2017-02-07 Tue

Before the 14th century there was no history of the Grenada. The Island was settled by Caribs, who displaced the earlier population of Arawaks. Christopher Columbus visited the island in 1498 and named it ‘Concepcion’ (later being named by the Spaniards after their own city, Granada).

The French launched various attacks in 1674 and by 1753, Grenada became French colony with 100 sugar mills and 12,000 enslaved Africans working in the industry.

Britain took over from France in 1763 under the Treaty of Paris and again (having meanwhile lost control) in 1783 under the Treaty of Versailles. Britain introduced the cultivation of cocoa, cotton and nutmeg. Till that time the slave population had increased and reached 24,000!

Seeing the scenario, national political consciousness developed through the labour movement, with the formation of the Grenada Manual and Mental Workers Union. Eric Matthew Gairy, formed the first political party, the pro-union, pro-independence Grenada United Labour Party (GULP). In 1951, GULP won the elections and Gairy became leader of the assembly. The Grenada National Party (GNP), led by Herbert Blaize held power between 1957–61 and 1962–67.

Grenada joined the Federation of the West Indies in 1958. When that was dissolved in 1962, it evolved first into an associated state with full internal self-government (1967), and then towards independence, the core of the GULP platform.

Finally with lots of struggle Grenada achieved Independence on 7th February 1974. It became a constitutional monarchy, with Gairy as Prime Minister, and Queen Elizabeth II as head of state, represented by a Governor-General.

To honor this event a colorful miniature sheet was issued with a stamp, having a face value of $ 2. It portrays the map of the Grenada with its national flag hoisted on it. The stamp portrays the coat of arms of Grenada and inscription at the top ‘Independence 1974’.