Grenada
Table of Contents:
- History of Grenada
- Grenada: Today
- The Church of the Nazarene
- W&W: Rebuilding Fontenoy Church of the Nazarene
- What a Team Needs to Bring
- Customs and Immigration
- Housing
- Transportation
- Food
History of Grenada
Christopher Columbus sailed past Grenada in 1498. At this time, the Carib Indians already inhabited the island. For a century and a half, the Caribs repelled all attempts at European settlement. That is until the French launched from near by Martinique and gained a foothold on the island. Things immediately took a turn for the worse as the Carib people were forced further and further off their island. The last of the Caribs fought several losing battles, and ultimately chose to jump to their death off a precipice in the north of the island. The French named the spot “Le Morne de Sauteurs,” or “Leapers’ Hill.”
Under the Treaty of Versailles in 1783, the island was permanently ceded to the British. The British in typical fashion for the times immediately imported large numbers of slaves from Africa. With these slaves, they began numerous sugar plantations. Slavery was abolished in 1834.
In 1974 Grenada won its independence from Great Britain. The island’s French heritage (both colonial and revolutionary) is still evident in names, its architecture, and the strong presence of Catholicism.
A short time later a socialist/communist state was trying to emerge in Grenada. At the request of the Governor General, the United States, Jamaica, and the Eastern Caribbean States intervened militarily. This is the famous “rescue mission.” These forces restored order quickly. In December of 1984 a general election re-established democratic government.
Grenada: Today
Grenada is a country in the West Indies and an independent state in the Commonwealth of Nations.
This country has a total area of 133 sq. miles, making it the second smallest nation in the western hemisphere (684 people per sq. mile).
The capital, and largest town is Saint George’s, is located on the southern coast of Grenada.
Grenada measures 21 miles long and 12 miles wide. The highest peak is Mt. Saint Catherine at 2,756 feet. Grenada has a tropical climate with an average temperature of 82 along the coast. Annual rainfall in the south is about 40 inches and about 150 inches in the mountains.
Produce
Yams, sweet potatoes, cassava, nutmeg, bananas, and cacao (a tree that bears cocoa beans). Bananas, nutmeg, cocoa, and other fruits and vegetables are grown for export.
Teak, mahogany, and mangroves grow in the rainforests. The 9-banded armadillo, mona monkey, green iguana, and the Indian mongoose are just a few of the amazing animals found on Grenada.
Population and Economy
The population is 89,703 (a July 2006 estimate). More than 1/3 lives in St. George’s, the islands only major city.
Agriculture and tourism provide the foundation of Grenada's economy.
Grenada's currency is the East Caribbean dollar. The exchange rate is $2.70 East Caribbean dollars to $1.00 U.S. dollar. Although, you should check www.xe.com for the most current exchange rate.
Religion
A little over 1/2 the population is Roman Catholic, and many are descendants of imported slaves. We have one Nazarene Church in Grenada. It is the Fontenoy Church of the Nazarene located on the western coast just north of St. George’s.
Age and Wages
Life expectancy for a male is 62.7 years, and 66.3 years for a female. Infant mortality rate is 15 deaths per 1,000 live births. The average working person earns about $4,200 U.S. a year.
Cultural
It is considered rude to "pass a friend straight" in the street without at least a nod or saying hello. The islanders enjoy a strong sense of community. People often come to together to finish a work project and share a meal or to have a party this is called a maroon.
Health
There is no risk for malaria in Grenada
Check www.cdc.gov for current health issues related to Grenada.
Other
Cab rides are $1.50 EC between St. Georges and Fontenoy. $10 E.C. is about $4 U.S. Current exchange rates can be found at: http://www.xe.com/ucc/
The Church of the Nazarene in Grenada
Grenada is the third island in the Windward Island district. The Church of the Nazarene was officially registered on the island in May of 1977. This is largely due to the diligent work of Robert Ashley (missionary) and Mrs. Nelcina Sandy (Grenadian) and their families.
The first services were held in a three-bedroom home in Fontenoy. Seventy people showed up for the very first Wednesday night service. The first three converts were saved by the first Friday. Mr. and Mrs. Sandy moved into the home and began to pastor the growing congregation. In 1979 the church was officially organized. In 1980 several CNTC (Caribbean Nazarene Theological College) students came to begin the work in the town of Munich.
In October 1983, a surprise invasion by the U.S. and other forces helped keep Granada from a Communist takeover. Because of this, the work of the church was never seriously interrupted. The Church of the Nazarene is continuing its ministry on the island.
The current congregation has been through the ups and downs which any church can experience including a seven year period with no pastor. Pastor Philip Easton is currently serving the congregation and has been steadily rebuilding the congregation. Rev. Easton, originally from Guyana, has been a consistent presence in the church and this has lead to a solid core group in the church.
W&W Information:
Rebuilding Fontenoy Church of the Nazarene
On September 7, 2004, a category four hurricane rolled over Grenada, leaving 39 dead and causing hundreds of millions of dollars in damage. The effect on the island was catastrophic: buildings and homes were destroyed, agricultural crops were ripped from the ground, and scores were left homeless, while those that had homes found them damaged and without roofs, running water or utilities.
The Project:
The Church of the Nazarene has one church in Grenada, in the town of Fontenoy. Rev. Philip Easton is the pastor of this church. During Hurricane Ivan, Pastor Easton’s home was completely destroyed and the church was extremely damaged. The church would have lost its roof if a tree had not fallen on the building and pinned it down. Though the building is still standing, it has been declared unsafe, suffering damage to the foundation. Unfortunately, hurricane Ivan was not the only storm to pound Grenada. In 2005, Hurricane Emily also added her part to the already shaken island. Many homes that had been rebuilt after Ivan were once again without a roof!
The W&W project in Fontenoy includes building a new church structure where the pastor’s home used to stand (across the street). In April 2006, the government-mandated retaining wall was completed and markers are laid out to begin the excavation of the foundation and footers.
There are pictures of the current status of this project on the W&W webpage: www.caribnaz.org Simply go to the W&W link and then click on the photo gallery page. Or go to the Carib. Countries page and click on Grenada.
The location where the old church building was has been renovated by several W&W teams from Pennsylvania, Antigua, and Virginia. They have been able to retrofit some living space for Pastor Easton which has enabled him to move out of the basement of the neighbor’s home. The congregation is still meeting in that structure and with the help of the previous W&W teams is in an excellent temporary location.
Two W&W teams, Oklahoma and Indiana, are coming in July 2006 to add to the work that is already completed. Their goal is to conquer the footers and foundation.
We also have the Barbados District bringing a team to Grenada in March 2007.
You and your group will be a blessing to this local church. You will be able to reach out to the local community and reinforce the message that this local church has been communicating: 1. We are the Church of the Nazarene and you are welcome here in Jesus’ name. 2. We are building this structure because we intend to be a permanent part of this community. 3. You can come to know Jesus and be a part of his great family.
Approximate Cost Per Person: $1,800-2,100 U.S.
We need 8 teams to come and rebuild this Church!
Contact: Rev. George Leonce, D.S. of Windward District - george.leonce@windwardnazarene.org
Contact Rev. Philip Easton, local pastor in Grenada
1-473-440-2807
philipeaston14@hotmail.com
Contact: Rev. Curt Luthye, W&W Coordinator Caribbean – cluthye@caribnaz.org
Grenada Website:
www.caribbeannazarene.org/grenada
Hurricane Video (download):
www.caribbeannazarene.org/hurricanevideo.html
Tools on Hand in Grenada
2 - round nose shovels
2 - square nose shovels
3 - 16oz hammers
1 - cat’s paw
1 – 3’ crow bar
1 – circular saw (7 ¼” blades)
2 – 8’ step ladders
1 – 220v corded drill
1 – straight-bladed screw driver
1 – Phillips screwdrivers
7 – 3 Gallon buckets
2 – pairs of Black Concrete boots Size 10, 11
What a Team Needs to Bring
Your team will need to bring basic hand-tools (hammers, drills, gloves, tape measures, pencils, etc.).
masonry trowels
string
100’ measuring tape
block laying blocks
side cutters
wire tie pliers
nail aprons
line level
14” X 1/8” X 1” abrasive cut-off wheels (for steel)
Things you could bring and leave on-site:
All of the above
4 ft. level
However, as we progress through the building of this church, specific tools will be needed along the way. Please contact Rev. Philip Easton, local pastor in Grenada, or any of the other contact people, to ask what tools are needed when your team is going to be there.
1-473-403-6567
Other Information
Many buildings are outfitted with both 220v outlets and a few 110v (U.S.) outlets. There are step-down voltage transformers available at the job site to convert 220V to 110V.
There is a cell phone available for the team while on island. It uses a rechargeable SIM card which can be purchased at any gas station or a number of other stores.
Customs and Immigration
GRENADA - Passport is required. Visa not required for tourist stay of up to 3 months, and may be extended to maximum of 6 months. A tourist card will be given to you to fill out on the flight into Grenada, you will be given a copy as you pass through Immigration at the airport. Don’t lose this copy as you will need it to leave the country. For additional information, consult Consulate General of Grenada, 1701 New Hampshire Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20009 (202/265-2561) or Permanent Mission of Grenada to the U.N. (212/599-0301).
This is subject to change at anytime. Please check http://travel.state.gov periodically to stay informed of proper procedure.
There an exit tax of $50EC, or $20US (it is acceptable to use US cash), when you leave Grenada. This is payable at the airport after checking in at the airline ticket counter and before proceeding to Immigration and the departure gate.
Housing
Option 1: Town and Country Guest House. This is a great place, close to the worksite (15-20 min). Pictures are available. This is the housing option that is recommended by the Work and Witness office.
Town and Country Guest House
Belmont
St. Georges
Grenada, W.I.
Tel./Fax: 473-440-0776; 473-444-4516
Owners: Joseph Caesar and Hermyline Caesar
Manager: Mrs. Grace Charles
Cost: $27.00 U.S. per person / day (including taxes)
Kitchen: yes, with all utensil and cookware and place settings. It is within walking distance of a bakery and a couple minutes drive to the Grand Anse beach. A spacious balcony provides a wonderful view of one of Grenada’s beautiful harbors.
Maximum # of people: 20
IMPORTANT: You will need to bring your own bath towel, hand towel and wash cloth when staying at the Town and Country Guesthouse as they do NOT provide those for you.
Option 2: Villa Apartments. This is another nice place to stay, but it is about 5 minutes farther away from the worksite, so daily transportation costs may be higher. Each room can accommodate up to (4) persons, with each room having its own bathroom and furnished kitchen. Pictures are Available.
Villa Apartments
P.O. Box 42
Golf Course, Grand Anse
St. Georges
Grenada, W.I.
Tel: 473-438-4552 cell: 473-407-3006 or 473-415-5640
e-mail: villaapts@spiceisle.com
website: http://www.staygrenada.com
Owner: Johann
Cost: $45 a night per room with 4 people per room. (Price may vary with size
of team)
Kitchen: yes, each room has own kitchen with utensils, place settings, and
Cookware
Maximum # of people: depends on trip dates and apartment availability.
Option 3: Grenada Sunset View Beach House and Restaurant. It is located on the shore with a small beach immediately south of the hotel and very close to the Fontenoy Church. It is small with only (4) double rooms, but they have a/c.
Grenada Sunset View Beach House
St. George’s
Grenada, W.I.
Tel: 473-440-5758
e-mail: tropicanainn@caribsurf.com
website: http://www.tropicanainn.com/sunsetview.htm
Cost: $71.00 U.S. per night for single occupancy
$83.00 US per night for double occupancy
$10 per night per additional person
Transportation
Vans will be arranged by Rev. Easton for each group.
Option 1: Cost: $60 E.C. per day for the group to dropped off in the morning and picked up at the end of the work day. For an additional cost ($25E.C. each), trips to buy groceries, souvenirs, etc., can be arranged through Pastor Easton.
Option 2: A van can be available all day for a team for $130.00 U.S / day.
Food
- What food items do we need to bring?
- Much of the fresh foods you will want can be purchased in Grenada from local markets. Prices will be comparable to U.S. prices. Canned goods or other items for specific meals that your team may want will need to be brought with you. You will have a lot of delicious fresh, tropical fruit!
- There are also grocery stores in Grenada, but prices can be 2 to 3 times the cost of what the same item might cost in the states, so be prepared.
- What cooking utensils do we need to bring?
- None. The guest house will have all you need.
- What will we drink?
- Bottled water is available for minimal cost and is the best choice. Pastor Easton has made arrangements to by bottled water directly from the bottling company at a discounted price. Hydration is one of the key factors to having a great W&W experience. You will have to pay for ice though.
Emergency contacts:
Contact: Rev. George Leonce, D.S. of Windward District - george.leonce@windwardnazarene.org
Contact Rev. Philip Easton, local pastor in Grenada
1-473-403-6567 (phone contact is more reliable)
philipeaston14@hotmail.com
Contact: Rev. Curt Luthye, W&W Coordinator Caribbean – cluthye@caribnaz.org
1-305-233-5444
Most of this information was found on the Grenada Microsoft Encarta online encyclopedia 2005.