There is a small Indian community in Grenada composed of businessmen who deal in general merchandise and small-scale trading activities. There are nearly 3000 Indo-Grenadians in Grenada who are represented in the Indo-Grenada Heritage Foundation (IGHF). There are also a few professionals and academics who teach at the St. George’s University of Grenada, besides a fairly large Indo-American Student Community who constitute the PIO community. The IGHF was instrumental in observing 1st May as Indian Arrival Day (IAD). Since the last 5 years IAD has been celebrated by the Foundation who have named the road leading to the site of the first Indians’ arrival as ‘Maidstone Road’ after the first ship ‘Maidstone’ which brought Indian indentured workers to Grenada and raised a commemorative plaque.

Vaccines being donated under the Vaccine Friendship Initiative

India enjoys traditionally cordial relations with Grenada. Grenada, which comprises the islands of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, is popularly referred to as the ‘Spice Island’. It has a land area of 133 sq. miles and a population of approximately 109,500. Relationship between India and Grenada goes back to 01 May 1857 when the first ship ‘Maidstone’ carrying 287 Indian indentured workers reached the shores of Grenada, then a British colony. More than 3000 Indo-Grenadians reside in Grenada. Grenada is concurrently accredited to our Mission in Port of Spain and it does not have a diplomatic Mission in India. When Grenada was affected by Hurricane Ivan in 2004, India provided relief assistance in terms of emergency medical supplies and roofing material etc.

On April 29, 2020 Hon’ble External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar held tele-talks with Grenadian Foreign Minister Mr. Peter David regarding the issue of covid19 pandemic, and discussed matters of health cooperation and development partnership.The Medical aid donated by the Government of India for the people and Government of Grenada to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19, was formally handed over by Shri Arun Kumar Sahu, High Commissioner of India with concurrent accreditation to Grenada at a virtual ceremony at a virtual ceremony held on August 27, 2020. Foreign Minister of Grenada Mr. Peter Charles David received the consignment. Health Minister Mr. Steele, Grenada’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Shawn Charles, Health Permanent Secretary Dr. Francis Martin and India’s Honorary Consul Ms. Shadel Nyack Compton were also present during the ceremony.

—Courtesy: Indian High Commission website