Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine October 2016 | Page 214

Three Islands Grenada . Carriacou . Petite Martinique One Unique Destination GRENADA In 1763, the mainland was named Grenada when the British gained control from the French who had named the country La Grenada. The name originates from Granada given by the Spaniards in the 1520s. When the British regained control, they failed in their attempts to rid the island of French influences imposed since 1649 when the French settled the island. Years on, the islands reveal influences of Amerindian customs, French and English settlement fused with African, East Indian and Caribbean ancestry. CARRIACOU On the shores of Carriacou, you will see rows of locally built boats, from small fishing sloops to large trading schooners. The village of Windward was home to a group of Scottish boat builders who settled in Carriacou during the 19th century and passed on their practices, which are still used in boat building today. You can still witness boats being built in the traditional way on the beaches of Carriacou. PETITE MARTINIQUE If you’re in the mood for serenity, this is the place to visit. Accessible only by boat, this beautiful volcanic island is so small one can hike around the entire island in one hour. You will find no shopping malls here. There is one church, one school, one post office, one bank, one health care centre and a few grocery stores. The tranquility on this quaint island is enviable. © Grenada Tourism Authority 210