Grenada, byname Isle of Spice, is a country of the West Indies. It is the southernmost island of the Lesser Antilles, lying in the eastern Caribbean Sea about 100 miles (160 km) north of the coast of Venezuela.
The original Amerindians habited this island they named Camerhogue, but Columbus renamed it Concepcion when he arrived in 1498. The Spanish sailors found its lush green mountains so evocative of Andalusia, Spain that they rejected this name in favor of Granada. The capital, St. George’s on the southwest coast is the main port, having one of the finest natural harbours in the Caribbean.
The French and British entered into the battle for ownership of this strategic location until finally falling into the hands of the British. Fort George and Fort Frederick, which still command the heights overlooking St. George’s harbour, are relics of that fight.
In more recent times, Grenada’s government faced opposition from Western nations because of its socialist principles and foreign aid. This led to a military coup in 1983, followed by a U.S. led invasion of the island which later returned power to the governor-general. A peacekeeping force remained until 1985.
St. George’s, has one of the most picturesque harbours in the region with its pastel-coloured houses which rise up the hillsides from the waterfront. The waterfront itself is known as the Carenage because island schooners were once careened (beached for cleaning or repair) there. St. George’s is the yachting and charter-boat centre of the eastern Caribbean.
Of Note: Grenada is one of the world leaders in spice export and is frequently referred to as the “Spice Isle“, being a major source of nutmeg, cloves, ginger, cinnamon, and cocoa.
Hibiscus International is a full service licensed travel agency providing you with the utmost service and care as you travel the world. Contact us to discuss your business and leisure travel plans.
