Grenada
These Caribbean islands are situated between
the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago. Tourism and agriculture are one the major
economic drivers for the tri island state of Grenada, Carriacou & Petit
Martinique are volcanic islands, 344 sq km of lush rain forest, dotted with
volcanic lakes and fringed with beautiful beaches and water teeming with marine
life.
With over 450 species of flowering plants, 150 species of birds,
including two endemic species, the Grenada Dove and Hook billed kite, and
abundant marine life, such as leather back turtles. In fact the island of Carriacou is an Indian name meaning
“Land surrounded by reefs.” Diving around Carriacou is well known for its
unspoiled reefs. The islands offer significant biodiversity in a small area.
The rich tapestry of history
& culture that the islands inherited from the earliest settlers, the
Amerindians; its earliest European settlers were also the French, English and a
small period of the Dutch. The evidence of this legacy can be found in Grenada’s
treasure trove of cultural sites with
prehistoric archaeology and over 400 years of history and architecture from
forts to sugar mills as well as living culture based around the spice
production and boating traditions of the islands. Grenada has a strong West African
culture, with its drum culture, language, food and traditions. The majority of
plantations on Grenada
were owned by free slaves as early as the 1700’s.
Grenada, however is dealing with several issues that limit its
tourism growth and endanger its natural, cultural, and historic resources.
1.
Local knowledge
and education about the natural, cultural, and historic resources of Grenada
and the economic, as well as social, value of protecting these resources is
limited. Almost 66% of the country’s population is under 25 years of age; many
are unaware of the history and culture of their country and the ecological
resources of the island.
2.
Grenada is also suffering a cultural loss due to out migration
of the population. This is partly due to a lack of viable jobs in their
communities. Small and medium sized tourism enterprises that are locally owned
help to equitably distribute tourism revenues to the population and help them
stay in their communities
3.
Caribbean competition
is stiff, with many island states competing for the same tourism market. Grenada
needs to position and distinguish itself as a tourism destination, highlighting
its unique characteristics
4.
Tourist
perceptions of the island, due to its history are mixed and confused. The
tourism market’s perception of Grenada
is not clear; people are not sure whether the island is safe and what the
island has to offer. The island needs to position and promote itself as a safe
place with distinctive attractions for tourists to visit.
St. George’s in Grenada
is the mainland and seat of the Governance. Today its population is
89,971 (July 2007 est.), of
which nearly 70% are under the age of 25 years. One of the problems it faces is
migration for opportunity or education, thus a subsequent brain drain; another
has been the exodus from rural community to the capital and tourism hub St. George’s,
subsequent to this trend is the rise of urban sprawl and left abandoned much
agricultural lands to waste.
For
further information on the island please feel free to check out the following
sites:
