Globalista

Grenada, the Spice Island of the Caribbean, has had a chequered history since Christopher Columbus discovered her verdant shores in 1498. The Carib Indians managed to discourage European settlement for 150 years, until the intrepid French arrived and routed them in 1650.  Successive skirmishes for control of the island between France and Britain, from 1762-1783, culminated in the prize going to the British, who lost no time importing African slaves to man their sugar plantations. The slaves, in turn, revolted in 1795 under the leadership of the black planter, Julian Fedon, who had been inspired by the principles of the French Revolution. Grenada finally gained full independence from Britain in 1974, flirted with Communism, and came to the world’s attention with the US-led military intervention of 1983. Not bad, for an island measuring a mere 344 sq.km.

For 20 years, peace reigned, with luxury hotels springing up on Grenada’s finest beaches. Then Hurricane Ivan struck in 2004, devastating 90% of the island's nutmeg and cocoa plantations, and destroying homes. But influenced, perhaps, by its dual legacy of French savoir faire and British grit, Grenada has sprung back remarkably fast. Tourism and upmarket developments are on the rise, while the island’s friendly, laid-back atmosphere makes this one of the safest destinations in the Caribbean.

Globalista's Pick of the Press

8 February 2009 - The New York Times - In Grenada, leaving the past behind
19 November 2008 - The Telegraph - Gary Rhodes's heaven on earth: Grenada