 2010, I would like to wish the people of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.</p>Grenada government to implement policy on aging<p>The Ministry of Social Development says it will develop an action plan to implement the recently approved Policy on Aging in Grenada.</p>Blog of the Week: by Intelligent Searcher -- Begone Pollsters ... Goodbye Cadres<p>Once again, pollsters are on our doorsteps trying to muddy the waters and claiming they have the answers to the forthcoming elections.</p>Grenadian New Yorkers support dental programme<p>By Lincoln Depradine NEW YORK, USA -- Grenada's Consul General in New York is impressed that Grenadians of all political persuasions are banding together to support a planned nation-wide oral health survey and clinical dental outreach programme.</p>Letter: Don't just blame Mitchell, blame Tillman Thomas<p>Dear Sir: I am writing in response to your published article "Grenada's minister of finance contextualised 'disturbing' poverty report." While I would agree with finance Minister Nazim Burke to some extent that the previous administration is largely responsible for the widening of the now disclosed poverty gap of 32.1 percent and the recent ...</p>Making friends in Jamaica<p>Hedley Jones recounts the history of Jamaicaa TMs music scene. His tales of Kingston nightclubs go back to the a TM30s.</p>Grenada agriculture: 'good news on the horizon'<p>ST GEORGE'S, Grenada -- The Ministry of Agriculture has a plan for Grenada's agricultural sector that includes greater emphasis on agro-processing, says agricultural official Ferron Lowe.</p>Letter: Educated rural Grenadians must become vocal<p>Dear Sir: There is a link between urbanisation and globalisation and it is time that Grenadian politicians explain the issue to the people, rather than playing politics with it.</p>A beachfront room for $25 US a night? 5 reasons to choose Grenada for your next Caribbean vacation<p>From hiking the mountain trails of Grand Etang National Park to whale-watching tours , Grenada, the nutmeg-scented island, is one of the most ecologically diverse islands in the Caribbean.</p>
