Saint Patrick
Grenada's 'Historical Parish': Leapers Hill tragedy, River Antoine (oldest Caribbean distillery), tree-to-bar chocolate, 45.9% poverty rate
Saint Patrick Parish (43 km², population 10,000) is Grenada's 'Historical Parish'—the northernmost territory where large estates account for most of the island's nutmeg and cocoa production. The main town of Sauteurs (French for 'jumpers') takes its name from the 1651 tragedy when indigenous Caribs leapt to their deaths from Leapers Hill rather than surrender to French colonizers. This dark origin story sits alongside commercial heritage: the River Antoine Rum Distillery, still water-powered, is the oldest functioning distillery in the Caribbean. Belmont Estate and Hermitage Estate (home of the Grenada Chocolate Company) offer 'tree to bar' chocolate experiences, converting agricultural land into tourism destinations. Levera National Park and Lake Antoine provide natural attractions, while Levera and Bathway beaches host sea turtle nesting. The annual St. Patrick's Day Fiesta (since 1986) celebrates Irish heritage alongside local culture—an unusual Caribbean tradition. Despite these assets, 1998 data showed Saint Patrick with a 45.9% poverty rate, nearly double urban Saint George's, reflecting the wealth gap between plantation agriculture and tourism services.