标签： Grenada

Against a backdrop of escalating geopolitical fractures, the 17th MEDays Forum convened in Morocco from November 26-29, 2025, under the royal patronage of King Mohammed VI. The high-level international gathering, organized around the theme ‘Fractures and Polarisation: Reinventing the Global Equation,’ featured a significant delegation from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) that included Dominica’s President Sylvanie Burton, Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne, and Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell.

The forum emerged as a critical platform for addressing mounting global challenges, including fractured multilateral systems, economic volatility, and accelerating climate disruptions. For Caribbean leaders, these issues represent immediate threats rather than abstract concepts, as small island developing states remain disproportionately vulnerable to global systemic shocks.

Prime Minister Mitchell delivered a powerful address calling for the transformation of historical trauma into contemporary partnership. He emphasized that the Africa-Atlantic-Caribbean corridor, once defined by the transatlantic slave trade, should be reimagined as a modern avenue of cooperation and shared prosperity. Mitchell advocated for a revitalized multilateral framework that acknowledges the existential threats facing small nations.

During the closing ceremonies, President Burton drew upon Dominica’s indigenous Kalinago heritage to emphasize the importance of cultural wisdom and mutual respect in addressing contemporary challenges. She stressed the critical need for accessible financing mechanisms and coordinated international action to support vulnerable states.

Prime Minister Browne addressed the compounding ‘poly-crisis’ affecting small island nations, demanding urgent financial system reforms, vulnerability-based assessment metrics, and meaningful inclusion of small states in global decision-making processes concerning climate, trade, technology, and security.

His Excellency Ian M Queeley, Ambassador of the Eastern Caribbean States in Rabat, expressed satisfaction with the strong OECS representation, noting that the participation demonstrated the region’s commitment to forging strategic partnerships with African nations. The ambassador reaffirmed the embassies’ dedication to maintaining this diplomatic channel for future cooperation.

The collective interventions of Caribbean leaders underscored their vital role in shaping global transformation narratives and reaffirmed their commitment to fostering a more inclusive, equitable, and resilient international order through strengthened Africa-Caribbean cooperation.

The Government of Grenada has formally extended its congratulations to Prime Minister Philip J Pierre following his resounding electoral victory in St. Lucia’s recent general elections. Prime Minister Pierre’s Saint Lucia Labour Party achieved a commanding mandate, securing an overwhelming 14 out of 17 parliamentary seats in the legislative body.

This decisive electoral outcome demonstrates strong public confidence in Prime Minister Pierre’s leadership capabilities and his administration’s developmental vision for the nation. Grenadian officials particularly noted the successful execution of the electoral process, highlighting it as a testament to St. Lucia’s robust democratic traditions and institutional stability.

The two Eastern Caribbean nations maintain deep historical connections through shared cultural heritage and regional cooperation frameworks. Grenada anticipates strengthened bilateral engagement with St. Lucia across multiple sectors, with particular emphasis on enhanced collaboration within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) architecture.

Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell personally conveyed his government’s well-wishes for Prime Minister Pierre’s new term, expressing confidence that his leadership will bring continued progress and prosperity to the people of St. Lucia. Both administrations have signaled commitment to advancing regional integration initiatives and addressing common challenges through coordinated policy approaches.

The Office of the Prime Minister of Grenada issued the formal statement of congratulations, reaffirming the nation’s dedication to maintaining and strengthening diplomatic relations with its Caribbean neighbor throughout Prime Minister Pierre’s upcoming term.

In a landmark address to Parliament on December 1, 2025, Grenada’s Finance Minister Honourable Dennis Cornwall unveiled a comprehensive $1.96 billion budget for 2026, marking the fourth fiscal plan under the current administration. The budget, themed “Towards Vision 75: Powering Progress Through People’s Participation and Innovation,” represents a strategic blueprint for national development as the nation approaches its 75th independence anniversary.

The fiscal framework allocates $1.3 billion in recurrent revenue against $1.1 billion in recurrent expenditure, with a substantial $370.4 million dedicated to capital projects and $206.7 million for strategic initiatives. Despite projecting an overall deficit of $309.8 million, Minister Cornwall emphasized the budget’s full financing through a drawdown of $257.3 million from government deposits complemented by limited domestic and external financing.

Economic performance indicators reveal remarkable progress, with GDP growth reaching 6.2% in 2025—significantly exceeding IMF projections—and unemployment dropping to a historic low of 7.5% from 16.6% in 2021. Youth unemployment saw dramatic improvement, falling from 42% to 20.2% over the same period.

The budget outlines transformative investments across twenty-two strategic sectors, including healthcare modernization through Project Polaris—a state-of-the-art teaching hospital—and significant advancements in renewable energy transition featuring geothermal development and solar initiatives. Education receives $179.6 million with expanded scholarship programs, while housing initiatives address longstanding deficits through Project 500 and climate-resilient rebuilding post-Hurricane Beryl.

Notable allocations include $155.7 million for health and mental wellness, $187.2 million for infrastructure development, $64.8 million for Carriacou and Petite Martinique recovery, and $53.1 million for tourism and creative economy development. The budget maintains cost-of-living relief measures valued at $47 million, including transportation subsidies, VAT exemptions on essential goods, and energy support programs.

Minister Cornwall highlighted the administration’s commitment to fiscal responsibility while temporarily suspending Fiscal Resilience Act targets to support reconstruction efforts. The address emphasized tangible progress across all sectors, countering critics with evidence of transformative achievements since assuming office three and a half years earlier.

The budget represents a holistic approach to national development, balancing economic growth with social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and institutional strengthening, positioning Grenada as a regional leader in progressive governance and sustainable development.

In a significant move to strengthen governance and oversight, Grenada will completely replace its 2013 Citizenship by Investment legislation in 2026 following extensive legislative revisions. Finance Minister Dennis Cornwall announced the impending changes during his 2026 budget address to the Lower House on December 1, 2025, emphasizing that the overhaul will enhance the program’s integrity and regulatory framework.

The new 2023 Act currently enables foreign investors to obtain Grenadian citizenship through financial contributions to the National Transformation Fund (NTF) or investments in approved real estate developments. This pathway to permanent residence and citizenship will undergo substantial restructuring under the forthcoming legislation.

Concurrently, five Eastern Caribbean nations are establishing the Eastern Caribbean Citizenship By Investment Regulatory Authority, which will be headquartered in Grenada following parliamentary approval. This regional body aims to harmonize standards across participating nations by implementing uniform due diligence protocols, establishing minimum investment thresholds, and mandating biometric data collection for all applicants.

Minister Cornwall reported outstanding performance by Grenada’s Investment Migration Agency (IMA)—the rebranded Citizenship by Investment Programme—which had already surpassed its revenue targets by the third quarter of 2025 and was projected to exceed annual goals by approximately 10%. The IMA will accelerate digital transformation initiatives, deepen engagement with the diaspora community, expand into new markets, and enhance customer service capabilities.

Currently, eight projects are approved for CBI investments, including two new developments: the One True Blue Beach Hotel and Residence and the La Sagesse Collections. The forthcoming regional authority will enforce compliance and increase transparency across all member nations’ investment migration programs.

The Government of Grenada has presented a historic EC$1.96 billion budget for fiscal year 2026, marking a significant increase of EC$47.1 million over the previous year’s allocations. Finance Minister Dennis Cornwall characterized this fourth budget of the Dickon Mitchell Administration as a transformative blueprint for national development rather than merely a financial plan.

Presented under the theme “Towards Vision 75: Powering Progress Through People’s Participation and Innovation,” the budget addresses a projected EC$309.8 million deficit through strategic financing mechanisms. The government plans to utilize EC$257.3 million from existing deposits, supplemented by limited domestic and external financing, demonstrating what Minister Cornwall described as “prudent fiscal management and sustainability.”

The budget framework reveals recurrent revenue projections of EC$1.3 billion, with grants totaling EC$37.6 million. Expenditure includes EC$1.1 billion for recurrent costs, EC$370.4 million for capital projects, and EC$206.7 million dedicated to strategic initiatives. Despite the deficit, the government maintains a current account surplus of EC$229.8 million.

Notable initiatives include establishing a dedicated regulatory body for the emerging oil and gas sector, creating a EC$50 million Housing Fund, launching a Youth Empowerment Agency, and implementing new green points for organic waste management. Minister Cornwall emphasized that hydrocarbon development would prioritize environmental assessments, maritime boundary negotiations with Venezuela and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and attracting credible investors through transparent frameworks.

The finance minister framed the budget within global uncertainties and regional dynamics, stating it reflects “faith in the creativity and capacity of our people” and represents “a statement of faith in our collective potential.” He emphasized that genuine progress emerges from citizen participation rather than top-down imposition, aligning with the administration’s commitment to building “a Grenada that is not only economically stronger, but socially just, environmentally resilient.”