The tri-island nation of Grenada is possibly the most unspoiled paradise in the Caribbean. With 1/9th of its land mass dedicated to conservation areas, Grenada’s rich biodiversity is able to flourish alongside its tourism. Guests to the Island will be surprised at the amount of Eco-friendly activities available

Though Grenada’s most celebrated spice is the nutmeg, it is also a great producer of cocoa. The Grenada Chocolate Company Ltd. understands the island’s natural capability of cocoa-bean growing and has developed a means of production that not only preserves the full flavour of the chocolate but the environment. The 100-acre farm where the shop is located (on the Belmont Estates) is totally organic and all the equipment is powered by solar energy. All the products made (including their famous dark chocolate) are certified organic for a guilt free treat.

Grenada’s climate has made it the perfect place for a variety of ecosystems including fantastic rainforests. To celebrate the majesty of the environment and make trails more accessible to travellers, the Grenada Forestry Department has developed the Morne Gazo trail. Morne Gazo includes 1.7km of nutmeg shell covered trails that climb about 75m to the summit. At the summit, hikers can enjoy one of the best views in the whole Caribbean from a tree top platform.

One of the most incredible natural events to witness in Grenada is turtle nesting which takes place on Levera Beach. From May to September, nearly 586 leatherback turtles trudge on to the beach to lay their eggs. The Government of Grenada along with Ocean Spirits (www.oceanspirits.org/), a not-for profit conservation group dedicated to preserving the turtles, has made vigilant efforts to protect the nests from damage and poaching. Visitors interested in viewing the turtles can arrange a tour with an Ocean Spirits ‘Turtle Guide’ who will walk them through the nesting ground to view this natural wonder.

As one of the most unspoiled destinations in the Caribbean, Grenada offers visitors a chance to enjoy a variety of eco-friendly activities. From an organic chocolate treat, to viewing one of the world’s most ancient creatures, there is something for everyone in Grenada. For more information on ecotourism in Grenada, visit www.grenadagrenadines.com/canada/eng_index.html

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Island News

A Decade at the Chelsea Flower Show:

Grenada is proud to celebrate its tenth year at the Chelsea Flower Show with its 6th Gold Award. This year’s entry entitled ‘Time and Tide’ featured a fisherman’s shelter among a tranquil bay where a derelict jetty rests. This gold win follows last year’s prestigious ‘Silver Gilt’ and five previous consecutive Golds.

The Grenada Board of Tourism is the primary sponsor of this event and is thrilled to help promote the Island’s natural beauty. The Honourable Brenda Hood, former Minister of Tourism and recently appointed Minister of Communications, Works and Transport, was on-hand at the event, and added, “Each year, the stand gives a true representation of the beautiful and exotic flora which grows in abundance in Grenada.”

Participants of the Chelsea Flower Show are anxiously awaiting next year’s event.

A Taste of the Caribbean:

“A Taste of the Caribbean”, the largest Caribbean food festival in Quebec was held on Sunday, May 20, 2007 at The Raymond Bourque Arena in Ville St. Laurent. Over 800 patrons sampled well over 100 dishes from 20 Caribbean Islands including Grenada.

Among the Moko Jumbie Stiltwalker and the Carnival costumes on parade, guests sampled the Sweet Tables filled with Caribbean desserts. Arts and crafts vendors gave visitors an opportunity to enjoy souvenirs such as jewellery, clothing, books, and paintings. Guests were also invited to sample rum from various islands and dance to the sounds of ‘Salah’ and ‘Family Steel’ band, as well as Jab Jab Calypso Band.

Liberal Leader, The Honourable Stéphane Dion; Mayor of Ville St. Laurent, Alan Da Sousa and City of Montreal Representative, Mr. Marcel Tremblay were among the many guests enjoying the tastes and sounds of the Caribbean.

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Summer Festivals

Summer is the festival season in Grenada. Guests to the Island can enjoy a variety of cultural events that celebrate the spirit of Grenada and its people.

June 29, 2007 commemorates the feast day of St. Peter and St. Paul, known locally as ‘Fisherman’s Birthday’. The historic town of Gouyave in the parish of St. John is the main venue for the day’s events. Members of the fishing community and other water enthusiasts gather to have their boats and nets blessed. After the ceremonies, revelers are invited to enjoy a series of boat races, fishing displays and late evening parties

From August 3 – 6, 2007 the 42nd Annual Carriacou Regatta Festival will be in full swing. This wildly popular festival celebrates the indigenous art of boat building handed down by the Irish and Scottish ancestors of the Islanders. The competition is fierce as boat teams from around the Caribbean gather in Carriacou to race their vessels. On land, partygoers enjoy a variety of traditional activities including donkey racing, greasy pole climbs, a ‘Miss Aquaval’ Queen Show, wet t-shirt contests and a variety of sporting events. For more information on the 42nd Annual Carriacou Regatta Festival, visit www.carriacouregatta.com

The second week of August marks the biggest festival in Grenada, Carnival. Renowned throughout the Caribbean, Carnival is a celebration of the Island’s culture and history. Months before the actual festival parishes around Grenada hold bard competitions to advertise singers that will participate in the festival shows. Carnival finds the streets filled with masqueraders depicting devils and making social commentary that reflects events of the past year. Steelbands and DJ’s fill the air with music that will not end until the early hours of morning.

Visitors can enjoy the brilliant pageantry of the street festivals including elaborately costumed Fancy Mas bands, steelband competition and Quadrille dancers. For more information on Carnival, visit www.spicemasgrenada.com. For more information on festivals and events in Grenada, visit www.grenadagrenadines.com/adv_events.html

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Hotel Spotlight: Environmentally Friendly Resorts

Many of Grenada’s reputable hoteliers recognize the impact of tourism, on the Island’s ecosystem and as such have pioneered efforts that will preserve this paradise. Guests interested in an eco-friendly resort can visit any of the following:

Blue Horizons Garden Resort: This ‘Green Globe’ certified property has ensured that its lush surroundings remain pristine by implementing a variety of initiatives such as water saving toilets, energy saving air-conditioners, solar water heating systems, adding more garden beds with drought-resistant flora and an Ozonator in the pool to minimize the use of chemicals. For more information visit, www.grenadabluehorizons.com

The Flamboyant Hotel & Villas: This luxurious waterfront resort is proud to be a ‘Green Globe’ certified property. For more information, visit www.flamboyant.com

The Lodge: Grenada’s only vegan resort, guests can enjoy a fully vegan menu with locally grown, organic produce. The Lodge uses collected and filtered rainwater for drinking and cooking, as well as filling its chemical free pool. For more information, visit www.thelodgegrenada.com

Mount Hartman Bay Estate: This luxurious resort is nestled right across the water from the Mount Hartman Nature Reserve, home to the rare Grenadian Dove. The estate has been designed in a low impact fashion that utilizes the natural surrounding in a way that benefits the look of the property, without negatively impacting the surrounding nature. For more information, visit www.mounthartmanbay.com

Spice Island Beach Resort: A pioneer of sustainable resorts in Grenada, The Spice Island Beach Resort was among the first Island properties to earn ‘Green Globe’ certification. Environmental measures such as chlorine free pools, home grown herb gardens, natural composting and energy conservation are how Spice Island Beach Resort maintains its natural beauty. The Resort is also proud to use solar heating and desalination plants in order to better protect the environment. For more information, visit www.spicebeachresort.com

As one of the most unspoiled spots in the Caribbean, Grenada and its Tourism Board are working hard to ensure the Island’s natural beauty is maintained for generations to come.

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