|
EXPLORING PETITE MARTINIQUE |
 |
 |
A dependency of Grenada, this is one of the many small islands of The Grenadines which make up the Tri-Island State of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Uniquely, Petite Martinique is always known for its peace and tranquillity. The island is volcanic in origin, about 586 acres and dominated by a 750-foot high mountain in the middle. One can walk or hike around the island in less than one hour. Atop the mountain one can get a bird's eye view of all the neighbouring Grenadines or the coastline around Petite Martinique. |
|
The people of Petite Martinique share a very rich cultural heritage and its residents are ranked as with highest per capita income in the entire East Caribbean region. If you're lucky, you may get a chance to see some of our traditional ceremonies such as the famous Big Drum Dance, witness the occasional tombstone fest, the launching of a locally built wooden boat (Petite Martinique is known for its boat building), or, even a traditional wedding ceremony featuring cake dancing and flag dancing (rituals unique only to the Petite Martinique wedding.) Petite Martinique is mainly a sea faring community. Most of the island's men folk are either fishermen or sailors on bulk cargo ships where they rank from ordinary crewman to top officers. As a matter of fact, the seamen of this island are so good at seamanship that they are constantly on demand by large cargo ship companies. Very few of the women folk work; they mostly stay home to tend to the children. Roman Catholic is the main religion on the island. A very small group of Seventh Day Adventist account for only about one percent of the population. There is one church, one school (elementary), one bank, a post office, a health centre, gas station, a few grocery stores and good telephone and electricity service all in close proximity to the main pier. |
 |
The island is so accessible, that during colonial times more than 450 of the 586 acres were suitable for cultivation. The island was owned by a Frenchman, his wife ('Madame Pierre'), their children and their slaves. Hence the largest village was named Madame Pierre after the wife of the French owner. There are no real white sand beaches on Petite Martinique, when compared to those of neighbouring Grenadine Islands. The only beach, situated on the northwest coast of the island, however, is quite good for "bathing", as the locals refer to swimming. Petite Martinique is in very close proximity to the other Grenadine islands which makes it easy to visit via speedboats in as little as two minutes, in the case of next door Petit St. Vincent. |
|
Petite Martinique is reachable only by boat. One can get to Petite Martinique by taking the Osprey High-Speed Catamaran Service (owned by entrepreneurs from Petite Martinique) which makes daily trips from Grenada at 09:00 and 17:00 or from Carriacou at 11:00 and 20:00. Enjoy your Caribbean vacation on the exquisite island of Petite Martinique in the Grenadines, one of Grenada's friendliest community. Ideally located on beachfront property on the west side of the island, our recently built family owned guest house is the perfect place to stay while in Petite Martinique. Our comfortable rooms offer a splendid view of the sea and mountainous Grenadines Islands, a view on the island's interior or both. |
 |
|
During your stay we can arrange sight seeing tours and day picnics to neighbouring desert islands of the Grenadines. Hiking atop the island's highest point will be rewarded by a magnificent 360 degree view on the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. Other activities include sailing, snorkelling, scuba diving or simply relaxing on the beach while enjoying the sunset. |
 |
There are no real white sand beaches compared to neighbouring Grenadine Islands. The only beach, situated on the northwest coast of the island, however, is quite good for "bathing", as the locals refer to swimming. Petite Martinique is in very close proximity to the other Grenadine islands which makes it easy to visit via speedboats, Petit St. Vincent being only two minutes away. The island is volcanic in origin, about 586 acres and dominated by a 750-foot high mountain in the middle. A walk or hike around the island takes less than one hour. The people of Petite Martinique have a rich cultural heritage and its residents are ranked as with highest per capita income in the entire East Caribbean region. |
|
If you're lucky, you may get a chance to see some
of their traditional ceremonies such as the famous Big Drum Dance,
witness the occasional tombstone fest, the launching of a locally built
wooden boat (Petite Martinique is known for its boat building), or, even
a traditional wedding ceremony featuring cake dancing and flag dancing
(rituals unique to the Petite Martinique wedding.) |
 |
 |
Petite Martinique is mainly a sea faring community. Most of the island's men are either fishermen or sailors on bulk cargo ships where they rank from ordinary crewman to top officers. As a matter of fact, the seamen of this island are so good at seamanship that they are constantly on demand by large cargo ship companies. Very few of the women work; they mostly stay home to tend to the children. The main religion on the island is Roman Catholic, A very small group of Seventh Day Adventist account for only about one percent of the population. There is one church, one school (elementary), one bank, a post office, a health centre, gas station, a few grocery stores and good telephone and electricity service all in close proximity to the main pier. |
|
After having flown to Carriacou from
Grenada, Carol and I found that Petite Martinique was reachable only by boat,
so like all the other visitors, we made the journey using the Osprey High-Speed Catamaran Service (owned by entrepreneurs
from Petite Martinique). |
 |
|
For information and
reservations, contact Osprey: Phone: (473) 440-8126 |
|
History The island was owned by a Frenchman, his wife ('Madame
Pierre'), their children and their slaves. |
 |
 |
 |
|
In Petite Martinique you will find lots of small rum-shops plus one of the best fuel docks in the Grenadines and a couple of first rate restaurants: B&C Fuels, (473) 443-9110, VHF:16, "Golf Sierra", fuel, water, large dock, easy to approach. This dock was destroyed by hurricane Lenny, rebuilding is planned. In the meantime fuel is delivered on the town dock a few yards further down. Clement Brothers, T&F: (473) 443-9022, resins, cloth, fishing gear, fastenings, some hardware. Seaside View, (473) 443-9007, F:(473) 443 9113, rental cottages also
supermarket and tanks filled. |
