7 Feb 1974: Island nation of Grenada gains independence from Britain

Posted by Administrator on 9th February, 2014

Like many countries, Grenada faced a rocky road to independence. By the time the British took the Caribbean island nation as a colony in 1762, during the Seven Years’ War, much of its indigenous population had already fled harsh French rule. The locals didn’t like the British any better. By 1950, residents were organizing and agitating for independence, and in 1951 protesters set many buildings on fire to protest British control.

Even after Grenada gained its independence in 1974, the path toward democracy wasn’t smooth: A pro-communist government that took power in 1979 was toppled by an even more revolutionary group. The U.S. grew worried and invaded Grenada in 1983 to restore the pre-revolutionary government. Democratic elections were finally held in 1984. Hurricane Ivan, which walloped the country in 2004, was devastating. It wiped out much of the all-important nutmeg crop and damaged 90 percent of the country’s houses.

But the country is making a major comeback, and not just because nutmeg trees planted after the hurricane are mature. The tourism business is booming, and Grenada is a rising star lauded for its spices, artisan chocolate, beautiful beaches and a slew of new hotels — now

Last changed: 9th February, 2014 at 9:13 AM