Celebrated annually on 7th February, the day marks Grenada’s independence from Britain on the same date in 1974.
Grenada had been occupied by various European nations since the start colonisation of the new world in the sixteenth century. In 1649, France took full control of the island, which became one of the wealthiest colonies due to its sugar production.
Following the defeat of the French in the Seven Years’ war, the Treaty of Paris then ceded control of Grenada to Great Britain in 1763. Grenada remained a British colony for over two hundred years.
Progress towards independence began in the 1950s and, in March 1967, Grenada subsequently became an Associated State of the United Kingdom and was thus granted full autonomy over its internal affairs.
Full independence was granted in 1974, with Eric Gairy becoming the first Prime Minister of Grenada.
