The Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management (PISLM) has officially designated Grenada as its new headquarters, reinforcing the island nation’s pivotal role in advancing sustainable land and soil management across the Caribbean. This strategic move positions Grenada as a central hub for regional collaboration, funding, and technical support, particularly within the frameworks of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). Dr. Ronen Francis, PISLM’s Executive Director, emphasized that Grenada’s dual membership in both CARICOM and OECS makes it an ideal location to bridge efforts between these agencies. He highlighted that hosting the region’s sole land and soil-focused intergovernmental organization will elevate Grenada’s influence in addressing environmental challenges. Trevor Thompson, CSIDS-SOILCARE Project Manager, noted that this development will attract high-level meetings and enhance Grenada’s prestige as a leader in sustainable land management. The SOILCARE Project, PISLM’s flagship initiative, will continue to play a critical role in the region’s efforts to combat land degradation. Phase II of the project, set to launch in early 2026, will focus on transformative actions, including updated soil mapping, advanced soil laboratories, and the implementation of innovative technologies. Community involvement remains a cornerstone of the initiative, with farmers, agricultural officers, and local groups actively participating in consultations, workshops, and field assessments. Dr. Francis underscored the importance of Caribbean-led solutions, with PISLM’s Regional Advocacy and Capacity Building Facility for New Adaptation Technologies (RAC/NAT Facility) driving research and training. Additionally, PISLM is establishing the Caribbean’s first soil archive repository, which will support long-term environmental planning and decision-making. The initiative also aligns with global frameworks, such as the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), ensuring that the Caribbean remains at the forefront of sustainable land management practices. Thompson highlighted early successes, including increased awareness of deforestation’s impacts and improved soil analysis capabilities. As the project scales, other Caribbean and Pacific nations are seeking similar support, further solidifying PISLM’s regional and global impact.
标签： Grenada
格林纳达
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Learning Chinese Mandarin, experiencing a civilisation
Participating in the China International Press Communication Centre (CIPCC) programme has been a transformative journey for Grenadian journalist Nisha Paul. The four-month initiative, which brings together over 100 journalists from 90 countries, offers a unique blend of Mandarin lessons, cultural workshops, and field visits, providing participants with an immersive experience into China’s rich heritage and modern identity. For Paul, the programme is more than an academic endeavour; it is a personal exploration of the cultural roots that underpin Grenada’s growing ties with China, from infrastructure projects to educational scholarships. The programme began with an introduction to Mandarin, China’s official language, where participants grappled with tonal pronunciation and basic characters. Despite the challenges, the shared laughter and camaraderie among journalists from diverse backgrounds highlighted the universal struggle of learning a new language. Beyond language, the programme delved into China’s artistic traditions, particularly calligraphy and painting, using traditional ink. Teacher Tao of the Beijing Language and Cultural Centre for Diplomatic Missions (LCC) emphasized the cultural significance of ink, explaining its role in formal writing, scholarly texts, and artistic expression. The hands-on sessions allowed participants to experiment with brushstrokes and explore the nuances of Chinese art, from fine brushwork to free-flowing styles. The CIPCC programme not only showcases China’s soft power but also fosters deeper cultural understanding and personal growth for international journalists. For Paul, the experience underscores the importance of bridging cultural differences through shared curiosity and appreciation for language and art.
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IMA Grenada celebrates opening of new office
In a significant move underscoring its expanding role in the global investment migration industry, the Investment Migration Agency (IMA) Grenada has inaugurated its new headquarters at the Galleria Mall in Grand Anse. The opening ceremony, attended by government officials, industry leaders, and key stakeholders, marked a transformative milestone for the agency. The relocation reflects both physical growth and an organizational evolution to better serve its diverse clientele, ranging from international government representatives to high-net-worth investors and global service providers. The previous facilities had become inadequate to handle the agency’s increasing operational demands. IMA Grenada’s CEO, Thomas Anthony, emphasized that the new office space is not merely a relocation but a strategic enhancement. ‘This facility aligns with the caliber of work we undertake and our contributions to the economy and nation-building,’ Anthony stated. The new headquarters, located in one of Grenada’s most accessible commercial hubs, boasts state-of-the-art meeting spaces, advanced security systems, and a design optimized for both in-person and virtual interactions. Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell lauded the agency’s progress, noting, ‘IMA Grenada continues to grow from strength to strength. This new office, coupled with ongoing staff recruitment and institutional development, highlights its rising significance within Grenada’s public services.’ The event concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Prime Minister Mitchell and Richard Duncan, Chairman of the Grenada Citizenship by Investment Committee, symbolizing the dawn of a new era for the agency.
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From St George to China: Deshawn Mc Queen’s digital awakening
Deshawn Mc Queen, a 20-year-old influencer from Grenada known online as ‘DeshAloof,’ recently returned from a transformative two-week journey in China as part of the 3rd China-LAC Short Video Contest. Organized by the China Public Diplomacy Association, the program aimed to foster cultural exchange and deepen mutual understanding between China and Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) nations. Mc Queen, the youngest among over 30 influencers from 22 LAC countries, described the experience as a crash course in storytelling, digital media, and creativity on an unprecedented scale. He emphasized the practical lessons he gained in structuring content for maximum engagement and crafting stories that resonate globally. The itinerary included visits to high-profile companies and cultural institutions, such as Alibaba Group’s headquarters in Hangzhou, where Mc Queen witnessed firsthand how China leverages technology and creativity to shape global narratives. The exposure to advanced content creation techniques and immersive technologies like VR screens left a lasting impression on him. Mc Queen also highlighted the collaborative spirit among fellow influencers, which reinforced his belief in the Caribbean’s creative potential. Beyond personal growth, he has successfully monetized his YouTube channel, turning content creation into a sustainable career. Armed with fresh knowledge and inspiration, Mc Queen plans to implement these strategies across his platforms, aiming to elevate digital storytelling not just in Grenada but across the Caribbean.
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Grenada recorded over 8,000 cases in Magistrate Court for 2023/2024
Grenada’s magistrate court system recorded a staggering 8,978 cases during the 2023/2024 fiscal year, according to the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) annual report. Criminal and traffic offenses dominated the docket, with 4,314 and 3,542 cases respectively. Civil matters, domestic violence cases, maintenance disputes, juvenile cases, and a coroner’s inquest accounted for the remainder. Grenada’s caseload represented nearly 25% of the total cases across ECSC member states, surpassing St Lucia, which recorded 8,353 cases. St Lucia, however, led in traffic cases with 6,360, while Grenada handled 5,254. Criminal and traffic cases constituted 81.89% of all disposed cases, with Grenada and St Lucia accounting for 55.97% of these. Notably, Grenada alone contributed 42.07% of disposed criminal cases. Chief Justice (Ag) Mario Michel highlighted ongoing justice reforms, including the Revised Criminal Procedure Rules, aimed at enhancing efficiency and safeguarding rights. The rules, currently open for public consultation, seek input from legal professionals, judicial officers, law enforcement, and civil society to ensure their effectiveness across member states.
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Disasters and Crises in the Caribbean Region: A Review of Experiences in Seven Islands
The Media Institute of the Caribbean (MIC), in collaboration with UNESCO, has released a landmark report titled *Disasters and Crises in the Caribbean Region: A Review of Experiences in Seven Islands*. This comprehensive study delves into the critical role of communication and information management during disasters across Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The report underscores the Caribbean’s heightened vulnerability to natural and health crises, emphasizing the need for robust, culturally sensitive, and timely communication strategies to mitigate risks and enhance resilience. It highlights the indispensable role of local journalists in disseminating emergency information, exposing accountability issues, and amplifying community voices, despite often working under hazardous conditions with limited resources. The report also calls for targeted investments in resilient news infrastructure, trauma-informed training for journalists, and stronger partnerships between media, government, and humanitarian agencies. Kiran Maharaj, President of MIC, described the report as a ‘call to action’ for governments and international partners, stressing that strengthening communication infrastructure is essential for saving lives, preserving development gains, and sustaining democracy. Dr. Paul Hector of UNESCO echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for policy reforms and institutional investments to build a safer and more informed Caribbean. The full report is available on the MIC website and other platforms.
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Republic Bank partners in composting project at St George’s Market
In a landmark move towards environmental sustainability, Republic Bank has played a pivotal role in the launch of the Greening the Market — St. George’s Market Composting Pilot Project. The initiative, unveiled on September 29 at the Kirani James Athletics Stadium, marks a significant step in Grenada’s journey towards climate resilience and sustainable community practices. The project, spearheaded by GrenadaGrows and supported by Republic Bank, aims to transform organic waste into valuable compost, benefiting local agriculture and fostering a culture of responsible consumption and production. Mavis Mc Burnie, General Manager of Operations at Republic Bank, emphasized the project’s broader mission: to shift mindsets, empower communities, and build a Grenada that values its natural resources. The initiative aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Responsible Consumption and Production, Climate Action, Life on Land, and Partnerships for the Goals. Republic Bank’s involvement is part of its long-standing social investment programme, The Power to Make A Difference, which has been driving community development for over two decades. The bank also commended the efforts of Dr. Judlyn Telesford-Checkley and the GrenadaGrows team, alongside other stakeholders, for their dedication to environmental sustainability. The six-month pilot project, supported by various government and private sector partners, underscores Republic Bank’s commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, paving the way for a greener, more resilient Grenada.
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Tradition and renewal take centre stage for Carriacou Carnival 2026
The Carriacou Carnival, scheduled for February 11–17, 2026, is poised to make a grand comeback after the challenges posed by Hurricane Beryl. Organizers are working tirelessly to restore the festival to its full glory, featuring traditional and modern elements such as the Queen show, Calypso, Soca, Groovy, Fancy Mas, Shakespeare Mas, and Kiddies Carnival. Anderson Matheson, the lead coordinator of the Carriacou Carnival Committee, emphasized the importance of reviving all aspects of the festival to celebrate the island’s rich cultural heritage. However, the event faces significant hurdles, including limited accommodation capacity and water supply issues. To address the accommodation shortage, the committee is collaborating with tourism officials to document private homes available for homestays, providing visitors with more options while supporting local families. Water scarcity remains a pressing concern, as Carriacou relies on rainwater harvesting, which has been adversely affected by climate change. Despite these challenges, the organizers are committed to ensuring the festival’s success. A key focus is the revival of the Shakespeare Mas, a centuries-old tradition, with efforts underway to train younger generations. Other traditional performances like the Vieux Corps, Shortknee, and Jab Jab will also return, alongside modern highlights such as the Soca Monarch competitions. The carnival is not just a festival but a vital part of the community’s recovery and cultural pride. Matheson highlighted the importance of private promoters working in harmony with the official calendar to benefit the community. Visitors can expect a vibrant array of activities, from street parades to boat cruises, and fierce competition in music categories. Interest in the event is already building, with participants from Grenada, St. Vincent, Union Island, and the diaspora confirming their attendance. For Matheson, the Carriacou Carnival 2026 is a testament to the island’s resilience and a celebration of its unique cultural identity.
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PM champions education as lifeline for peace and progress
In a compelling address at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Grenada’s Prime Minister, Honourable Dickon Mitchell, championed education as the cornerstone of peace, resilience, and inclusive development. Speaking under the assembly’s theme, “Better Together,” Prime Minister Mitchell highlighted the contradictions of our era—remarkable innovation alongside stark inequality, and global progress overshadowed by persistent conflicts. He asserted that education is the unifying force capable of bridging these divides. Drawing from his personal journey—from a humble village in St David to leading his nation on the global stage—he emphasized education’s transformative power. Prime Minister Mitchell outlined Grenada’s ambitious educational reforms, including universal secondary education, curriculum modernization with digital literacy and coding, and initiatives to support student well-being. He also highlighted regional collaborations, such as the Caribbean Future Skills Fund, co-developed with Guyana, to bolster education across the Caribbean. Issuing a global call to action, he urged donor countries, multilateral institutions, and the private sector to invest collaboratively in education, stressing its protection even in conflict zones. He reaffirmed the Caribbean’s commitment to being a Zone of Peace and called for international solidarity, particularly for nations like Cuba, which have significantly contributed to regional education. Concluding his speech, Prime Minister Mitchell envisioned a world where every child, regardless of their circumstances, has equal access to education and opportunity. He emphasized that achieving this vision requires deliberate, collective action.
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Grenada leads regional charge with PAHO HEARTS initiative
Grenada has reached a significant milestone in its battle against noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) by achieving the national scaleup of the PAHO HEARTS initiative. NCDs, which accounted for over 80% of deaths in Grenada in 2019, remain a pressing public health challenge. Cardiovascular diseases dominate the leading causes of mortality, with hypertension and diabetes contributing significantly to chronic illness. Risk factors such as obesity and physical inactivity persist at alarming levels.