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Low Violent Crime

Theft is an issue here – like elsewhere in the Caribbean, if the occasion is offered, the thieves will grab it. Violence however is very rare in Grenada -  I have never heard of armed robberies of gas stations or shops. Violence towards visitors is also unheard of. With violent crime on the increase in many Western countries it comes as no surprise that people are on the lookout for a safe haven. Grenada is definitely a great, save place to live.

Hard drugs are very rare here, but marijuana is rather common; many people on the countryside simply grow it in their backyard. Although formally forbidden, smoking marijuana is generally not seen as a crime and consequently there is also no related violence. In my observation, problems caused by alcohol are more severe than smoking marijuana.

Gorgeous Nature
The Caribbean has the image of being a beach destination. Not surprisingly as the beaches belong to the most attractive in the world.  Some islands have indeed little more to offer than the beaches, sailing and snorkeling.  For most visitors, this is enough.

But there are islands like Grenada that have a fascinating hinterland to offer. Rainforest hikes are an experience that few ever had in their lives. I have been conducting many hikes in Grenada and most visitors saw these as their most interesting experience.

Our resort is located amidst thousands of acres of gorgeous nature and I warmly recommend visitors to walk either North or South from beach to beach - up the hill, down the hill and every 15 minutes they will find a new beach and different nature.

Nature flows in the gently sloping hills - that remind to Ireland- as well as to cactuses and mangroves.

The walks are not too strenuous and can be done by most people. More strenuous are the rainforest walks and hikes, although there is one exception and that is a walk that starts at a water reservoir high in the mountains which leads to a rain forest in less than 10 easy minutes. Grenada has many water falls to choose from, some very easily accessible, and some requiring a walk or hike.  Check out my article on Hiking in Grenada in this magazine for loads of ideas on hiking.

AS GRENADA IS NOT OVERRUN BY TOURISTS, THE BEACHES OFFER MUCH SPACE

And then, there are the beaches. On the leeward West Coast the water is tranquil and confirms what people have in mind as a Caribbean Beach.  The two mile long Grand Anse white sand beach is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. On the Atlantic side the ocean is more rough, yet quite fine to swim in. The scenery of the water playing with the rocks is fascinating.  And, as Grenada is not overrun by tourists, the beaches offer much space.

Snorkeling and Diving

The Caribbean is a known as a top spot for snorkelling and scuba diving and indeed it is a real paradise for those activities. Grenada is quickly growing in to a major diving destination, confirmed by the fast growing hotels with in-house dive shops. Sister island Carriacou is also great for snorkelling and scuba diving and many take day trips to go there. Most dive shops also offer dive classes.

A little north of Carriacou are the Tobago Cays (best reached by sailing) and which is a top ten snorkelling and diving destination. Paradise Bay has weekly 2-day sailing trips to the Grenadines from Carriacou.

On the Ocean

Sailing in this area is immensely popular and many hotels offer boats to rent. Grenada’s West Coast, Carriacou and the Grenadines offer the most tranquil waters for sailing. The Grenadines consist of many Robinson Crusoe type of small islands; most of them inhabited and are considered by many as the ultimate Caribbean sailing experience. This is where Pirates of the Caribbean, Part 1 was filmed.

Whale watching is offered year round with the best chances for viewing these wonderful creatures happening during the migration season (December through April), and from about eight miles outside of Grenada’s West Coast. But, you need to be lucky, too. I have had times when we did not see a dolphin and also had times when there were so many whales that we lost count at 38, with one after the other jumping through the air. Dolphins are playful and often swim with, and jump in front of, the boat.

Sport fishing is also a big thing in the Caribbean and Grenada is one of the better places for it as it has deep water close to shore. Several small charter boats operate from Grenada. Blue Marlin, White Marlin, Sailfish, Tuna and Dorado are common game fish, in addition to the widespread Barracuda and other smaller species. Carriacou also offers sport fishing with typically smaller fish caught.

Culture

On a small island one cannot expect the same options as in a metropolis. But, there are some nice cultural activities. Steel bands which usually play in groups of several dozens –some of them consisting, surprisingly, of young children- are not to be missed. A good place to see them is the weekly festival Fish Friday in Gouyave at the North West Coast, where fishermen sell anything from fish cakes to lobsters.  But the cultural highlight of the year is definitely Carnival, in the second week of August. While it may not compete with big carnivals such as in Rio de Janeiro it has an atmosphere that many prefer. When you want to come and see the Grenada Carnival, make sure that you make flight reservations early as many expat’s come home then.

I often bring guests to local bars which gives them a good idea on how people live and think. One bar is located in a welding shop where they also bake bread and show movies to their clientele from time to time. Another interesting thing is going to a “Bloggo,” an informal party that can be organised by anyone at a shop or on the street with this recipe - loud Soca and Calypso music, rum, beer and barbecued chicken. It is very simple, but nice.

Economy

Before the economic depression, Grenada seemed to be in good shape. Wages were rising and almost everybody can afford to have a TV. Construction was booming with new hotels and second home resort communities under construction. Grenada was mentioned in the 2008 Annual Wealth Report by high end property consultant Knight Frank and Citibank, listing Grenada as one of the top ten second home markets and as being prime suspects for future growth. The reasons can be found in this article… moreover, the real estate prices are far lower than on other islands that have far less to offer than Grenada.

As all other tourism destinations Grenada also suffers from the decline in the number of tourists and the average money spent. The construction also faces a slowdown due to halted projects. As tourism and construction are the two main motors of the economy the depression is clearly felt here by most people. This may however be an opportunity to revitalize agriculture as currently much of the produce and most chicken and meats are imported. Obtaining financing to realize such projects will be a decisive factor.

Being a small tourism destination it is an option to focus on niche markets. For example, we recently bought a small sailing yacht and now offer all-inclusive guests walks, hikes and excursions, as well as a mini cruise to the Grenadines - all without extra charge. Another market with opportunities is the honeymoon market, where Grenada is putting more and more focus. Grenada is also a great place for destination weddings where the personal attention a big resort (a.k.a. wedding factory) cannot offer is actually a big plus.

The government’s main income comes from duties on imported items. Income tax starts at about 2,000 US$ per month and is levied at 30% over the excess. Only few people pay income taxes; the average income is about 850 US$ per month. The prices of imported products are therefore rather high. Cars and gas are about double the US cost. Local produce, fish and meat are quite affordable. Most people have no problem making ends meet because their expectations are not as high as their Western counterparts, who are generally, less happy.

Infrastructure

Grenada has a modern airport in the southwest part of the island and a cruise terminal that can handle three ships at the same time. The main roads are good for Caribbean standards and are fairly well maintained. There are however almost no road signs, so combined with fuzzy explanations by locals, renting a car (although widely available) is not always the best option - taking tours is better and can be less expensive.

Thanks to the presence of a university (primarily medical) with more than 4,000 largely American students, and a growing expat population, plus the yacht and second home owner community, the availability of Western goods is much better on Grenada than most other Caribbean islands.

Living in Grenada

When you decide to live permanently in Grenada the most economical option is to buy or rent a house in a residential area, unless you wish to be in the better, and very expensive, neighbourhoods. If you chose to live here part of the year it is a better option to take a villa or apartment in a resort (community) as you then have no concerns about and security/theft and maintenance (leaking water lines can be very expensive).  Take a look at which shows the villas at Paradise Bay.

If you think of building a house here, think again and first read my article on this – check out the magazine for my Stop the Construction Carnival article.  If you still want to build a house after reading the article, read it again...

Good medical care is available from licensed doctors and  there is also a good private clinic. Living in Grenada is relaxed and once you understand Herman Wouk’s statement,  “The West Indian is not exactly hostile to change, but it's not much inclined to believe in it,” and do not try to change anyone, you will be relaxed too. Most expats regularly spend time abroad for shopping, family and friends, theatre and being reminded why they want to go back to Grenada. Airlines regularly have specials to Grenada.

Working in Grenada

Like most places, when you want to do work that can also be performed by locals, you will not be permitted to do so. For those professions not competing with locals or in case of a shortage, you should be able to get a work permit. If you consider to move to Grenada and wish to have an opinion from me about your situation, feel free to contact me. If you happen to be a good, broad-oriented maintenance man and want to change life, I am on the lookout...

Income over here (and in most of the Caribbean) is generally considerably lower than in the western hemisphere and very much depends on the occupation. If you intend to start your own business and need local staff to run it, you must have a lot of patience and be prepared to take over work from absent staff on a regular basis unless you “over” hire.

How to get There

Air Jamaica operates direct flights from New York and flights from major North American cities via Montego Bay. American Airlines flies three times a week via Miami with additional flights via San Juan, Puerto Rico. Air Canada operates a winter flight from Toronto. British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Monarch Airways fly direct from London Gatwick with connections to Europe. Condor flies direct from Frankfurt with connections to Germany and Austria. Airlines additionally have indirect flights, mainly via Barbados with connections via local airline LIAT, who operates inter-island flights within the Eastern Caribbean. There are seasonal charter flights.

Generally, flights are cheap in the low season (May – July, September – November), while it is recommended to book early for Christmas and August as many Grenadians living abroad come to visit. I encourage anyone looking for a little piece of paradise to try Grenada as you won’t be disappointed. And, I hope to see some of you during your visit to our beautiful island.

Author : James Post moved to Grenada in 2000 after a thirty year career in the high tech electronics industry in the Netherlands to realize his dream. That dream became a reality with the building of a small, sustainable resort  where the 9 villas are offered to private investors.  At age 14, he was the youngest member of the Austrian Alp Society and during his whole life he has always been an avid hiker. James is a passionate Chef and takes pride in preparing healthy meals with fresh, local produce, and with a French accent.  He encourages readers to write to him with any questions! James can be reached at 1-473-405-8888. Read about his eco resort at http://www.paradisebayresort.net/.

Email : James Post