AMerican Caribbean Law Institute - Stetson University College of Law GRENADA CASE STUDY 2010 History & Culture Environment People & Industry Law & Politics A brief exploration of the Geographical and environmental Population Statistics and The heritage and foundation of historical events and cultural factors that create the natural Economic factors affecting the law, government, and the role of influences of Grenada. wonder of the Island. people of Grenada. lawyers and the judiciary. Page 2 Page 4 Page 6 Page 7 OVERVIEW OF GRENADA Also known as the Isle of Spice, Grenada offers a rich history and wealth of experience to those who travel to it. Characterized by warm beaches and soft sands the Island Nation, which consists of a series of islands including Carriacou and Martinique, provides opportunities to explore its natural treasures by diving in its tropical waters, or exploring the depths of its rainforest. While its environment makes it a natural marvel to all who visit, its Coat-of-Arms of Grenada Representing the strength of legal and political systems showcase the strength and the nation and its people, the Shield alludes to its determination of a people and country history with the British still new in independence but old in Kingdom, its recognition of the Monarchy, the history culture and traditions. This case of the Island, as well as its wealth of natural resources study will explore the country, its and and environmental history, the people, the politics, and wonders. The Coat-of-Arms was adopted in 1974 with laws of this Caribbean Gem. Grenada’s Independence Craig Whisenhunt © 2010 HISTORY & CULTURE The “First” View of a New World In 1498 Christopher Columbus and his crew about the Santa Maria became the first Europeans to set eyes on the Island. He was so taken by the purity and beauty of the Island that he named it Concepcion after the Immaculate Conception of Jesus and the Virgin Mary. However, settlement was slowed by the presence of a fierce native population. The First Inhabitants Long before Columbus the Arawaks Amerindians left the shores of South America and found their way to the Island. The Arawaks were an advanced society and among the first to take to the seas. However, the Arawaks were ultimately to be displaced by a more warlike tribe, the Caribs, whose bellicose nature presented a The Seven Years War fi e r c e r e s i s t a n c e t o The British gained control of ‘la colonization. It would be Grenada’ from the French as a term almost 200 years after of the Treaty of Paris ending the 7 Columbus first laid eyes on Years War in 1763. the Island before the Despite Efforts by the British to French would take remove all traces of French and control from the Spanish culture and influence on the Carib Tribe. Island, including the Spanish inspired name of Grenada, the People were resilient, and the cultural heritage and influences of The Arawak France, Spain, and Native Tribes and Carib can still be seen today. People were an After nearly two centuries, Great advanced and civilized society. Britain granted independence to They explored the sea and spread Grenada on February 7, 1974. throughout the Caribbean Islands. 2 HISTORY & CULTURE Growing Pains and Foreign While Bishop had been friendly with Cuba and the USSR, Coard was an active Intervention. proponent of bringing Communism to Following its independence Grenada Grenada. His ideology, combined with the endured a difficult transition to self- formation of a radical Military governance. When the re-election of Government which threatened to shoot on Prime Minister Gairy was challenged by sight any citizen out after curfew, was of the opposition party as being fraudulent great concern to the world. Maurice Bishop led what When construction became known as the began of a commercial New Jewel Movement airstrip that would allow the and overthrew the importation and distribution government in 1979. of ar ms to Cuba and Bishop’s government Central America, President opted to suspend the Reagan allied with Jamaica constitution and ruled and other islands in the instead by government region in Operation Urgent St. George’s decree. Close ties were Fury. formed with Communist The coastal city of St. George’s On October 25, 1983 Cuba and the USSR. (Top) has been the recognized Grenada was invaded by the capital of Grenada since 1974. In October of 1983 combined forces of the US and its few Bernard Coard, backed by the Army, led a Prior to the American-led regional allies. The action was condemned coup and imprisoned Bishop. Outrage by invasion in 1983 The Historic by the international community as a Parliament Building (Bottom) was the citizens resulted in Bishop being freed, flagrant violation of international law. however when he attempted to resume bombed. It is still in ruins today, After the invasion the Constitutional power he was captured and executed by a reminder of the difficult path to Government resumed. Coard was soldiers under the orders of Coard, who democracy in Grenda. prosecuted for Bishop’s murder, and then assumed power under martial law. sentenced to death, later commuted to life. Recent History and Happenings With strong international support and a commitment to recover, Grenada managed a remarkable recovery. By the end In 2004 Grenada was devastated by Hurricane Ivan. After of 2005 most hotels were open again, and new building codes having survived almost half a decade without a direct hit, Ivan were in place to strengthen and struck the Island as a Category 3 Hurricane, and brought with it winds support the citizens homes. New efforts and changes in and floods that left more than 90% of crop management have helped to the homes and properties in Grenada damaged or destroyed. restore the nutmeg industry and it is believed that as new trees mature The following year, in the the nation will once again be a aftermath of rebuilding and restoring the country it was hit again, this time supplier of the valuable spice. In 2007 Grenada jointly hosted by Hurricane Emily. While only a Category 1 Hurricane, the 2007 Cricket World Cup. With support from China a new Emily left more than $110 Million in damages, and virtually $40M stadium was built in Grenada for the tournament. erased the few remaining Nutmeg Trees on the Island. 3 GEOGRAPHY & ENVIRONMENT The Edge Between Wet and Wonderful Its no surprise that Grenada has beautiful beaches. Its volcanic origins have not only created a fertile island but also more than 75 miles of Caribbean Sea coastline. The white sandy beaches at popular resorts are contrasted by deep water ports in large cities like St. George’s. Just off the beaches an awesome aquatic universe exists. Filled with turtles and sharks, the water is warm enough for divers and swimmers all year. An Emerald Ocean In striking contrast to the crystal blue sea, a tropical rainforest filled with exotic plants and animals fills much of the interior of the Island. Tucked in the trees a variety of indigenous wildlife can be found, ranging from birds and bats to In The Middle of Paradise a r m a d i l l o a n d When Columbus first set eyes on monkeys. Much of Grenada he was overwhelmed by Grenada’s profitable its beauty. The three islands of spice industry is Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite dependent on the Martinique are located at the rainforest and it is southern end of the Windward carefully islands and mark the separation of protected. the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The Island of Grenada is North and East of the mainland of South American. Only 100 miles Formed from Venezuela. To it’s north can eons ago be found St. Vincent and the by volcanic activity the island is Grenadines, while to the south mountainous nutrient rich. The result you’ll find Trinidad and Tobago. is a plant paradise accented by cascading waterfalls and wildlife. 4 GEOGRAPHY & ENVIRONMENT The Spice of Life 20% of the Nutmeg market, and the spice is one of its most important and profitable While originally colonized with the exports. intent of growing sugar cane in the Other spices tropical climate, it was quickly discovered that Grenada possessed more than just found on the island are sweet possibilities. Throughout the cinnamon, island spices were discovered and harvested, and a new cloves, mace, ginger, and economic future was born. a l l s p i c e . While the abundance of spices gave rise to the While each of these name of “The Spice Isle” contribute to it was one spice in the economy particular that truly none do so as much as nutmeg. transformed It is because of its Indigenous Creatures the country. economic importance and The long-nosed armadillo (Top) Nutmeg, a historical significance that has proven to be an icon to the small the nutmeg seed can be people of Grenada. Recognized walnut sized found on the nation’s flag. for its resilience it occupies the seed, grows Following the devastating hurricanes left side of the Crest. On the especially of 2004 and 2005 there was a fear that right side representing peace is well in the the nutmeg industry would collapse, the Grenada Dove (bottom), a warm wet however effective environmental controls variation of the rock pigeon that c l i m a t e . and agricultural management have has evolved on the island. Valuable ensured the sustainability of the trees and and rare, Grenada makes up more than the country into the future. Even Better where its Wetter spiny lobster, snapper, and grunt fish.