From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Grenada
|
|
Motto: “Ever Conscious of God We Aspire, Build and Advance as One People”[1] |
Anthem: Hail Grenada
Royal anthem: God Save the Queen |
|
Capital
(and largest city) |
St. George’s
12°03′N 61°45′W / 12.05°N 61.75°W / 12.05; -61.75 |
Official language(s) |
English, Patois |
Ethnic groups |
82% black, 13% mixed black and European, 5% European and East Indian, and trace of Arawak/Carib[2] |
Demonym |
Grenadian, Greenz, Greens |
Government |
Parliamentary democracy under constitutional monarchy |
- |
Queen |
Queen Elizabeth II |
- |
Governor General |
Carlyle Glean |
- |
Prime Minister |
Tillman Thomas |
Legislature |
Parliament |
- |
Upper House |
Senate |
- |
Lower House |
House of Representatives |
Independence from the United Kingdom |
- |
Date |
Thursday 7 February 1974 |
Area |
- |
Total |
344 km2 (203rd)
132.8 sq mi |
- |
Water (%) |
1.6 |
Population |
- |
July 12, 2005 estimate |
110,000 (185th) |
- |
Density |
319.8/km2 (45th)
828.3/sq mi |
GDP (PPP) |
2008 estimate |
- |
Total |
$1.181 billion[3] |
- |
Per capita |
$11,464[3] |
GDP (nominal) |
2008 estimate |
- |
Total |
$678 million[3] |
- |
Per capita |
$6,587[3] |
HDI (2007) |
▲ 0.813 (high) (74th) |
Currency |
East Caribbean dollar (XCD ) |
Time zone |
(UTC−4) |
- |
Summer (DST) |
(UTC−4) |
Drives on the |
left |
Internet TLD |
.gd |
Calling code |
+1-473 |
a 2002 estimate. |
.^ Grenada is an island in the southeast Caribbean Sea, the largest island of the Grenadines.- Grenada Travel Guide- Travel reviews map�s and guides-Grenada travel information-Sunwing Vacations 16 January 2010 19:019 UTC sunwing.ca [Source type: General]
^ Grenada is an island nation in the southeastern Caribbean Sea.- Minority Rights Group International : Grenada : Grenada Overview 16 January 2010 19:019 UTC www.minorityrights.org [Source type: General]
^ Bishop’s socialist policies and cooperation with communist Cuba caused concern to some of the country’s Caribbean neighbours and especially to the United States.- Minority Rights Group International : Grenada : Grenada Overview 16 January 2010 19:019 UTC www.minorityrights.org [Source type: General]
.^ It includes the southern Grenadines, and is located north of Trinidad and Tobago, and south of Saint Vincent.- Minority Rights Group International : Grenada : Grenada Overview 16 January 2010 19:019 UTC www.minorityrights.org [Source type: General]
History
1498–1958: Colonization
.^ While most of the indigenous Kalinago population retreated to the other islands in 1651, the last 30 Carib warriors in Grenada leapt to their death off Sauteurs cliff, rather than surrender to the French.- Minority Rights Group International : Grenada : Grenada Overview 16 January 2010 19:019 UTC www.minorityrights.org [Source type: General]
^ Due to the aggressive resistance mounted by the indigenous Carib (Kalinago) population Grenada remained uncolonized by European nations until 1650 when it was claimed by the French.- Minority Rights Group International : Grenada : Grenada Overview 16 January 2010 19:019 UTC www.minorityrights.org [Source type: General]
^ Grenada's physical beauty is complemented by its rich history and vibrant, living cultural heritage.- Grenada Vacations - Grenada Vacations Packages and All-inclusive Vacations 16 January 2010 19:019 UTC www.beachdestinations.com [Source type: General]
The Spaniards did not permanently settle on Camahogne.
.^ Due to the aggressive resistance mounted by the indigenous Carib (Kalinago) population Grenada remained uncolonized by European nations until 1650 when it was claimed by the French.- Minority Rights Group International : Grenada : Grenada Overview 16 January 2010 19:019 UTC www.minorityrights.org [Source type: General]
Warfare also existed between the Caribs of present day
Dominica and
St. Vincent and the Grenadines with the French invaders.
The French took control of Camahogne and named the new
French colony La Grenade. La Grenade prospered as a wealthy French colony; its main export was sugar. The French established a capital known as
Fort Royal in 1650 as ordered by
Cardinal Richelieu. To wait out harsh hurricanes, the French navy would shelter in the capital's natural harbour. No other French colony had a natural harbour to even compare with that of Fort Royal (later renamed St. George's).
.^ Every person who, on 6th February 1974 is a citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies- .- Grenada: Constitution, 1973 16 January 2010 19:019 UTC pdba.georgetown.edu [Source type: Original source]
^ Every person who, having been born in Grenada is on 6th February 1974 a citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies shall become a citizen of Grenada on 7th February 1974.- Grenada: Constitution, 1973 16 January 2010 19:019 UTC pdba.georgetown.edu [Source type: Original source]
A century later, in 1877 Grenada was made a
Crown Colony.
[citation needed]
1958–1984: Independence and Revolution
.^ This Order, which is made under section 5(4) of the West Indies Act 1967 at the request and with the consent of the Associated State of Grenada, provides a new constitution for Grenada to come into effect upon termination of the status of association of Grenada with the United Kingdom under that Act.- Grenada: Constitution, 1973 16 January 2010 19:019 UTC pdba.georgetown.edu [Source type: Original source]
^ Parliament may alter any of the provisions of this Constitution or of the Courts Order or section 3 of the West Indies Associated States (Appeals to Privy Council) Order 1967(a) in the manner specified in the following provisions of this section.- Grenada: Constitution, 1973 16 January 2010 19:019 UTC pdba.georgetown.edu [Source type: Original source]
^ Supreme Court established by the Courts Order shall be styled the Supreme Court of Grenada and the West Indies Associated States ; references in the Courts Order to the Premier of Grenada shall be construed as references to the Prime Minister of Grenada.- Grenada: Constitution, 1973 16 January 2010 19:019 UTC pdba.georgetown.edu [Source type: Original source]
.^ Independence was granted in 1974 under the leadership of the first Prime Minister, Sir Eric Gairy, making it the second-smallest independent country in the Western Hemisphere (after St Kitts and Nevis).- Minority Rights Group International : Grenada : Grenada Overview 16 January 2010 19:019 UTC www.minorityrights.org [Source type: General]
^ There shall be a Cabinet of Ministers for Grenada which shall consist of the Prime Minister and the other Ministers.- Grenada: Constitution, 1973 16 January 2010 19:019 UTC pdba.georgetown.edu [Source type: Original source]
^ The powers of the Governor-General under this section shall be exercised by him in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister : .- Grenada: Constitution, 1973 16 January 2010 19:019 UTC pdba.georgetown.edu [Source type: Original source]
Civil conflict gradually broke out between Eric Gairy’s government and some opposition parties including the
New Jewel Movement (NJM). Gairy’s party won elections in 1976 but the opposition did not accept the result, accusing it of fraudulence. In 1979, the New Jewel Movement under
Maurice Bishop launched a paramilitary attack on the government resulting in its overthrow.
The constitution was suspended and Bishop's government ruled subsequently by decree.
Cuban presence was welcomed and heavily invested in civic assistance (doctors, teachers, and technicians in the fields of health, literacy, agriculture, and agro-industries) during the ensuing era. Agrarian reforms started by the Gairy government were continued and greatly expanded under the revolutionary government of Maurice Bishop.
Invasion of Grenada by the U.S. and OECS military
.^ Bishop’s socialist policies and cooperation with communist Cuba caused concern to some of the country’s Caribbean neighbours and especially to the United States.- Minority Rights Group International : Grenada : Grenada Overview 16 January 2010 19:019 UTC www.minorityrights.org [Source type: General]
Bishop had been taking his time making Grenada wholly
socialist, encouraging private-sector development in an attempt to make the island a popular tourist destination.
.^ In the exercise of his powers to dissolve Parliament, the Governor-General shall act in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister : Provided that- .- Grenada: Constitution, 1973 16 January 2010 19:019 UTC pdba.georgetown.edu [Source type: Original source]
^ The Governor-General, acting in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister, may appoint Parliamentary Secretaries from among the Senators and members of the House of Representatives to assist Ministers in the performance of their duties : .- Grenada: Constitution, 1973 16 January 2010 19:019 UTC pdba.georgetown.edu [Source type: Original source]
^ The powers of the Governor-General under this section shall be exercised by him in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister : .- Grenada: Constitution, 1973 16 January 2010 19:019 UTC pdba.georgetown.edu [Source type: Original source]
[citation needed]
.^ Provided that two or more government departments may be placed under the supervision of one permanent secretary.- Grenada: Constitution, 1973 16 January 2010 19:019 UTC pdba.georgetown.edu [Source type: Original source]
These actions led to street demonstrations in various parts of the island. Bishop had massive support among the population and was eventually freed by a large demonstration in the capital.
.^ There shall be a Cabinet of Ministers for Grenada which shall consist of the Prime Minister and the other Ministers.- Grenada: Constitution, 1973 16 January 2010 19:019 UTC pdba.georgetown.edu [Source type: Original source]
^ The Governor-General, acting in accordance with the advice of allocation of the Prime Minister, may, by directions in writing, assign to the Prime Minister or any other Minister responsibility for any business of the Government of Grenada, including the administration of any department of government.- Grenada: Constitution, 1973 16 January 2010 19:019 UTC pdba.georgetown.edu [Source type: Original source]
^ Actual executive power lies with the prime minister, who is usually the leader of the majority group in parliament.- Minority Rights Group International : Grenada : Grenada Overview 16 January 2010 19:019 UTC www.minorityrights.org [Source type: General]
The Coard regime then put the island under martial law.
[citation needed]
After the execution of Bishop, the People's Revolutionary Army formed a military government with General
Hudson Austin as chairman. The army declared a four-day total curfew during which it said that anyone leaving their home without approval would be shot on sight.
[4]
The overthrow of a moderate government by one which was strongly communist worried U.S. President
Ronald Reagan. Of particular concern was the presence of Cuban construction workers and military personnel building a 10,000-foot airstrip on Grenada. Though Bishop had claimed the purpose of the airstrip was to allow commercial jets to land, Reagan believed its purpose was to allow military transport planes loaded with arms from Cuba to be transferred to Central American insurgents.
[5]
Also weighing on Reagan was the security of the 800 American medical students enrolled at St. George's School of Medicine in the former British commonwealth. With the post-coup violence and anarchy, martial law, and the shoot-on-sight curfew, Reagan was joined by many of his advisers, as well as much of the American public, in believing that the rescue of the American students was sufficient justification for an invasion.
[6]
.^ Grenada visa for citizens of United States is required for more information please contact the nearest Grenada embassy .- Grenada Visa : Application, Requirements. Apply for Grenadian Visas Online. 16 January 2010 19:019 UTC grenada.visahq.com [Source type: General]
^ Grenada entry visa is not required for citizens of United States.- Grenada Visa : Application, Requirements. Apply for Grenadian Visas Online. 16 January 2010 19:019 UTC grenada.visahq.com [Source type: General]
^ Grenada business visa is not required for citizens of United States for a stay up to 90 days.- Grenada Visa : Application, Requirements. Apply for Grenadian Visas Online. 16 January 2010 19:019 UTC grenada.visahq.com [Source type: General]
The U.S. stated this was done at the behest of
Dame Eugenia Charles, of
Dominica.
.^ As a member of the Commonwealth, Grenada’s head of state is the British monarch, represented by a governor-general.- Minority Rights Group International : Grenada : Grenada Overview 16 January 2010 19:019 UTC www.minorityrights.org [Source type: General]
^ This Order, which is made under section 5(4) of the West Indies Act 1967 at the request and with the consent of the Associated State of Grenada, provides a new constitution for Grenada to come into effect upon termination of the status of association of Grenada with the United Kingdom under that Act.- Grenada: Constitution, 1973 16 January 2010 19:019 UTC pdba.georgetown.edu [Source type: Original source]
^ The Prime Minister shall keep the Governor-General fully informed concerning the general conduct of the government of Grenada and shall furnish the Governor-General with such information as he may request with respect to any particular matter relating to the government of Grenada.- Grenada: Constitution, 1973 16 January 2010 19:019 UTC pdba.georgetown.edu [Source type: Original source]
The
United Nations General Assembly condemned it as "a flagrant violation of international law"
[7] by a vote of 108 in favor to 9, with 27 abstentions.
[8] .^ The Queen's Most Excellent Majesty in Council Whereas the Associated State of Grenada has, by a resolution passed in the House of Representatives thereof on 12th October 1973 and by a resolution passed in the Senate thereof on 15th October 1973, requested and consented to the making of this Order: .- Grenada: Constitution, 1973 16 January 2010 19:019 UTC pdba.georgetown.edu [Source type: Original source]
After the invasion of the island nation, the pre-revolutionary Grenadan constitution was resumed. Eighteen members of the PRG and the PRA (army) were arrested after the invasion on charges related to the murder of Maurice Bishop and seven others.
.^ Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the executive authority of Grenada may be exercised on behalf of Her Majesty by the Governor-General either directly or through officers subordinate to him.- Grenada: Constitution, 1973 16 January 2010 19:019 UTC pdba.georgetown.edu [Source type: Original source]
Fourteen were
sentenced to death, one was found not guilty and three were sentenced to forty-five years in prison. The death sentences were eventually commuted to terms of imprisonment. Those in prison have become known as the
Grenada 17.
2000s
In 2000–2002, much of the controversy of the late 1970s and early 1980s was once again brought into the public consciousness with the opening of the
truth and reconciliation commission. The commission was chaired by a
Roman Catholic priest, Father Mark Haynes, and was tasked with uncovering injustices arising from the PRA, Bishop’s regime, and before. It held a number of hearings around the country. Brother Robert Fanovich, head of Presentation Brothers’ College (PBC) in St. George’s tasked some of his senior students with conducting a research project into the era and specifically into the fact that Maurice Bishop’s body was never discovered. See Maurice Paterson's book, published before this event, called
Big Sky Little Bullet. Paterson also uncovered that there was still a lot of resentment in Grenadian society resulting from the era, and a feeling that there were many injustices still unaddressed.
In 2004, after being hurricane-free for forty-nine years, the island was directly hit by
Hurricane Ivan (September 7). Ivan struck as a
Category 3 hurricane and caused 90 percent of the homes to be damaged or destroyed. The following year, 2005,
Hurricane Emily (July 14), a Category 1 hurricane at the time, struck the northern part of the island with 80 kt winds, causing an estimated
USD $110 million (EC$ 297 million) worth of damage. This was much less damage than Ivan had caused.
[citation needed]
Grenada has recovered with remarkable speed, due to both domestic labour and financing from the world at large and the work done by the New National Party Administration of Dr.
Keith Mitchell and his team. By December 2005, 96% of all hotel rooms were to be open for business and to have been upgraded in facilities and strengthened to an improved
building code. The
agricultural industry and in particular the
nutmeg industry suffered serious losses, but that event has begun changes in crop management and it is hoped that as new nutmeg trees gradually mature, the industry will return to its pre-Ivan position as a major supplier in the
Western world.
[citation needed]
.^ Grenada is an island nation in the southeastern Caribbean Sea.- Minority Rights Group International : Grenada : Grenada Overview 16 January 2010 19:019 UTC www.minorityrights.org [Source type: General]
The island's then Prime Minister was at the time CARICOM Representative on cricket and was instrumental in having the World Cup Games brought to the region. After Hurricane Ivan, the government of the
People's Republic of China (PRC) paid for the new $40 million
national stadium, and provided the aid of over 300 labourers to build and repair it.
[9] During the opening ceremony, the anthem of the
Republic of China (ROC,
Taiwan) was accidentally played instead of the PRC's anthem, leading to the firing of top officials
[10][11]
Geography
A view of
Carriacou. Other Grenadine islands in distance
The island Grenada itself is the largest island; smaller Grenadines are
Carriacou,
Petit Martinique,
Ronde Island,
Caille Island,
Diamond Island,
Large Island,
Saline Island, and Frigate Island Most of the population lives on Grenada itself, and major towns there include the capital, St. George’s,
Grenville and
Gouyave. The largest settlement on the other islands is
Hillsborough on Carriacou.
The islands are of
volcanic origin with extremely rich soil. Grenada’s interior is very mountainous with
Mount St. Catherine being the highest at 2,756 feet (840 m). Several small
rivers with beautiful waterfalls flow into the sea from these mountains. The
climate is tropical: hot and humid in the
rainy season and cooled by the
trade winds in the
dry season. Grenada, being on the Southern edge of the hurricane belt, has suffered only three hurricanes in fifty years.
Hurricane Janet passed over Grenada on Friday 23 September 1955 with winds of 115
mph, causing severe damage. The most recent storms to hit have been Hurricane Ivan on Tuesday 7 September 2004 causing severe damage and thirty-nine deaths and Hurricane Emily on Thursday 14 July 2005, causing serious damage in Carriacou and in the north of Grenada which had been relatively lightly affected by Hurricane Ivan.
National Icon
Parishes
- Saint Andrew
- Saint David
- Saint George
- Saint John
- Saint Mark
- Saint Patrick
Politics
.^ As a member of the Commonwealth, Grenada’s head of state is the British monarch, represented by a governor-general.- Minority Rights Group International : Grenada : Grenada Overview 16 January 2010 19:019 UTC www.minorityrights.org [Source type: General]
The Crown is represented by a
Governor-General, who is currently Mr. Carlyle Glean. Day-to-day
executive power lies with the Head of Government, the Prime Minister. Although appointed by the Governor-General, the Prime Minister is usually the leader of the largest party in the Parliament.
The Parliament consists of a Senate (thirteen members) and a House of Representatives (fifteen members). The senators are appointed by the government and the opposition, while the representatives are elected by the population for five-year terms. With 51% of the votes and eleven seats in the
2008 election, the
National Democratic Congress won the July 8, 2008 election. The opposition
New National Party won the remaining four seats.
.^ As a member of the Commonwealth, Grenada’s head of state is the British monarch, represented by a governor-general.- Minority Rights Group International : Grenada : Grenada Overview 16 January 2010 19:019 UTC www.minorityrights.org [Source type: General]
Economy and tourism
Economic progress in fiscal reforms and prudent
macroeconomic management have boosted annual growth to 5%–6% in 1998–99; the increase in economic activity has been led by construction and trade. Tourist facilities are being expanded;
tourism is the leading
foreign exchange earner. Major short-term concerns are the rising
fiscal deficit and the deterioration in the external account balance. Grenada shares a common
central bank and a common
currency (the East Caribbean dollar) with seven other members of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS)
[12]
Grenada is called
The Spice Isle because it is a leading producer of several different spices.
Cinnamon,
cloves,
ginger,
mace, allspice, orange/citrus peels, wild coffee used by the locals, and especially
nutmeg, providing 20% of the world supply, are all important exports. The nutmeg on the nation's flag represents the economic crop of Grenada; the nation is the world’s second largest producer of nutmeg (after Indonesia).
Devastation caused by Hurricane Ivan in Grenada.
Tourism is Grenada’s main economic force.
.^ Coyaba Beach Resort (All Inclusive) The resort is situated on the Southwest of Grenada, 5 miles from the historical capital, St. George's, and 3 miles from the Point Salines International Airport.- Grenada Vacations - Grenada Vacations Packages and All-inclusive Vacations 16 January 2010 19:019 UTC www.beachdestinations.com [Source type: General]
^ The pretty capital city of St. George is only a 10-minute drive away and it's only around 6 km to Point Saline Airport.- Grenada Vacations - Grenada Vacations Packages and All-inclusive Vacations 16 January 2010 19:019 UTC www.beachdestinations.com [Source type: General]
^ The vibrant capital, St George's, is just 6.5 km from the hotel as is the international airport.- Grenada Vacations - Grenada Vacations Packages and All-inclusive Vacations 16 January 2010 19:019 UTC www.beachdestinations.com [Source type: General]
Most of these small ecofriendly guesthouses are located in the
Saint David and
Saint John parishes.
.^ If you are able to tour the islands, you will find a stop at Carriacou well worth your while.- Grenada Beach House, Bed and Breakfast Cheap Hotel Guest House Accommodation 16 January 2010 19:019 UTC www.bedandbreakfasts.carib.com [Source type: General]
^ It is a volcanic island, covered with fragrant spice trees and rare tropical flowers, bordered by stunning beaches, and dotted with cascading rivers and waterfalls.- Grenada Vacations - Grenada Vacations Packages and All-inclusive Vacations 16 January 2010 19:019 UTC www.beachdestinations.com [Source type: General]
Up to 4 cruise ships per day were visiting St. Georges in 2007–8 during the cruise ship season.
The island has also pioneered the cultivation of organic cocoa which is also processed into finished bars by the
Grenada Chocolate Company.
Tourism is concentrated in the southwest of the island, around St. Georges, Grand Anse, Lance Aux Epines, and Point Salines.
.^ It is not much further to Grand Anse beach.- Grenada Vacations - Grenada Vacations Packages and All-inclusive Vacations 16 January 2010 19:019 UTC www.beachdestinations.com [Source type: General]
^ Blue Horizons Garden Resort This resort is located on the south west coast of Granada and is less than 300 m from the world famous Grande Anse beach.- Grenada Vacations - Grenada Vacations Packages and All-inclusive Vacations 16 January 2010 19:019 UTC www.beachdestinations.com [Source type: General]
^ Coyaba Beach Resort (All Inclusive) The resort is situated on the Southwest of Grenada, 5 miles from the historical capital, St. George's, and 3 miles from the Point Salines International Airport.- Grenada Vacations - Grenada Vacations Packages and All-inclusive Vacations 16 January 2010 19:019 UTC www.beachdestinations.com [Source type: General]
[13]
Grenada is linked to the world through the
Maurice Bishop International Airport and the St. George’s harbour. International flights connect with other Caribbean islands, the United States, and Europe. There is also a daily fast ferry service between St. George’s and Hillsborough. Beginning in October, 2009, new passenger ferry service between Grenada, Barbados, St. Vincent, St. Lucia, and Trinidad provided by Grenada-based BEDY Ocean Line is scheduled to begin.
International rankings
Demographics
A majority of the citizens are descendants of the
African slaves brought by the English and French, few of the indigenous
Carib and
Arawak population survived the French purge at
Sauteurs. A small percentage of descendants of East Indian indentured workers were brought to Grenada mainly from the North Indian states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh between Friday 1 May 1857–Saturday 10 January 1885. There is also a small community of French and English descendants. The rest of the population is of mixed descent.
.^ Grenada is an island nation in the southeastern Caribbean Sea.- Minority Rights Group International : Grenada : Grenada Overview 16 January 2010 19:019 UTC www.minorityrights.org [Source type: General]
With just 110,000 people living in Grenada, estimates and census data suggest that there are at least that number of Grenadian-born people in other parts of the Caribbean (such as Barbados and Trinidad) and at least that number again in
First World countries.
.^ It includes the southern Grenadines, and is located north of Trinidad and Tobago, and south of Saint Vincent.- Minority Rights Group International : Grenada : Grenada Overview 16 January 2010 19:019 UTC www.minorityrights.org [Source type: General]
This means that probably around a third of those born in Grenada still live there.
The
official language, English, is used in the government, but
Grenadian Creole is considered the
lingua franca of the island.
French Patois (
Antillean Creole) is still spoken by about 10%–20% the population. Some
Hindi/
Bhojpuri terms are still spoken amongst the Indian descendants, mostly those pertaining to the kitchen; such as
aloo, geera, karela, seim, chownkay, and baylay. The term
bhai, which means 'brother' or 'partner' in
Hindi, is a common form of greeting amongst
Indo-Grenadians males of equal status.
Religion
Aside from a marginal community of Rastafarians living in Grenada, nearly all are mainstream Christians
[citation needed], about half of them
Roman Catholics;
Anglicanism is the largest
Protestant denomination with Presbyterian and
Seventh Day Adventist taking up the remainder. Most Churches have denomination-based schools but are open to all. There is a small Muslim population mostly from
Gujarati Indian immigrants who came many years ago and set up some merchant shops. Grenada is a very
Religious country.
Culture
Although French influence on Grenadian culture is much less visible than on other
Caribbean islands, surnames and place names in French remain, and the every day language is laced with French words and the local dialect or Patois. Stronger French influence is found in the well seasoned
spicy food and styles of cooking similar to those found in
New Orleans and some French architecture has survived from the 1700s.
.^ While largely absorbed into the overall population culturally and otherwise, some East Indian influence can still be noted, especially in the local cuisine.- Minority Rights Group International : Grenada : Grenada Overview 16 January 2010 19:019 UTC www.minorityrights.org [Source type: General]
The "oildown" is considered to be the national dish. The phrase "oil-down" refers to a dish cooked in coconut milk until all the milk is absorbed, leaving a bit of coconut oil in the bottom of the pot. Early recipes call for a mixture of salted pigtail, pigs feet (trotters), salt beef and chicken, dumplings made from flour, provision: breadfruit, green banana, yam and potatoes.
Callaloo leaves are some times used to retain the steam and for extra flavour.
This dish is a common tradition at family and other gatherings at the beach, There is a modest debate in the West Indies about the origin of this dish, with some experts attributing it to other islands like Barbados or Trinidad & Tobago.[citation needed]
Foods aren’t the only important aspect of Grenadian culture. Music, dance, and festivals are also extremely important.
Soca,
calypso, and
reggae set the mood for Grenada's annual
Carnival activities. Over the years
Rap music became famous among Grenadian youths and there have been numerous young rappers emerging in the islands underground rap scene for eg. Red Shield Recordz.
Zouk is also being slowly introduced onto the island.
.^ Grenada's physical beauty is complemented by its rich history and vibrant, living cultural heritage.- Grenada Vacations - Grenada Vacations Packages and All-inclusive Vacations 16 January 2010 19:019 UTC www.beachdestinations.com [Source type: General]
As with other islands from the Caribbean,
cricket is the national and most popular sport and is an intrinsic part of Grenadian culture.
An important aspect of Grenadian culture is the tradition of
story telling, with
folk tales bearing both African and French influences. The character,
Anancy, a spider god who is a
trickster, originated in
West Africa and is prevalent on other Caribbean islands as well. French influence can be seen in
La Diablesse, a well-dressed she-
devil, and
Ligaroo (from Loup Garoux), a
werewolf.
See also