“Together, but not together, together” : the politics of identity in island archipelagoes

Abstract

I am writing while staying for a few weeks in Grenada, a "small island developing state" in the Caribbean, with a total population of around 105,000. A closer look reveals that Grenada-the country known as "the Island of Spice"-is more than just Grenada (the main island). As its last two suggestions in its "Top 10 Places to Visit in Pure Grenada," TripAdvisor recommends visiting two other islands within the country. The first is Carriacou (population: 4,600), "known as 'the isle of reefs,' with shallow clear waters: ideal for snorkelling, and surrounding offshore islands, perfect for a tranquil getaway." The other is Petite Martinique (population nine hundred): we are told that the "residents of Petite Martinique and C'cou are fiercely traditional, welcoming you to discover the traditional customs of African ancestry at annual events like the Carriacou Maroon and String Band Music Festival." The implications are self-evident: on a website like this, Grenada will showcase itself as a tourism destination, and Carriacou and Petite Martinique are not meant to miss out on the action. (There are various other islets in the country; all are uninhabited.)