First discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1498 during his third visit to the New World, Grenada is known as the “Island of Spice” of the Caribbean. One of the world’s leading producers of nutmeg, mace, cinnamon and cocoa, the fragrant scent of spices seems to envelop the island’s emerald hillsides, beaches and tropical forests.
The first permanent settlement in Grenada was established in 1650 by the French. During the 18th century the island was alternately occupied by the French and the English. After the Treaty of Versailles, the island was ceded to the British.
In 1974, the three-island nation of Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique achieved independence, making it one of the smallest independent nations in the Western Hemisphere.
Its progress was halted in the late 1970s when a left-wing government took control and ended free speech and many other liberties. After the intervention of the United States and several Caribbean countries in 1983, order was restored and a new prime minister was elected near the end of the year in his first free election since the riots.
Grenadians are extremely grateful to the United States for coming to their aid in 1983 and defeating leftist renegades and restoring order. Their appreciation is expressed not only by the people, but you can also see a lot of graffiti thanking the US and its military.
Grenada is now the ideal vacation spot, St. George’s exemplifying a perfect setting for an idyllic Caribbean paradise. Most of the motels are family owned and no building can be taller than a coconut palm.
As the largest spice-producing island in the Western Hemisphere, one should not visit without touring the island and its many attractions. At the top of the list would be a spice plantation, where cocoa, nutmeg, cinnamon, and other spices were grown and harvested. See how cacao beans were dried and processed, see cinnamon trees, nutmeg trees, banana trees, and a variety of jungle vegetation.
It is quite entertaining to drive through the narrow roads of the mountain, trying to navigate between the potholes while observing all the vegetation of the humid forest and beautiful landscapes. Another beautiful vantage point is Grand Etang Lake, where you can enjoy a local drink, sandwich, and mountain views.
Because Grenadians observe many natural healing practices using their herbs and spices, as well as a diet of many of the natural foods found on the island, they have one of the longest lifespans in the Western Hemisphere, only a few years ago. years the oldest person in the world lived in Granada reaching the heartbreaking age of 127 years.
Situated 90 miles north of Trinidad, the island is only 21 miles long and 12 miles wide, and with a population of 107,000, 27,000 of whom live in the capital of St. George, this island is one that should be on the bucket list of anyone traveling to this part of the world.