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Grenada
- Carriacou - Petite Martinique
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Description
This small nation consists of three islands: Grenada, Carriacou
(pronounced Carry-a KOO), and Petite Martinique (pronounced
Pitty Mar-ti-NEEK). Grenada is by far the largest of the three,
with a width of twelve miles (18 km) and a length of twenty-one
miles (34 km). Its 133 square miles are mountainous, volcanic
terrain, reaching heights of over 2,750 feet atop Mount St.
Catherine.
Grenada, known as "The Spice of the Caribbean" is
a beautiful rolling and mountainous island abounding in tropical
flowers and spices. Friendly people populate the picturesque
tows that dot the island. Dozens of sandy beaches and quiet,
secluded coves border the island providing a getaway from the
hustle of the real world.
 Grenada’s smaller sister island,
Carriacou, is hilly but not mountainous. With smoother terrain,
Carriacou is an ideal destination for walking. It possesses
fine sand beaches and natural harbours, as well as excellent
views of the northern Grenadine islands.
Petite Martinique, the third and smallest island in the state,
consists of little more than the tip of a volcanic cone poking
through the water. It lies 2.5 miles off the northeast coast
of Carriacou. It is only now being developed for visitors.
Activities abound on Grenada. From hiking to horseback riding,
golf to tennis, and of course diving and snorkeling.
History
One of the smallest independent countries in the western hemisphere,
Grenada was seized by a Marxist military council on 19 October
1983. Six days later the island was invaded by US forces and
those of six other Caribbean nations, which quickly captured
the ringleaders and their hundreds of Cuban advisers. Free elections
were reinstituted the following year.
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Grenada
At A Glance
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Language:
English (official), French patois
Government:
Constitutional monarchy with Westminster-style parliament
Capital:
Saint George's
Size:
344 sq km
Location:
Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic
Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago
Climate:
Tropical; tempered by northeast trade winds
Electricity:
Voltage is 220 volts - 50 cycles. Appliances rated at
110 volts (US standard) normally work satisfactorily with
a transformer. Most hotels provide dual voltage shaver
units, but an adaptor plug is necessary for small appliances.
Currency:
East Caribbean dollar (XCD)
Driving:
To obtain a local driving permit, a bona fide driver's
license must be presented at the traffic department at
the Central Police Station on the Carenage. The cost is
EC$30.00. Most car rental firms also issue local permits.
There is a network of approximately 650 miles of paved
roads and most of the main roads are in good condition.
Please note that driving is on the LEFT.
Rentals:
There are a number of international and local car rental
companies, mainly in St. George's.
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