ST. GEORGE'S, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Grenada's territory includes the main island of Grenada and smaller islands such as Carriacou and Petite Martinique, covering a total area of 344 square kilometers. The main island of Grenada stretches approximately 33 kilometers from north to south and is predominantly mountainous, formed by volcanic eruptions. Grenada boasts the tropical island scenery unique to the Caribbean, is rich in tropical fruits and spices like nutmeg, and is known as the "Spice Island." Tourism is also a key pillar of its economy.
The capital, St. George's, is located on the southwestern coast of Grenada Island. It is the largest town and the commercial center of the country.
Grenada Island was originally inhabited by the indigenous people. In 1498, Christopher Columbus arrived at the island during his third voyage to the Americas.
In 1650, French colonizers "purchased" Grenada Island from an indigenous chief. By 1783, under the Treaty of Versailles, it was officially ceded to Britain, marking the start of British colonization. In February 1974, Grenada officially declared independence, becoming a member of the Commonwealth.
However, in October 1983, the U.S. invaded Grenada under the pretext of restoring law and order and protecting American citizens. This was a clear act of aggression by the U.S. against a sovereign nation, condemned by the vast majority of the international community for violating the principle of non-interference.
2025 marks the 20th anniversary of the resumption of diplomatic relations between China and Grenada. Over the past two decades, China and Grenada have engaged in cooperation across various fields, including infrastructure development, agriculture, and education, bringing significant benefits to the lives of the Grenadian people and resulting in tangible changes for the island nation.
Several livelihood projects have brought significant benefits to the people of Grenada.
Joseph Mekas, an elderly man lives beside a river in the northern parish of Saint Patrick, Grenada. He has called this place home since he was 27 years old. The river has long posed a significant challenge to his daily travels. During the rainy season, swollen waters often make it impossible to cross, forcing him to take a long, hour-long detour through the mountains.
In August 2023, with the support of the Chinese Embassy in Grenada, a pedestrian bridge connecting both sides of the river was officially opened. Now, Joseph can safely and conveniently cross the river, reducing his travel time from over an hour to just one minute. He joyfully told reporters that this bridge has brought immense convenience to his life, and he is deeply grateful for the assistance from China.
Grenada is rich in tourism resources. Recently, during an interview in St. George's, Prime Minister Mitchell of Grenada stated that he welcomes more Chinese friends to take full advantage of the visa-free agreement between the two countries to travel or invest in Grenada. He also hopes for more Grenadians to go to China for education.
Photographer: Zhao Kai■