Pure Grenada, a gem, the Isle of Spice – my nation – just celebrated 44 years of Independence from the British rule. We gained our independence on February 7th, 1974.
Grenada celebrated Independence with a parade and concert at the National Stadium, St. George. Grenadians come from all over the island (and abroad) including sister islands Carriacou and Petite Martinique in red, green and yellow showing of national pride and being proud of this little nation and how much we have grown.
What I love about this celebration is that local entrepreneurs, primarily those manufacturing their products on the island, are given an opportunity to show off (and sell) their handy-work and the services they provide in an expo held just a few hours before the main show.
Take a look at some of the products at the exhibition. Some brands I newly discovered and some you’ve seen me post about before:
ARTSYL – These items are hand painted, very fashionable and of excellent quality. I am surprised I found a cuff bracelet that won’t fall off my wrist.
Natural hair community, this one is for you. This satin-lined bonnet is the best I have seen. Besides the bold tribal print in colours we Grenadians can definitely identify with, the quality is great and definitely worth your pennies. Satin-line bonnets is best for keeping moisture in your hair when you sleep and I am almost sure this can last you a very long time. Great quality.
Who ever said your plants got to be in boring pots? These hand-painted planters/pots come in loads of different shapes and sizes.
Grenada Indian Cuisine: ‘For The Love Of It’
Now this Mango Chutney right here is a winner. I sampled this product at the celebrations with some good ole Crix. The blend of flavours – seasoning and mango – makes for a great snack with plain crackers or bread. You can even include it when making different types of sauce. Packaging is also really attractive.
Grenada’s honey has been making waves and is ranked with the best in the world. G Links provides 100% pure honey but also provides honey infused with various flavours such as nutmeg and ginger. They also provide a dried mango snack.
Rodney’s Bee Keeping Equipment
For your bee keeping needs, visit Rodney’s website (linked above) to learn more about the products he provides for bee keepers.
De Cutting Edge
How about this hand made, hand painted wooden clock as a souvenir for friends and family abroad? This was made by some students for their Junior Achievement project. Their company name is De Cutting Edge. Look out for them.
I saw the real version of this three in one painting by Aidan Quashie and this picture does not do real justice to this painting. The colours are bright and vibrant, yet cool and calming. This piece was Independence inspired as seen with the gradient of reds, yellows and greens. Don’t you love the way the birds are perched, singing together?
Photo Credit: Art Ur Way
I love clutch purses, especially with African print and an elegant feel. These purses are from Samantha Francis-LaTouche, owner of PurElegance Designs. She also designs and makes head pieces which are gorgeous accessories for attending weddings and other formal events.
Out of the lot of newly discovered products, this choker/necklace was my absolute favourite item. I love me a good Caribbean-vibe neck piece which has others asking “Where did you get that?” from a mile away. This necklace is hand beaded and must have taken a lot of time to complete since the beads are so tiny. I love that it’s not too narrow and the rows of red, green and yellow added life and that Grenadian/Caribbean feel.
Turquoise Orange. This brand won my heart. Besides the beaded necklace above, this brand was all I could talk about when I left the local market at the parade. I was floored by these products and couldn’t stop saying “Waaw”. Sonja Parke, owner of the brand, did an amazing job with the design of the pieces and I love the name she came up with – Turquoise Organge. Each of these items are unique, but eye catching and beautiful.
White Spice is on my reading list. It is a crime thriller plot in Grenada about a war between the government and drug traffickers. If you love fiction and supporting Grenadian authors, try White Spice.
New product alert from Tamara Prosper. She now has these braided fabric necklaces. Sorry the product is not in focus, but I think you can still see the beauty in it.
