Ins & Outs of Grenada

126  FAST FACTS INS& emergency safety tips getting around grenada police and protection services hospitals and medical care airports and seaports Maurice Bishop International Airport (473) 444-4101 Lauriston Airport, Carriacou (473) 443-6306 Grenada Ports Authority (473) 440-7678 General Hospital, St George’s (473) 440-2051 Ambulance: (473) 440-2113 St Augustine Medical Services (private hospital) St Paul’s, St George (473) 440-6173 Princess Anne Hospital St Andrew (473) 442-7251 Ambulance: 442-5400 Princess Royal Hospital Carriacou (473) 443-7400 At-a-Glance Police Headquarters, St George (473) 440-3999 Police, Hillsborough, Carriacou (473) 443-7482 Police & Fire: 911 | Coast Guard: 444 1931 GrenadaFast Facts Grenada is a safe island with a low crime rate. However, like anywhere in the world, petty theft occurs and caution should be taken with your personal possessions - keep cameras and cash out of sight while swimming, keep valuables close to you and use your hotel room’s safety deposit box. Avoid walking by yourself in poorly lit streets or beaches at night. CENTIPEDE/SCORPION BITES - While not lethal, severity and degree of discomfort depends on individual sensitivity. If there is any doubt, see a doctor, especially if a child has been bitten. SEA URCHINS - A black sea egg with long black spines. If the spines are protruding from your skin you can try to carefully remove them; if they are beneath the skin DO NOT try to “pick” them out as this could cause infection. Leave them in your skin and they will eventually dissolve. To be safe, soak with vinegar or some form of antiseptic. COCONUT PALMS - Never leave a baby or small child beneath a coconut palm because of the possibility of falling coconuts. ILLEGAL DRUGS - Severe penalties for possession of illegal drugs like Cannabis (weed or ganja) and cocaine exist – up to life imprisonment and yacht confiscation. Customs officials are well equipped and trained, so no attempts should be made to import or export even small quantities for “personal use.” MANCHINEEL - Avoid contact with the fruit commonly known as Manchineel Apples. They look and smell like small apples, but are very poisonous. Sap from the tree and fruit blisters the skin and raindrops falling from the tree can produce the same unpleasant effect. Do not shelter under a manchineel tree when it is raining. By Taxi - Taxis can be booked through the official taxi rank at the airport and through your hotel, with fares regulated by the government. By Car - Driving is on the left and seat belts are mandatory. Be careful on the narrow, twisting roads, especially in the interior. Road signs are limited, but locals are happy to give directions. By Bus - Local buses provide a good network of transport around the island, following set routes. The main bus terminus is on Melville Street in St George’s. Most routes operate 7am - 7pm (St George’s - Grand Anse route until about 9pm) and fares start at $2.50. By Air - SVG Air connects Grenada and Carriacou with a daily 30-minute flight. By Sea - The Osprey Express ferry connects St George’s, Grenada with Hillsborough, Carriacou with a daily 90 minute service. There is a separate shuttle service between Carriacou and Petite Martinique.