Carib Scope

标签： Grenada

格林纳达

  • Greatness in Grenada

    Greatness in Grenada

    Grenada has recently been immersed in a vibrant celebration of its cultural identity through a series of national events, though concerns about preserving traditional practices have emerged alongside the festivities.

    The Workboat Regatta at Grand Anse beach showcased the island’s maritime heritage, where veteran boat builders shared their expertise. Lennox (Leonard Julien) of Woburn, an 82-year-old craftsman, expressed disappointment about being unable to fund repairs for his boat this year. Joseph Paris of Grand Mal demonstrated innovative boat-building techniques using bamboo masts and recycled sails. Both veterans voiced concerns about declining participation, noting that only Woburn and Gouyave communities were represented this year compared to broader regional involvement in previous years.

    Simultaneously, Independence celebrations filled the streets with displays of national pride. The red, green, and gold colors adorned costumes from preschool children to adults, while the aroma of traditional oil down cuisine permeated the island. The Spice Garden at Laura in St. David offered educational tours highlighting the medicinal value of local herbs, with Agriculture Ministry recognizing them as ‘minor spices’ despite their significant cultural importance.

    The cultural scene continued with the St. Paul’s Extravaganza featuring music, dance, and local crafts. The Conception Dance Company presented a reinterpretation of traditional dance, combining white dresses and broad-brimmed hats with symbolic ‘one good foot and one cow foot’ movements. Local artisans displayed unique jewelry made from upcycled natural materials, while artists exhibited paintings that found their way into Grenadian homes.

    A moment of national pride occurred when Grenada’s flag appeared during Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show, showcasing the country alongside other Americas nations. The author also recounted a personal experience where community members quickly assisted after a vehicle accident, demonstrating the Grenadian spirit of mutual support.

    Despite these celebrations, organizers emphasized the need for greater institutional support to preserve these cultural traditions for future generations.

  • Sandals 10-week Hospitality Training Programme

    Sandals 10-week Hospitality Training Programme

    Sandals Resorts International has unveiled an ambitious hospitality training program specifically designed to cultivate the next generation of Caribbean tourism professionals. The comprehensive 10-week initiative combines technical expertise with essential soft skills development, creating a pathway for young Caribbean nationals to enter the thriving hospitality industry.

    The program offers specialized training tracks across five critical hospitality sectors: Food & Beverage services, Rooms Division management, Engineering maintenance, Landscaping design, and Administrative operations. This multi-disciplinary approach ensures participants receive industry-relevant training tailored to various hospitality career paths.

    Successful candidates will benefit from an extensive package that includes professional soft skills development, hands-on practical training opportunities, a recognized Sandals certification upon completion, and eligibility for potential employment based on organizational needs. Participants will also receive a formal letter of recommendation and a stipend during the training period.

    Eligibility requirements stipulate that applicants must be Caribbean nationals aged 18-30 with a genuine interest in hospitality careers. The program welcomes both individuals with formal training and those without previous experience, making it accessible to a diverse range of candidates. Essential prerequisites include CXC Mathematics and English qualifications, valid identification documentation, and a current Food Handlers Permit.

    Prospective applicants must submit their resumes to the designated email address [email protected] before the February 13, 2026 deadline. This initiative represents a significant investment in Caribbean human resource development and regional tourism sustainability.

  • Burning Flames to headline Love Fest this Valentine’s Day

    Burning Flames to headline Love Fest this Valentine’s Day

    Grenada’s premier Valentine’s Day celebration, Love Fest, is set to deliver an unforgettable musical experience on February 14, 2026, at the scenic Quarantine Point Recreational Park. The festival has confirmed legendary Antiguan Soca band Burning Flames as its headline act, alongside a diverse lineup of Caribbean talent that promises to transform the picturesque peninsula into a vibrant cultural hub.

    Adding significant star power to the event, Reggae artist and actor Matthew Malcolm—known for his appearance in the 2024 Bob Marley biopic ‘One Love’—joins the roster, enhancing the festival’s cross-cultural appeal. This strategic addition reflects Love Fest’s commitment to showcasing both established regional entertainers and Grenadian performers.

    Now firmly established on Grenada’s annual events calendar, the festival will feature five live acts spanning multiple genres including Soca, Reggae, Soul, Pop, R&B, and traditional steelpan performances. The complete lineup includes Sabrina Francis with the Treehouse Band, Rita & Ultimate Perfections Band, and the River Road Pan Wizards steel orchestra, complemented by DJ sets from Turbo, Graphix Sound, and Fearless Kevon.

    Festival Director Chrislyn Lashington emphasized the event’s evolving creative vision: ‘Love Fest continues to grow as a space where music, culture, and genuine connection converge. By welcoming regional entertainers alongside our Grenadian stars, we present a program that honors our rich Caribbean musical heritage while creating new cultural dialogues.’

    Beyond the musical performances, Love Fest 2026 will offer immersive lifestyle experiences including chocolate-making workshops, candle-making sessions, a curated food village, specialty cocktail bars, and thoughtfully designed décor that enhances the open-air waterfront setting. The event caters to individuals, couples, and groups seeking a distinctive Valentine’s celebration.

    Produced by Upstage, the festival is extending its impact through educational initiatives that facilitate cultural exchanges between visiting artists and Grenadian creatives and students. These programs encourage artistic development, cross-cultural understanding, and professional growth opportunities for emerging talents.

    The event enjoys support from multiple partners including the Lashington Agency, Grenada Office of Creative Affairs, Netherlands Insurance, Sunrise Airways, and the Grenada Tourism Authority, among others. Tickets are available through various physical outlets including Grenadian Optical, Esther’s Bar, and Kalico Supermarkets, as well as online via Eventbrite and Go2Fete.com.

  • Valentine morning Spice Isle Coffee & Canvas paint event

    Valentine morning Spice Isle Coffee & Canvas paint event

    Sans Souci Arts Studio artist Suelin Low Chew Tung has partnered with Spice Isle Coffee roasters to launch an innovative creative workshop series blending art education with coffee culture. The Coffee & Canvas sessions will run from February through April at Café Emporium in Grand Anse’s Galleria Mall, offering unique Thursday evening (4:30-6:30 PM) and Saturday morning (9:30-11:30 AM) experiences.

    Participants will enjoy a relaxed, pressure-free environment where no prior artistic experience is required. Each EC$95 workshop includes all necessary art supplies and a complimentary artisanal non-alcoholic beverage from Spice Isle Coffee. The sessions feature a brief educational component about coffee origins and processing, followed by guided mixed-media painting instruction accompanied by historical insights about Grenada.

    The series launches with a Valentine-themed event on February 14th, welcoming individuals, couples, friends, and family members (ages 18+). Subsequent workshops will feature seasonal themes including a Revolution remembrance event in March and Easter-themed sessions in April. Organizers emphasize the program’s dual purpose of fostering creativity while supporting local businesses, encouraging participants to patronize the coffee bar.

    With limited seating available on a first-come, first-served basis, interested participants must register in advance through the provided registration form. The initiative represents a growing trend of experiential entertainment combining culinary arts with creative expression in community settings.

  • Carriacou and Petite Martinique celebrate community excellence

    Carriacou and Petite Martinique celebrate community excellence

    Hillsborough’s Mermaid Beach Hotel served as the distinguished venue for Grenada’s Independence Awards and Cocktail ceremony, a highlight of the nation’s 52nd anniversary celebrations. The event, orchestrated by the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, honored exceptional individuals and organizations that have significantly enriched community development and preserved national heritage.

    Held under the inspiring national theme ‘Grenada at 52: Anchored in Faith Guided by Purpose,’ the ceremony showcased excellence across multiple domains. Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs and Local Government personally acknowledged all award recipients, emphasizing their profound impact on Grenadian society.

    The awards presentation celebrated diverse local achievements: Kellis Andrews and Ashareah Enoe received Excellence in Sports awards; cultural preservationist Fimbar ‘Shortparrow’ Andrews was named Cultural Ambassador; EA Goldhill was recognized for Community Service; and entrepreneurs Ken & Kenny Regis received the Entrepreneur Award for their business accomplishments.

    The Minister’s Special Award featured multiple distinguished recipients including the Carriacou Animal Hospital, Henry Stiell, dedicated Grenlec workers, and Hyacinth ‘Slim’ Mathurine, highlighting their extraordinary contributions to community welfare.

    The successful event was supported by key local partners including the National Lotteries Authority (NLA), Paddy’s Enterprises & Hardware, Grenada Development Bank, and Nexa Credit Union, whose sponsorship demonstrated strong commitment to celebrating local excellence.

    The celebratory evening was enhanced by musical performances from Lyndon Langdon, a saxophonist from the Royal Grenada Police Force Band, and live entertainment provided by the A1 Band, creating a memorable atmosphere of national pride and celebration.

  • GFNC supports youth art and nutrition education in St David

    GFNC supports youth art and nutrition education in St David

    The Grenada Food and Nutrition Council (GFNC) played a pivotal role in supporting a groundbreaking art competition during Diabetes Awareness Month, partnering with the Grenada Diabetes Association’s St David’s branch and local educational institutions. The initiative successfully merged artistic creativity with crucial health messaging for Grenada’s youth.

    The award ceremony, held on February 4, 2026, at St Theresa RC School, coincided with the institution’s first Parent-Teacher Association meeting of the year. The event gathered students, parents, educators, and health advocates to celebrate both artistic achievement and the importance of healthy living practices.

    GFNC’s comprehensive support included educational resources and practical tools for sustainable nutrition education. The council distributed specially designed 2026-2027 Food Based Dietary Guideline-themed calendars to award recipients and school leadership. Additionally, GFNC provided extensive nutritional education materials to the PTA and facilitated an expert presentation by Nutritionist Masha Benjamin-Hunte, who offered practical strategies for incorporating fruits and vegetables into children’s daily diets.

    The competition featured age-appropriate creative activities that effectively connected artistic expression with nutritional education. Four-year-old participants engaged with GFNC-designed activity sheets, coloring various fruits and vegetables to learn identification through interactive fun. Older students, divided into 5-8 and 9-12 age groups, created original artwork based on two thematic concepts: “My Lunchbox from the Garden” showcasing healthy local items like guava, banana, mango, and breadfruit chips, and “Shop Local, Snack Local” depicting local markets and home kitchens utilizing regional produce.

    The competition recognized outstanding participants across all age categories. In the 4-year-old division, Shawn Hazzard claimed first place, followed by Rhea Victor and Kayson Wilson. Among 5-8-year-olds, Lily Charles earned top honors with Kalisha Honore and Savana Joseph receiving second and third places respectively. The 9-12 category saw Samera Bartholomew secure first place, with Renisha Antoine and Wyhatt St Bernard completing the top three positions.

    This innovative approach demonstrates GFNC’s ongoing commitment to developing engaging, educational experiences that address nutrition security and diabetes prevention through creative, community-based initiatives.

  • Nawasa: Network upgrade works

    Nawasa: Network upgrade works

    The National Water and Sewerage Authority (Nawasa) has announced the official commencement of its significant network enhancement project along the Mt Kumar to Tempe corridor in St George, scheduled for Monday, February 9, 2026. This long-anticipated infrastructure improvement will impact multiple communities including Snug Corner, La Mode, Hubbard’s, and the De Caul Service Centre.

    In coordination with the Royal Grenada Police Force and contracted partners, Nawasa has developed an extensive traffic management strategy to maintain safe transit for both vehicles and pedestrians throughout the construction period. The carefully designed plan emphasizes public safety protocols while ensuring uninterrupted access to essential services and minimizing interference during high-traffic hours.

    Construction-related traffic controls will be implemented following the morning rush hour to alleviate potential congestion. Adaptive management approaches will be employed based on roadway dimensions, topographic challenges, and construction requirements, utilizing both one-way traffic systems and stop-and-go operations as conditions dictate.

    Certified traffic wardens will be positioned at all active construction zones to facilitate orderly movement, with dynamic adjustments to traffic patterns based on real-time volume assessments and evolving safety considerations. Nawasa expresses appreciation for public understanding and cooperation during this essential water infrastructure modernization initiative.

  • OECS celebrates 52 years of Independence with Grenada

    OECS celebrates 52 years of Independence with Grenada

    The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission has extended heartfelt congratulations to Grenada on its 52nd anniversary of independence, recognizing the nation’s remarkable journey under the theme ‘Grenada at 52: Anchored in Faith, Guided by Purpose.’ This milestone celebration highlights Grenada’s enduring commitment to navigating complex climatic, political, economic, and diplomatic challenges with characteristic resilience and dignity.

    Dr. Didacus Jules, Director General of the OECS, delivered a poignant message applauding Grenada’s developmental trajectory over five decades. He emphasized that independence represents an ongoing process of renewal rather than a static historical event. ‘Grenada has demonstrated that small size does not equate to small ambition,’ Jules noted, ‘and that sovereignty is strengthened, not weakened, when exercised responsibly and collectively.’

    The independence theme resonates profoundly across the Eastern Caribbean region, serving as both inspiration and strategic guidance for member states confronting similar challenges. Dr. Jules elaborated on the philosophical depth of Grenada’s chosen theme: ‘To be anchored in faith is to refuse fatalism—to insist that history is not only something that happens to us, but something we actively shape. To be guided by purpose is to engage the world with openness but also discernment.’

    Jules further highlighted Grenada’s regional leadership role, stating that unity among small states constitutes their ‘strongest currency in a world of unequal power.’ He called for renewed resolve in strengthening institutions, investing in human capital, expanding regional cooperation, and engaging global partners through frameworks that acknowledge both vulnerabilities and value.

    The OECS Commission encourages regional participation in celebrating Grenada’s achievements in unity, innovation, and shared prosperity as the nation enters its 53rd year of sovereign development.

  • Grenadian Shaquane Toussaint named USTFCCCA Athlete of the Week

    Grenadian Shaquane Toussaint named USTFCCCA Athlete of the Week

    Shaquane Toussaint, a freshman student-athlete from Mount Rodney, St. Patrick, Grenada, has achieved extraordinary success during his inaugural semester at Monroe University. The Mac Donald College (Sauteurs) graduate has distinguished himself as a standout performer on the university’s men’s track and field team, earning national recognition from the prestigious U.S. Track & Field and Cross-Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).

    Toussaint’s exceptional athletic performance has garnered him the highly competitive Athlete of the Week honor, a distinction previously achieved by only two other Monroe University athletes throughout the institution’s history. This accomplishment becomes particularly remarkable considering his status as a first-semester freshman competing at the collegiate level.

    Beyond his athletic prowess, Toussaint demonstrates equal excellence in academic pursuits. As a Computer Information Systems major at Monroe’s New Rochelle, NY campus, he maintains strong academic performance while balancing the demands of elite collegiate athletics.

    University officials expressed immense pride in Toussaint’s multidimensional achievements, highlighting his discipline, sportsmanship, leadership qualities, and natural talent. The Grenadian student-athlete not only represents Monroe University with distinction but also serves as an international ambassador for his home country on the collegiate athletic stage.

  • Grenada and Bangladesh establish diplomatic ties

    Grenada and Bangladesh establish diplomatic ties

    In a landmark ceremony held in London on February 5, 2026, Grenada and the People’s Republic of Bangladesh formally established diplomatic relations, creating a strategic bridge between the Caribbean and South Asia. The signing event marked a significant expansion of Grenada’s global engagement and represented a powerful demonstration of South-South cooperation.

    High Commissioner Rachér Croney, representing Grenada to the United Kingdom, and her Bangladeshi counterpart High Commissioner Abida Islam executed the diplomatic agreement at the Grenada High Commission in London. This partnership establishes a comprehensive framework for bilateral collaboration across multiple sectors including trade and investment, agricultural development, climate resilience, educational exchange, pharmaceutical cooperation, and cultural diplomacy.

    Bangladesh brings to this partnership its remarkable economic trajectory as one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies, with particular strengths in textile manufacturing, pharmaceutical production, and digital innovation. Both nations share critical common ground as climate-vulnerable maritime states and active Commonwealth members, having both joined the United Nations on the same date—September 17, 1974.

    High Commissioner Croney emphasized the partnership’s significance as “a powerful affirmation of the growing solidarity among nations of the Global South” and highlighted the shared perspective both countries bring to global climate discussions. She noted their common vulnerability to climate impacts and commitment to placing “people, equity, and the planet at the centre of global decision-making.”

    High Commissioner Islam characterized the agreement as opening “a new era of South-South cooperation,” referencing the countries’ unique historical parallel as UN members and their shared commitment to climate justice. She outlined specific cooperation areas including disaster resilience, blue economy development, pharmaceutical trade, and educational exchange.

    This diplomatic achievement represents Grenada’s third recent bilateral establishment, following similar agreements with Jordan and Gambia in 2025, all facilitated through London diplomatic channels. The partnership signals both nations’ commitment to expanding their international networks and leveraging shared values for mutual development and stronger global advocacy.