People and Society of Grenada

Nationality

Grenadian(s)

Ethnic Groups

Black 82%, mixed black and European 13%, European and East Indian 5% , and trace of Arawak/Carib Amerindian

Population

107,818

Population in Major Urban Areas

SAINT GEORGE'S (capital) 41,000

Medical care is limited. U.S. citizens requiringmedical treatment may contact the U.S Embassy in St. George’s for a list of local doctors, dentists, pharmacies and hospitals. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the U.S. can cost thousands of dollars. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. Ambulance service is available but response times vary greatly. Pharmacies are usually well stocked and prescription medicine is available. They periodically suffer shortages when deliveries from abroad are delayed, though most pharmacies will check with others in the area to see if they can get what is needed. Travelers are advised to bring with them sufficient prescription medicine for the length of their stay. Grenada chlorinates its water, making it generally safe to drink. However, during especially heavy rains, quality control can slip, particularly in the city of St. George’s. It is recommended that visitors to Grenada request bottled water, which is widely available and relatively inexpensive. Malaria is not found in Grenada, but there are low levels of dengue fever. The government periodically fogs public areas to reduce the mosquito population.

Literacy Definition

Age 15 and over can read and write

• Roman Catholic53.0%
• other Protestant33.2%
• Anglican13.8%

English (official), French patois

• English
• French patois

Crime Information

Crime in Grenada is mostly opportunistic. Tourists have been the victims of robbery, especially in isolated areas, and thieves frequently steal credit cards, jewelry, cameras, U.S. passports, and money. Muggings, purse snatchings, and other robberies may occur in areas near hotels, beaches and restaurants, particularly after dark. Travelers should endeavor to stay in well lit areas, and avoid walking alone whenever possible, and hotel rooms should remain locked at all times. Recently, the St. George’s main market square and the Grand Anse area known as Wall Street have experienced decreases in crime since the vendors have been working as a team and now have employed security in the area. Visitors should exercise appropriate caution when walking after dark or when using the local bus system or taxis hired on the road. It is advisable to hire taxis to and from restaurants and to ask whether the driver is a member of the Grenada Taxi Association (GTA). Members of the GTA are required to pass additional driving tests and receive training from the Grenada Tourism Board. They are generally reliable and knowledgeable about the country and its attractions. In many countries around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available. Transactions involving such products may be illegal under local law. In addition, bringing them back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines.

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in Grenada, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own. If you break local laws in Grenada, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution. It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not where you are going. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States. Persons violating Grenada laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Grenada are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Please note that a person can be prosecuted for using foul language in the presence of an officer of the law. If you are arrested in Grenada, authorities of Grenada are required to notify the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate of your arrest. If you are concerned the Department of State may not be aware of your situation, you should request the police or prison officials to notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate of your arrest.