Carib Scope

标签： Grenada

格林纳达

  • Strong winds advisory: Saturday, 16 May (1 pm)

    Strong winds advisory: Saturday, 16 May (1 pm)

    The Grenada Meteorological Service has issued an official advisory as it continues to monitor moderate to strong wind conditions across the island nation, driven by a sharp contrast in atmospheric pressure across the region. According to meteorological analysis, a tight pressure gradient formed between a strong 1031 millibar high-pressure system positioned over the Atlantic Ocean and a 1008 millibar low-pressure system located off northern Colombia is the primary force sustaining these intense wind conditions across the Eastern Caribbean.

    For the island of Grenada specifically, the forecast through the duration of this event calls for generally fair overall weather, but sustained windy and hazy conditions will persist alongside the stable air mass. Compounding the wind-related risks, a formal marine advisory remains in effect, as forecasters project that powerful easterly swells will generate open-ocean waves reaching heights of up to 9 feet.

    Meteorologists have outlined multiple potential hazards that residents and visitors should prepare for in the coming days. On land, gusty strong winds are capable of dislodging unsecured loose objects, sending them flying into pedestrian or vehicle pathways. The sustained wind speeds also raise the risk of snapping tree branches and felling entire unstable trees across the island. At sea, the combination of strong winds and large swells will create choppy, moderate to rough sea conditions that pose threats to multiple groups, including local commercial and recreational fishermen, beachgoers gathered along exposed coastlines, operators of small sailboats, and all other users of small watercraft.

    In its public advisory, the Meteorological Service has urged all people in Grenada to exercise key precautions to avoid injury or property damage. Residents are advised to remain alert for falling broken branches, toppled trees, and airborne loose debris while traveling or spending time outdoors. For marine users, the agency emphasizes extra caution for vulnerable small craft, particularly during periods of high tide when water levels amplify already dangerous sea conditions.

    This advisory was issued jointly through coordination with the Grenada Airports Authority (MBIA). NOW Grenada, the distributor of this advisory, notes that it holds no responsibility for the content or opinions of third-party contributor materials, and directs users to official reporting channels to flag any abusive content related to this weather update.

  • International Day of Families 2026 National Address

    International Day of Families 2026 National Address

    As the people of Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique mark the 2026 International Day of Families, the country’s Minister for Social and Community Development, Housing and Gender Affairs, Hon. Gloria Ann Thomas, has delivered a national address calling for unified reflection and urgent action to address systemic family inequalities that threaten child wellbeing across the nation.

    This year’s global observance centers on the theme “Family Inequalities and Child Wellbeing”, a framing that Thomas says matches the pressing domestic priorities facing Grenada. In her remarks, she emphasized that the strength and prosperity of the entire nation are inherently rooted in the stability and wellbeing of its family units. As the foundational building block of every community, families serve as the first source of care, mentorship, and safety for children, laying the groundwork for their long-term growth and success. But Thomas made clear that this foundational role is undermined by deep, persistent inequities that shape outcomes for thousands of households across the country.

    These disparities are not abstract statistics, the minister argued. Gaps in income, access to affordable housing, quality public services, and formal family support systems create unequal starting points for children and parents alike. These gaps play out in tangible, daily ways: a child showing up to school unable to focus because their basic needs have not been met, a household facing crisis without any social safety net to turn to for help. Left unaddressed, these inequities do not only harm individual families—they erode long-term child development outcomes, drag down educational attainment across the population, and put broader social stability at risk.

    Thomas outlined that the Grenadian government has centered family strengthening as a core policy priority, rolling out targeted interventions to expand opportunity for marginalized households. These investments include expanded social support programs, community-led outreach initiatives, and evidence-based parenting education programmes designed to equip caregivers with the resources they need to build safe, nurturing home environments. The government remains committed to expanding these efforts, she added, noting that stable, secure housing and targeted protection for at-risk vulnerable family members are non-negotiable components of holistic family wellbeing that the state will continue to prioritize.

    Crucially, the minister stressed that addressing family inequality cannot be achieved by the government alone. Meaningful, sustainable progress requires shared collective responsibility, with active engagement from local community groups, civil society organizations, the private sector, and individual households across Grenada. Urgent, clear action is needed to confront the interconnected issues that weaken family stability, including gender-based and domestic violence, child neglect, and widespread economic hardship that pushes vulnerable households into crisis. Sustainable change demands both proactive intervention for families already facing harm and long-term prevention strategies, supported by continued public investment, cross-sector coordination, and consistent, decisive policy action.

    Even as she called for urgent action to address gaps, Thomas highlighted the extraordinary resilience that Grenadian families have demonstrated in the face of ongoing challenges. Countless households across the country show incredible strength, creativity, and unwavering dedication to their children, even when navigating systemic barriers and economic hardship. This inherent resilience deserves to be supported by responsive, effective public systems that meet families where they are, rather than leaving them to struggle alone.

    As the country marks this International Day of Families, Thomas called on all citizens to move from reflection to tangible commitment. She urged the nation to unite around a shared goal of reducing systemic family inequality, building a more inclusive society where every family receives the support they need, and every child has the opportunity to grow and thrive.

    “The well-being of our children remains the truest measure of our nation’s progress,” Thomas said. “A strong, inclusive future begins with strong families.”

    She closed her address by extending gratitude to the people of Grenada and offering a blessing for the nation’s continued prosperity. This address was published by NOW Grenada, which notes that it is not responsible for the opinions and statements shared by contributing public figures.

  • Project 500 officially announces the sale of homes in First Phase of Dunfermline Housing Development

    Project 500 officially announces the sale of homes in First Phase of Dunfermline Housing Development

    Grenada has reached a landmark step in its mission to expand access to affordable, climate-resilient housing for local families, as Project 500 has officially opened sales for the first tranche of homes at its flagship Dunfermline development. This pilot initiative, which aims to redefine accessible homeownership for middle-income and first-time buyers, is now entering a critical assessment period that will shape the future of affordable housing policy across the island nation.

    Randall Dolland, the sponsor of Project 500, framed the launch of home sales as one of the most pivotal milestones of the entire pilot program. With sales now open, the initiative can begin collecting real-world data on market demand and accessibility for buyers who meet the program’s eligibility requirements. “We are proud to officially announce the sale of homes within the first phase of the Project 500 Housing Programme in Dunfermline,” Dolland said in a statement. “This phase allows us to evaluate the viability of these homes for hardworking Grenadian families who have increasingly found themselves priced out of the traditional housing market, but still deserve the opportunity to own a modern, desirable, climate-smart home within a properly planned community.”

    Prospective buyers are invited to review the program’s eligibility requirements and submit their applications through a dedicated online portal. Once an application is received, the Housing Authority of Grenada (HAG) will guide candidates through all subsequent steps, including assembling the required documentation to secure mortgage financing through their chosen financial institution.

    Project 500 officials confirmed that eligibility rules were carefully crafted to ensure homes reach the initiative’s core target groups: first-time property buyers and middle-income Grenadian families working toward a realistic path to homeownership. To qualify, applicants must meet all of the following criteria: hold Grenadian citizenship and be current residents of the country, be at least 18 years of age, have a total gross monthly household income that does not exceed 7,500 Eastern Caribbean dollars, can prove a stable and verifiable source of income, do not currently own or co-own any residential property anywhere in the world, and agree to occupy the home as their primary and permanent residence. Additional requirements mandate that married applicants submit joint applications, and successful buyers must remain the sole approved deed holders for the property for the duration of the program.

    Under the pilot phase allocation framework, half of all available first-phase homes are reserved for families that currently live in St Andrew parish. The remaining units are split evenly between public sector employees and private sector workers, expanding access across different professional groups.

    Every home in the development was designed with long-term sustainability and climate resilience at its core. Built to withstand changing climate conditions, the properties include a suite of climate-smart features: upgraded insulation to reduce temperature control costs, low-flow plumbing fixtures to cut water usage, and on-site solar energy systems that lower monthly utility expenses while shrinking the development’s carbon footprint. Beyond individual home features, the entire neighborhood was master-planned to deliver safe, high-quality living spaces for residents. Each lot measures a minimum of 4,700 square feet, and the development includes newly constructed roads, sidewalks, modern drainage infrastructure, full public utility connections, dedicated public green spaces, and at least two off-street parking spots per home.

    Dolland emphasized that the initiative extends far beyond simply constructing new residential units. “Our intention was not simply to place a roof over someone’s head,” he added. “Our goal was to create homes and communities that families can truly be proud of, places of comfort, dignity, security and opportunity. Places where children can grow, families can thrive, and generational wealth can become attainable for many Grenadians who once believed home-ownership was beyond their reach.”

    Looking ahead, Project 500 leadership confirmed that data and insights collected during this first pilot phase will guide all future expansion of the program. As the initiative scales, officials aim to deliver more affordable, climate-resilient, and sustainable housing solutions to eligible families across all of Grenada.

    This article was published by NOW Grenada, which notes that it is not responsible for the opinions and statements shared by contributing parties, and provides a channel for users to report any content that violates platform policies.

  • International HR Day virtual celebration on 20 May 2026

    International HR Day virtual celebration on 20 May 2026

    What started as a global initiative to honor the unsung work of human resources professionals has grown into a beloved annual community gathering in Grenada, thanks to the dedication of a local HR consultancy.

    International HR Day was first established back in 2019 by the European Association of People Management (EAPM), created with a clear, enduring mission: to formally recognize and celebrate the critical contributions that HR and people professionals make to workplaces and industries across the globe. It took until 2023 for the initiative to capture the attention of Grenada-based J’s HR Consultancy, which immediately recognized it as a valuable opportunity to shine a spotlight on the vital work done by local HR practitioners across the Caribbean island nation.

    After embracing the project in 2023, the consultancy launched its first virtual celebration of International HR Day in 2024, followed by a second gathering in 2025. Both events succeeded in sparking widespread enthusiasm across Grenada’s HR community, drawing 30 to 40 practicing professionals to each session. Following both events, attendee feedback consistently reflected a strong demand for more regular networking and recognition opportunities for the island’s HR sector.

    Building on that momentum, J’s HR Consultancy has announced its third annual virtual International HR Day event, scheduled to take place via Zoom on May 20 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. local time. The free event is supported by Grenada’s growing local HR community, and will feature a lineup of special programming designed to honor and inspire local practitioners. Attendees will hear motivational keynote messages from some of Grenada’s most prominent local business leaders, and will receive special greetings from two cross-regional HR leadership figures: the President of the Human Resource Management Association of Guyana, and the President of the Association of HRM Professionals of St Lucia.

    Beyond professional insights, the event will also offer attendees space to relax, connect with peers, and reflect on their work over the past year, with several attractive raffle prizes up for grabs. J’s HR Consultancy has credited a diverse group of local corporate and community sponsors for making the event and its giveaways possible, including Women’s Haven, Caulco Inc – Cauls Food Store, Belmont Estate, True Blue Bay Boutique Resort, McIntyre Bros Ltd, ACADO Grenada, and NOW Grenada.

    As the event date approaches, J’s HR Consultancy founder and lead consultant Janel Jeremiah encouraged HR professionals across Grenada to prioritize their own professional growth, and to continue driving positive change within their organizations even amid ongoing industry challenges. The consultancy is also inviting local employers to partner with the organization to help make this year’s International HR Day celebration a memorable experience for all HR and people professionals across the country.

    HR professionals interested in attending can register for the free event at the following link: https://forms.gle/YTkWzRC88FKe3Ycc7.

    This announcement is a contributed piece published via NOW Grenada. NOW Grenada does not take responsibility for opinions, statements, or any third-party media content shared by contributors. Readers can report any concerning abusive content via the platform’s official reporting channel.

  • Grenada advances trade and investment agenda in Ireland

    Grenada advances trade and investment agenda in Ireland

    Grenada’s newly appointed Ambassador to Ireland, Rachér Croney, who also serves as the country’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, has concluded her first official working visit to the Republic of Ireland. The milestone trip centered on her participation in one of the region’s most high-profile annual economic gatherings linking Ireland with the Caribbean and Latin America, where she held in-depth discussions with senior Irish government leaders and pushed forward Grenada’s core trade and investment priorities.

    Croney took part in the 2026 Ireland–Latin America and the Caribbean Trade Horizons Forum, hosted on May 13 at Dublin’s iconic Croke Park. The cross-regional gathering was jointly organized by Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, built around the central theme of “Trade, Investment, Prosperity: Growing the Ireland–Latin America and the Caribbean Economic Partnership.”

    The forum brought together a diverse cross-section of stakeholders, including cabinet ministers, trade agency leaders, C-suite business executives, global investors, and diplomatic representatives from Ireland and 30-plus nations across Latin America and the Caribbean. This year’s agenda focused on four core thematic areas that align directly with Grenada’s long-term economic development goals.

    The first thematic track, Partnership in a Changing Global Economy, explored pathways for small developing Caribbean economies to adapt to and capitalize on shifting global trade dynamics through structured bilateral collaboration with Ireland. The second track, Innovation Driving Growth, examined how Ireland’s world-leading innovation ecosystem can open new market and development opportunities for Caribbean nations via targeted foreign investment and cross-border knowledge sharing. The third track, Technology and Collaboration, centered on deepening tech-focused partnerships between Irish and Caribbean private sectors, a priority that matches Grenada’s ongoing push to expand and grow its domestic digital economy. The final track, Food and Agriculture Opportunities, hosted substantive discussions on unlocking untapped agri-food trade potential, with input from top Irish agribusinesses and leading academic researchers, a topic directly tied to Grenada’s efforts to modernize its agricultural sector and boost agricultural export volumes.

    In addition to breakout working sessions, the forum featured major keynote addresses from Christopher Sinckler, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Barbados, and Delano Seiveright, Minister of State for Industry, Investment and Commerce of Jamaica. Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin delivered a formal welcome message to attending delegates, while Ireland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Helen McEntee TD delivered closing remarks to conclude the two-day gathering.

    Croney’s appointment as Grenada’s first resident-connected Ambassador to Ireland marks a key step in deepening longstanding bilateral ties between the two island nations. Her inaugural official visit created a critical opportunity to formalize Grenada’s diplomatic presence in Dublin, establish open communication channels with senior Irish government stakeholders, and raise Grenada’s profile within Ireland’s expanding economic partnership framework with the wider Caribbean region.

    During her time in Dublin, Croney held one-on-one and small-group engagements with senior Irish government officials to advance conversations around areas of shared mutual interest, including bilateral trade, targeted foreign investment, and development cooperation. These discussions laid solid foundational groundwork for a more structured, productive bilateral relationship between Grenada and Ireland in the coming years.

    Speaking following her participation in the forum, Croney emphasized the strategic value of the gathering for small island developing states: “Ireland presents real, tangible opportunities for Grenada, and participation in this Latin America and Caribbean trade forum ensures that we have a seat at the table. It allows us to actively contribute to shaping the Caribbean SIDS Strategy and the design of future investment initiatives that will benefit our entire region.”

    Ireland has emerged as a global hub for high-growth sectors including advanced technology, pharmaceuticals, agri-food processing, and international financial services — all sectors that align directly with Grenada’s goals to attract targeted foreign investment and diversify its traditional tourism-dependent economy. Croney’s active, high-profile participation in the forum sent a clear signal to both the Irish government and Irish business community that Grenada is a committed, proactive, and accessible trade and investment partner.

    The outcomes of Croney’s visit, from formal forum sessions to bilateral meetings and cross-stakeholder diplomatic engagement, form part of a sustained, long-term outreach effort led by Grenada’s High Commission in London to ensure the country is represented at key global and regional forums where economic partnerships and policy decisions are shaped.

    This report was issued by the High Commission for Grenada, UK.

  • Grenada to compete in Roger Boyce Classic Semi Pro and IFBB Pro World Cup

    Grenada to compete in Roger Boyce Classic Semi Pro and IFBB Pro World Cup

    The Grenada Bodybuilding, Weightlifting and Fitness Federation (GBBWF) has formally named and deployed an eight-athlete contingent to Barbados for two of the Caribbean region’s most anticipated elite bodybuilding competitions: the Roger Boyce Classic Semi Pro and the IFBB Pro World Cup, scheduled to run from May 14 to 16, 2026.

    Departing their home island with high ambitions and months of focused training behind them, the team brings Grenada’s top competitive bodybuilding talent to an international stage where they will face off against the top athletes from across the Caribbean. The delegation is led by GBBWF President Cecil Mitchell and IFBB-certified professional coach Vonne Francis, who will guide the mixed lineup of elite professional and amateur-semi professional competitors across two event divisions: Men’s Physique and open Bodybuilding.

    In the Elite Pros Men’s Physique category, Grenada will be represented by three seasoned athletes: Odel Cato, Grantley Charles, and Renaldo Parkes. The Amateur/Semi Pro division features four Men’s Physique competitors — Javon Joseph, Shonric Felix, Rashid Bridgeman, and Daniel Louison — alongside Kevon Frederick, who will compete for honors in open Bodybuilding.

    The 2026 outing comes on the heels of a breakout 2025 competitive season for Grenada’s bodyboarding program, which delivered a string of standout results that cemented the nation’s growing status as a dominant regional force in the sport. Last year, Grenadian athletes secured multiple top-three finishes at major regional events, earned two coveted IFBB Pro Cards and two additional SemiPro cards — results that turned heads across the international bodybuilding community and raised expectations for this year’s delegation.

    GBBWF officials have voiced full confidence in the team’s preparation for the Barbados competitions, and extended formal appreciation to individual supporters, corporate sponsors, and the Grenadian public for their ongoing backing of the nation’s bodybuilding program. Ahead of the team’s departure, the federation issued a statement wishing all athletes safe travel and strong performances as they represent Grenada on the regional competitive stage.

    This report from NOW Grenada carries a standard content disclaimer: the outlet is not liable for personal opinions, statements, or third-party contributor content, and invites users to report any violating content via official platform channels.

  • REOI: OECS Data for Decision Making Project – Consulting Services, Individual Consultant

    REOI: OECS Data for Decision Making Project – Consulting Services, Individual Consultant

    Grenada’s Central Statistical Office (CSO) has launched a call for expressions of interest from qualified individual consultants to fill a 12-month Communications and Stakeholder Support Officer role, embedded within the regional Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Data for Decision Making (DDM) Project. Backed by World Bank financing, this cross-national initiative is designed to upgrade statistical infrastructure across participating OECS member states, with a core goal of strengthening local systems to produce, analyze, and share high-quality official data that underpins evidence-based policy and public decision-making.

    As the national implementing body for Grenada’s component of the project, the CSO is currently gearing up to roll out two high-priority national surveys: the combined Survey of Living Conditions and Household Budget Survey (SLC–HBS), and the regular Labour Force Survey (LFS). For these large-scale data collection efforts to deliver accurate, representative results, broad public participation and clear buy-in from key stakeholders are non-negotiable. To meet this need, the CSO has identified a gap in targeted communications capacity, requiring a dedicated specialist to lead outreach, public sensitization, and stakeholder coordination to boost participation rates and maintain data integrity.

    The selected consultant will operate under the direct supervision of the CSO Director of Statistics, working in lockstep with the office’s technical teams and other project-appointed consultants. The role’s scope spans five core functional areas, starting with leading communications and outreach for the two flagship surveys. This includes developing accessible public education materials — from frequently asked questions and radio broadcast scripts to social media content and key talking points — supporting on-the-ground outreach such as media interviews, community information sessions, and stakeholder briefings, and monitoring public feedback to flag emerging communication risks to project leadership.

    Second, the consultant will serve as the CSO’s official focal point for the project’s broader Strategic Communications Consultancy, coordinating input, feedback, and scheduling between the external firm and CSO teams to ensure all communications outputs align with the office’s on-the-ground operational needs. Third, the role covers ongoing public relations and communications support, including drafting press releases, social media content, briefing notes, public notices, and talking points, helping to standardize consistent, accurate messaging around official statistics, and growing public awareness of the CSO’s work and data products.

    Fourth, the consultant will provide coordination and administrative support, maintaining up-to-date activity trackers, schedules, and stakeholder contact lists, supporting logistics for project meetings, workshops, media events, and public consultations, and preparing correspondence, meeting minutes, and follow-up documentation. Finally, the specialist will support project monitoring and reporting, tracking the implementation of all communications activities, preparing regular progress updates, maintaining organized records of all communications outputs and engagement activities, and supporting documentation for project reporting and audit requirements.

    By the end of the 12-month assignment, the consultant is expected to deliver a full suite of outputs including a comprehensive communications and stakeholder engagement work plan, all outreach and sensitization materials for the SLC–HBS, LFS, and other CSO project activities, media and stakeholder engagement content packages, updated activity trackers and communication logs, meeting minutes and action item follow-up documentation, regular progress and activity reports, and a fully organized digital repository of all communications and outreach materials.

    To be eligible for consideration, candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, media studies, public administration, management, or a closely related field, with a minimum of three years of hands-on professional experience in communications, public relations, stakeholder engagement, or program coordination. Prior experience working with government agencies, donor-funded projects, or public sector programs is considered a significant advantage. Required core skills include exceptional writing, editing, and content development capabilities, strong organizational and cross-team coordination abilities, advanced interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills, existing familiarity with the media and communications landscape in Grenada or the wider Caribbean, full proficiency in Microsoft Office and common digital communication tools, and a proven ability to handle confidential information with professional integrity.

    The selection process will adhere to the World Bank’s February 2025 Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers, using the standard Individual Consultant Selection (ICS) method. The 12-month role will be based full-time at the CSO’s offices in Grenada.

    Interested eligible candidates are required to submit a complete expression of interest package including a detailed curriculum vitae outlining relevant experience and qualifications, a cover letter explaining their suitability for the assignment, and contact information for at least two professional references. All submissions must be in English, clearly marked with the line “Expression of Interest – Communications and Stakeholder Support Officer”, and submitted electronically via the official Grenada procurement portal no later than 3:00 pm Atlantic Standard Time on June 5, 2026. No submissions will be accepted after the deadline. The detailed Terms of Reference for the assignment are available for public download on both the Grenada government procurement notice website and the tender portal listed in the announcement. Inquiries can be directed to Procurement Officer Erisa Bleasdille at the Central Procurement Unit, Ministry of Finance in St George’s, Grenada.

  • UN highlights 2025 results delivering impact across Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean

    UN highlights 2025 results delivering impact across Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean

    The United Nations has officially launched its 2025 Annual Results Report covering Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean subregion, detailing how coordinated multilateral action has delivered tangible development gains across the area amid mounting climate, economic, and social headwinds. Over the course of 2025, the UN mobilized a total of US$73.7 million to advance national development priorities set by local governments across the subregion.

    The report launch was held at a formal press conference attended by senior UN leadership and the Chair of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew. During the event, UN representatives reaffirmed the organization’s long-term commitment to supporting Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS) through three core pillars: resilience-building, inclusive economic growth, and people-centered development solutions that align both with national development agendas and the global UN Sustainable Development Goals.

    In his opening address to the conference, UN Resident Coordinator Simon Springett emphasized that climate vulnerability and economic volatility are not distant hypothetical risks for SIDS in the Eastern Caribbean, but daily lived realities that shape local livelihoods, food security, public health systems, and community safety. “This report tells a story—not just of programmes and numbers—but of people, partnership, and resilience. It shows clearly that when strong national leadership is matched with effective multilateral cooperation, real progress is possible, even in the most challenging global environment,” Springett said. “This is also a powerful statement about multilateralism. For Small Island Developing States, multilateral cooperation amplifies Caribbean voices, unlocks financing, strengthens regional systems, and helps transform vulnerability into resilience.”

    Climate action emerged as a top scaling priority for the UN in the subregion in 2025, with more than US$36 million mobilized for climate adaptation projects, ecosystem restoration, climate-smart agricultural practices, and disaster risk reduction initiatives. A key milestone highlighted in the report was the launch of a new Regional Logistics Hub based in Barbados, which has already improved regional disaster response surge capacity and tracking for over 440 metric tons of emergency relief supplies spread across nine participating countries, cutting response times and boosting the effectiveness of disaster relief operations.

    Springett stressed that all UN programming is designed in close collaboration with national governments, rooted in local priorities and structured as integrated solutions that address the interconnected nature of risks facing SIDS. “The United Nations remains fully committed to walking this path with governments and partners across the Eastern Caribbean — delivering together, listening to communities, and ensuring that development progress is resilient, equitable, and lasting. One message stands out above all: partnership matters. Whether responding to hurricanes, mobilizing climate finance, supporting national reforms, or investing in digital transformation, progress has been driven by cooperation — at the national, regional, and international levels,” he added.

    Delivering virtual remarks on behalf of CARICOM, Chairman Dr. Drew praised the UN for its consistent, robust support to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean at a time when the region has been battered by overlapping external shocks, including climate-fueled natural disasters, persistent economic uncertainty, growing national debt burdens, widespread food and energy insecurity, and the lingering aftereffects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Dr. Drew noted that “The 2025 Annual Results Report reinforces what CARICOM has long recognised that multilateral cooperation is most effective when grounded in local realities and aligned with regional priorities.” He further emphasized that for SIDS, development progress cannot be separated from addressing the climate crisis, and welcomed the UN’s tailored approach to programming that centers this connection in 2025. “The UN, under the Multi-country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (MSDCF), demonstrated the value of linking climate action, disaster risk reduction, financing and social protection to build practical resilience. This report also underscores the importance of people-centred development and regional collaboration. Investments in health system, youth and women’s empowerment, governance and institutional strengthening are investments in stability, dignity and opportunity for our citizens,” Dr. Drew said.

    The CARICOM Chair also addressed ongoing United Nations reform efforts, specifically the UN80 Initiative, issuing a clear call for reforms to be balanced with the need to preserve targeted, context-specific support for Caribbean SIDS. “While we support efforts to modernise and strengthen the United Nations, we remain concerned that efficiency-driven reforms must not weaken in-country presence or reduce context-specific technical expertise critical to the Caribbean, including support for the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS). Reforms must strengthen local capacity and ensure predictable, responsive financing for vulnerable states,” he asserted.

    Senior representatives from across multiple UN specialized agencies joined the press conference to outline key results from their 2025 programming in the subregion. Brian Bogart, Representative and Country Director for the WFP Caribbean Multi-country Office, provided an overview of collective UN work on climate resilience and sustainable natural resource management. Stephanie Ziebell, Deputy Resident Representative for UNDP Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, highlighted progress on advancing peace, public safety, and accessible justice systems. Roberto Telleria, Policy Officer with the FAO Subregional Office of the Caribbean, discussed UN support for expanding economic resilience and shared prosperity across the subregion.

    Amalia Del Riego, PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries, outlined progress in strengthening local health systems and expanding social protection to advance health equity and ensure no community members are left behind. Cleveland Thomas, Area Office Representative for the International Telecommunication Union in the Caribbean, covered UN-backed efforts to advance digitalization and innovation, including projects to expand school connectivity, improve maritime safety, and boost disaster preparedness. Patrice Quesada, IOM Regional Coordinator for the Caribbean and Chief of Mission for Barbados, shared updates on UN support for regional migration governance and policy coordination.

    Following formal presentations, journalists from print, broadcast, and online outlets engaged UN personnel in a question-and-answer session to discuss the practical, on-the-ground impact of 2025 results for ordinary citizens across Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean.

    Consistent with the UN’s people-centered approach to programming, direct support for vulnerable communities remained a core priority in 2025. For example, the UN provided emergency cash assistance to more than 7,700 people displaced or impacted by Hurricane Beryl, helping to protect food security, preserve livelihoods, and uphold human dignity for affected households.

    Looking ahead to 2026, the UN has outlined three key priorities for the subregion: finalizing a new five-year Multi-country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, scaling up anticipatory action ahead of the annual Atlantic hurricane season, and deepening alignment between UN programming and the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS.

    The full 2025 Annual Results Report is available for public access at easterncaribbean.un.org.

  • Shantay Augustine set to bolster Iowa Western in NJCAA title defence

    Shantay Augustine set to bolster Iowa Western in NJCAA title defence

    As the 2026 NJCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships draw near, all eyes are turning to rising Grenadian hurdler Shantay Augustine, who has emerged as a key competitor for Iowa Western Community College in its quest to retain the national title. The three-day competition, set to kick off May 14 at New Mexico Junior College in Hobbs, sees the Reivers arrive on-site fresh off a dominant win at this year’s indoor national championships, with eyes set on securing a rare full-season sweep.

    A graduate of St Joseph’s Convent in St George’s, Grenada, Augustine has earned strong seedings heading into the championships: she ranks among the top eight 100m hurdlers and top 16 400m hurdlers across all junior colleges in the United States. Across the three days of competition, she is scheduled to compete in four events: both hurdle individual races, plus the 4x100m and 4x400m relay teams.

    Iowa Western head coach David Burnett, now leading the program in his fourth season, has heaped praise on Augustine’s consistent performance and mental toughness ahead of the high-stakes meet. “Shantay has been excellent from day one this season,” Burnett said. “She shows up to every training session, follows every instruction, and gives 100% effort whether she’s practicing or racing. Four events over three days is a grueling schedule, but we’re approaching it one race at a time. I know she’s prepared to run well. All I’ve asked is that she stays focused, gives her best, and makes it to the final—because she’s earned that spot.”

    Augustine’s journey to becoming one of the NJCAA’s top hurdlers is not a straightforward one. A former flat sprinter with Grenada’s 473 MVP Track Club, she initially resisted making the switch to hurdles. It was her former youth coach Albert Joseph who pushed her to embrace the technical demands of the event, a decision that has reshaped her burgeoning collegiate career.

    “I didn’t want to take up hurdles at first,” Augustine recalled. “I didn’t even want to race anything longer than 200m, let alone the 400m hurdles. But Coach Joseph saw potential I didn’t see in myself, especially after I picked up an injury that derailed my plans to compete for Grenada at that season’s Carifta Games. He was honest with me about what the injury meant for my sprinting goals, and he pushed me to give hurdles a chance. I’m so grateful he did—now I’m a hurdler, and I love what I do. I’m ready to compete at my best this week.”

    Augustine’s breakthrough this season speaks for itself. As the reigning champion of the Whitsuntide Games in both the 100m and 400m hurdles, she has lowered her personal best times to impressive marks: 13.88 seconds for the 100m hurdles and 62.24 seconds for the 400m hurdles. These results have cemented her place among the NJCAA’s elite hurdlers and confirm she is peaking at the perfect moment to help power her team’s title defense.

    Even as she prepares for the biggest meet of her collegiate career so far, Augustine says she draws ongoing strength and motivation from her home country. “It means so much that people back home still check in with my parents to ask how I’m doing,” she said, thanking the Grenadian public for their steady support.

    While confidence is high within the Iowa Western program, the team is under no illusion that retaining the title will be simple. The Reivers face stiff competition from traditional NJCAA powerhouses including host New Mexico Junior College, South Plains College, and Barton County Community College—with the latter two fielding their own strong contingents of Grenadian athletes. Still, Augustine’s rise as both a team leader and legitimate podium contender has reinforced the Reivers’ belief that they can bring home another trophy. Fans around the world can follow Augustine and Iowa Western’s title defense live via the NJCAA Network at njcaa.org/network/live.

  • The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir in Grenada

    The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir in Grenada

    A major free public worship event is set to take place at Grenada’s iconic National Stadium on Friday, June 12, 2026, bringing one of the most decorated gospel groups in the world to the tri-island nation. Organized by Country Cold, Grenada’s Ministry of Mental Health, Wellness and Religious Affairs, and local broadcaster Power of Worship Radio, the evening will feature the world-famous Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, an ensemble that has claimed seven Grammy Awards over its celebrated career. Designed as a community-focused gathering, the Night of Worship carries a core mission of delivering hope and heartfelt encouragement to residents across Grenada, its sister island Carriacou, and the smaller dependency of Petite Martinique. As a reminder to audiences, NOW Grenada, the platform sharing this announcement, notes that it does not assume responsibility for opinions, statements, or third-party media content shared by contributors to the outlet. Users who encounter inappropriate content related to event promotions or contributor submissions are invited to use the platform’s designated reporting channel to flag concerns.