The beauty of Grenada does not end at its pristine white sand shores but continues to the depths of its surrounding waters. Aquanauts visiting Grenada will be thrilled by the variety of dive sites and marine life available to them, from sunken ships to magical gardens. The year round calm waters of Grenada make it the ideal location for a diving vacation. Here are some examples of the Islandís diving treasures:

One of the most popular dive sites in the Caribbean is Grenadaís Bianca C, a 600ft sunken cruise ship. The occasional strong current makes this an advanced deep dive suitable for experienced or technical wreck divers. Explore the empty compartments of this once stately vessel and catch a glimpse of jacks, barracudas and the spotted eagle rays that have made the ship their home.

Chinatown, located off Frigate Island, starts at 8 meters and slopes to a maximum depth of 23 meters. This site is where the Atlantic and the Caribbean Sea meet and is excellent for underwater photography and good drift diving. The hard-coral formations often remind divers of one of the famous Chinese pagodas. Around this dive site, expect to see black durgeons, nursesharks, conch, barracuda, sea-anemones and triggerfish.

World of Dreams, located off Mabouya Island, begins at 8 meters with a gentle slope to a maximum depth of 22 meters. The slight current makes this dive well suited for both beginning and experienced divers, as well as for underwater photography. During this dive, expect to see stingrays, angelfish, giant soft corals, porcupine fish, and the occasional turtle.

The unspoiled beauty of Grenada is carried from its lush lands to its abundant waters where divers of all experience levels can enjoy its vast bounty. For more information on diving in Grenada, visit www.grenadagrenadines.com/scuba.html

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Island News

New Minister of Tourism:

Effective May 15th, 2007, Grenadaís tourism industry is being presided over by a new Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Dr. Clarice Modeste-Curwen. Minister Modeste-Curwen replaces Minister Brenda Hood who served with distinction in that capacity for more than six years.

The Hon. Dr. Modeste-Curwenís political career began as a Senator in November 1998. Soon thereafter, she was elected as a Member of Parliament in January 1999. Since then, she has held several prominent ministerial positions. These include:

• Minister for Health and the Environment, January 1999 ñ November 2003.
• Minister for Works and Transport, December 2003 ñ May 2007.
• Minister for Tourism, May 2007 ñ present.

Boat Building and the Carriacou Regatta:

July 29th, 2007 marks the beginning of one of Grenadaís most time honoured festivals, the Carriacou Regatta Festival. Established in 1965 by the late John Linton Riggs, the Carriacou Regatta Festival was created to reinvigorate Grenadaís boat building industry.

For centuries, Grenadians have been celebrated Ship Wrights, employing the ancient techniques passed on to them by their Scottish and Irish ancestors, but a failing economy threatened the industry. Determined to save the tradition and bring money back to the Island, John Linton Riggs founded the Carriacou Regatta Festival and invited sailors from across the Caribbean to participate for cash prizes.

Now in its 42nd year, the Carriacou Regatta Festival has evolved into a full blown cultural celebration with competitors coming from miles around. On land, visitors to the festival can enjoy a variety of cultural activities such as donkey races, greasy poll climbs, Big Drum presentations and a variety of other festivities.

The 42nd Annual Carriacou Regatta Festival offers visitors a unique cultural experience. For more information, visit www.carriacouregatta.com

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The Pageantry, Colour and Commotion of Carnival

In August, thousands of revelers will gather from across Grenada to participate in the Islandís largest festival, Carnival. The weeklong celebration is full of colourful pageantry and soulful island culture that projects to onlookers the vibrant spirit of Grenadaís people.

The excitement of Carnival is generated weeks before the actual event as musicians from different parishes begin participating in bard shows. Each performer is bidding for a chance to compete in the coveted Soca Monarch Festival and be crowned ëKingí or ëQueení.

The actual Carnival festivities begin with the traditional Jab-Jab or ìDevil Masî bands parading through the streets. These frightening looking characters are blackened with stale molasses, tar, grease, creosote or brightly coloured body paint and use satirical signs and double talk to recall the events of the past year. Each evening the festivities are closed with a traditional ëstreet jump-upí that floods the street with people dressed in bright glowing colours.

The remaining days of Carnival are dedicated to musical competitions and the Traditional Mas and Fancy Bands, best recognized for their large scale, brilliantly coloured costumes. As the largest festival in Grenada, Carnival captures the spirit and enthusiasm of the participants and partygoers making it a world-class festival. For more information, visit http://www.spicemasgrenada.com.

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Hotel Spotlight: Mount Hartman Bay Resort

Set on its own coral reef guarded private peninsula overlooking the water to the Mount Hartman Nature Reserve (home of the protected Grenada Dove) sits the Mount Hartman Bay Estate. Dubbed the ëCave Houseí by locals, this majestic estate is a wonder of modern architecture. The main house is merged into the nearby hillside, its roof is covered in grass and the inside is abundant with waterfalls.

Mount Hartman Bay Resort offers guests two types of accommodations: the Beach House and the Main House. The Beach House is located on the waterfront overlooking the private jetty and helipad. There are four suites in the Beach House and seven suites in the Main House. The Estate can accommodate up to 22 guests. The Beach House is also available separately on a self-catering basis with linen, full housekeeping service and gardeners, but without the other facilities of the Estate. Guests staying at Mount Hartman Beach Resort are offered transfers from Point Salines International Airport, as well as all food and drink, services of the chef, boat captain and a 43ft twin-engine motor cruiser, and 7-seater 4x4 SUV.

While staying at Mount Hartman Bay Resort, guests can enjoy a variety of activities in the Resortís state of the art facilities. Wake-up and indulge in a dip or long sit by the luxurious 27m pool or spend the afternoon enjoying such active adventures as wakeboarding, waterskiing, or snorkeling with a ësea scooterí. Guests can enjoy a more leisurely pace on an island tour or an intimate picnic aboard the 43ft motor cruiser that is at their disposal. Those wishing to enjoy the luxurious indoor facilities can sit inside and play on the game station, watch a movie on the 50î flat-screen TV or read a book in the ever growing library.

Evenings are concluded with a decadent meal, prepared by the Estate's award-winning personal chef Roger Williams, and martinis while overlooking the calm waters of the surrounding bay.

Mount Hartman Bay Resort is one of the most unique resorts on the island of Grenada. Its enticing architecture, breathtaking views and incomparable amenities make it the most luxurious destination on the Island. For more information, visit www.mounthartmanbay.com

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