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.
Letter: Addressing the sand mining problem in Carriacou<p>Dear Sir: The disastrous effects of sand mining on the coastlines of small island states are well documented.</p>Letter: GULP should be seen as the party for change<p>Dear Sir: Those of us who would like to see a reform of the political system extant to Grenada must understand that they are no free lunches; change will not come about easily, and should change come it would be at a price.</p>Sailing the Eastern Caribbean<p>This idyllic part of the eastern Caribbean, stretching from Grenada to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, is known for the aromatic spices that are grown throughout the islands.</p>Letter: I beg Winston Strachan to show some respect for St Patrick's people<p>Dear Sir: In reference to Winston Strachan , I am very much disappointed in some of the comments Mr Strachan made in terms of misleading his readers, to believe that citizens of St Patrick are inferior to St George's residents.</p>Letter: In defence of Senator Chester Humphrey<p>Dear Sir: The call by the opposition NNP, the most anti-worker political party to ever rule Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique for the resignation of the labour representative in the senate is frivolous, vexatious, disingenuous, out of order and total interference.</p>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>
