分类： society

Baroness Rosalind Patricia-Anne Howells, born in St Patrick, Grenada, and raised in Crochu, St David, emerged as a towering figure in both Caribbean and British society. Her upbringing in a politically active family instilled in her a resilience and a commitment to justice that defined her life’s work. Educated at St Joseph’s Convent, she was known for her unwavering stance against injustice, a trait that would later shape her career. Her family, including her sister Dame Hilda Bynoe, Grenada’s first Governor, played pivotal roles in the region’s history. Baroness Howells herself served as Grenada’s Deputy High Commissioner in London before the revolution, a role she considered a privilege. Moving to the UK in 1951, she aspired to become a lawyer but faced financial constraints, taking on various jobs, including one at a public library where she met her future husband, John Charles Howells. The late 50s and 60s marked a period of significant migration from the Commonwealth to the UK, during which Baroness Howells became a key advocate for immigrants, drawing on her own experiences to support others. Her early career in the UK involved working with unsupported mothers at a youth club founded by Sybil Phoenix, where she confronted racism and prejudice head-on. Her reasoned yet firm advocacy soon gained her recognition, leading to her appointment to the House of Lords in 1999, where she served until 2021. Baroness Howells’ community work, particularly in Lewisham and Greenwich, made a profound impact, as she championed race equality and social justice. She served on numerous boards and councils, including the University of Greenwich and the Greater London Race Equality Council, and was Chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire from 2009 to 2014. Her contributions were widely recognized, earning her an OBE in 1994 and an Honorary Doctorate of Civil Law from Northumbria University in 2014. Despite her achievements in the UK, Baroness Howells remained deeply connected to Grenada, supporting various organizations and serving on the Academic Advisory Board of St George’s University (SGU). She was also a member of the WINDREF Board of Trustees, becoming its President in 2013. Her legacy is one of unwavering dedication to justice, equality, and the betterment of society, leaving an indelible mark on both the Caribbean and the UK.

The picturesque island of Carriacou recently celebrated the 10th Anniversary of its renowned Carriacou Corn Festival on October 26, marking a significant milestone in its cultural and economic recovery following the devastation of Hurricane Beryl in 2024. After an unprecedented cancellation, the festival’s return symbolized a triumphant renewal of community spirit and cultural pride. Since its inception in 2015, the event has highlighted the versatility of corn, one of the Caribbean’s most vital crops, transforming it into a culinary and cultural celebration. Attendees indulged in a variety of traditional and innovative corn-based delicacies, including corn wine, cornmeal ice cream, savory corn puddings, and corn dumplings, showcasing the crop’s enduring culinary significance. Dexter Leggard, the festival’s coordinator, emphasized the event’s commitment to innovation, stating, ‘We strive to introduce something new each year, and this year is no exception.’ Beyond its culinary offerings, the festival was a vibrant showcase of Carriacou’s rich cultural heritage. String band music filled the air, while the children’s corn float delighted audiences, engaging the younger generation in this cherished tradition. Exhibits featuring hand-held mills and other agricultural artifacts paid homage to the island’s farming roots. Stacey Liburd, CEO of the Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA), praised the festival as a ‘beacon of cultural resilience and innovation,’ highlighting its role in reestablishing Carriacou’s cultural prominence post-Hurricane Beryl. Minister for Tourism Adrian Thomas also commended the organizers and community for their dedication to preserving traditions and enhancing cultural tourism. The 2025 Carriacou Corn Festival not only celebrated the boundless potential of corn but also marked a renewed chapter in the island’s cultural calendar, supported by the GTA’s commitment to promoting Carriacou and Petite Martinique as premier cultural destinations.

In a significant move to safeguard children’s rights, Grenada has amended its 1966 Marriage Act, raising the legal marriage age from 16 to 18. Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell announced the amendment during a parliamentary session on November 4, emphasizing the government’s commitment to protecting vulnerable minors. The change aligns with broader legislative efforts under the Spotlight Initiative, aimed at modernizing child protection laws. Mitchell highlighted that the amendment ensures children are not forced into marriage with parental consent, a practice that has long been criticized for exploiting young individuals. Additionally, the government is working on the Age of Civil Responsibility Bill, which would allow minors as young as 12 to access sexual and reproductive healthcare without parental consent. This proposal has sparked public debate, with civil society groups expressing concerns. Mitchell defended the bill, arguing that it prioritizes children’s health and well-being over sensationalism and conspiracy theories. He stressed the importance of consistency in setting the age of civil responsibility at 18, aligning it with other milestones like driving, voting, and obtaining identification cards. The Prime Minister warned that without such reforms, Grenada risks becoming a haven for exploitative practices targeting financially vulnerable families. The 2025 amendment to the Marriage Act marks a pivotal step in Grenada’s efforts to protect its youth and align its laws with international standards.

The Fisheries Division of the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Affairs has commenced its annual vessel inspection program for 2026. This initiative is a critical component of the government’s efforts to uphold maritime safety standards and ensure compliance with the Fisheries Regulations, SRO 3 of 1990. The inspections focus on verifying that all vessels are equipped with the necessary safety equipment as mandated by law. A detailed schedule has been released to guide stakeholders through the process. The Ministry emphasizes the importance of these inspections in safeguarding both the lives of maritime workers and the sustainability of marine resources. For further information, stakeholders are encouraged to refer to the official schedule provided by the Ministry.