Carib Scope

标签： Grenada

格林纳达

  • Temporary closure: Licensing and Inspection centre, Dusty Highway

    Temporary closure: Licensing and Inspection centre, Dusty Highway

    The Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) Traffic Division has announced a scheduled temporary closure of its primary Motor Vehicle Inspection Center located along Dusty Highway in St. George. The facility will suspend operations commencing Monday, December 22nd, 2025.

    Regular services at the Dusty Highway location are scheduled to recommence on Monday, January 5th, 2026, at 8:00 AM. To ensure continuity of essential vehicle inspection services during this two-week period, the RGPF has established an alternative operational center.

    From December 22nd, 2025, through January 4th, 2026, mandatory vehicle inspections will be conducted at the Traffic Department headquarters on The Carenage in St. George. The temporary facility will maintain operational hours from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily to accommodate public needs.

    Police authorities have issued a formal apology for any disruptions this necessary temporary relocation may cause to motorists and vehicle owners. The RGPF simultaneously expressed gratitude for the public’s anticipated cooperation and understanding during this transitional period, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining road safety standards.

    The Office of the Commissioner of Police confirmed these operational changes as part of scheduled maintenance or administrative improvements, though specific reasons for the temporary closure were not detailed in the public announcement.

  • Grenada’s IMA moment of truth: A warning we should not ignore

    Grenada’s IMA moment of truth: A warning we should not ignore

    Dr. Adrian Joseph highlights growing concerns over Grenada’s economic stability as Citizenship by Investment (CBI) revenues become increasingly integral to the nation’s fiscal framework. Recent travel restrictions imposed by the United States on Caribbean nations utilizing CBI programs have amplified scrutiny on these revenue streams, prompting urgent calls for policy reassessment.

    Financial data from January to July 2025 reveals IMA/CBI contributions reached EC$117 million, accounting for approximately 14% of Grenada’s total revenue of EC$540 million. This places CBI revenues nearly equivalent to import duties and exceeds combined revenues from petrol tax, stamp tax, excise tax, and environmental levies. Despite overall revenue performance remaining on target, the country continues operating under deficit conditions, with CBI funds increasingly supporting recurrent expenditures rather than strategic investments.

    The article presents a household budget analogy: traditional tax revenues (VAT, income tax, import duties) represent stable employment income, while CBI revenues resemble unpredictable windfalls. This dependency creates significant vulnerability to external factors including geopolitical shifts, regulatory changes, and international policy decisions beyond Grenada’s control.

    Analysis demonstrates concerning scenarios: a 10% reduction in CBI revenues would decrease total revenue by 1.4%, while a 50% reduction would result in a 6.9% overall revenue decline. Recent regional developments suggest these are not hypothetical concerns, as increased scrutiny affects all Caribbean CBI programs regardless of individual management quality.

    Dr. Joseph proposes a five-point strategy for fiscal resilience: ring-fencing CBI revenues for capital investment and debt reduction; establishing stabilization buffers for revenue shocks; improving domestic revenue mobilization through compliance rather than increased burden on vulnerable populations; pursuing genuine economic diversification through agriculture, tourism, digital services, and renewable energy development; and maintaining rigorous transparency and international engagement.

    The conclusion emphasizes that nations relying on exceptional revenues for recurrent obligations lack true fiscal security. While not advocating CBI program abandonment, the analysis urges immediate policy introspection to build economic resilience before external pressures force abrupt adjustments.

  • Rotary Club of Grenada brings holiday cheer to Grenada School for Special Education

    Rotary Club of Grenada brings holiday cheer to Grenada School for Special Education

    On December 11, 2025, the Rotary Club of Grenada reaffirmed its enduring commitment to community service by hosting a festive Christmas gathering for 71 students and staff members of the Grenada School for Special Education. The event, held at Quarantine Recreational Park, embodied the spirit of seasonal generosity and inclusive community engagement.

    The celebration featured a memorable appearance by Santa Claus, who spread holiday cheer among the enthusiastic students. The Rotary Club of Grenada generously provided gifts for all children, while Honourable Andy Williams, Parliamentary Representative for South St George, made a surprise visit bearing additional presents, creating a doubly joyful experience for the attendees.

    This annual event represents just one aspect of the Rotary Club’s profound, long-standing relationship with the special education institution. The organization played an instrumental role in establishing the school in 1976 through collaboration with Canadian Rotary clubs and has maintained unwavering support for nearly five decades. Throughout this period, the club has consistently championed initiatives focused on improving welfare, education, and social inclusion for students with special needs.

    Rotary President Julia Lawrence emphasized the significance of the event, stating: ‘This gathering truly captures the essence of Rotary’s mission. We are dedicated to enhancing and brightening lives. Sharing the Christmas season with these remarkable students and dedicated staff remains a cherished privilege that has been central to our club’s humanitarian work for generations.’

    The successful execution of this heartwarming event was made possible through the generous support of corporate sponsors and community partners, including Tropical Catering, Waggy T Rentals, St George’s University, Sugar and Spice, S Kumar, and Deloni Edwards, among other contributors.

    The Rotary Club of Grenada continues to uphold its founding principle of ‘service above self’ and remains actively committed to advancing educational opportunities, fostering inclusion, and supporting community development initiatives throughout Grenada.

  • Fisherman proves punishment does not work

    Fisherman proves punishment does not work

    A recent child sexual abuse case in Grenada has intensified calls for legislative reform regarding the age of consent for reproductive healthcare. Roy Jude Aki, a 40-year-old fisherman from Carriacou, received a criminal sentence for repeatedly abusing a child under 10 years old, highlighting systemic failures in both legal protection and preventive education.

    The Grenada Planned Parenthood Association (GPPA) and Advocates for Safe Parenthood: Improving Reproductive Equity (ASPIRE) have formally endorsed proposed amendments to the Age of Civil Legal Responsibility Bill. The current proposal would lower the age of autonomous access to sexual and reproductive health services from 18 to 16, with provisions for further reduction given sufficient justification.

    Citing comprehensive regional data, these organizations argue that compelling evidence already exists to justify immediate reduction below the proposed age threshold. They reference Guyana’s existing policy permitting HIV testing without parental consent at any age as a regional precedent worth emulating for all sexual health services.

    Beyond age restrictions, advocates question the effectiveness of punitive measures alone in addressing systemic sexual violence. The case of Mr. Aki—a repeat offender—demonstrates the limitations of incarceration as both deterrent and solution. Instead, organizations emphasize the need for earlier sexual education and cultural prevention strategies rather than relying exclusively on punishment after offenses occur.

    The organizations have recommended complete elimination of age barriers for sexual health services, asserting confidence in healthcare professionals’ ability to provide appropriate care regardless of patient age. They stress that legal reform must accompany educational initiatives to create meaningful protection for vulnerable youth.

  • PISLM Executive Director calls on Jamaica’s Minister of Local Government

    PISLM Executive Director calls on Jamaica’s Minister of Local Government

    Senior officials from the Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management (PISLM) convened with Jamaican government leaders on December 8, 2025, to strengthen collaborative efforts addressing environmental challenges. The delegation, led by PISLM Executive Director Dr. Ronen C.A. Francis and CSIDS SOILCARE Project Manager Trevor Thompson, met with Jamaica’s Minister of Local Government and Community Development Desmond McKenzie, Permanent Secretary Marsha Henry-Martin, and Senior Director of Hazard Mitigation Patrick Watson.

    The high-level discussions centered on accelerating implementation of the SOILCARE Project, enhancing drought resilience strategies, and supporting recovery initiatives in regions devastated by Hurricane Melissa. Particular attention was given to two critical land degradation zones—Holland Estate and Lowe River intervention sites—identified under Jamaica’s Land Degradation Neutrality Target Setting Programme.

    The meeting also addressed broader regional environmental initiatives endorsed at the June 2025 Ministerial Forum in Grenada, including the Caribbean Land Degradation Neutrality Transformative Project, Caribbean Drought Initiative, and Caribbean Sand and Dust Storms Initiative. Minister McKenzie highlighted growing concerns about intensifying dry season droughts and their impact on Jamaica’s water security, especially noting vulnerabilities in Kingston’s water supply infrastructure and agricultural drought effects.

    Representing civil society involvement, Reginald Burke of the Caribbean Youth Environment Network attended as part of the Global Water Partnership-Caribbean, demonstrating PISLM’s commitment to multi-stakeholder engagement. PISLM reaffirmed its dedication to supporting Jamaican farmers and collaborating with national and regional partners to address climate variability challenges.

  • Building climate resilience through Rainwater Harvesting regulations

    Building climate resilience through Rainwater Harvesting regulations

    Grenada is embarking on a groundbreaking initiative to establish its first-ever mandatory rainwater harvesting regulations, marking a significant advancement in climate resilience and water security for the island nation. The proposed legislation would require both new constructions and existing buildings exceeding specific size thresholds to install rainwater collection systems where technically feasible.

    This transformative policy emerges from an extensive collaborative framework involving the Physical Planning and Development Authority (PDA), the Ministry of Implementation and Infrastructure Development (MOIID), and the National Water and Sewerage Authority (NAWASA). The initiative operates under the Climate-Resilient Water Sector in Grenada (G-CREWS) Project, which receives substantial financial backing from the Green Climate Fund, Germany’s Federal Ministry for the Environment through its International Climate Initiative, and the Grenadian government.

    The regulatory development process commenced with a formal Memorandum of Understanding between PDA, MOIID, and the German Development Cooperation (GIZ), establishing a commitment to creating equitable, transparent, and implementable legislation. A dedicated Technical Working Group comprising representatives from NAWASA, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Legal Affairs, and the Grenada Bureau of Standards has spent months refining technical specifications, legal frameworks, and public health safeguards.

    Addressing Grenada’s escalating water demands and climate vulnerabilities, the regulations incorporate strategic provisions including a grace period for property owners to facilitate financial planning and compliance. The framework establishes comprehensive safety protocols covering approved roofing materials, water quality parameters, and sanitation measures to ensure public health protection.

    With technical preparations finalized, the government will conduct a final round of public consultations from February 19-25, 2026. Stakeholders can submit feedback through official channels until January 23, 2026, with all input being considered in the finalization of regulations aimed at creating a sustainable, climate-resilient water future for Grenada.

  • US Technical Assistance Field Team supports Grenada’s Maritime Security

    US Technical Assistance Field Team supports Grenada’s Maritime Security

    A specialized team from the United States Southern Command has arrived in Grenada this week to provide crucial technical assistance for repairing maritime assets utilized by the Royal Grenada Police Force Coast Guard. This deployment responds to an official request from the Grenadian government under the framework of the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative Technical Assistance Field Team (CBSI-TAFT) program.

    The technical assistance mission brings together a multidisciplinary team of U.S. Coast Guard and Army engineers and logistics experts who are collaborating directly with their Grenadian counterparts. This cooperative engagement highlights the ongoing security partnership between the two nations and demonstrates Grenada’s proactive approach to maintaining regional security capabilities.

    Grenada has established itself as a valuable partner for the United States in Caribbean security matters. The current technical assistance visit represents the latest in a series of collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing maritime security operations and counter-trafficking capabilities throughout the region. These joint initiatives contribute to creating a safer Caribbean environment while reinforcing the enduring diplomatic and security relationship between the United States and Grenada.

    The maritime asset repair program forms part of broader regional security cooperation efforts that address shared challenges and promote operational readiness. Both nations have expressed mutual appreciation for the opportunity to work collaboratively on these security enhancements, recognizing the importance of maintained and fully operational maritime resources for effective law enforcement and border protection operations.

  • NAGICO Insurances upgraded to A- (Excellent) by AM Best

    NAGICO Insurances upgraded to A- (Excellent) by AM Best

    In a significant development for the Caribbean insurance sector, NAGICO Insurances has received a substantial credit rating upgrade from globally recognized agency AM Best. The Group’s Financial Strength Rating has been elevated from BBB+ to A- (Excellent), positioning the company among the top-tier insurance providers in the region.

    The upgraded rating reflects AM Best’s comprehensive evaluation of NAGICO’s reinforced balance sheet, consistently enhanced operational performance, rigorous risk management protocols, and successful implementation of its strategic vision across diverse Caribbean markets. This assessment acknowledges the insurer’s strengthened financial resilience and disciplined business approach.

    For policyholders, business partners, and regulatory authorities, the A- designation serves as an independent validation of NAGICO’s capacity to honor its commitments, particularly crucial in a geographic area susceptible to natural disasters and economic fluctuations.

    Kyria Ali, Chief Executive Officer of NAGICO Insurances, expressed considerable pride in this achievement, stating: “This AM Best rating upgrade represents an independent endorsement of our financial robustness and strategic management. For our clients throughout the Caribbean and France, it confirms the trust they have placed in our ability to support their families and businesses during critical moments.”

    The A- (Excellent) rating from AM Best, a specialized insurance industry rating agency, signifies exceptional capital strength, sustained financial improvement, prudent underwriting standards, and a viable long-term business strategy. This classification establishes NAGICO as a premier insurance group with demonstrated stability and reliability.

    Operating effectively in the Caribbean demands exceptional resilience and forward-thinking risk management. NAGICO has established its credibility through billions of US dollars in claims payments following natural catastrophes, including hurricanes and volcanic eruptions. Recent strategic investments in reinsurance protection, governance frameworks, and talent acquisition have further strengthened its operational foundation.

    Imran McSood Amjad, Executive Chairman of NAGICO Insurances, emphasized: “Our region faces distinctive challenges from climate vulnerabilities to economic instability. This rating enhancement mirrors the deliberate actions taken by our leadership to fortify the Group’s financial position, governance structures, and risk mitigation capabilities.”

    The rating improvement represents a collective accomplishment involving NAGICO’s employees, partners, and stakeholders throughout its operational network. It highlights the Group’s dedication to sustainable expansion, robust governance, and consistent value delivery to clients and partners.

    Looking forward, NAGICO remains committed to leveraging technological advancements to enhance customer experiences, introducing innovative insurance products, and contributing to regional development initiatives.

    Established in 1982, the NAGICO Group delivers comprehensive property, casualty, life, and health insurance solutions across 32 locations in the Caribbean and Metropolitan France.

  • Audit Department wants legal changes to submit reports directly to Parliament

    Audit Department wants legal changes to submit reports directly to Parliament

    Grenada’s Audit Department has initiated a significant campaign to overhaul its reporting procedures, seeking to bypass ministerial channels and submit audited financial statements directly to Parliament. This proposed constitutional and legislative reform aims to address chronic delays in the tabling of crucial financial documents.

    Gary Walters, Director of Audit, revealed that his department is advocating for amendments to the Audit Act that would eliminate the current requirement for audited statements of statutory bodies and government-supported agencies to be routed through the Minister for Finance. Instead, these documents would proceed directly from the Audit Department to Parliament.

    ‘The existing constitutional framework mandates that the Director of Audit submits reports to the Minister for Finance, who then tables them in Parliament,’ Walters explained during a Public Accounts Committee awareness seminar. ‘The persistent challenge has been that reports delivered to the Ministry of Finance frequently fail to be presented to Parliament in a timely manner.’

    The seminar, chaired by Opposition Leader Emmalin Pierre, brought together members of both parliamentary houses to clarify institutional roles, reduce misunderstandings, and foster a culture of accountability through improved record-keeping, financial controls, and reporting practices.

    Walters emphasized that the proposed change would eliminate perceptions of Audit Department inefficiency while ensuring greater transparency. ‘Such a significant adjustment will not only require legislative changes but also Constitutional Reform,’ he noted, adding that the modification would serve Grenada’s best interests by preventing lengthy delays in the presentation of public fund audits.

    The current legal framework requires statutory bodies to submit financial and annual reports to the Audit Department by the end of the first quarter, with parliamentary tabling mandated by June each year. However, compliance with these deadlines has been consistently inadequate across most statutory bodies over recent years.

  • 65th Anniversary of Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples

    65th Anniversary of Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples

    The United Nations commemorated a dual milestone on December 18, 2025, simultaneously observing the 65th anniversary of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples and inaugurating the first International Day against Colonialism in All Its Forms and Manifestations. Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support Elizabeth Spehar delivered a landmark address acknowledging both the progress made and the substantial work remaining in the global decolonization movement.

    The 1960 declaration, co-sponsored by 43 Asian and African nations including all 17 territories that achieved independence that year, represented a watershed moment in UN history. This instrument served as a guiding framework for liberation, enabling over 60 territories comprising more than 80 million people to pursue self-determination and emerge as sovereign states. The current membership of 193 nations stands as testament to this transformative process.

    However, Spehar presented a candid assessment of unfinished decolonization work, noting that 17 Non-Self-Governing Territories remain under colonial administration. Beyond these official designations, she identified more subtle but equally impactful colonial legacies embedded within global power structures. International institutions including the Security Council and financial systems continue to reflect antiquated power dynamics from an imperial era rather than contemporary equality principles.

    These structural imbalances actively undermine trust, impede progress, and contravene the foundational UN principles of equality, sovereignty, and self-determination. The address connected current governance challenges to the original 1945 UN mandate to save future generations from conflict while advancing human rights and freedom.

    Spehar concluded with a call to action, urging renewed commitment to building a world where power is distributed equitably rather than concentrated, institutions serve all populations fairly, and freedom becomes a universal entitlement rather than a privileged exception.