What does putting culture in the hands of Grenadians in the year 2022 mean? Simply, it means providing more readily available access to information on culture and heritage to citizens of the tri-island state. This is important as our cultural traditions fade away with the passing away of heritage holders and elders within local communities. COVID-19 was of no help in decreasing the risk or threat of cultural and heritage loss. Grenada, unique among the Caribbean islands, connects its identity to its culture and heritage. Aspects of our heritage and culture are deeply tied to our identity including Jab Jab, nutmeg and mace – our premier spices, and our folk traditions.

So where are most of our cultural and heritage information? It is locked up in books, documents, and the memories of Grenadians.  What does transformation within culture look like to provide more readily available information about Grenada’s history, heritage and culture in the hands of Grenadians including those on the sister isle of Carriacou and Petite Martinique? There is certainly a need for digital transformation. Digital technologies create a two-way transformative path for culture – sharing of cultural and heritage information to increase awareness, and collecting information on Grenada’s history, heritage and culture from those who possess such knowledge.

Digital technology in the form of mobile app technology allows for information to be contained within mobile applications accessible on any WIFI-enabled device, whether it is a mobile phone or a tablet. This allows for easy and convenient access to citizens. The pandemic has imploded the frequency of use of our mobile phones which makes it one of the best ways to deliver information within the hands of the citizens of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Certainly, it has the potential to deliver cultural knowledge to the over 100,000 Grenadians living on island and the over 300,000 Grenadians in the Diaspora.

Digital technology in the form of a website with cultural and heritage content aimed at educating the public, diaspora and those interested in Grenada. Content that shares valuable information about aspects of both tangible and intangible heritage and culture of the tri-island state. Many times, the public is simply looking for education to educate themselves or to verify information that they know or have heard about aspects of our culture and heritage. Some aspects of our culture and heritage are well-known such as carnival, but there are many other aspects that are not widely known and growing public awareness is important.

The world wide web or the internet has created the opportunity to increase access and ease of sharing and distributing information, and culture and heritage are by no means an exception. Websites can be accessed on any WIFI-enabled device including mobile phones, tablets, laptops or desktop computers. Website blogs or web portals are excellent opportunities to store information using cloud technology that preserves this information in a sustainable way. Therefore, can help us progress forward with cultural and heritage education in Grenada.

One of Marcus Garvey’s most famous quotes states “A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture are like a tree without roots”.  Today, this remains true and is why putting culture and heritage in the hands of Grenada is of vital importance, moving forward.