by Karl Rodney
Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique are one of the leading producers of Nutmegs and other spices and are referred to as the Spice Islands, they make up one of the smallest independent countries in the Western Hemisphere, but they are also known for their resilience and their ability to rebound from tragedy.
- Advertisement -
One major tragedy was the bloody 1983 political upheaval, “US invades Grenada”, which cost the country their then Prime Maurice Rupert Bishop and some of his senior government officials. Forty years ago, the United States sent some of its soldiers to Grenada to `rescue’ the island nation from (what they called) a group of authoritarians and returned it to a Democratic tradition. Today, the Isle of Spice is moving economically and socially at the same time.
Millions of Americans have taken to the streets to express their concern about the strength of their own nation’s democracy based on the era of Donald Trump, the January 6th Insurrection on the Capitol and the ongoing campaign to suppress voters, and the nationwide efforts to restrict voting right, particularly for people of color.
So the democracy that the US was fighting for in Grenada is now a necessary fight in the United States,
Grenadian, Muriel Boscombe, made the remarks “in Grenada our rights as a people are protected and guaranteed. We are not fearful of our country’s leader doing unconstitutional things. But in the United States, there is a growing fear that the rights of the people are under threat, in Grenada, democracy is as strong as ever.”
Actually, Grenada did more than just hail a historical milestone with its spirit, church services, fun, and games. It has shown the world that after decades of serenity, interrupted by a short period of self-inflicted instability, adherence to the rule of law remains as strong as ever a shining light that illuminates its path to solid economic and social order.
Just as important, the ethnic and religious diversity was strengthened by harmony, and equality that characterize Grenada which triggers this unity to enrich a developing country.
These successes in Grenada are recorded at a time when the economic giant, that is the United States is trying to come to grips with the issues of inequity, inequality, and economic disruption that impacts, at the very least among us. Grenada, in its national flag the red symbolizes the bravery of the islands for forefathers and the warmth of the people, while the yellow represents the abundant spice production, including nutmeg and the green symbolizes the lush vegetation, while the stars represent the countries hope for unity and progress. Grenada is also known as the birthplace of the Calypso giant, the Mighty Sparrow, who is known around the world for his socially conscious and humorous songs though pronounced in its political consciousness and has helped to popularize Calypso music internationally and he is often referred to as the King of Calypso.
Grenada, as a democratic country is showing quite a bit of stability and maturity.
It has just elected one of the youngest prime ministers in the Caribbean, Dickon Mitchell who led the N D C to victory in the recent election. Mitchell, a politician, and attorney is serving as the ninth Prime Minister and has promised to improve the standard of education in the nation, build affordable housing, and reduce unemployment and poverty. Prime Minister Mitchell Dixon has the willingness to step forward and to be more engaged in regional, political, and economic activities and has made the point that action is needed more than rhetoric coming out of CARICOM.
Grenada, like most Caribbean countries around the world, is coming out of the Covid Pandemic and the impact it has had on the economy of the country and that of the region. The Prime Minister said it will be his priority to restore Grenada to a true position of leadership and development in the region.
Grenada is now enjoying a stable democracy, a solid domestic political environment of promise, and a clear path to their own development, how things have changed. Grenada is now showing one of the lowest crime rates in the Caribbean and has a strong grip on what the future holds. So as we celebrate the 49th Anniversary of Grenada’s Independence, Grenadians all over, can take a bow, take a bow for the resilience of the country and its path onward and upward.
Happy Independence to Grenada, the people, and the country, and best wishes for a stronger and stronger democracy and economy.
