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20th March 2009 - Bradt Travel Guides
Grenada
Carriacou ● Petite Martinique
Carriacou ● Petite Martinique
If you think Fish Friday smacks of yet another abstemious European religious affectation foisted upon carefree Grenadian islanders to ensure they don’t enjoy too good a time, think again… The weekly party celebrating myriad fruits of the sea, complemented by oceanic quantities of rum, beer and local juices, was in fact instigated to boost local economy and identity in the dark days following 2004’s Hurricane Ivan. Understand this unique perspective on disaster relief and you’ll begin to grasp why author Paul Crask has been captivated by his subject – Grenada.
The tri-island nation of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique is a feature of the tropical waters at the southernmost tip of the Windward Islands. Uncertainly named La Conceptión, or was it Assumption, by Columbus, claimed though not settled by the Spanish as Granada, it required French indifference to exterminate the indigenous population, and English knowhow to successfully export colonial conflict. Despite potential to become another bland tropical cliché, recent decades have seen Grenada make its own history. The year 1983 saw Operation Urgent Fury and invasion by 1,600 US Marines toppling a Cuban-backed regime, whilst hurricane damage in 2004 and 2005 dealt the islands’ agriculture severe blows from which it has still not fully recovered (making tourism now preeminent in the nation’s economy). Bradt’s new guide places Grenada in proper historical context before exploring a fulsome catalogue of contemporary attractions. As well as Friday’s fish frenzy, fortify yourself with an ‘oil down’, before getting hip to the beat of a Big Drum Dance on Carriacou or lost in the swing of a Grenada carnival. On a clear day, hike to the summit of Mt Qua from Grand Étang Lake and be refreshed by views encompassing three of Grenada’s coasts. Between the Grenadines and Grenada, sailors can enjoy some of the best yachting in the Caribbean. Elsewhere, at 40 metres below sea, the wreck of the 18,000-ton Bianca C is a world-renowned site for experienced divers. Crask’s insights show that Grenada is not just any island paradise – change the capital’s name from St George’s to St Michael and it could be an M&S island paradise.
Paul Crask lives in Dominica and works as a freelance writer, hiking guide, scuba-diving instructor and underwater videographer. He is author of Bradt’s Dominica guide and contributes regularly to regional publications and websites.
For review copies contact Travel Media – 01830 540 440 or info@travel-media.co.uk
Title: Grenada – Carriacou ● Petite Martinique
Author: Paul Crask Publisher: Bradt Travel Guides
Publication: March 2009 Price: £14.99
ISBN: 978 1 84162 274 3
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Travel-Media.co.uk | Last Updated: 22/12/2009