What is Grenada?
Grenada, known as the “Spice Isle” due to its production of nutmeg and mace, is a small island country in the Caribbean. Located at the southern end of the Windward Islands in the Lesser Antilles, Grenada is renowned for its scenic beauty, including white-sand beaches, waterfalls, and lush rainforests. It has a rich cultural heritage influenced by African, French, and British history.
Parishes in Grenada
Grenada is divided into six administrative regions, known as parishes:
- Saint Andrew
- Saint David
- Saint George (Capital: St. George’s)
- Saint John
- Saint Mark
- Saint Patrick
Currency Details
- Currency Name: East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
- Symbol: $
- Subunit: Cents (1 XCD = 100 cents)
- Central Bank: Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB)
Type of Government
Grenada is a constitutional monarchy within the Commonwealth of Nations. The country follows a parliamentary democracy, with the British monarch as the ceremonial head of state. The head of government is the Prime Minister, who is appointed from the majority party in Parliament.
Detailed Hierarchy of Government Roles
Executive Branch Hierarchy
| Position |
Role Description |
Power & Responsibilities |
| Governor-General |
Representative of the Queen |
Ceremonial head of state, appoints the Prime Minister and other ministers. |
| Prime Minister |
Head of Government |
Leads the country, oversees the Cabinet, and is responsible for executive functions. |
| Cabinet Ministers |
Heads of government departments |
Responsible for implementing policies and managing specific sectors like health, education, and finance. |
| Other Executive Officials |
Government advisors |
Assist the Prime Minister in executing government policies. |
Legislative Branch Hierarchy
| Position |
Role Description |
Power & Responsibilities |
| Parliament |
Bicameral legislature |
Consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate, responsible for making laws and approving budgets. |
| Members of the House of Representatives |
Elected officials |
Debate and pass laws, represent constituencies, and contribute to national discussions. |
| Senators |
Appointed officials |
Review legislation and provide advice to the government. |
Judicial Branch Hierarchy
| Position |
Role Description |
Power & Responsibilities |
| Chief Justice |
Head of the Judiciary |
Oversees the judicial system and interprets laws. |
| Justices of the Supreme Court |
Senior judges |
Handle the highest court cases in the country. |
| Magistrates |
Lower court judges |
Preside over criminal and civil cases in lower courts. |
Separation of Powers
Legislative
- Function: Responsible for creating and passing laws.
- Tenure: Members of the House of Representatives serve 5 years; Senators serve 5 years.
- Departments: Public Works, Health, Finance, Education.
Executive
- Function: Implements laws and manages government policies.
- Tenure: Prime Minister serves 5 years, appointed by the Governor-General.
- Departments Controlled: Agriculture, Education, Health, Tourism.
Judicial
- Function: Interprets laws, ensures justice, and resolves disputes.
- Tenure: Chief Justice and Justices serve until retirement or appointment by the Governor-General.
- Departments Controlled: Criminal Justice, Civil Courts.
International Memberships
- United Nations (UN)
- Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS)
- Caribbean Community (CARICOM)
- Commonwealth of Nations
- World Trade Organization (WTO)
Military and Law Enforcement
Grenada has no standing army. The country’s security is maintained by the Royal Grenada Police Force and the Regional Security System (RSS), a collective defense arrangement within the Caribbean.
Law Enforcement Hierarchy
| Level |
Position |
Role |
| Commissioner of Police |
Head of the Police Force |
Oversees law enforcement and public safety. |
| Police Officers |
Officers on duty |
Perform regular duties, including patrolling, investigation, and public safety. |
Emergency Numbers
| Emergency Type |
Number |
Description |
| General Emergency |
911 |
For police, fire, or medical emergencies. |
| Police |
911 |
Immediate assistance for law enforcement issues. |
| Ambulance |
911 |
For emergency medical services. |
SWOT Analysis of Grenada
Strengths
- Known for a thriving tourism sector, especially eco-tourism and beach resorts.
- Rich in natural resources, particularly spices like nutmeg.
- Strong regional partnerships with CARICOM and OECS.
Weaknesses
- Heavy reliance on tourism, making the economy vulnerable to natural disasters and global economic downturns.
- Limited industrial base and high import dependency.
- Vulnerability to hurricanes and climate change.
Opportunities
- Growth potential in agriculture, particularly organic products.
- Development of renewable energy, particularly solar power.
- Expansion of sustainable tourism and eco-friendly resorts.
Threats
- Environmental risks from hurricanes and rising sea levels.
- Economic instability due to dependence on the tourism sector.
- Global economic pressures impacting tourism and exports.
Additional Information
- Time Zone: Grenada operates on Atlantic Standard Time (AST), UTC -4:00.
- National Symbols:
- Flag: A green, red, yellow, and gold design with a single star symbolizing the country’s independence.
- National Anthem: “Hail Grenada”