Issue 6: July 2006
Grenada

In this issue:

To find out about group and individual press trips to Grenada for 2006, contact Maureen Wright at 1-800-387-1399 or pr@lma.net

The Grenada Board of Tourism is a proud member of the Caribbean Tourism Organization, the Travel Media Association of Canada and the Association of National Tourist Office Representatives.

 
Our E-newsletter - Exclusive for the Canadian Media

Welcome to the July edition of the Grenada Board of Tourism E-newsletter. This issue features news regarding Grenada increasing its yachting facilities, a historic look at Leapers Hill, an authentic Grenadian culinary recipe, news of an upcoming Land & Sea press trip, and information about the ‘Spice Holiday Programme.’

Grenada poised to become one of the premiere yachting destinations in the Caribbean

Grenada is serious about becoming a premiere Caribbean yachting destination. The island has plans to develop seven new marinas over the next couple of years. Collaboration between public and private sector yachting interests in Grenada has taken on a new level of focused determination to ensure that this goal is attainable.

Currently, the “Spice Isle of the Caribbean” is endowed with three marinas and the same number of boatyards.

>> read more

A visit to Leapers Hill reveals a very interesting part of Grenada’s colonial history

A Grenada holiday is not complete without a visit to historic Leapers Hill to become acquainted with the Kalinago/Carib story - a tale that unravels at the northern extremity of Grenada.

>> read more
Notice of upcoming Land & Sea Press Trip

You may know something about Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique with its history of spices, pristine white and black sand beaches and exquisite turquoise waters, lush mountainous tropical interiors and magnificent horseshoe harbour. But there’s a side that needs to be written about – the adventurous exploration by land and sea.

>> read more
Recipe: Saltfish Cutters

As is the case with most islands, Grenada is blessed with a viable fishing industry, making fish a popular dish on the island. Saltfish is a staple of the Grenadian diet and was first brought to the Caribbean by Africans in the 1600’s. Try this authentic Grenadian saltfish recipe tonight:

Ingredients:
Saltfish*
Chopped onions
Seasonings: Thyme, chive, hot pepper
Batter**
Oil for frying
Lime

Method:
Soak saltfish, wash well with lime. Remove bones and skin. Cut into pieces about 2 inches by 1 inch or in desired sizes. Prepare batter. Season well with chopped onion, chive, thyme and hot pepper. Drop piece of saltfish in batter and fry in hot fat. Drain. Serve.

*Saltfish is available at select fish markets.

**Ingredients for batter: 2-cups all purpose flour, 1-cup milk or water, and 1 egg. Mix thoroughly.
News from the Grenada Board of Tourism

The ‘Spice Holidays Programme’ for Grenadian Nationals was launched by Jocelyn Sylvester-Gairy, the Director of Tourism for Grenada worldwide in Toronto on June 9th 2006, at Metro Hall. Approximately 60 attended this dazzling event – Grenadian nationals, airlines and media members. The Canadian arm of the Grenada Board of Tourism and the Consulate General for Grenada arranged this event.

The goal of the programme is to encourage Grenadians and their families to choose Grenada as a vacation destination and increase awareness of Grenada’s special tourism product. For more information on the ‘Spice Holidays Programme’ for Grenadian Nationals, visit www.grenadagrenadines.com

How to Get to Grenada from Canada

Air Canada Vacations offers a non-stop flight from Toronto to Grenada from December 2006 to April 2007 (visit www.aircanadavacations.com). Air Canada and BWIA operate regularly scheduled flights from Toronto and Montreal to Barbados or Trinidad with connections on LIAT and Caribbean Star to Grenada. GG Tours and Titan Tours will operate a charter service during the summer and over the Christmas/New Year’s period (www.ggtours.ca and www.titantours.com).

About the Grenada Board of Tourism

The Grenada Board of Tourism was formed in 1991 to market and promote Grenada as a preferred Caribbean tourist destination, while also providing technical and managerial support to industry partners. For information on Grenada, tourism sites, hotels and the Spice Holidays Programme, contact the Grenada Board of Tourism in Toronto at 416-595-1339 or visit www.grenadagrenadines.com

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Grenada poised to become one of the premiere yachting destinations in the Caribbean

Grenada is serious about becoming a premiere Caribbean yachting destination. The island has plans to develop seven new marinas over the next couple of years. Collaboration between public and private sector yachting interests in Grenada has taken on a new level of focused determination to ensure that this goal is attainable.

Currently, the “Spice Isle of the Caribbean” is endowed with three marinas and the same number of boatyards. The three boatyards that serve Grenada at this time include:

The Grenada Marine • Spice Isle Marine • Tyrell Bay Marine

Over the years, in spite of limited facilities, these establishments were successful in providing top quality service to visiting yachters. However, the Grenadian government and tourism industry recognizes that in order for Grenada to become a well-known yachting destination, they must upgrade their facilities. The seven new marinas currently under development are as follows:

Le Phare Bleu in Woburn, Prickly Bay Waterside (previously the Boat Yard) in Prickly Bay, the Port George Development (previously the Grenada Yacht Club), Virgin Beach Development situated in True Blue Bay, Calivigny Cove located in Calivigny, Tyrell Bay Marina in Carriacou and Whisper Cove Marina in Woburn.

Another noteworthy happening is that efforts are being made to help ease the process involved in clearing into and out of Grenada. A one-page customs clearance form was introduced in February 2006. This can now be downloaded at:

http://www.grenadagrenadines.com/grenada_clearance_online_form.pdf

Captains are now able to fill in their details and print five copies when going to the Customs Office. This procedure saves considerable time in that forms can be saved on the computer making it is no longer necessary to complete every time one enters or leaves Grenada.

The Grenada Board of Tourism (GBT) has increased the number of yachting shows it attends annually. Earlier this year they participated in the Classic Regatta in Antigua and recently hosted a party for the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) arrival in Grenada. The GBT also plans to attend the arrival of the ARC in St. Lucia, as well as the Charter Show in Antigua.

Given all that the island has to offer, Grenada is certainly poised to become the premiere yachting destination of the Caribbean.

For more information, please visit the GBT’s website at www.grenadagrenadines.com

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A visit to Leapers Hill reveals a very interesting part of Grenada’s colonial history

A Grenada holiday is not complete without a visit to historic Leapers Hill to become acquainted with the Kalinago/Carib story - a tale that unravels at the northern extremity of Grenada. It was there in 1651 that approximately 40 Caribs leapt to their death in preference to being massacred by the French colonialists who were battling them for possession of the island.

The legend is told that at the top of this 100 ft cliff, Tomas, a Carib from a neighbouring island plotted with the French to kill Grenadian Caribs and occupy their land as a form of revenge for being denied the green light to wed the Chief’s daughter. Consequently, Tomas’ tribe agreed to attack during a feast when the Grenadian Caribs were most vulnerable. In the resulting chaos, the majority of Caribs opted to end to their lives by jumping over the cliff into the rocky sea below rather than go the route of surrendering. In subsequent years, the town that was built in close proximity to this historic site was named “Morne des Sauteurs” (Leapers Hill) in memory of those who perished there.

While at Leapers Hill, visitors will have the chance to experience a model Kalinago/Carib village and other artifacts that are housed in the interpretation centre. They will also be able to purchase indigenous craft from the souvenir shop while enjoying local cuisine and refreshing beverages. This newly refurbished and enhanced facility is also designed for visitors to appreciate a relaxing stroll to the lookout platform and savour the beautiful view of several volcanic islands that comprise the southern Grenadine islands.

Interestingly, located just a mere three miles away is the largest burial site of the Arawaks who were interred there with their possessions. Over the years, farmers have reportedly found pottery, spears, carved animals, jade, jewelry and other priceless artifacts in that area.

Clearly, Grenada is not only about spices, lush vegetation, natural beauty, and friendly people. This special island is richly endowed with a history that has been characterized as “colourful’ by astute historians. Leapers Hill is definitely a major element of this exciting mix.

For more information, please visit the GBT’s website at www.grenadagrenadines.com

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Notice of upcoming Land & Sea Press Trip

You may know something about Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique with its history of spices, pristine white and black sand beaches and exquisite turquoise waters, lush mountainous tropical interiors and magnificent horseshoe harbour. But there’s a side that needs to be written about – the adventurous exploration by land and sea.

We are planning another press trip to take place during Fall of 2006 for four (4) media members to explore Grenada from a land and sea perspective. The trip will include a sampling of: Soft Adventure, Hiking and Eco Tourism; River Tubing; Kayaking; Turtle Nesting; Water Sports and Diving; History and Culture; and Food & Culinary.

Interested travel writers must provide an indication of a confirmed assignment from media outlet(s) they are representing, describing editorial requirements and a projected date of release if possible.

If the Grenada ‘Land and Sea Adventure’ trip is of interest to you, please contact Maureen Wright or Jerry Grymek
at 416-440-2500/800 387-1399 or e-mail pr@lma.net.