Location – Paradise

The ancients used to sail the world looking for paradise. Milton published 16 books on Paradise Lost and Regained. They could all have saved themselves so much time and trouble had they just come to Grenada – a small piece of paradise lapped gently by the Caribbean Sea. One hundred miles north of Venezuela and one hundred and fifty miles south west of Barbados, Mount Hartman Bay Estate is located in the south-west of Grenada which, in turn, is the southernmost of the Windward Islands. At just over 12° north, Grenada benefits from the delicious breezes of the Trade Winds. It is normally considered to be outside the hurricane belt and, although there have been hurricanes in Grenada, the likelihood of being struck by one is about the same as the likelihood of being struck by one in New York.

It is said that sailors approaching Grenada often get their first ‘sighting’ of the island through their sense of smell rather than their vision. Home to ginger, nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, mace, turmeric, vanilla and cocoa to name but a few examples, Grenada also grows exotic vegetables like callaloo, dasheen, tania and okra. Coconuts and limes are in abundance, yet lemons are rare. Even the local basil has a unique taste. There are more spices per square mile than any other place on the planet. Grenada produces one third of the world’s nutmeg and is the second largest producer.

Grenada was formed around two million years ago by volcanic activity, happily now extinct, although Kick’em Jenny, an underwater volcano north west of the island, is thought to be still active occasionally. Just 21 miles long and 12 miles wide with a population of under 100,000, Grenada has an extraordinary variety of landscapes for such a small area, with a central mountain range, sky forests, waterfall filled gorges and stunning beaches. Offshore is equally beautiful; the diving ranks among the finest in the Caribbean, with numerous reefs and wrecks to explore, and there are around fifteen species of whales and dolphins to be seen.

Best of all are the people and the climate. Good tempered, friendly and welcoming, the indigenous people are a truly mixed race. In days gone by, there were reputedly more white indentured slaves than black and intermarriage has meant that many Grenadians have both white and black cousins in the same family. The warmth of the people is matched by average temperatures of 26-30C (79-86F) with the evenings practically as warm as the days.
 

History

A submarine volcanic eruption created Grenada around two million years ago. Early inhabitants were the Arawak Indians – a peaceful tribe that lived simply off the fruits of the land and the sea. Like many Caribbean islands, it was then invaded by the Amerindians or Carib Indians, who were more warlike. The three main islands that make up the tri-partite state of Grenada - Carriacou, Petite Martinique and Grenada itself- were first sighted by Christopher Colombus in 1498 and the British first settled here in 1609. Ownership of the islands changed hands several times between the British and the French after that but the island was not properly colonised until the early 18th century, when the French brought in an invading force to deal with the Carib Indians, the last of whom leapt to their deaths rather than submit to French rule, at what is now known as Sauteurs (Leapers) point in the north of the island. Finally the Treaty of Versailles awarded Grenada to the British in 1783.

Grenada achieved independence from Britain on February 7th, 1974 but its government, police and legal system are modelled on the British system and the Governor General represents the Queen. Both French and English influences live on today in town and street names and, although English is the prime language, French words are often heard in the patois. The flag is made of the traditional pan-African colours of red, gold and green in memory of the origins of the large part of the population. Seven stars represent the seven parishes and the one at the centre represents the parish of St. George’s, which is also the capital, probably the prettiest capital in the Caribbean. As a reminder of the importance of spice in the Spice Isle, a clove of nutmeg is portrayed on the left side.

Today there are still tangible connections with the UK and Europe. Some background facts about Grenada:

  • Area: 120 square miles
  • Population: 90,000
  • Language: English
  • Independent nation in the British Commonwealth with a Governor General, who represents the Queen
  • Government is by a 13 member Senate and a 15 member House of Representatives with a Speaker
  • Ethnic groups: 83% black and mixed race; 13% European; 5% East Indian
  • Religions: 53% Catholic; 33% Protestant; 13% Anglican
  • Economy: tourism and agriculture
  • Exports: bananas, cocoa, nutmeg, mace, fruit and vegetables
  • National dish: oil down
  • National flower: bougainvillea
  • Electricity: 220 volts, with UK style, three square pin plugs
  • Driving is on the left and a visitor’s driving licence is available for a small payment on presentation of a current, full driving licence from most jurisdictions
  • Local currency: Eastern Caribbean dollars. US$ and £ sterling are accepted but there is nothing to be gained by changing £ sterling into US$ before traveling