Since taking office in June 2022, Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell has redefined the nation’s foreign policy approach, emerging as one of the Caribbean’s most internationally active leaders. Over the past four years, Mitchell has embarked on 51 overseas trips, averaging two per month, with an estimated 408 days spent abroad—nearly one-third of his tenure. This unprecedented level of engagement for a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) with a population of just 123,000 reflects a strategy of continuous global visibility, positioning Grenada as an investment-ready micro-state. However, this diplomatic ambition comes at a significant financial and administrative cost. Each trip, involving a six-member delegation, costs between US$35,000 and $45,000, cumulatively amounting to approximately US$1.8 to $2.3 million. Critics argue that such expenditures could have been redirected to domestic priorities like healthcare or education, while supporters highlight the potential for securing global financing and partnerships. Beyond the financial impact, Mitchell’s frequent absences have slowed inter-ministerial coordination and delayed critical policy decisions, raising questions about the balance between international diplomacy and domestic governance. As Grenada navigates these challenges, the debate centers on whether the Prime Minister’s global outreach demonstrably advances national interests or strains limited resources.
标签: Grenada
格林纳达
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TNC vacancy: National Project Coordinator, Grenada
The Nature Conservancy (TNC), a globally renowned environmental organization, is on a mission to safeguard the lands and waters essential for all life. Rooted in science and driven by innovation, TNC addresses the planet’s most pressing challenges, striving for a harmonious coexistence of people and nature. Guided by values such as diversity, respect, and inclusion, TNC fosters a workplace where employees feel valued and empowered. The organization is now seeking a National Project Coordinator (NPC) to lead a Global Environment Facility (GEF)-funded project aimed at improving waste management and public awareness for a cleaner, healthier ocean in the Eastern Caribbean, based in Grenada. The NPC will oversee project implementation, manage budgets, ensure compliance with regulations, and engage stakeholders to achieve strategic goals. This hybrid role combines office, virtual, and fieldwork, requiring expertise in project management, natural resource management, and stakeholder collaboration. The ideal candidate will bring a bachelor’s degree, at least five years of relevant experience, and a passion for environmental conservation. TNC offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and a supportive work environment. Applications are open until the position is filled, with a focus on diversity and inclusion. Join TNC to make a tangible impact on conservation efforts worldwide.
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Regional stakeholders convene to strengthen cancer policy response
On Wednesday, 8 October, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and regional experts convened for a pivotal Scoping Meeting on Cancer Policy for the Caribbean. Organized by the Caribbean Cancer Portal (CCP) in partnership with governmental and non-governmental organizations across the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), the event marked a significant stride toward a unified regional strategy for cancer prevention and control. Attendees included representatives from private health sectors, ministries of health, civil society organizations, academic institutions, and health authorities, all focused on evaluating current policies and identifying actionable priorities. Cancer remains a leading cause of death in the Caribbean, with escalating incidence and mortality rates attributed to preventable factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diets, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, and environmental hazards. While advancements have been made in screening and palliative care, critical gaps persist in policy implementation, treatment accessibility, and data-driven decision-making. Key discussions highlighted the necessity for robust national cancer control plans aligned with global frameworks, improved access to affordable diagnostics and treatments, increased investment in cancer surveillance and research, and enhanced collaboration among governments, private healthcare providers, and development partners. Dr. Lindonne Telesford, Associate Professor at St. George’s University and Co-Founder of the Caribbean Cancer Portal, emphasized the meeting’s importance as a foundational step toward a comprehensive Caribbean Cancer Policy Framework. Dr. Horace Cox, Director of Surveillance, Disease Prevention and Control at the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), underscored the urgency of regional cooperation, stating, “Cancer is the leading cause of death in the Caribbean and has a major impact on health and development. Strategic and intentional action is imperative.” Dr. Taraleen Malcolm, Advisor for Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), echoed this sentiment, expressing gratitude for the collective dedication to advancing cancer prevention and control. The meeting’s outcomes will shape the development of a Caribbean Cancer Policy Roadmap, guiding future initiatives, advocacy efforts, and partnerships to reduce cancer-related morbidity and mortality in the region.
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Grenada Contemporary 2025 opens 30 October
The Grenada Contemporary Exhibition, a cornerstone of Caribbean visual art, is set to return for its 8th edition on Thursday, 30 October 2025, at Art House 473. The event, running from 6 pm to 7:30 pm, offers free admission to the public, inviting all to immerse themselves in one of the region’s most vibrant artistic platforms. Since its inception under the Susan Mains Gallery, the exhibition has grown into a critical and creative benchmark, showcasing the works of 91 artists across various disciplines, including painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media. This year’s theme, ‘Dreevay,’ a Caribbean term symbolizing wandering and movement, explores the idea that art thrives in motion, capturing the spontaneous and ever-evolving essence of Caribbean life. Curated by Asher Mains, the exhibition features over 25 artists whose works delve into themes of identity, ecology, migration, and belonging. The event will also include an artist talk on Saturday, 1 November, featuring Russell Watson from Barbados, who will share insights into his photography and video art practice. Grenada Contemporary continues to assert the Caribbean as a hub of artistic innovation, offering a space where visual, political, and poetic expressions converge. Parking is available at Lavo Lanes, with a shuttle service provided. For media inquiries, contact [email protected].
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OECS to benefit from lower insulin prices
Health policymakers and senior officials from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) convened in Grenada this week for the 38th OECS Pharmaceutical Procurement Service (PPS) Policy Board meeting and the 11th Council of OECS Health Ministers. The gatherings aimed to enhance regional cooperation in improving access to essential medicines and health services. On October 21, 2025, the PPS Policy Board engaged in extensive discussions, focusing on a groundbreaking public-private partnership already operational in St. Lucia and St. Kitts and Nevis. This initiative significantly reduces the cost of insulin, a vital medication for individuals with diabetes, marking a transformative step toward pharmaceutical equity in the region. Grenada’s Minister of Health, Hon. Philip Telesford, who chairs the OECS Council of Health Ministers, officially announced the initiative during a press briefing on October 22, 2025. He urged other member states to adopt similar models to expand affordable insulin access, emphasizing its potential to save lives and alleviate financial burdens for thousands of families. Francis Burnett, Interim Head of OECS-PPS, highlighted the initiative as a major advancement, noting that reduced insulin prices would benefit both public health and procurement budgets. The OECS currently procures approximately 120,000 vials of insulin annually. Dr. Didacus Jules, Director General of the OECS, underscored the importance of regional solidarity in addressing geopolitical, financial, and health challenges. The meetings also addressed broader health priorities, including strengthening pooled procurement systems, expanding access to specialized health services, and enhancing collaboration to tackle potential funding reductions. The two-day event combined technical and strategic planning, resulting in agreements to deepen cooperation and deliver tangible health benefits across the OECS region.
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United Nations Day 2025 message
Simon Springett, the United Nations Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, delivered a poignant message commemorating the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. In his address, Springett reflected on the UN’s enduring mission to foster international cooperation, peace, and sustainable development. He emphasized the organization’s pivotal role in addressing global challenges, from climate change to social inequality, and underscored the importance of collective action in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Springett also highlighted the UN’s historical achievements while acknowledging the evolving complexities of the modern world. His message served as both a celebration of the UN’s legacy and a call to action for renewed commitment to its principles. The statement was published by NOW Grenada, which clarified that it is not responsible for the opinions or content expressed by contributors.
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Statement on storm threat to Jamaica
The Government of Grenada has intensified its efforts to safeguard its citizens as Tropical Storm Melissa approaches Jamaica and the northern Caribbean. With a particular focus on Grenadian students studying in Jamaica, authorities are working tirelessly to ensure their safety and well-being. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in coordination with Deputy Consul General Kerry Frank in Miami, is actively engaging with students and local authorities to provide essential support and guidance. Plans are underway to facilitate the safe return of affected students to Grenada as early as tomorrow, contingent on weather conditions and logistical feasibility. Grenadian students in Jamaica are urged to remain vigilant, while families back home are encouraged to maintain communication with their loved ones and seek updates from the ministry. The government has also expressed solidarity with the people of Jamaica, offering assistance as needed during this challenging time. The Office of the Prime Minister reaffirmed its commitment to protecting its nationals and ensuring their safe return.
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Parental consent and parental detachment
The reluctance of Caribbean parents to engage in discussions about sex education with their children has emerged as a significant cultural issue, according to recent studies and surveys. In the Bahamas, where a well-established sex education program exists in public schools, a staggering 77% of women reported learning about sex from school, while only 5% cited their parents as a source of information. This trend highlights a concerning detachment among parents, who often defer to formal education systems. A similar survey conducted among older teens in Grenada revealed slightly more parental involvement, but still, fewer than half learned about sexuality through school instruction. Alarmingly, over a quarter of these teens turned to social media platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and ChatGPT for information, raising concerns about the reliability and appropriateness of such sources. Religious institutions, despite their influence in the region, were notably absent as a source of guidance. Adolescents consistently express a preference for learning about sex from their parents, particularly their mothers. However, cultural stigmas surrounding the topic have led to widespread avoidance and ignorance, leaving young people vulnerable. The Age of Civil Responsibility (ACR) Bill has been proposed as a potential catalyst for change, encouraging parents to shift from detachment to active engagement. Advocates argue that both school programs and parental involvement are essential for comprehensive sex education. The Grenada Planned Parenthood Association (GPPA) and Advocates for Safe Parenthood: Improving Reproductive Equity (ASPIRE) are calling for urgent action to address this crisis. They emphasize the need for collaborative efforts to equip parents with the tools and confidence to discuss sex with their children, aiming to increase parental engagement from below 6% to over 60% within the next year.
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5 creative industries subsector associations officially launched
The Grenada Office of Creative Affairs (GOCA) has unveiled five new nonprofit associations dedicated to advancing the island’s creative industries. These associations, officially introduced at a press conference on October 22, 2025, aim to represent creative practitioners, drive sector development, and advocate for the growth of Grenada’s cultural and creative economy. The initiative stems from recommendations made at Unleash, Grenada’s national cultural and creative industries conference held in May 2023. Orlando Romain, Advisor for the Creative Economy, highlighted the extensive groundwork undertaken by GOCA over the past two years, including stakeholder consultations, legal guidance, and governance training for the associations’ boards of directors. The five associations—Innovative Multimedia Association of Grenada (IMAGND) Inc., Grenada Association of Dance, Event Planning, Promotion, Infrastructure, Coordination and Theatre (DEPICT) Inc., Grenada Association of Visual Arts and Craft (GAVAC) Inc., Grenada Gastronomy and Culinary Arts (GGCAA) Inc., and Grenada Association of Musicians, Performers and Producers (AMPP Grenada) Inc.—are member-run and independently governed. Leaders of these associations expressed gratitude for GOCA’s support and pledged to champion the interests of their creative communities. Anthony Johnson, President of GGCAA Inc., emphasized the association’s mission to elevate Grenadian cuisine through improved quality, training, and consistency. Sen. the Hon. Adrian Thomas, Minister for Tourism, Creative Economy and Culture, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering creative excellence, urging practitioners to actively engage with their respective associations. For further details, inquiries can be directed to [email protected].
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Grenada Tourism Authority launches WhatsApp broadcast channel
The Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) has unveiled its latest digital initiative with the introduction of a WhatsApp Broadcast Channel on October 23. This innovative platform is designed to provide real-time updates, crucial announcements, and tourism-related information directly to subscribers’ mobile devices. The move underscores the GTA’s dedication to leveraging technology for enhanced accessibility, transparency, and engagement with its audience.
