Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Grenada: my first impression

An abandoned warehouse in St. Georges 
(picture© William Meldrum 2010)

Grenada (not Ger Nada, which is in Spain) in an unquestionably a beautiful Island country; the last major Island along the chain of other Caribbean gems. I have been here since the middle of December, and intend to depart mid-March. I hope to get to know the Island and some of its people well by then. For now, I offer only my first impressions.

Grenada's population is about 110,000 scattered about some 133 square miles of land which changes from lush jungle - and a peak elevation of 1,910 feet - to traditional Caribbean fare; there are 43 beaches as an example, although only 5 or 6 generally catch the visitor's eye.

Cruise lines that visit include Cunard, RCI and Celebrity. I've also seen one of the 'Windjammer' ships in the St. Georges harbour. You can get here by air as well: AA, Air Canada and several other US and European air carriers service the island on a daily basis. Finding a direct flight is possible, but many fly through either Miami or Puerto Rico.

Here's my 'beef' so far:

Although I have met some wonderful Grenadian people thus far, I must admit to feeling that only the rare and exceptional individual gives a darn that I'm here at all. By this, I do not take personal exception to the fact that the local folks care that I in particular have visited their country, its just I don't think that the average citizen cares one whit that ANY tourist has bothered to choose this Island as a destination. I would say that the word 'indifferent' would describe the prevailing attitude of many.

One guide book I read characterizes this behaviour as 'shyness', and as part of the culture. This may well be partially true of some, but I believe that this attitude of indifference is borne out of a lack of understanding as to how their economy actually functions. That tourism (after the many agricultural products the 'Spice Ile' offers to the world) is tied directly to how the country prospers, is lost on the many, many others who apparently eke out a living by scraping together the abundance of fruits and vegetables the land has to offer. Of course the apparent disparity between tourist wealth, and the average man on the street doesn't help one bit as well.

The country needs to double down on education at all levels. If Grenada is to prosper in the future it must try to become the model against which other service economies in the region are measured. This will take time. It will also be well worth the investment, as Grenada has enormous potential. If I had 25 years to wait, I'd be purchasing land here right now. As it is, I don't have the 25 years. Oh well...

More to come as I get a better read.

Product Cloud

Deals that might be of interest...you never know!