107-546: Grenadian is an adjective describing someone or something from the country of Grenada . It may refer to: Grenada Grenada ( / ɡ r ə ˈ n eɪ d ə / grə- NAY -də ; Grenadian Creole French : Gwenad , [ɡweˈnad] ) is an island country of the West Indies in the eastern Caribbean Sea . The southernmost of the Windward Islands , Grenada is directly south of Saint Vincent and
214-515: A People's Revolutionary Government (PRG), headed by Maurice Bishop , who declared himself prime minister. His Marxist–Leninist government established close ties with Cuba , Nicaragua , and other communist bloc countries. All political parties except for the New Jewel Movement were banned and no elections were held during the four years of PRG rule. Some years later, a dispute developed between Bishop and certain high-ranking members of
321-509: A 2018 Forest Landscape Integrity Index mean score of 4.22/10, ranking it 131st globally out of 172 countries. The climate is tropical: hot and humid in the dry season and cooled by the moderate rainfall in the rainy season . Temperatures range from 22–32 °C (72–90 °F) and are rarely below 18 °C (64 °F). Grenada lies at the southern edge of the Main Development Region for tropical cyclone activity, though
428-584: A 48 hour period. Like much of the Caribbean, Grenada is depauperate of large animals . However, native opossums , armadillos , and introduced mona monkeys and mongooses are common. As of June 2024, the avifauna of Grenada included a total of 199 species according to Bird Checklists of the World . Of these, one is endemic ( Grenada dove ), one has been introduced by humans ( Rock Pigeon ), and 130 are rare or accidental . Approximately 2 million years ago, in
535-521: A bloodless coup in 1979, proclaiming the People's Revolutionary Government in Grenada, with their leader Maurice Bishop as prime minister. The New Jewel Movement led by Maurice Bishop seized power in a coup d'état and established the People's Revolutionary Government (PRG) on 13 March 1979. On 25 March, Bishop announced the "People's Laws", which effectively suspended the 1974 constitution, but retained
642-522: A brief period until the June 1995 election which was won by the New National Party under Keith Mitchell , who went on to win the 1999 and 2003 elections , serving for a record 13 years until 2008. Mitchell re-established relations with Cuba and also reformed the country's banking system, which had come under criticism over potential money laundering concerns. In 2000–02, much of the controversy of
749-429: A four-day total curfew, during which anyone leaving their home without approval would be shot on sight. US President Ronald Reagan stated that particularly worrying was the presence of Cuban construction workers and military personnel building a 10,000-foot (3,000 m) airstrip on Grenada. Bishop had stated the purpose of the airstrip was to allow commercial jets to land, but some US military analysts argued that
856-508: A landslide and the NNP returned to power, winning again by another landslide in 2018 . In March 2020, Grenada confirmed its first case of COVID-19 and, as of 17 March 2022 , 13,921 cases and 217 deaths had been recorded. On 23 June 2022, the NDC won the general election under Dickon Mitchell , who became prime minister the following day. The island of Grenada is the southernmost island in
963-501: A multi-party system, with the largest parties being the centre-right New National Party (NNP) and the centre-left National Democratic Congress (NDC). In February 2013, the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) lost the election . The opposition New National Party (NNP) won all 15 seats in the general election. Keith Mitchell , leader of NNP, who had served three terms as prime minister between 1995 and 2008, returned to power. Mitchell subsequently led NNP to win all 15 seats in
1070-560: A new and participative constitutional dispensation for the Grenadian people. Due to Marryshow's lobbying, the Wood Commission of 1921–22 concluded that Grenada was ready for constitutional reform in the form of a modified Crown colony government. This modification granted Grenadians the right to elect five of the 15 Legislative Council members on a restricted property franchise, enabling the wealthiest 4% of adult Grenadians to vote. Marryshow
1177-412: A research project into the era and specifically into the fact that Maurice Bishop's body was never discovered. On 7 September 2004, after being hurricane-free for 49 years, the island was directly hit by Hurricane Ivan . Ivan struck as a Category 3 hurricane , resulting in 39 deaths and damage or destruction to 90% of the island's homes. On 14 July 2005, Hurricane Emily , a Category 1 hurricane at
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#17328876272501284-447: A result, the current monarch is officially titled King of Grenada and, in this capacity, he and other members of the royal family undertake public and private functions domestically and abroad as representatives of Grenada. However, the King is the only member of the royal family with any constitutional role. All executive authority of Grenada is vested in the sovereign, and royal assent
1391-522: A similar resolution, which was supported by 11 countries. However, the United States vetoed the motion. After the invasion, the pre-revolutionary Grenadian constitution came into operation once again. Eighteen members of the PRG/PRA were arrested on charges related to the murder of Maurice Bishop and seven others. The 18 included the top political leadership of Grenada at the time of the execution, along with
1498-510: Is Mount St. Catherine , rising to 840 m (2,760 ft) above sea level. Other major mountains include Mount Granby and South East Mountain . Several small rivers with waterfalls flow into the sea from these mountains. The coastline contains several bays, most notably on the southern coast, split into numerous thin peninsulas. Grenada is home to four ecoregions: Windward Islands moist forests, Leeward Islands dry forests, Windward Islands dry forests, and Windward Islands xeric scrub. It had
1605-472: Is St. George's . Grenada is also known as the "Island of Spice" due to its production of nutmeg and mace crops. 12°07′N 61°40′W / 12.117°N 61.667°W / 12.117; -61.667 Before the arrival of Europeans in the Americas , Grenada was inhabited by the indigenous peoples from South America. Christopher Columbus sighted Grenada in 1498 during his third voyage to
1712-576: Is additionally known as His Majesty's Prisons . Every member of the police force has to swear allegiance to the monarch of Grenada, on being appointed. Under the Police Act of Grenada, the current oath is: "I, (name) , do hereby swear by Almighty God (or do hereby solemnly and sincerely declare and affirm) that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles the Third, His Heirs and Successors, and that I will faithfully serve His Majesty
1819-416: Is also formally referred to as His Majesty's Government in Grenada . The functions of the head of state are exercised on the monarch's behalf by their representative, the governor-general of Grenada. However, certain ceremonial functions may be performed by the monarch while in Grenada. The constitution acknowledges the monarch's unrestricted discretion, as a matter of law, in the appointment or removal of
1926-701: Is marked by the Opening of Parliament, during which the monarch or the governor-general reads the Speech from the Throne . I share my Government's desire to uphold and strengthen parliamentary democracy in Grenada and I am delighted to be here today to inaugurate this special session of the Third Parliament. Elizabeth II of Grenada , Speech from the Thone at York House , 31 October 1985 All laws in Grenada are enacted only with
2033-464: Is regarded as a corporation, in which several parts share the authority of the whole, with the sovereign as the person at the centre of the constitutional construct, meaning all powers of state are constitutionally reposed in the Grenadian monarch. As such, the Crown owns all state property; all public lands are vested in the governor-general, and are therefore called Crown lands . The government of Grenada
2140-573: Is required for the Parliament of Grenada to enact laws and for letters patent and Orders in Council to have legal effect. Most of the powers are exercised by the elected members of parliament, the ministers of the Crown generally drawn from amongst them, and the judges and justices of the peace. Other powers vested in the monarch, such as dismissal of a prime minister, are significant but are treated only as reserve powers and as an important security part of
2247-465: Is uncertain, as he is said to have sighted what are now Grenada and Tobago from a distance and named them both at the same time. However, it became accepted that he named Tobago "Assumpción" and Grenada "La Concepción". The year after, Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci travelled through the region with the Spanish explorer Alonso de Ojeda and mapmaker Juan de la Cosa . Vespucci is reported to have renamed
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#17328876272502354-595: The 2022 election to the National Democratic Congress, with the NDC winning 9 seats to the NNP’s 6. Dickon Mitchell , a political newcomer who had only taken over as leader of the National Democratic Congress less than a year before the election and never held elected office, was subsequently appointed prime minister. Grenada is a full and participating member of both the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and
2461-507: The Antilles archipelago, bordering the eastern Caribbean Sea and the western Atlantic Ocean, and roughly 140 km (90 mi) north of both Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago. Its sister islands make up the southern section of the Grenadines, which include Carriacou , Petite Martinique , Ronde Island , Caille Island , Diamond Island , Large Island , Saline Island , and Frigate Island ;
2568-535: The Commonwealth of Nations , with Queen Elizabeth II as head of state. In March 1979, the Marxist–Leninist New Jewel Movement overthrew Gairy's government in a bloodless coup d'état and established the People's Revolutionary Government (PRG), headed by Maurice Bishop as prime minister. Bishop was later arrested and executed by members of the People's Revolutionary Army (PRA), which
2675-626: The New National Party under Herbert Blaize, who served as prime minister until his death in December 1989. Ben Jones briefly succeeded Blaize as prime minister and served until the March 1990 election . This election was won by the National Democratic Congress under Nicholas Brathwaite, who served as prime minister until he resigned in February 1995. He was succeeded by George Brizan for
2782-454: The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). Grenada, along with much of the Caribbean region, is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations . The organisation primarily consists of former British colonies and focuses on fostering international relations between its members. King of Grenada The monarchy of Grenada is a system of government in which a hereditary monarch is
2889-455: The Pliocene era, the area of what is nowadays Grenada emerged from a shallow sea as a submarine volcano. In recent times, volcanic activity has been non-existent, except for some of its hot spring and underwater volcano Kick 'em Jenny . Most of Grenada's terrain is made up of volcanic activity that took place 1–2 million years ago. There would have been many unknown volcanoes responsible for
2996-694: The Supreme Court of Grenada and the West Indies Associated States on the monarch's behalf. The Chief Justice of the Court meanwhile is appointed by the monarch via letters patent . The highest court of appeal for Grenada is the Judicial Committee of the King's Privy Council . The governor-general, on behalf of the Grenadian monarch, can also grant immunity from prosecution, exercise the royal prerogative of mercy , and pardon offences against
3103-535: The Americas. Following several unsuccessful attempts by Europeans to colonise the island due to resistance from resident Island Caribs , French settlement and colonisation began in 1649 and continued for the next century. On 10 February 1763, Grenada was ceded to the British under the Treaty of Paris . British rule continued until 1974 (except for a brief French takeover between 1779 and 1783). However, on 3 March 1967, it
3210-575: The Chancellor. The national police force of Grenada is known as the " Royal Grenada Police Force ". The Crown sits at the pinnacle of the Royal Grenada Police Force, with the Chief of Police being appointed by the governor-general. St Edward's Crown appears on the police force's badges and rank insignia, which illustrates the monarchy as the locus of authority. The prison service in Grenada
3317-426: The Crown and not to any of the ministers, though it might have sometimes appeared that way, and the constitution allows the governor-general to unilaterally use these powers in relation to the dismissal of a prime minister, dissolution of parliament, and removal of a judge in exceptional, constitutional crisis situations. There are also a few duties which are specifically performed by the monarch, such as appointing
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3424-551: The Crown, either before, during, or after a trial. The exercise of the 'Prerogative of mercy' to grant a pardon and the commutation of prison sentences is described in section 72 of the Constitution. Within the Commonwealth realms, the monarch is deemed the fount of honour . Similarly, the monarch, who sits at the apex of Grenada's honours system, confers awards and honours in Grenada in his name. Most of them are often awarded on
3531-511: The GULP won the 1976 Grenadian general election , albeit with a reduced majority; however, the opposition deemed the results invalid due to fraud and the violent intimidation performed by the so-called ' Mongoose Gang ', a private militia loyal to Gairy. On 13 March 1979, whilst Gairy was out of the country, the NJM launched a bloodless coup which removed Gairy, suspended the constitution, and established
3638-493: The Grenadian Army, led a coup against the government of Maurice Bishop and placed Bishop under house arrest . These actions led to street demonstrations in various parts of the island because Bishop had widespread support from the population. Because Bishop was a widely popular leader, he was freed by impassioned supporters who marched en masse to his guarded residence from a rally in the capital's central square. Bishop then led
3745-494: The Grenadines and about 100 miles (160 km) north of Trinidad and the South American mainland. Grenada consists of the island of Grenada itself, two smaller islands, Carriacou and Petite Martinique , and several small islands which lie to the north of the main island and are a part of the Grenadines. Its size is 348.5 square kilometres (134.6 sq mi), with an estimated population of 114,621 in 2024. Its capital
3852-513: The House of Representatives again in 2018 , marking three separate occasions on which he had achieved this feat. In November 2021, Prime Minister Keith Mitchell said that the upcoming general elections which were constitutionally due no later than June 2023, was to be the last one for him. Mitchell advised the governor-general on 16 May 2022 to dissolve Parliament a year earlier than the constitutional requirement. The New National Party subsequently lost
3959-630: The King, His Heirs and Successors during my service in the Royal Grenada Police Force, that I will subject myself to all Acts, Orders and regulations for the time being in operation that relate to the Force and will discharge all the duties of a police officer according to law, without fear or favour, affection or ill-will." The main symbol of the Grenadian monarchy is the sovereign himself. Thus, framed portraits of him are displayed in public buildings and government offices. The monarch also appears on commemorative Grenadian stamps. Ceremonial maces are used in both
4066-483: The NJM. Though Bishop cooperated with Cuba and the USSR on various trade and foreign policy issues, he sought to maintain a non-aligned status . Hardline Marxist party members, including communist Deputy Prime Minister Bernard Coard , deemed Bishop insufficiently revolutionary and demanded that he either step down or enter into a power-sharing arrangement. On 16 October 1983, Bernard Coard and his wife, Phyllis, backed by
4173-511: The People's Revolutionary Government was overthrown in a violent coup in which Prime Minister Bishop and several other government officials were executed. A 16-member military council led by Hudson Austin took power and placed Scoon under house arrest. Scoon, acting through secret diplomatic channels, asked the United States and concerned Caribbean nations to intervene to restore peace and order to
4280-649: The Queen as Grenada's head of state. People's Law Number 3 stated: The Head of State shall remain Her Majesty the Queen and her representative in this country shall continue to be the Governor-General who shall perform such functions as the People's Revolutionary Government may from time to time advise. This was seen as an attempt by the People's Revolutionary Government to give an air of constitutional legitimacy to their administration. The Governor-General, Paul Scoon , who
4387-448: The Queen was "extremely upset" by the invasion of one of her realms. The only document signed by the Governor-General asking for military assistance was dated after the invasion, which fuelled speculation that the United States had used Scoon as an excuse for its incursion into Grenada. Scoon, in his memoir, published in 2003, clarified that he had asked other Caribbean governments for the intervention of an allied military force. Following
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4494-592: The Royal Prerogative; moreover, the consent of the Crown is required before either of the houses of parliament may even debate a bill affecting the sovereign's prerogatives or interests. One of the main duties of the Crown is to appoint a prime minister , who thereafter heads the Cabinet of Grenada and advises the monarch or governor-general on how to execute their executive powers over all aspects of government operations and foreign affairs. The monarch's, and thereby
4601-460: The Senate (made in 1967), and one for the House of Representatives (made in the 18th century). The monarch does not, however, participate in the legislative process; the viceroy does, though only in the granting of royal assent . Further, the constitution outlines that the governor-general alone is responsible for appointing senators. The viceroy must make seven senatorial appointments on the advice of
4708-607: The St. George's Anglican Church and the St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church (Scots Kirk) were restored in 2021). On July 1, 2024, Hurricane Beryl slammed into Grenada, causing damage throughout the country but especially in Carriacou and Petite Martinique, where the eye of the storm passed. Beryl gained international attention, in part, because of its rapid intensification from a tropical storm to Category 4 hurricane within just
4815-702: The Third, His Heirs and Successors, according to law. [So help me God.]" Like some realms, Grenada defers to United Kingdom law to determine the line of succession. Succession is by absolute primogeniture governed by the provisions of the Succession to the Crown Act 2013 , as well as the Act of Settlement 1701 and the Bill of Rights 1689 . This legislation limits the succession to the natural (i.e. non- adopted ), legitimate descendants of Sophia, Electress of Hanover , and stipulates that
4922-576: The Third, by the Grace of God, King of Grenada and of His other Realms and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth . This style communicates Grenada's status as an independent monarchy, highlighting the monarch's role specifically as sovereign of Grenada, as well as the shared aspect of the Crown throughout the realms. Typically, the Sovereign is styled "King of Grenada", and is addressed as such when in Grenada, or performing duties on behalf of Grenada abroad. As
5029-458: The United Kingdom. The monarchy thus ceased to be an exclusively British institution and in Grenada became a Grenadian, or "domesticated" establishment. This division is illustrated in a number of ways: The sovereign, for example, holds a unique Grenadian title and, when he is acting in public specifically as a representative of Grenada, he uses, where possible, Grenadian symbols, including
5136-517: The United States for assistance. On 25 October 1983, combined forces from the United States and the Regional Security System (RSS) based in Barbados invaded Grenada in an operation codenamed Operation Urgent Fury . The US stated this was done at the behest of Barbados, Dominica and Governor-General Paul Scoon . Scoon had requested the invasion through secret diplomatic channels, but it
5243-669: The advice of "His Majesty's Grenada Ministers". Through the passage of the National Honours and Awards Act in 2007, Grenada established two national orders, namely the Prestige Order of the National Hero and the Order of Grenada (which includes the Order of the Nation ). The monarch serves as Sovereign of these orders, while their vice-regal representative, the governor-general, serves as
5350-521: The common law holds that the sovereign "can do no wrong"; the monarch cannot be prosecuted in his or her own courts for criminal offences. Magistrates are appointed by the governor-general, on the advice of the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, in line with section 88 of the Constitution. The Judicial and Legal Services Commission, under the Supreme Court Order of 1967, appoints Justices of
5457-427: The country are flown at half-mast to honour the late monarch. A memorial service is likely to be held to commemorate the late monarch. The constitution of Grenada is made up of a variety of statutes and conventions which gives the country a parliamentary system of government under a constitutional monarchy, wherein the roles of the monarch and governor-general are both legal and practical, but not political. The Crown
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#17328876272505564-468: The country's national flag , unique royal symbols , and the like. Only Grenadian government ministers can advise the sovereign on matters of Grenada. In Grenada, the legal personality of the State is referred to as "His Majesty in right of Grenada", "His Majesty in right of His Government of Grenada", or the "Crown in right of its Government in Grenada". In Grenada, the King's official title is: Charles
5671-447: The crowd to the island's military headquarters to reassert his power. Grenadian soldiers were dispatched in armoured vehicles by the Coard faction to retake the fort. A confrontation between soldiers and civilians at the fort ended in gunfire and panic. Three soldiers and at least eight civilians died in the tumult that also injured 100 others, a school-sponsored study later found in 2000. When
5778-695: The eight seats contested. From 1958 to 1962, Grenada was part of the Federation of the West Indies . After the federation's collapse, Grenada was granted full autonomy over its internal affairs as an Associated State on 3 March 1967. Herbert Blaize of the Grenada National Party (GNP) was the first Premier of the Associated State of Grenada from March to August 1967. Eric Gairy served as Premier from August 1967 until February 1974. Independence
5885-417: The embodiment of the state, the monarch is the locus of oaths of Allegiance. This is done in reciprocation to the sovereign's Coronation Oath, wherein they promise to govern the peoples of their realms, "according to their respective laws and customs". The oath of allegiance in Grenada is: "I, (name) , do swear [or solemnly affirm] that I will faithfully bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles
5992-609: The entire military chain of command directly responsible for the operation that led to the executions. Fourteen were sentenced to death , one was found not guilty, and three were sentenced to 45 years in prison. The death sentences were eventually commuted to terms of imprisonment. Those in prison have become known as the " Grenada 17 ". When US troops withdrew from Grenada in December 1983, Governor-General Scoon appointed an interim advisory council chaired by Nicholas Brathwaite to organise new elections. The first democratic elections since 1976 were held in December 1984 , and were won by
6099-408: The few times in Commonwealth history that the Crown has been the active and dominant executive authority in a realm. Grenada is one of fifteen independent nations, known as Commonwealth realms, which shares its sovereign with other realms in the Commonwealth of Nations , with the monarch's relationship with Grenada completely independent from his position as monarch of any other realm. Despite sharing
6206-414: The formation of Grenada including Grenada's capital St. George's with its horseshoe-shaped harbour, the carenage. Two extinct volcanoes, which are now crater lakes, Grand Etang Lake and Lake Antoine , would have also contributed to the formation of Grenada. Grenada is a constitutional monarchy with Charles III as head of state , represented locally by a governor-general . Executive power lies with
6313-442: The governor-general ratifies treaties, alliances, and international agreements. As with other uses of the Royal Prerogative, no parliamentary approval is required. However, a treaty cannot alter the domestic laws of Grenada; an Act of Parliament is necessary in such cases. The governor-general, on behalf of the monarch, also accredits Grenadian High Commissioners and ambassadors and receives diplomats from foreign states. In addition,
6420-512: The governor-general, but it is a settled constitutional convention that the monarch exercises these powers in accordance with the advice of the prime minister of Grenada . All institutions of government act under the sovereign's authority; the vast powers that belong to the Grenadian Crown are collectively known as the Royal prerogative . Parliamentary approval is not required for the exercise of
6527-468: The governor-general, with the Public Seal of Grenada. The sovereign is responsible for rendering justice for all his subjects, and is thus traditionally deemed the fount of justice . In Grenada, criminal offences are legally deemed to be offences against the sovereign and proceedings for indictable offences are brought in the sovereign's name in the form of The King [or Queen] versus [Name] . Hence,
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#17328876272506634-460: The governor-general. The governor-general, to maintain the stability of the government of Grenada, appoints as prime minister the individual most likely to maintain the support of the House of Representatives . The governor-general additionally appoints a Cabinet, at the direction of the prime minister. The monarch is informed by his viceroy of the acceptance of the resignation of a prime minister and
6741-510: The head of government, the prime minister . The governor-general role is mainly ceremonial, while the prime minister is usually the leader of the largest party in Parliament . The Parliament of Grenada consists of a Senate (13 members) and a House of Representatives (15 members). The government and the opposition recommend appoints of senators to the governor-general, while the population elect representatives for five-year terms. Grenada operates
6848-400: The head of state of Grenada. Prince Richard of Gloucester was due to represent the Queen at the independence celebrations, but his visit was cancelled as the transition to independence was marked by violence, strikes, and controversy centring upon Eric Gairy , who was named prime minister. Opposition to Gairy's rule continued to mount, and a coalition called the New Jewel Movement (NJM) staged
6955-529: The indigenous peoples there. The first known settlement attempt was a failed venture by the English in 1609, but they were massacred and driven away by the native "Carib" peoples. In 1649, a French expedition of 203 men from Martinique , led by Jacques Dyel du Parquet , founded a permanent settlement on Grenada. They signed a peace treaty with the Carib chief Kairouane , but within months conflict broke out between
7062-447: The initial shooting ended with Bishop's surrender, he and a group of seven of his closest supporters were taken prisoner and executed by firing squad. Besides Bishop, the group included three of his cabinet ministers, a trade union leader, and three service-industry workers. After the execution of Bishop, the People's Revolutionary Army (PRA) formed a military Marxist government with General Hudson Austin as chairman. The army declared
7169-429: The invasion, the Governor-General, in the absence of a parliament and elected government, assumed executive and legislative powers, and reinstated the 1974 constitution. A nine-member Interim Advisory Council, led by Nicholas Brathwaite , was appointed in November 1983, to serve until elections due in 1984 , which subsequently resulted in the victory of Herbert Blaize of the New National Party . This constitutes one of
7276-630: The island "Mayo", although this is the only map where the name appears. The indigenous Arawak who once lived on the island before the arrival of the Europeans gave the name Camajuya . Grenada is thought to have been first populated by peoples from South America during the Caribbean Archaic Age , although definitive evidence is lacking. The earliest potential human presence comes from proxy evidence of lake cores, beginning c. 3600 BC . Less ephemeral, permanent villages began c. 100–200 . The population peaked between 750 and 1250, with major changes in population afterward, potentially
7383-478: The island for the Andalusian city of Granada . The name "Granada" was recorded by Spanish maps in the 1520s and referred to the islands to the north as Los Granadillos ("Little Granadas"); although those named islands were deemed the property of the King of Spain , there are no records to suggest the Spanish ever attempted to settle Grenada. The French maintained the name (as "La Grenade" in French) after settlement and colonisation in 1649. On 10 February 1763,
7490-411: The island has suffered only four landfalling hurricanes in the last several decades. Hurricane Janet passed over Grenada on 23 September 1955, with winds of 185 km/h (115 mph), causing severe damage. The most recent storm to hit Grenada was Hurricane Beryl on 1 July 2024, a strong category 4 hurricane which set the record for the earliest forming Category 5 Hurricane in recorded history and
7597-403: The island of Carriacou, causing widespread damage across all of Grenada and Carriacou. On Carriacou, there was no electricity and limited communication. Throughout the rest of the country, 95% of customers had no power and telecommunications were also damaged. Mitchell was defeated in the 2008 election by the NDC under Tillman Thomas ; however, he won the 2013 Grenadian general election by
7704-533: The island of La Grenade was ceded to the British under the Treaty of Paris . The British renamed it "Grenada", one of many place-name anglicisations they made there. The island was given its first European name by Christopher Columbus who sighted it on his third voyage to the region in 1498 and named it "La Concepción" in honour of the Virgin Mary . It is said that he may have actually named it "Assumpción", but it
7811-412: The island. The invasion coalition maintained that Scoon was within his rights to do so, acting under the reserve powers vested in the Crown . But an independent expert examination later found dubious constitutional basis for Scoon's call for foreign intervention and his assumption of executive and legislative power. On 25 October 1983, following the United States invasion of Grenada , the military junta
7918-494: The issuance of passports falls under the Royal Prerogative and, as such, all Grenadian passports are issued in the governor-general's name, the monarch's representative in the country. The sovereign, along with the Senate and the House of Representatives, is one of the three components of the Parliament of Grenada . The authority of the Crown is embodied in the maces, which bear a crown at their apex. Grenada has two maces, one for
8025-550: The late 1970s and early 1980s was once again brought into the public consciousness with the opening of the truth and reconciliation commission . The commission was chaired by a Roman Catholic priest , Father Mark Haynes, and was tasked with uncovering injustices arising from the PRA, Bishop's regime, and before. It held a number of hearings around the country. Brother Robert Fanovich, head of Presentation Brothers' College (PBC) in St. George's, tasked some of his senior students with conducting
8132-653: The main island of Grenada, mainly on the windward and northern portions of the island. Grenada was also impacted by Hurricane Ivan on 7 September 2004, which caused severe damage and thirty-nine deaths, and Hurricane Emily on 14 July 2005, which peaked as a category 5 hurricane on July 16 over the greater Caribbean region. Hurricane Emily caused serious damage in Carriacou and in the north of Grenada, which had been relatively lightly affected by Hurricane Ivan; Grenada has had to be put on Tropical Storm Watch several times since. It took over five years to officially recover from Ivan, although recovery continued for decades after (e.g.,
8239-505: The monarch cannot be a Roman Catholic , and must be in communion with the Church of England upon ascending the throne. Though these constitutional laws, as they apply to Grenada, still lie within the control of the British parliament , neither the United Kingdom nor Grenada can change the rules of succession without the unanimous consent of the other realms, unless explicitly leaving the shared monarchy relationship. This applies identically in all
8346-695: The only reason for constructing such a long and reinforced runway was so that it could be used by heavy military transport planes. The contractors, American and European companies, and the EEC , which provided partial funding, all claimed the airstrip did not have military capabilities. Reagan asserted that Cuba, under the direction of the Soviet Union, would use Grenada as a refuelling stop for Cuban and Soviet airplanes loaded with weapons destined for Central American communist insurgents. The Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), Barbados , and Jamaica all appealed to
8453-537: The other realms, and has been likened to a treaty amongst these countries. Upon a demise of the Crown (the death or abdication of a sovereign), it is customary for the accession of the new monarch to be publicly proclaimed by the governor-general in the capital, St. George's , after the accession. Regardless of any proclamations, the late sovereign's heir immediately and automatically succeeds, without any need for confirmation or further ceremony. An appropriate period of mourning also follows, during which flags across
8560-408: The prime minister, three on the advice of leader of the opposition, and three on the advice of prime minister after the prime minister has consulted the organisations or interests which the senators would represent. There have been two instances, in 2013 and 2018, when Grenada did not have a formal parliamentary opposition, as the New National Party had won all seats in Parliament. On these occasions,
8667-477: The remaining islands to the north belong to St Vincent and the Grenadines. Most of the population lives in Grenada, and major towns there include the capital, St. George's, Grenville and Gouyave . The largest settlement on the sister islands is Hillsborough on Carriacou. Grenada is of volcanic origin, as evident in its soil, mountainous interior, and several explosion craters, including Lake Antoine, Grand Etang Lake , and Levera Pond . Grenada's highest point
8774-509: The remaining territories in the Eastern Caribbean. In March 1967, however, the island was granted "associate statehood" status by the United Kingdom, giving it complete control over its internal affairs. A constitutional conference was held in London in 1973. Grenada gained independence on 7 February 1974, as a sovereign state and independent constitutional monarchy with Queen Elizabeth II as
8881-501: The result of either the "Carib Invasion" (although highly contested), regional droughts, or both. In 1498, Christopher Columbus was the first European to report sighting Grenada during his third voyage, naming it 'La Concepción', but Amerigo Vespucci may have renamed it 'Mayo' in 1499. Although it was deemed the property of the King of Spain, there are no records to suggest the Spanish attempted to settle. However, various Europeans are known to have passed and both fought and traded with
8988-428: The role of the monarchy. The Crown primarily functions as a nonpartisan guarantor of continuous and stable governance in the country, with the most notable instance being the period of revolutionary government from 1979 to 1983 . While some powers are exercisable only by the sovereign, most of the monarch's operational and ceremonial duties are exercised by his representative, the governor-general of Grenada . Grenada
9095-457: The same person as their respective monarch, each of the Commonwealth realms – including Grenada – is sovereign and independent of the others. The Grenadian monarch is represented by a viceroy —the governor-general of Grenada—in the country. My wife and I hold such special memories of our visit to your beautiful 'Spice Island' five years ago, and of the warm and touching welcome you extended to us. Then, as whenever I have met Grenadians anywhere in
9202-399: The sovereign and head of state of Grenada . The current Grenadian monarch and head of state, since 8 September 2022, is King Charles III . As sovereign, he is the personal embodiment of the Grenadian Crown. Although the person of the sovereign is equally shared with 14 other independent countries within the Commonwealth of Nations, each country's monarchy is separate and legally distinct. As
9309-693: The strongest hurricane to develop within the Main Development Region (MDR) of the Atlantic before the month of July. While all three inhabited Grenadian islands were impacted, it passed directly over the island of Carriacou causing total devastation and the damage and destruction of many vessels (both in water and ashore) in Tyrrel Bay and the Carriacou Mangroves. Petit Martinique also suffered considerable damage with much more limited damage occurring on
9416-429: The swearing-in of a new prime minister and other members of the ministry, and he remains fully briefed through regular communications from his Grenadian ministers. Members of various executive agencies and other officials are appointed by the Crown. The appointment of senators , magistrates, registrars and legal officers also falls under the Royal Prerogative. The Royal Prerogative further extends to foreign affairs:
9523-436: The then governors-general acted on their own deliberate judgment to appoint members of the defeated National Democratic Congress to the Senate in order to provide opposition to government. The viceroy additionally summons, prorogues , and dissolves parliament; after the latter, the writs for a general election are usually dropped by the governor-general at Government House, St George's. The new parliamentary session
9630-464: The time, struck the northern part of the island with 80-knot (150 km/h; 92 mph) winds, killing one person and causing an estimated US$ 110 million (EC$ 297 million) worth of damage. Agriculture, and in particular the nutmeg industry, suffered serious losses, but that event caused changes in crop management and it is hoped that as new nutmeg trees mature, the industry will gradually rebuild. On July 1, 2024, Hurricane Beryl (2024) struck
9737-497: The two communities. This lasted until 1654 when the island was completely subjugated by the French. Warfare continued during the 1600s between the French on Grenada and the Caribs of present-day Dominica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines . Chocolate was brought to Grenada in 1714 with the introduction of cocoa beans . The French named their new colony La Grenade, and the economy
9844-400: The viceroy's granting of royal assent in the monarch's name. Thus, bills begin with the phrase: "Be it enacted by the King's Most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and House of Representatives of Grenada, and by the authority of the same, as follows:". The royal assent, and proclamation, are required for all acts of parliament, usually granted or withheld by
9951-524: The viceroy's role is almost entirely symbolic and cultural, acting as a symbol of the legal authority under which all governments and agencies operate, while the Cabinet directs the use of the Royal Prerogative, which includes the privilege to declare war, maintain the King's peace , as well as to summon and prorogue parliament and call elections . However, it is important to note that the Royal Prerogative belongs to
10058-414: The world, I was struck by your resilience, the strength of your community and by your shared determination to make a positive difference. Charles III of Grenada , 2024 Since the independence of Grenada in 1974, the pan-national Crown has had both a shared and a separate character and the sovereign's role as monarch of Grenada is distinct to his or her position as monarch of any other realm, including
10165-523: Was also kept in office as the Queen's representative, became a mere figurehead, as the PRG had assumed both executive and legislative powers. Between 1979 and 1983, Scoon was said to have a "fairly relaxed" relationship with the PRG. This marked the first time in history that a "communist monarchy" existed within the Commonwealth of Nations. In October 1983, following a power struggle within Bishop's own administration,
10272-493: Was deposed, and Scoon and his family were evacuated from his official residence in St George's. The US and Caribbean governments quickly reaffirmed Scoon as the Queen's only legitimate representative in Grenada — and hence the only lawful authority on the island. It was later confirmed that Scoon had been in contact with the Queen ahead of the invasion; however, the Queen's office denied knowledge of any request for military action and
10379-599: Was formally ceded to Britain by the Treaty of Paris in 1763. The French re-captured the island during the American Revolutionary War , after Comte d'Estaing won the bloody land and naval Battle of Grenada in July 1779. However, the island was restored to Britain with the Treaty of Versailles in 1783. A decade later, dissatisfaction with British rule led to a pro-French revolt in 1795–96 led by Julien Fédon , which
10486-561: Was formally ceded to Britain in 1763 by the Treaty of Paris. In 1779 it was recaptured by the French, but it was restored to Britain in 1783. The emancipation of the slaves finally took effect in 1833. Grenada was headquarters of the government of the British Windward Islands from 1885 until 1958, when Grenada joined the West Indies Federation . The federation ended in 1962, after which Grenada attempted to federate with
10593-409: Was granted full autonomy over its internal affairs as an Associated State , and from 1958 to 1962, Grenada was part of the Federation of the West Indies , a short-lived federation of British West Indian colonies . Independence was granted on 7 February 1974 under the leadership of Eric Gairy , who became the first prime minister of Grenada as a sovereign state . The new country became a member of
10700-481: Was granted on 7 February 1974 under the leadership of Eric Gairy, who became the first prime minister of Grenada . Grenada opted to remain within the Commonwealth , retaining Queen Elizabeth as Monarch , represented locally by a governor-general . Civil conflict gradually broke out between Eric Gairy's government and some opposition parties, including the Marxist New Jewel Movement (NJM). Gairy and
10807-467: Was initially based on sugar cane and indigo , worked by African slaves. The French established a capital known as Fort Royal (later St. George's). To shelter from hurricanes, the French navy would often take refuge in the capital's natural harbour, as no nearby French islands had a natural harbour to compare with that of Fort Royal. The British captured Grenada in the Seven Years' War in 1762. Grenada
10914-593: Was introduced to Grenada in 1843 when a merchant ship called in on its way to England from the East Indies. The ship had a small quantity of nutmeg trees on board, which they left in Grenada, and this was the beginning of Grenada's nutmeg industry that now supplies nearly 40% of the world's annual crop. In 1877, Grenada was made a Crown colony . Theophilus A. Marryshow founded the Representative Government Association (RGA) in 1918 to agitate for
11021-679: Was named a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1943 . In 1950, Eric Gairy founded the Grenada United Labour Party (GULP), initially as a trade union, which led to the 1951 general strike for better working conditions. This sparked great unrest, and so many buildings were set ablaze that the disturbances became known as the "sky red" days. On 10 October 1951, Grenada held its first general elections based on universal adult suffrage, with Gairy's party winning six of
11128-487: Was not made public for his safety. Progress was rapid, and within four days the Americans had removed the military government of Hudson Austin. The invasion was criticised by the governments of Britain, Trinidad and Tobago , and Canada. The United Nations General Assembly condemned it as "a flagrant violation of international law" by a vote of 108 to 9, with 27 abstentions. The United Nations Security Council considered
11235-453: Was sighted by Christopher Columbus in 1498. First settled by indigenous peoples , Grenada by the time of European contact was inhabited by the Caribs . French colonists killed most of the Caribs on the island and established plantations on the island, eventually importing African slaves to work on the sugar plantations. Grenada remained French until 1762, when it capitulated to the British. It
11342-422: Was successfully defeated by the British. As Grenada's economy grew, more and more African slaves were forcibly transported to the island. Britain eventually outlawed the slave trade within the British Empire in 1807. Slavery was completely outlawed in 1833, leading to the emancipation of all enslaved by 1838. To ease the subsequent labour shortage, migrants from India were brought to Grenada in 1857. Nutmeg
11449-529: Was used to justify a U.S.-led invasion in October 1983. Since then, the island has returned to a parliamentary representative democracy and has remained politically stable . A Governor General represents the Head of State. The country is currently headed by King Charles III , King of Grenada , and 14 other commonwealth realms . The origin of the name "Grenada" is obscure, but it is likely that Spanish sailors named
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