Grenada Independence Day is observed on 7 February.
This year marks the country’s 48th anniversary of independence.
Grenada is a small island nation located in the Caribbean region. The island was first sighted by Christopher Columbus in 1498 during his third voyage to the Americas. Prior to the arrival of Europeans, the island was inhabited by indigenous peoples from South America.
In 1649, France took control of Grenada and became one of the wealthiest colonies in the region due to its bountiful sugar production. However, following France’s defeat in the Seven Years’ War, Grenada was ceded to Great Britain in 1763 under the Treaty of Paris. The island remained a British colony for over 200 years, despite a brief rebellion by pro-French forces.
The push for independence in Grenada began in the 1950s, and in March 1967, the island became an associated state with full autonomy over its internal affairs. On 7 February 1974, Grenada finally gained independence from the United Kingdom, with Eric Gairy becoming the country’s first Prime Minister.
The country then became a member of the Commonwealth, with the British monarch continuing to serve as the Head of State.
