The 2025 KIX LAC Hub Regional Meeting, held in Antigua, Guatemala from June 18–20, brought together over 100 education leaders from Latin America, the Caribbean, and beyond. Organized by the Knowledge and Innovation Exchange (KIX) Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) Hub, the event aimed to address critical challenges in foundational learning and educational equity. Attendees included representatives from Dominica, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, St Vincent and the Grenadines, St Lucia, Belize, and Bolivia. The meeting highlighted the exacerbated educational disparities caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which left millions of children excluded from learning systems. Key discussions centered on ensuring access to quality foundational learning as a cornerstone for educational justice and holistic development. The event featured keynote speeches, interactive workshops, and thematic panels, including a Ministerial Panel titled ‘Learning and Foundational Competencies: Policies, Innovations, and Challenges.’ Three primary focus areas were identified: prioritizing educational challenges across Global Partnership for Education (GPE) member countries, sharing successful strategies from GPE KIX research projects, and fostering multi-sector partnerships to develop evidence-based solutions. The meeting culminated in the signing of the Antigua Commitment by Ministers of Education, SUMMA, and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). This milestone reaffirmed the region’s dedication to creating a more equitable, inclusive, and just educational sector. SUMMA, the leading education research and innovation lab for Latin America and the Caribbean, alongside OECS, spearheads the KIX LAC Hub, promoting knowledge exchange and innovative solutions. The outcomes of the meeting will inform early childhood education policies, pedagogical strategies, and inclusive financing mechanisms. Supported by the Ministry of Education of Guatemala, the event was a collaborative effort between the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC), SUMMA, and OECS. Since its inception in April 2020, the KIX LAC Hub has been instrumental in strengthening education systems across the region.
标签: Grenada
格林纳达
-

Chief Cultural Officer to represent Grenada at Liangzhu Forum in China
Kelvin Jacob, Chief Cultural Officer at Grenada’s Ministry of Tourism, Creative Economy, and Culture, is set to make a significant mark on the global stage as he attends the Third Liangzhu Forum in Hangzhou, China, from October 18 to 20, 2025. The forum, initiated by Chinese President Xi Jinping during the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in 2023, has emerged as a premier platform for fostering cultural diversity, heritage conservation, and international exchange. This year’s theme, “Revitalisation of Civilisation: Cultural Heritage and Diversity of Human Cultures,” highlights the critical role of cultural identity in promoting global unity and mutual understanding. Jacob’s participation underscores Grenada’s growing influence in cultural diplomacy. He has been invited to deliver the Feature Address at the World Poetry, Dance, Music, and Visual Art Salon, a highly anticipated segment of the forum. His presentation, titled “Shared Beauty, Shared Civilisation,” will explore how cultural exchange and artistic expression can bridge divides and foster global creativity and cooperation. Beyond the forum, Jacob’s itinerary includes cultural and educational visits to key Chinese cities, including Yiwu, Beijing, and Shanghai, where he will engage in discussions on heritage preservation, cultural tourism, and creative industry development. This trip represents a pivotal moment for Grenada, showcasing its cultural leadership in the Caribbean and its contributions to global civilisation.
-

Grenada Co-operative Bank Your Financial Future 2.0 Summit
Grenada Co-operative Bank Limited (GCBL), the nation’s sole indigenous commercial bank, took center stage as the Legacy Partner of *Your Financial Future 2.0*, a transformative financial wellness summit held on October 9, 2025. Organized by GoBlue Consulting, the event aimed to equip Grenadians with practical tools and expert insights to enhance their financial literacy and security. The summit featured a series of engaging sessions led by industry leaders, including GCBL’s Managing Director, Larry Lawrence, who delivered the opening keynote titled *The Wealth Within: Rewiring Your Money Mindset*. Lawrence delved into the psychology of financial behavior, shedding light on the mental and emotional factors that shape how individuals manage their finances. Jennifer Robertson, Executive Manager of Risk, led a breakout session titled *Crush the Debt Cycle: A Practical Reset*, offering actionable strategies to overcome debt. Dr. Aaron Logie, Executive Manager of Finance and Wealth Management, participated in a panel discussion on smart financial strategies tailored to today’s economic landscape. Tanya K Lambert, Corporate Secretary and Executive Manager of Legal, contributed to a panel on wills, trusts, and legacy planning. Beyond knowledge-sharing, GCBL seized the opportunity to engage with both current and prospective customers, showcasing its products and services while gathering valuable feedback on financial needs. Ericka Hosten, Manager of Marketing and Customer Insight, emphasized the bank’s commitment to community development, stating, ‘Financial education is a cornerstone of our outreach. We aim to empower our citizens with the tools they need to achieve financial wellbeing.’ The summit underscored GCBL’s dedication to fostering financial literacy and resilience among Grenadians.
-

Temporary road closure at Morne Longue Road, St Andrew
The Ministry of Infrastructure, Public Utilities, Civil Aviation and Transportation has announced a temporary closure of Morne Longue Road in St Andrew, effective from Monday, 20 October to Friday, 24 October 2025. The road will be closed daily between 9 pm and 9 am to facilitate urgent repairs on the Acrow Panel Bridge. These repairs are deemed critical to ensure the safety of the public and to maintain the structural stability of the bridge. During the closure, traffic management protocols will be implemented to reduce disruptions. Motorists are urged to adhere to diversion signs and utilize alternative routes. Pedestrians are also advised to exercise heightened caution in the vicinity. The Ministry has expressed regret for any inconvenience caused and seeks the public’s understanding and cooperation in this matter.
-

EC$7 million in First-Generation Scholarship awards
The Ministry of Education of Grenada celebrated its second First-Generation Scholarship Award Ceremony on October 10, 2025, at the Grenada Trade Centre Annex in Morne Rouge, St. George. The event marked the distribution of over $7 million in scholarships to 80 Grenadian students, enabling them to pursue higher education in fields such as accounting, criminal justice, business, healthcare, finance, sports management, hospitality, disaster management, and cybersecurity. This initiative, first launched in December 2024 for the 2025 academic year, is a collaborative effort between the Government of Grenada and Monroe University, targeting individuals who are the first in their families to attend university. Permanent Secretary Elvis Morain emphasized the transformative impact of the program, stating that it not only alleviates financial burdens but also fosters confidence and a sense of belonging. Education Minister Senator David Andrew highlighted the government’s goal of achieving one university graduate per household, citing Grenada’s 2021 census data, which revealed that only 3,960 individuals hold a first degree, 1,631 have a master’s, and 382 possess a doctorate. Minister Andrew underscored the government’s commitment to expanding access to higher education through partnerships like the one with Monroe University. Monroe University President Marc Jerome expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell and Minister Andrew for their investment in Grenadian students, while Senior Vice President Alex Ephrem emphasized the university’s practical, career-focused programs and unparalleled support services. Scholarship recipient Jenelle Morain thanked the Ministry of Education and Monroe University for their dedication to transforming lives through education. The scholarships cover tuition for online students and include accommodation for those attending Monroe’s campuses in St. Lucia and New York.
-

Connecting communities, government, and markets
When hurricanes devastate the Caribbean, recovery extends beyond rebuilding infrastructure. It hinges on the ability of farmers to replace lost livestock, fishers to access damaged docks, market vendors to preserve perishable goods, and tourism workers to survive prolonged hotel closures. These individuals are the backbone of local economies, yet they often face the longest delays in receiving aid. While governments and private insurers play crucial roles, they frequently fall short in addressing the immediate, small-scale needs of vulnerable workers. Governments focus on large-scale recovery efforts, such as repairing roads and restoring power grids, but struggle to swiftly address individual needs like restoring contaminated wells or replacing fishing equipment. Private insurers, on the other hand, cater primarily to businesses with formal assets, leaving informal workers—such as farmers without land titles or fishers with uninsured boats—without coverage. This gap in disaster response is where meso-level Climate and Disaster Risk Finance and Insurance (CDRFI) steps in. By linking government and insurance resources with the trust and reach of community organizations, meso-level CDRFI creates a more efficient and equitable recovery system. Community institutions, such as cooperatives and NGOs, act as direct links to vulnerable populations, identifying needs and distributing resources. Financial tools like parametric insurance and community savings funds are managed through these groups, ensuring faster and fairer payouts. Governments and private insurers provide broader support, making the system sustainable. Research by the Caribbean Policy Development Centre (CPDC) reveals that 79% of organizations serving vulnerable workers lack budgets for disaster response. Meso-level CDRFI empowers these organizations to access financial resources, deliver support directly, and reduce recovery time. Beyond financial aid, this approach fosters trust, transparency, and local decision-making, essential for long-term resilience. As climate risks escalate, meso-level CDRFI offers a practical solution to strengthen the Caribbean’s disaster response, ensuring that recovery is both swift and equitable.
-

GFNC’s Snack Attack: 5 high schools competing
The Grenada Food and Nutrition Council (GFNC) has unveiled the participating schools for the highly anticipated High Schools Snack Attack! competition. This innovative initiative aims to foster creativity, nutrition awareness, and entrepreneurial spirit among students by challenging them to develop healthy, market-ready snacks using locally sourced ingredients. The participating schools, listed alphabetically, include Bishop’s College, Carriacou; Grenada Boys’ Secondary School; Grenada Seventh Day Comprehensive School; J W Fletcher Catholic Secondary School; and Presentation Brothers’ College. The competition will provide students with expert mentorship, hands-on training, and opportunities to hone their business, teamwork, and marketing skills. The event will culminate in a Grand Finale and Awards Ceremony, where finalists will showcase their snack creations to judges and the public. By encouraging the use of local ingredients, Snack Attack! not only promotes healthier eating habits but also supports Grenada’s food and nutrition security. For more information about the GFNC and its initiatives, visit their official website or follow them on social media. To schedule a nutrition counselling session, contact the GFNC directly.
-

3rd Annual Regional Schools Investment Competition
High schools and first-year college students from across the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) are currently participating in the 3rd Annual Regional Schools Investment Competition. This innovative event, running from October 14 to November 7, 2025, offers students a unique opportunity to engage with the Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange (ECSE) and gain hands-on experience in securities market activities. The competition aims to foster financial literacy and investment skills among young people, preparing them for future roles in the region’s financial markets. The initiative is a collaborative effort between the ECSE, the Eastern Caribbean Securities Regulatory Commission (ECSRC), and licensed broker-dealers. Participants will compete for the prestigious title of Regional Schools Investment Champion, with the competition kicking off with an Education Webinar on October 2 and a detailed briefing on October 8. Now in its third year, the event aligns with the ECSE and ECSRC’s 24th anniversary, celebrated on October 19, 2025. Updates on the competition can be found on the ECSE’s official website and social media platforms.
-

Caribbean Sea: Zone of Peace and prosperity
The Caribbean Sea, a vital lifeline for numerous sovereign nations and dependent territories, is under threat as recent US military strikes on alleged drug-smuggling boats have sparked outrage and fear across the region. Since September 2, 2025, the US Southern Command has conducted four strikes in the southern Caribbean near Venezuela, resulting in at least 21 deaths. Washington justifies these actions as part of its fight against ‘narcoterrorism,’ targeting the Venezuelan gang ‘Tren de Aragua,’ which it designated a foreign terrorist organization in February 2025. However, these strikes have raised serious concerns about sovereignty, legality, and the potential for escalating militarization in a region historically committed to peace.
The Caribbean has long been a major transshipment route for narcotics moving from South America to North America, and regional nations have cooperated with the US in counter-narcotics efforts for decades. Yet, the recent strikes are deeply intertwined with the deteriorating US-Venezuela relations, which have worsened under successive US administrations. The deployment of 4,000 US troops near Venezuela’s coast has fueled speculation of a potential regime change, prompting Venezuela to declare a state of emergency and bolster its military defenses. Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro has also condemned the strikes, noting that Colombian nationals may have been among the victims.
The UN Security Council held an emergency session on October 10, 2025, at Venezuela’s request, but meaningful action is unlikely due to the US veto power. Critics, including Human Rights Watch, have condemned the strikes as extrajudicial killings and violations of international law, with no credible evidence provided to confirm the targeted vessels were involved in drug smuggling. There are fears that the victims could have been innocent migrants or fishermen.
The Caribbean Sea, though less than 1% of the world’s ocean area, accounts for 27% of the global ocean economy and 18% of regional GDP, according to the Inter-American Development Bank. Its waters are crucial for fisheries, tourism, shipping, and other industries. Escalating military tensions threaten the region’s blue economy, which many Caribbean nations are developing through sustainable fisheries, renewable energy, and maritime transport. Increased militarization could deter investment, disrupt livelihoods, and imperil future prosperity.
Historically, the Caribbean has prided itself on being a ‘Zone of Peace,’ a principle reaffirmed by regional leaders at the 80th UN General Assembly. However, cracks are emerging in the Caribbean Community (Caricom) unity, with Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar publicly supporting the US actions. Reports also suggest the US has approached Grenada to host radar equipment, further complicating regional solidarity.
Caricom must engage diplomatically with the US, leveraging support from the Caribbean diaspora, civil society, and international allies to prevent further escalation. Over 60 US civil society organizations have expressed concerns about the legality and morality of the strikes, while senior Democrats have demanded evidence. The UN has called for restraint, emphasizing that efforts to combat transnational crime must comply with international law.
The Caribbean must unite to defend its shared patrimony, ensuring that the Caribbean Sea remains a zone of peace and prosperity. Preserving this principle is not just a diplomatic goal but a moral, social, and economic necessity.
-

GARFIN monitoring CLICO payout after court ruling
In a significant development for thousands of policyholders, the Grenada Supreme Court has approved an initial distribution of approximately EC$9.5 million to CLICO International Life (CIL) policyholders, marking a long-awaited step toward financial recovery. The decision, announced on 12 May 2025, comes 14 years after the company’s collapse in 2011, which left many Grenadian families without life insurance benefits and retirement savings. Despite this progress, the payout represents only 6.59% of the total admitted claims, which amount to EC$144.9 million. The distribution follows a small claims scheme, with claims under EC$50 receiving no payment due to high processing costs, while claims between EC$50 and EC$1,000 will be paid in full. Policyholders with claims between EC$1,000 and EC$15,576 can choose between a lump sum payment of EC$1,000 or 5.5% of their total claim amount, while claims over EC$15,576 will receive 5.5% of their claim value. The Grenada Authority for the Regulations of Financial Institutions (GARFIN) has urged policyholders to review correspondence and respond promptly if they have not received personalized letters by 31 October 2025. The Judicial Manager has also launched a dedicated website to provide updates on the ongoing judicial process, ensuring transparency and communication with affected parties.
