In a game of word association, typical responses for “Caribbean” includes beach, palm trees, sea, sun, relaxation, and fun... And when it comes to delivering on those expectations, the islands of Grenada and St. Lucia definitely do not disappoint! For the first time this year, the KDI School welcomed two students each from those island countries. For these Grenadians and St. Lucians, bragging about their country and life in the Caribbean comes naturally.

Cammy Emmanuel (2013 MPP, St. Lucia), says her favourite thing about her country is its “abundance of white sandy beaches.” Those beaches help to attract over 300,000 visitors yearly to St. Lucia’s shores and are a particular favorite for newlyweds as the island has been awarded the World Travel Award’s “World’s Leading Honeymoon Destination” for five consecutive years.

Aside from its beaches, St. Lucia is famous for its now dormant “drive-in” volcano and its magnificent twin peaks called the Pitons. These 2600-foot high mountains are a prominent feature on the island and have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Let’s Fete

If there is one that that Caribbean people like to do, it is party! Depending on which area of the Caribbean you are from, the word for “party” varies; in St. Lucia, it is “fete.” And if you are look for a fete, then the town of Gros-Islet or the village of Anse La Raye is the place to be on Friday nights. The two locations come alive on Fridays with an abundance of food, drinks, music and dancing into the wee hours of the morning. The country is also well known for its Saint Lucia Jazz Festival, which takes place in May and attracts well-known local and international artists.

The Island of Spice

Approximately 150 miles south of St. Lucia’s capital is the island of Grenada. The country is affectionately referred to as the “Island of Spice” for being one of the world’s leading exporters of nutmeg as well as a top producer of mace, cinnamon and allspice.

Grenada actually comprises two other islands: Carriacou and Petite Martinique. With three islands in its territory, Grenada is definitely not short of gorgeous beaches, but one attraction that has put the tiny country on the map is being home to the world’s first Underwater Sculpture Park. Created by renowned artist Jason de Caires Taylor, the park is rated as by National Geographic as one of the Top 25 Wonders of the World. Located in Molinere Bay, the park features sixty-five sculptures on the ocean floor; with its main installation being a circle of children holding hands.

Should you be lucky enough to find yourself in Grenada, the Underwater Sculpture Park is a must-see, but according to Kendall Alexander (2013, MPP Grenada), you also should not miss “Fish Friday in Gouyave!” While the St. Lucians fete, the Grenadians “lime” and on “Fish Friday” the streets of Gouyave are blocked off, the various catches of the day are presented in a cornucopia of mouth-watering dishes, while the sounds of local music, dancing and revelry fill the air until the early hours of the morning.

By Kendra Griffith (2013 MDP, Belize)