分类： society

Alva Browne, Permanent Secretary of Grenada’s Ministry of Infrastructure, Public Utilities, Civil Aviation and Transportation, has issued a compelling call for urgent measures to bridge the water security gap in the Caribbean. Speaking at the Regional Water Week 2025 in Chile, Browne emphasized the pressing challenges faced by Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS), including Grenada, due to hydro-climatic extremes. He highlighted the region’s oscillation between severe droughts and devastating floods, as exemplified by Grenada’s 2024 water crisis followed by catastrophic flooding. Browne underscored the necessity of long-term solutions, such as infrastructure upgrades, enhanced water management, and conservation efforts, while acknowledging Grenada’s progress through initiatives like the G-CREWS Project. This initiative focuses on modernizing infrastructure, institutional reforms, and establishing a Water Resource Management Unit. Additionally, Browne praised regional efforts by countries like Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, St. Lucia, and Guyana to integrate water management into climate adaptation and sustainable development strategies. He stressed the importance of moving from planning to action, emphasizing three critical pillars: integration, investment, and inclusion. Browne also commended regional organizations like GWP-Caribbean, CDEMA, CARPHA, and the Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association for fostering knowledge exchange and preparedness. Concluding his address, Browne called for collaborative action, urging the Caribbean to work with Latin American partners, the European Union, and the global community to ensure the next decade is marked by tangible progress rather than continued analysis.

IsraAID Dominica and Eastern Caribbean, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Barbados and Eastern Caribbean, has unveiled a new cohort of the Work Online Caribbean initiative in Grenada. This groundbreaking programme aims to empower young people and professionals by equipping them with essential digital skills to access global employment opportunities. Work Online Caribbean is a regional effort focused on enhancing participants’ competitiveness in the online job market through training in digital literacy, freelancing, online communication, and business development. The programme, which includes intensive workshops, mentorship, and hands-on activities, emphasizes resilience, adaptability, and entrepreneurial thinking to prepare participants for the evolving digital economy. This expansion to Grenada marks a significant milestone for the initiative, which has already benefited over 500 participants across the region. By targeting Small Island Developing States (SIDS), the programme supports sustainable livelihoods and economic resilience through technology. Grenadians aged 18 to 50 are encouraged to apply before the deadline on 27 October 2025, with only 80 spots available. Application details can be found at workonlinecaribbean.org. About Work Online Caribbean: This initiative empowers individuals in the Eastern Caribbean to access sustainable income streams by building digital skills and fostering resilience. About UNDP: As the leading UN organisation addressing poverty, inequality, and climate change, UNDP works across 170 countries to create lasting solutions for people and the planet. Learn more at undp.org/Barbados or follow @UNDPBarbadosEC on social media.

In Egmont, Grenada, the site where Maurice Bishop’s body was last seen—a burn pit following the 19 October 1983 massacre—has been transformed into a neighborhood of million-dollar mansions. This development occurred without any archaeological or environmental assessments, raising questions about Grenada’s commitment to preserving its historical heritage. The story of Bishop, a pivotal figure in Grenada’s history, mirrors the broader neglect of the island’s cultural and historical sites, including enslaved burial grounds and Amerindian locations. Despite legal protections and policies aimed at safeguarding these sites, enforcement remains lax, and development often takes precedence over preservation. The irony is palpable as Grenada prepares to open a National Heroes Park near Camerhogne Park, itself a site of historical significance, while failing to address the mysteries surrounding Bishop’s final resting place. The lack of oversight and institutional strength has allowed developers to bypass necessary impact assessments, leading to the destruction of invaluable historical sites. This pattern of neglect not only erases Grenada’s past but also diminishes its potential for heritage tourism, which could contribute significantly to the economy. As Grenada approaches an election, there is a call for candidates to commit to enforcing heritage protections and funding impact assessments to preserve what remains of the island’s history. The question remains: will Grenada choose to protect its heritage before it’s too late?