PEOPLE

Grenadians are without a doubt some of the friendliest people in the Caribbean. The island is made safe by their calm and relaxed nature and they feel obligated to treat every visitor as an honoured guest. They know that they live on the best island in the world and they’re always happy to share it.

With only 133 square miles of land, the tri island state of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique appears almost invisible on the world map. Despite its size, the island is widely known for its abundance of spices, unspoilt beauty and friendly people.

It has often been questioned though, how an island so tiny, can possess a people with such great character and huge hearts. In 1961, when the Italian cruise liner, the Bianca C caught fire and sank, hundreds of Grenadians rushed to the aid of those onboard, feeding, sheltering and clothing them as needed. Today, a statue known as the ‘Christ of the Deep’ still stands on the Carenage in the town of St. George as an expression of gratitude for the great acts of kindness to the people of Grenada.

Jennifer Hosten is a Grenadian radio announcer, development worker, diplomat, author, model and beauty queen who won the Miss World 1970 contest, representing Grenada. She became the first woman from her country to win the Miss World title and she was also the first woman of colour to be crowned. Her barrier-breaking Miss World story is told in the film Misbehaviour staring actresses Keira Knightley and Gugu Mbatha-Raw.

Kirani James became Grenada’s first Olympic Gold Champion at the London Olympics in 2012. His humble persona and dedication to making his countrymen and women proud awarded him the title of Sports Tourism Ambassador for Grenada.

Lewis Carl Davidson Hamilton, MBE, the Grenadian roots Mercedes Formula One driver. A six-time Formula One World Champion, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest drivers in the history of the sport, and considered by some to be the greatest of all time.

If you visit the island today, you will still notice the distinct friendliness and hospitality of the Grenadian people; a people of pure warmth, welcoming and willing to please. From the willingness to assist with changing a tire to the humorous manner of providing directions, the locals never fail. Grenada is listed as one of the most amazing vacation destinations and it’s not because of cheap airfare. It is simply because of the island’s unspoiled beauty and charm of the people.

This was not the first time Grenadians created a buzz because of humility and acts of kindness. In 2005, Lance Corporal Johnson Beharry VC; a Grenadian British Army Soldier was awarded the highest military decoration otherwise known as the Victoria Cross for saving the lives of members of his unit on two occasions. To date, he is the youngest recipient and first man to be awarded the Victoria Cross since 1982.