ABOUT US

The Grenada/Canada Social and Cultural Association of Calgary was formed in 1989 in response to the need to facilitate the needs of the many Grenadians that had chosen Calgary as their new home. The leaders ensured that there was integration with other Caribbean groups as well as the Caribbean Community Council, which resulted in our ongoing involvement of staging the annual Carifest event.

bougainvillea branch drawing 1_edited_ed

The association has had many significant achievements during its existence. Some notable ones are:

Acquisition of a building
Provision of 10-20 scholarships annually
Support for the Mustard Seed
Annual Independence celebrations

The founders and key builders of the association were:

Mary Philbert
Dr. Dunbar Rapier (deceased)
Lincoln Charles
Frank Nurse (deceased)
Roger Wells
Celia Wells (deceased)
John Mitchell
Rudy Dolland
Stephen Inces
Margaret Morain

ABOUT GRENADA

CLICK EACH TAB TO LEARN MORE ABOUT GRENADA

GRENADA: THE ISLE OF SPICE

The nation of Grenada, measuring 344 km2, is composed of three key islands: Grenada and its sister islands Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Each is beautiful and rich in culture, historic sites, fresh culinary delights, and much more. Carriacou is only a 90-minute boat ride from St. George’s, the nation’s capital city.

Grenada’s proximity to the Equator ensures a year-round tropical climate, with average temperatures ranging between 23 and 28 °C. Its cooling trade winds offer very comfortable conditions.

ST JOHN

ST ANDREW

ST GEORGE

ST PATRICK

ST MARK

ST DAVID

CARRIACOU

PETITE

MARTINIQUE

ONE PEOPLE, ONE JOURNEY, ONE FUTURE

Grenada was traditionally inhabited by Carib Indians who migrated from the South American mainland.

The island was originally known as Camerhougue, but Christopher Columbus renamed it ‘Concepción Island’ when he visited it in 1498.

Successive Spanish sailors found it to be so evocative of Andalucía’s green mountain scenery that they named it after the city of Granada.

Grenada was a French and British colony, but gained independence from the United Kingdom on February 7, 1974.

As Grenada continue to develop through agriculture, it became a part of Grenada international identity as one of the leading exports of nutmeg exports in the world they became known as the Isle of Spice.

On February 7, 2024, Grenada will be celebrating its 50th year of independence.

NATIONAL DISH: OIL DOWN
Grenada's national dish is called "Oil down". It is a simple, delicious and robust dish, which is very popular in local restaurants. It's a hearty onepot meal of salted meat, chicken, dumplings, breadfruit, callaloo - made from young dasheen leaves and other vegetables. The whole thing is stewed in coconut milk, herbs and spices to add even more flavour.

GRENADA DOVE
The Grenada Dove (Leptotila wellsi), is found only on Grenada. Originally known as the Pea Dove or Well's Dove, it is the National Bird of Grenada. It is considered to be one of the most critically endangered doves in the world (Bird Life International 2000).

NATIONAL ANTHEM

Hail Grenada, land of ours

We pledge ourselves to thee

Heads, hearts and hands in unity

To reach our destiny

Ever conscious of God

Being proud of our heritage

May we with faith and courage

Aspire, build, advance

As one people, one family

God bless our nation.

BOUGAINVILLEA
Grenada's national flower is the Bougainvillea (Nyctaginaceae), a genus of woody climbers. Bougainvilleas are widely-grown and popular tropical vines whose main attractions are very colourful bracts or leaves.

THE COAT-OF-ARMS

The Coat-of-Arms represents the distillation of a national effort to produce armorial bearings for an independent Grenada, incorporating important historical and indigenous features of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique

NUTMEG
Nutmeg has become an emblem for Grenada as the Island's identity is heavily associated with spice production. As the second largest exporter of Nutmeg, Grenada was deemed the "Isle of Spice". Nutmeg grows downwards inside of a yellow pod. The seed is encapsulated by the mace.

RED

represents the fervour of the people, their courage and vitality - their burning aspiration to be free. The red border is indicative of their dedication to preserve harmony and unity of spirit.

GOLD

the colour representative of wisdom also holds significance for Grenadians - a representation of the sun, their islands in the sun, the warmth and friendliness to their people.

GREEN

symbolises the fertility of the land, the lush vegetation and the island’s agriculture.

SEVEN GOLD STARS

represents the seven parishes and the hopes and aspirations and ideas upon which the nation was founded.

NUTMEG

represents the reputation as the Isle of Spice and its traditional link with the economy.

OUR OBJECTIVES

The association was formed to address the following needs:

The need to establish a high profile Grenadian identity within the Calgary community

The need to provide assistance to members in less fortunate circumstances

The need to cater to the specific needs of Grenadian citizens, their spouses and families and the other persons generally interested in the Eastern Caribbean States.

The need to assist our home country in times of need such as natural disasters, social projects, etc.

The need to interact socially with persons from or interested in the Caribbean.

The need to represent Grenadian interest in the absence of an official presence in Calgary

The need to foster better relations with Canadians through cultural exhibitions, Trade Fairs etc.

The need to promote and foster better social and cultural relations with other members of the Caribbean region and in particular the Eastern Caribbean States.