"grinning in GRENADA (gree-nay-daa)" Grenada by nsbm

Located in the southern caribbean just north of Trinidad and only 21miles by 6miles, this upturned nutmeg shaped volcanic island has experienced more than its fair share of historic grief and natural destruction since independence from Britain in 1974.
Initally inhabited by resilient Carib amerindians it was discovered by Columbus in 1498. His Spanish crew thought the lush terrain evoked the scenery of 'Granada' and so when the French took over 'Le Grenade' and then the English it beacame dyslexi-sized to GRENADA.
Human tragedy 'curses' the spice isle first with the Carib's (1650s) and then the modern grenadians (1983) leaping to their deaths from cliffs and forts respectively to escape persecution from colonists and communists.
Natural disaster has overtaken tragedy in the form of recent Hurricanes Ivan 2004 and Emily 2005 which both wiped out 80% of the islands infrastructure but luckily killed few.
Bad news aside the 100 000 locals have bounced back with true Caribbean joie de vivre by spicing up their past misfortunes with renewed appreciation for their attributes: good weather, good food and nutmeg!

nutmeg- in & out

Okay so despite the cliche "spice isle' the place is really green and fertile and they plant every aromatic seasoning possible! The famous nutmeg came from Indonesia to whom Grenada falls 2nd in production.
Politics is even spicier with the communist backed New Jewel Movement of Bishop overthrowing the post-indepence elected team of Geary in 1979. The trauma ended with the invasion by US foorces in 1983 who ejected the Cuban backed regime. Bishopp was executed. There remain quite a few supporters of the edicts of Bishop but many are unwilling to talk..still. The current NNP was elected this year and seem no-none sense in thier approach to governing. One thing for sure is that the sweetness of the nutmeg has infiltrated the national psyche once again and Grenadians are grinning!

home sweet home

Officially 100 000 reside on the isles of Grenada, Carriacou (7000) and Petite Martinique (900). The Republic however has three times as many folks outside the nation mostly in Trinidad, New York and the UK. Some have returned but the diaspora remains abroad. Claiming to be home of ole time carnival; kaiso, the forerunner to calypso music and green spinach callaloo. Controversy among afficianados of Caribbean culture and cuisine contest these claims. However as we say in Trinidad 'ALL AH WE IS ONE FAMILY!'....no problem man! Whatever makes them happy...

• Pros:more than just nutmegs.....
• Cons:nutmegs!