Feb 072024
 
Grenada

Flag of Grenada

Grenada celebrates Independence Day. Although it became free of British rule in 1974, it still recognizes King Charles III as its head of state. Carib Indians inhabited the island, located in the Caribbean, in the 1600’s. St. George’s is the capital.  The 108,000 inhabitants depend a great deal on tourism. The island is about twice the size of Washington, DC. Nutmeg and mace are leading exports. Idea: Children could learn how nutmeg and mace are grown. Are nutmeg and mace different? Older children could learn more at: Grenada.

Nov 012024
 
Antigua Barbuda

Flag of Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda celebrate Independence Day. The two islands gained their independence from the United Kingdom in 1981. However, the two-island nation still recognizes King Charles III as their monarch. According to The CIA World Factbook, the combined area of the two islands and smaller islands under their control is about 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC. Located in the Caribbean, southeast of Puerto Rico, their tropical climate attracts tourists. Tourism accounts for about 60 percent of their income. About 90,000 people call the islands their homes, and Saint John’s is the capital. How can children celebrate this holiday? They can peel, slice and sauté some plantain…yum! Children can learn more at: Antigua and Barbuda.

 

Nov 302024
 
Barbados

Flag of Barbados

Barbados celebrates Independence Day. It became free from Great Britain in 1966; however, it has remained in the British Commonwealth. This easternmost island in the Caribbean is 166 square miles, about 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC. In the colonial days the economy depended on sugarcane. Today, however, tourism is a big source of revenue. Almost 300,000 people live in Barbados, and close to half the population lives in Bridgetown, the capital. Older children could learn more at: Barbados.