“How could you leave big big Jamaica and go and live in one of those small islands?” Grenada, the small island I chose, measures just 12 miles west to east and 21 miles north to south. In 1997, this Jamaican added to Grenada’s population of approximately one hundred or so thousand people at the time. Originally intending to spend two years then move on, 18 years later, Grenada is still captivating and feels like home.
Here are five reasons why I think living in Grenada is great.
1. Almost no crime – Safe haven for peace-loving souls
Picture this: an island where crime rates are so low that people often misplace their house keys because they haven’t needed them in years. That’s the reality of living in Grenada! Forget about those crime-filled headlines; Grenada is a sanctuary of tranquility. While petty theft exists like in any other place, serious crimes are a rarity. So, bid farewell to worries and embrace the freedom to walk home late at night without a second thought.
When Grenada had 18 murders in 2008, a few eyebrows were raised. Normal annual homicide statistics are usually between 8 and 12. In fact, during 2004 when Hurricane Ivan hit, only 6 persons lost their lives by murder.
2. Everywhere is near – Convenience at your doorstep
In Grenada, distance is a concept that loses its meaning. The tourism belt is located in the South West in the parish of St George. Grenada’s small size (12 miles by 21 miles) means you can live in St Patrick in the far north and commute to and from work in the south west daily. No need to spend extra on renting in St George. Everything is just a stone’s throw away….relatively speaking 🙂 Oh, and did I mention that stunning beaches are within easy reach? Beach day, anyone?
3. The road network is good – Smooth rides and scenic drives
Get ready to be pleasantly surprised by Grenada’s well-maintained roads. Potholes are a rare sight, and if one does appear, it’s swiftly filled. Sure, directional signs may not be abundant, but hey, the locals say it’s an excuse to encourage you to chat with them and embrace the island’s friendly vibe.
Not only are the roads on the coast great….you can also drive on good quality roads and cross the island, lets say from St John through Clozier to Belvedere in St Andrew.
So, hop in your car, roll down the windows, and enjoy the picturesque drives that Grenada has to offer.
4. Fruits and vegetables are in abundance….and cheap – Nature’s bounty at your fingertips
Calling all foodies and health enthusiasts! Grenada is a paradise for fruit and vegetable lovers. The island’s residents take pride in growing their own produce, often organically. Agricultural Science is a popular subject in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination (CXC). Moving from Kingston Jamaica, where you picked up fruits and vegetables not knowing how most were grown, it has been an education. From cloves blossoming from flowers, to cabbage heads nestled within protective leaves, you’ll witness the magic of nature firsthand. And the best part? These fresh and delicious fruits and veggies won’t burn a hole in your pocket. It’s a win-win for your taste buds and your wallet.
5. Grenadians are civil and hospitable – Warmth and smiles wherever you go
Prepare to be embraced by the genuine warmth and hospitality of Grenadians. A simple “good morning” from strangers passing by will put a smile on your face and remind you of the simple pleasures in life. On a 1995 vacation here, the Grenadians who I encountered on a walk to the bus stop must have thought me rude. As each of them passed in my direction, I heard “good morning.” Thinking they were calling to someone behind me, I did not initially answer. Then when I realized they were indeed speaking to me, I was thrilled. It is something which still happens and when you ask Grenadians about what their parents or grandparents instilled in them growing up, invariably the response includes “don’t pass people without saying good day.”
The island’s residents are known for their generosity, whether it’s offering a ride when you’re in need or sharing their bountiful harvest. You’ll experience a sense of community and connection that’s hard to find elsewhere. And let’s not forget, honking horns are almost non-existent, except for some enthusiastic bus drivers!
Grenadians are the most naturally hospitable, community-minded and kind people I have encountered in travel to 15 Caribbean islands. The hope is that this will continue for many years to come.
UPDATES
In the almost 26 years that I have been living in Grenada, I have seen much progress. May it continue, without spoiling the certain je ne sais quoi that I fell in love with on my first visit from Jamaica in 1995.
If there’s one thing that truly infuriates me, it’s when individuals have a severely distorted perception of reality, going to the extent of lying just to gain views or likes. Unfortunately, many of the things you mentioned are completely disconnected from the truth.
Let’s take the road network as an example. While you claim it is good, the reality is quite different. The presence of narrow roads combined with sharp curves, steep gradients, and limited visibility in certain areas can make driving more challenging, particularly for inexperienced or unfamiliar drivers. Moreover, the absence of proper signage and road markings contributes to the perceived danger. It’s disheartening to read your statement that suggests people use this as an excuse to encourage others to chat with them and embrace the island’s friendly vibe, which, in your view, is another complete lie. The fact is that not everyone on the island is friendly, and it is dangerous to downplay this reality.
Additionally, you failed to mention the culture of reckless driving and the alarming number of drunk drivers present on the island at any given time of the day or night. There is a significant lack of awareness and disregard for traffic rules and regulations. Speeding, aggressive driving, and a general lack of consideration for other road users are unfortunate common occurrences on the island.
It astonishes me that you consider a good road network to include the absence of road safety measures like speed bumps, guardrails, and pedestrian crossings. These are essential elements that contribute to the safety of both drivers and pedestrians.
Another aspect you overlooked is the deeply ingrained culture of alcohol consumption in Grenada. This can lead to a higher tolerance or acceptance of drunk driving behavior, with individuals underestimating the risks and consequences associated with driving under the influence. Insufficient awareness and education about the dangers of drunk driving further contribute to its prevalence. Furthermore, the enforcement of drunk driving laws is extremely lax and almost non-existent on the island, creating a perception among Grenadians that the risk of being caught and facing legal consequences for driving under the influence is low.
I urge you to enlighten your readers by mentioning the state of public transportation, specifically buses. You could create an entire article about the reckless driving exhibited by many bus drivers and provide numerous examples to support this claim.
While I could continue dismantling the rest of the points you made, I won’t waste my time addressing the numerous lies and false perceptions you have about the island. It is frustrating to witness how toxic positivity can affect individuals to the point of distorting reality in an attempt to sugarcoat the truth.
Hi There,
As with everything else, we each experience life from different perspectives. I have been to other Caribbean islands where the quality of the road surface, and ease of getting around, was not present. Having heard about the small island of Grenada, I expected the same, but was presently surprised. Sorry about the experiences that you had, which have led to your opinion.
Amazing