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  • Grenada National Aquatic Centre: Major milestones achieved

    Grenada National Aquatic Centre: Major milestones achieved

    For decades, the growth of competitive and recreational aquatic sports in the Caribbean island nation of Grenada has been held back by a critical gap: the absence of a purpose-built, modern swimming facility to serve athletes, coaches, and communities across the country. Today, that long-held dream of a national aquatic hub is one significant step closer to completion, as construction of the Grenada Aquatic Centre has advanced to its critical pool installation phase, project organizers have announced.

    The initiative is being delivered through a collaborative partnership between the Grenada Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) and the Government of Grenada, with support from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Ministry of Sport. Multiple key international and national stakeholders have provided financial, technical and institutional backing to bring the project to life, including global governing body World Aquatics, Panam Sports, the International Olympic Committee, and the Grenada National Lotteries Authority.

    All required construction containers, specialized equipment, and raw materials for the pool have already arrived on the island, clearing the way for on-site work to begin in earnest. The project has contracted globally recognized pool infrastructure specialist Myrtha Pools to lead the design and installation of the competition pool, a choice that underscores the commitment to delivering a facility meeting international competitive standards. A specialized technical team from Myrtha has already completed on-site work to install the full pool piping system ahead of the concrete slab pouring phase, wrapping the job up on schedule.

    In the final week of August to the first week of September, project teams completed one of the biggest construction milestones to date: pouring 300 cubic yards of reinforced concrete to form the pool’s foundational slab. The slab is currently undergoing a 20-day curing process, after which the Myrtha team will return to the site to begin final assembly and installation of the pool structure. Close coordination between Myrtha’s international specialists, a local project steering committee, and technical personnel deployed by the Government of Grenada ensures every step of construction aligns with global competitive specifications and international safety standards.

    Oversight of the entire project is managed by an appointed pool committee chaired by Veda Bruno, with members Gail Purcell, Peron Johnson, Reyan Neckles, and Paul Antoine. The committee has overseen every stage of development from the initial concept phase, working to align priorities and maintain collaboration across all partner groups.

    While progress has been substantial, GASA officials note that several critical components remain to be funded and completed to transform the facility into a fully functional, competition-ready aquatic center. Key outstanding needs include public washrooms and athlete changing facilities, a covered spectator seating pavilion, a professional electronic timing system for competitions, and a range of additional essential operational equipment. GASA emphasized that continued financial and institutional support from national, regional, and international partners will be critical to delivering these final components and unlocking the full potential of the new facility.

    In a statement released this week, GASA extended its gratitude to all contributing partners, singling out the Government of Grenada for its ongoing collaboration, and international bodies World Aquatics, Panam Sports, and the IOC, as well as the Grenada National Lotteries Authority for their backing. The organization also paid tribute to the foundational work of the 1990s GASA Executive Committee led by Derick Steele, whose early commitment to growing swimming in Grenada laid the critical groundwork for the progress being seen today.

    Beyond building a single competition pool, the project marks a transformative shift for aquatic sports across Grenada. For generations, local swimmers have trained in makeshift, inadequate facilities that limited their ability to develop and compete at regional and international levels. Once complete, the center will provide a safe, regulation-standard environment for training, competition, and skill development, giving local athletes the infrastructure needed to properly prepare for major global events and allowing coaches to run structured, long-term athlete development programmes.

    The facility will also create a clear development pathway for young talent, giving children and aspiring competitive swimmers access to high-quality training from an early age. Beyond elite competitive swimming, the aquatic center is designed to serve broad community needs across the island, hosting a range of programs including learn-to-swim classes for children and adults, lifesaving and water safety training, youth school swimming initiatives, community recreational programs, regional and international competitive events, high-performance training camps, coach and official professional development, and multi-sport training usage.

    Most critically, for an island nation surrounded by the Caribbean Sea, the facility will help build a widespread culture of water safety and universal swimming proficiency, while creating a lasting platform for Grenadian athletes to compete for excellence on the world stage.

    As construction continues, all involved stakeholders remain focused on maintaining momentum to deliver the long-awaited facility. What once started as a distant vision for swimming in Grenada is now rapidly taking physical shape: the pool is progressing, the national vision for aquatic sports is becoming reality, and a new future for Grenadian swimmers is emerging alongside it.

  • Middle of the road

    Middle of the road

    Building a new hospital, rolling out a national health financing plan, or launching any large-scale public health capacity expansion initiative takes years of steady work—sometimes even generations of incremental progress. Meaningful health sector reform operates on the timeline of a marathon, while democratic political cycles run on the fast cadence of election sprints. This fundamental misalignment between long-term public good and short-term political incentive is the underdiscussed root cause behind countless uncompleted health projects around the world.

    Any sitting administration bold enough to kick off a transformative health project must first secure long-term funding commitments, often taking on public debt to cover upfront costs. Incumbents then face immediate public criticism, as every dollar of spending must be justified to citizens who must wait years to access the tangible benefits the project will one day provide. Leaders must navigate competing stakeholder demands, mediate conflicting interests, and defend unpopular but necessary decisions at every stage of development. More often than not, the election cycle wraps up before the final ribbon-cutting, leaving the half-finished project for the next incoming government.

    The new administration inherits a proposal it likely spent the entire previous term critiquing and scrutinizing as part of its opposition campaign. Transitions of power are rarely seamless, and the momentum built by the previous government quickly grinds to a halt. The half-completed project may be deprioritized to make room for the new administration’s own policy priorities. Funding allocations may be diverted elsewhere. Ideological differences may lead the new government to abandon the project entirely, unwilling to defend an initiative launched by their political rivals. Whatever the specific cause, the result is the same: a half-built facility that sits idle, delivering no value to the public it was meant to serve.

    But the question that rarely gets answered in political debates is: who ends up paying the cost of this abandoned project?

    The burden falls squarely on ordinary people. Patients who would have benefited from the new facility are forced to wait years longer for care, or travel long distances to access services that should have been available close to home. Taxpayers are left covering the interest on debt incurred for an asset that generates no public benefit. And public trust in government’s ability to deliver critical services erodes a little more with every half-finished shell left abandoned.

    For the outgoing administration that started the project, a stalled initiative becomes a tarnished legacy, and a risky bet that could cost them support in the next election. Over time, the logic of political self-preservation becomes clear: the safest choice for any administration, term after term, is to never start large, long-term health projects at all.

    This leads to a provocative conclusion: perhaps the solution is not to demand more courageous political leadership, but to build cross-party consensus around critical public health priorities.

    Asking politicians to put the public good above their own political survival is a heavy ask, rooted in human nature’s drive for self-preservation. A system that only delivers meaningful health reform when a uniquely brave leader happens to hold power is not a sustainable system—it is just wishful thinking.

    Prominent Caribbean scholar Selwyn Ryan outlined this political trap clearly in his book *Winner Takes All*, which examines democratic governance in the Caribbean. Ryan argues that in winner-take-all political cultures, nearly every national policy issue is treated as territorial territory to be won or lost with each election cycle. By design, the opposition’s role is to oppose the sitting government and accelerate its fall from power, not to help the government deliver successful public projects. Helping a political rival finish a landmark initiative would only strengthen their claim to re-election, so opposing and undoing the work of the other side is politically rewarded, while consensus-building is punished. Ryan’s core insight was that some policy issues are simply too important to leave to this zero-sum dynamic.

    In Ryan’s words, these critical issues should be treated as “borderless or cross-party rather than partisan issues,” with binding agreements that guarantee continuation no matter which party wins office. He originally applied this framework to the energy sector and national infrastructure assets, but the logic applies just as strongly to public health.

    This is the core of a pragmatic, centrist approach to health sector reform. It does not demand that political parties set aside all their disagreements or stop debating policy—those disagreements are the foundation of a healthy democracy. What it does demand is that all parties agree never to cross one critical line: undoing well-designed public health work simply because it was launched by the opposing side. It requires abandoning empty political posturing and backtracking on commitments, and instead acknowledging that public health is an end in itself, not a pawn to be used for political advantage.

    Building this kind of consensus is harder than simply calling for courageous leadership. It asks sitting governments to start projects they may not live to finish, and asks opposition parties to continue and even complete work they did not initiate. It demands that both major parties prioritize national public health over short-term partisan political advantage.

    The central challenge facing health reform today is not whether consensus is the right solution—it is how to move public health out of the zero-sum partisan battlefield and overcome the systemic political incentives that prioritize contention over collaboration.

  • International Day of Democracy 2026

    International Day of Democracy 2026

    September 15 marks the annual International Day of Democracy — a global observance created to honor democratic governance and reaffirm the core values that form the foundation of free, inclusive and equitable societies around the world. For the Caribbean nation of Grenada, democratic practice is not an imported framework, but a system deeply rooted in local principles: widespread public participation, intentional inclusion, equal rights, equitable justice, fundamental human freedoms, the rule of law, and inclusive sustainable development. At its core, the nation’s democratic vision holds that every Grenadian deserves to live in a community that guarantees personal safety, equal access to opportunity, and all the conditions required for individuals and communities to thrive. shaped by its unique history of overcoming slavery and colonial rule, Grenada’s democracy remains a constantly evolving project. It is guided directly by the lived experiences, cultural identity, collective aspirations, and sovereign will of the Grenadian people, who continue to actively shape and refine the version of democracy that best serves their national needs. The country’s Constitution, its governing and parliamentary institutions, and the shared values that anchor these structures provide a stable legal and social framework for this ongoing democratic development. Grenadian authorities remain unwavering in their commitment to advancing broad social equality, consistent and just application of the law, and universal access to basic needs including food, quality education, personal safety, and economic opportunity for all residents. This 2026 observance of the International Day of Democracy carries a clear, unifying message for the nation: every Grenadian matters. The responsibility to protect and strengthen the country’s democratic system does not fall only to leaders — it rests in the hands of every citizen. Each person, the statement emphasizes, acts both as a builder of democracy and a beneficiary of its gains. Grenada’s Parliament plays an indispensable role in nurturing the nation’s democratic life, through core functions including crafting inclusive legislation, deliberate review and oversight of the national budget, and holding the executive branch accountable through parliamentary checks and balances. On this International Day of Democracy, the two Houses of Grenada’s Parliament extend warm greetings to democratic societies, governments, institutions and people across the globe. The body also offered special recognition to like-minded international parliamentary partners, including the Parliamentary Confederation of the Americas and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association. The sustained partnership and engagement of these organizations, the statement notes, have contributed significantly to the ongoing growth and maturation of Grenada’s national democracy. The statement closes with a formal celebration of the global observance: Happy International Day of Democracy 2026! This release was issued by the Houses of Parliament of Grenada. NOW Grenada, the platform carrying the statement, notes that it is not responsible for the opinions, statements or third-party content shared by contributors, and provides a channel for users to report content that violates platform policies in cases of abuse.

  • Vacancy: Sales and Marketing Manager, Grenada Distillers Limited

    Vacancy: Sales and Marketing Manager, Grenada Distillers Limited

    One of Grenada’s prominent spirit producers, Grenada Distillers Limited, has launched an open recruitment search for a strategic, creative and experienced professional to fill the key position of Sales and Marketing Manager on its core growth-focused team.

    The successful candidate will take ownership of driving the company’s brand expansion and revenue growth, with a core mandate to identify untapped marketing opportunities, roll out data-backed sales and marketing strategies, boost brand visibility, deepen customer engagement and extend the company’s footprint across existing and new markets.

    As the department head, the incoming manager will oversee all daily operations of the combined sales and marketing teams, with a focus on meeting and exceeding pre-set performance and operational targets. Key responsibilities include continuous market, competitor and industry trend monitoring to align brand strategies with evolving consumer demands, managing all external and internal corporate communications to ensure consistent, on-brand messaging across all channels, and nurturing long-term media relationships through press release distribution, interview coordination and promotion of company-led initiatives.

    Beyond core communications, the role requires oversight of all marketing collateral, campaign development and digital content creation to ensure alignment with overall brand guidelines and strategic communication plans. The manager will also be responsible for developing, implementing and refining formal sales and marketing frameworks and policies, conducting regular reviews of the department’s annual budget, and managing product distribution networks by setting clear sales targets and scheduling workflows for team members.

    Additional duties include ongoing sales performance tracking, demand forecasting, iterative adjustment of sales and advertising strategies, regular evaluation of marketing tactic effectiveness to optimize conversion, and systematic market research to identify emerging trends, analyze consumer needs and uncover new growth opportunities. The role also calls for compiling and analyzing market data to refine promotional plans that drive both profitability and brand recognition, building and leveraging strategic industry partnerships to create added value for the business, and nurturing customer relationships through regular in-person engagement to understand needs and identify new business opportunities.

    The successful candidate will also be tasked with expanding the company’s customer database, exploring new export market opportunities in collaboration with the General Manager, overseeing the planning and execution of new product launch campaigns and corporate events, upholding consistent brand standards across all marketing, communication and advertising assets, collaborating closely with production and other cross-functional departments to ensure cohesive operational strategies and high customer satisfaction, supporting the General Manager in developing the annual sales budget, and preparing monthly department performance reports for senior leadership.

    People leadership is also a core requirement of the role: the incoming manager will be expected to lead through hands-on engagement, motivate team members, deliver ongoing training and professional development to upskill the sales and marketing teams, conduct regular performance reviews for all department staff, and adhere to all company policies covering workplace safety, good manufacturing practices (GMP) and food safety management system requirements. The role also requires flexibility to take on any additional relevant duties assigned by senior management.

    To be considered for the position, candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing or a related field. Required knowledge includes deep expertise in core sales and marketing principles, proficiency in web-based marketing and social media strategy, hands-on experience with multiple digital marketing tactics, and competency in sales forecasting, data analysis and professional report writing. Desired skills include advanced computer literacy, strong project management capabilities, the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects while adhering to tight deadlines, sharp analytical, organizational and creative thinking skills, exceptional written, verbal and presentation communication skills, proven leadership, motivation and sales abilities, strong decision-making competency, excellent interpersonal and customer service skills, and robust time management and strategic planning capabilities.

    Candidates are required to have a minimum of five years of professional experience in sales or marketing, at least three years of experience in a formal managerial position, and prior experience leading sales or marketing teams.

    The role comes with specific physical demands: candidates must be willing to work extended hours, with occasional work required on weekends and public holidays to meet deadlines or attend company events. The role involves regular travel across the company’s manufacturing facility to monitor project progress, including access to production areas that require mandatory personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety goggles, gloves, safety boots and respirators for specific zones, so candidates must be able to wear required PPE comfortably to perform job functions safely.

    Interested applicants are required to submit a complete application package including a cover letter, curriculum vitae (in either Word or PDF format), and contact details for three professional business references, preferably from past employers. All applications must be submitted via email to [email protected] with the subject line “Sales and Marketing”. The closing deadline for applications is 23 September 2026, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for subsequent interview stages. This recruitment process is being managed exclusively by J’s HR Consultancy.

    This posting was published via NOW Grenada, which notes that it is not responsible for the content, opinions or statements included in contributor-provided recruitment listings. Users can report abusive content via the platform’s official reporting channel.

  • Minister of Finance concludes high-level visit to United Kingdom

    Minister of Finance concludes high-level visit to United Kingdom

    Grenada’s Minister of Finance Dennis Cornwall has wrapped up a productive three-day official working visit to the United Kingdom, where he held a packed schedule of high-level talks with leaders from multilateral bodies, UK government stakeholders, private sector investors and members of the Grenadian diaspora based in Europe. Across every engagement, Cornwall advanced the Caribbean nation’s core policy priorities, ranging from global financial system reform and long-term debt sustainability to climate adaptation financing, new investment mobilization and cross-regional cooperation, while reaffirming Grenada’s commitment to building long-term strategic alliances that drive inclusive, sustainable economic growth and national development.

    At the heart of Cornwall’s advocacy during the visit was Grenada’s longstanding push to reform the international financial architecture to better meet the needs of Small Island Developing States (SIDS), a group disproportionately vulnerable to external economic shocks and climate change despite contributing the least to global emissions. In a working meeting with Shirley Botchwey, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Cornwall highlighted the urgent need for international lenders to adjust eligibility criteria for low-interest concessional financing by explicitly accounting for the unique climate and economic vulnerabilities that SIDS face.

    The two leaders also explored pathways to expand access to innovative financial tools tailored to climate-vulnerable nations, including Climate Resilient Debt Clauses – a mechanism that Grenada has already pioneered across the Caribbean region to allow countries to pause debt repayments in the aftermath of climate disasters. Additional conversations covered strategies for scaling up disaster risk financing, attracting greater private sector capital to SIDS, and boosting intra-Commonwealth trade and investment ties. With all 56 Commonwealth member states – including Grenada – gearing up for the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) set to take place in Antigua and Barbuda this November, Cornwall underscored that the distinct financing, climate and development challenges facing SIDS must remain a top priority on the CHOGM agenda.

    Cornwall also held detailed discussions with Suresh Yadav, Director of the Commonwealth’s Climate Change and Oceans Directorate (CCOD), focused on unlocking climate finance, advancing Grenada’s transition to renewable energy and unlocking sustainable growth opportunities in the blue economy. Specific talks centered on the Caribbean nation’s plans to expand its geothermal and solar energy capacity to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels and cut domestic energy costs. The CCOD reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to partnering with Grenada, and pledged to support efforts to turn the country’s climate and blue economy development goals into fully prepared, investment-ready projects that can attract global capital.

    During the meeting, CCOD leadership also briefed Cornwall on the range of ongoing technical assistance the organization is providing to Grenada through the Commonwealth Blue Charter and other capacity-building programs. This support includes guidance for national policy reform, technical support for mapping and formalizing Grenada’s maritime boundaries, assistance implementing the country’s nationally determined contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Climate Agreement, and targeted capacity building for the domestic energy sector.

    In talks with a delegation from UK Export Finance (UKEF), the UK’s export credit agency, Cornwall explored new financing pathways for Grenada’s priority infrastructure and national development projects. The discussions reviewed UKEF’s existing support for infrastructure, transportation and renewable energy projects across Grenada, and mapped out a plan to develop a structured pipeline of pre-vetted projects. This pipeline will connect Grenadian project developers with UK companies, cutting-edge green technology, specialized industry expertise and UK financing, opening up new channels for investment that drive job creation and development.

    On September 9, Cornwall took part in a meeting at the UK Houses of Parliament in Westminster alongside Virendra Sharma, former Member of Parliament for Ealing Southall, and Vijay Goel, Senior Partner at international law firm Singhania & Co. and Founder of the Indo-European Business Forum. The conversation centered on Grenada’s ongoing economic diversification strategy, and opportunities to expand the country’s investor base across the UK, India and wider Europe. Participants highlighted untapped investment opportunities in Grenada’s key tourism, agriculture and renewable energy sectors, and discussed ways to strengthen ongoing engagement between parliamentarians across markets to advance policy priorities that support SIDS.

    As part of his series of bilateral industry engagements, Cornwall also met with leadership from TTSOLS Ltd and Klas Shipping to explore new growth opportunities for Grenada’s fast-growing yachting and maritime sectors. The talks examined the significant potential for these two sectors to drive broad-based economic activity, create high-quality local jobs, and advance Grenada’s broader goals of economic diversification and expanding domestic government revenue streams.

    In a move to strengthen cross-regional cooperation on a key global justice issue, Cornwall joined Jamaica’s Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange at the Jamaican High Commission in London for a strategic roundtable focused on advancing reparatory justice for the transatlantic slave trade. Participants discussed the current status and core objectives of Jamaica’s reparations petition, explored pathways to build broader international diplomatic support for the movement, and outlined plans to deepen coordination and cooperation between Caribbean and African states. The roundtable also reaffirmed the region’s global leadership in pushing for the reparatory justice movement to be recognized and advanced on the global stage.

    The minister’s three-day visit concluded with a dedicated engagement with members of the large Grenadian diaspora community based in the United Kingdom. Cornwall delivered keynote remarks outlining Grenada’s current economic outlook and medium-term development trajectory, alongside presentations from the Grenada Tourism Authority and Project Polaris. The event served as a critical platform to update diaspora members on national progress, and highlight opportunities for community members to stay connected to their home country and contribute to its ongoing development through investment, skills sharing and community leadership.

    Looking ahead, Cornwall’s visit to the UK has reinforced Grenada’s clear commitment to strengthening global partnerships, advancing climate and economic resilience, mobilizing new investment and development financing, and maintaining close ties with its large overseas diaspora community. The visit, which included participation in Flavours of Grenada 2026 alongside a full schedule of strategic bilateral and multilateral engagements, sent a clear signal to the global investment community: Grenada offers compelling investment opportunities across a diverse range of sectors and market levels, and the country is ready to build the strategic partnerships needed to power its next phase of inclusive, sustainable growth and development. The trip further demonstrated Grenada’s proactive approach to building global relationships that turn national development priorities into tangible outcomes in investment, financing, trade and broad-based development, while positioning the small island nation for long-term resilient and sustainable economic growth.

  • Reconstructed St Dominic’s RC School Block #5 handed over

    Reconstructed St Dominic’s RC School Block #5 handed over

    On September 10, 2026, the Government of Grenada marked a major milestone in national educational infrastructure development with an official ceremony to celebrate the handover of the fully reconstructed St Dominic’s RC School Block #5. More than just an upgraded learning space, the new facility is purpose-built as a climate-resilient structure that doubles as a certified emergency shelter for the surrounding St David community, delivering dual benefits for education and public safety.

    The EC$1.436 million reconstruction project was financed through the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) via its Basic Needs Trust Fund Programme, with local contractor H Lewis Construction Limited tapped to complete the works. Construction kicked off on June 3, 2024, and wrapped up on August 28, 2026, two weeks ahead of the official handover ceremony. The upgraded block includes a suite of modern improvements: four fully updated classrooms, dedicated administrative office space for teaching staff, new compliant washroom facilities, fully replaced electrical and plumbing systems, integrated fire detection and alarm infrastructure, upgraded telecommunications connectivity, improved on-site drainage, reinforced concrete walkways, and a range of supporting external site works.

    Addressing attendees at the handover event, Dr. Solomon Isaac, CDB Vice President of Operations, underlined that sustained investment in educational infrastructure remains a core pillar of inclusive national development and community empowerment across the Caribbean. “The Caribbean Development Bank is proud to have partnered with the Government of Grenada on this transformative project, which advances three critical priorities: quality education, climate resilience, and community-led development,” Dr. Isaac said. “We are honored to help create safe, modern learning environments for Grenada’s young people, and we remain committed to supporting ongoing educational and social development programs that lift up communities and expand opportunity across the country.”

    Grenada Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for the St David constituency, emphasized that the new facility represents far more than concrete and steel—it is a tangible investment in Grenada’s future. “This new block sends a clear message to our young people: we believe in you, which is why we choose to invest in you,” Prime Minister Mitchell stated. “Education is one of the most impactful investments a government can make for its nation. When we invest in our children’s education, we invest in Grenada’s future, our workforce, our communities, and our long-term, sustainable development.”

    The Prime Minister went on to note that every child in Grenada deserves a safe, modern, and comfortable space to learn, grow, and pursue their personal and academic goals. “With the completion of this reconstructed block, our students now have an environment that is intentionally designed to support quality education, encourage academic excellence, and help every student reach their full potential,” he explained. “As a climate-resilient structure and officially designated emergency shelter, it will also serve as a secure refuge for local community members when disaster strikes. This is an investment in both education and national resilience.”

    Beyond its core role as a school facility, the upgraded block significantly enhances the school’s ability to operate as an emergency shelter, offering improved safety and reliable accommodation for St David residents during hurricanes, flooding, or other national emergencies—an increasingly critical function as small island developing states across the Caribbean face growing climate-related risks.

    The Government of Grenada formally extended its gratitude to all stakeholders who contributed to the project’s successful completion, including the CDB through the Basic Needs Trust Fund Programme, the Roman Catholic Church, St Dominic’s RC School administration, H Lewis Construction Limited, and all partner groups that supported the initiative.

    The completion of Block #5 marks another key milestone in the steady development of the St David region, embodying the government’s ongoing commitment to upgrading educational infrastructure that boosts student learning outcomes, strengthens community cohesion, and expands opportunity for current and future generations. As students prepare to move into their new classrooms this academic term, the reconstructed facility stands as a lasting symbol of collaborative progress, climate resilience, cross-sector partnership, and a shared national commitment to investing in Grenada’s most valuable asset: its people.

    This report was issued by the Office of the Prime Minister of Grenada. NOW Grenada holds no responsibility for the content contributed by third-party contributors and invites users to report any abusive content via official channels.

  • VAT-Free lists and new dates for October VAT-Free Shopping Days

    VAT-Free lists and new dates for October VAT-Free Shopping Days

    The Ministry of Finance of Grenada has issued an official update announcing a schedule adjustment for one of the flagship initiatives under its 2026 Cost of Living Assistance Programme. The popular VAT-Free Shopping Days, originally planned for an unannounced earlier date, will now take place on October 2 and 3, 2026, giving consumers and businesses ample time to prepare for the tax-free event aimed at easing household financial pressures.

    Beyond this scheduled tax-free weekend, Grenada already maintains a permanent zero value-added tax rate on a wide range of goods and services categorized to support core livelihood needs, local agricultural and fishing production, public health, environmental sustainability, and economic development. The full scope of permanently VAT-free items covers multiple key sectors of daily life and local industry.

    First, the government has extended permanent zero VAT to essential food items that make up a large share of household grocery budgets. These include unsweetened bread, specified cuts of fresh, chilled, or frozen chicken, plus a range of unprocessed agricultural produce such as fresh fruits, ground provisions, honey, most vegetables, fresh whole eggs, and fresh or chilled poultry and meat. Additional permanently zero-VAT food items added effective December 31, 2021 include Alaska pollock, cheddar cheese, cod, various dried and salted fish, split peas, specified turkey cuts, multiple types of cooking oil, black-eye peas, lentil peas, red kidney beans, veggie patties, brown, white and broken bulk rice for repackaging, wheat flour, and fresh, condensed, powdered, and evaporated milk. Infant milk-based preparations are also exempt from VAT.

    To support local agricultural and fishing production — two foundational economic sectors in Grenada — all core industry inputs carry a permanent 0% VAT rate. For agriculture, these include agricultural seeds, seedlings and plantlets, fertilizers, herbicides, agricultural pesticides, beekeeping supplies and breeding bees, animal feed (excluding pet food), agricultural and horticultural-specific tools and machinery, cardboard packaging and egg trays for unprocessed farm produce. For the commercial fishing sector, VAT exemptions extend to all key inputs including fishing hooks, lines, and nets, GPS devices, marine communication equipment, boat engines, bilge pumps, commercial fishing boats, and various other supplies required for daily fishing operations. Unprocessed agricultural products and fresh/frozen non-crustacean, non-mollusk fish are also permanently VAT-free.

    Permanent VAT exemptions also apply to critical public health and hygiene goods. Chronic disease medicines for conditions including diabetes, hypertension, renal failure, glaucoma, cancer, and asthma are always VAT-free. Added to the permanent exemption list effective December 31, 2021 are adult and baby diapers, bathing soap, hand sanitisers, laundry soap, sanitary napkins and tampons, toilet paper, toothpaste, and condoms, all of which are essential daily hygiene products.

    To advance Grenada’s climate and sustainability goals, a range of energy-saving and hurricane mitigation devices are permanently exempt from VAT. This includes energy-saving light bulbs, solar panels, inverters, deep-cell batteries, solar water heaters, as well as hurricane shutters (both manual and mechanised) and hurricane straps and ties, helping households reduce energy costs and improve disaster preparedness.

    Additional permanently zero-VAT goods and services include residential electricity for the first 99 kilowatt hours supplied by Grenlec, residential pipe-borne water from Nawasa, newspapers, prescribed textbooks, fuel (gasoline, diesel, cooking gas, kerosene), postage stamps, service charges at hotels, guest houses and restaurants, vacant and agricultural lands, and micro-computers and their regulated accessories. Additional targeted VAT exemptions have also been rolled out in recent years to support economic development: since April 2016, building materials for qualifying investments over $30 million under the Investment Act 2014 have been zero-rated, and electric vehicles and their charging stations have also carried permanent VAT exemption. Effective April 2023, production equipment approved for business use in the creative economy is also exempt from VAT.

    This announcement, which combines an update to the upcoming VAT-free shopping event with a comprehensive clarification of permanent VAT exemptions, forms part of the government of Grenada’s ongoing efforts to reduce the cost of living for residents, support key local industries, and advance policy priorities ranging from climate action to economic diversification.

  • OECS Youth and Women in Agriculture Symposium in Grenada

    OECS Youth and Women in Agriculture Symposium in Grenada

    Against a backdrop of growing global economic uncertainty and escalating climate threats, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission has joined forces with the Government of Grenada to host a landmark regional gathering: the 2nd Youth and Women in Agriculture Symposium. Held between 1 and 3 September 2026 at the Radisson Grenada Beach Resort in St George, the three-day event has emerged as a critical turning point in the Eastern Caribbean’s decades-long fight for food security and self-determination.

    More than 150 stakeholders gathered at the symposium, bringing together passionate young producers, women agricultural leaders, and differently-abled advocates from across all OECS member states. Unlike traditional policy conferences that end with unfulfilled promises, this meeting prioritized turning discussion into binding regional commitments on trade integration and structural agricultural reform. Aligned with its core theme – *Youth and Women Driving Agricultural Transformation: Sowing Resilience, Reaping Prosperity* – the symposium directly confronted the most pressing vulnerabilities holding the region back.

    Currently, the Caribbean imports the vast majority of its food supply, costing the region a staggering US$658 million annually. This economic drain has pushed regional leaders to reframe agricultural self-reliance not as a niche industry goal, but as a non-negotiable pillar of national and regional sovereignty. Opening the symposium with a keynote address, Honourable Lennox J Andrews, Grenada’s Minister for Economic Development, Planning, Cooperatives, Agriculture, Lands and Forestry, the Blue Economy and Marine Affairs, called for a permanent end to the outdated narrative that frames agriculture as a “sector of last resort.”

    Andrews argued for a fundamental shift in how regional societies view youth and women in agriculture, noting they should be recognized not just as manual laborers, but as skilled, innovative leaders of agricultural technology and agribusiness. “The agriculture of today goes far beyond planting and harvesting,” Andrews said. “It is about agribusiness, technology, protected agriculture, precision drones, artificial intelligence, and digital marketing. It is about turning a farm into a business and a business into a sustainable enterprise. When we invest in a young farmer, we are not simply helping one individual. We are investing in a household. We are investing in rural communities. We are investing in food security. And ultimately, we are investing in the future of our nation.”

    Andrews also highlighted the tangible policy progress Grenada has already made, including the Youth Enterprise in Agriculture pilot project developed in partnership with the Caricom Development Fund, and the national Land Bank Project, which secures agricultural land via long-term lease arrangements for young and aspiring new farmers.

    In his keynote address, OECS Commission Director General H E Dr Didacus Jules framed the symposium’s urgency within the context of cascading global and regional shocks: ongoing post-pandemic global supply chain disruptions, skyrocketing international shipping costs, and repeated climate disasters such as Hurricanes Ivan and Beryl that have repeatedly devastated regional crop production. Jules challenged regional governments to move beyond performative inclusion of marginalized groups and implement concrete structural changes, particularly in three key areas: land tenure security, access to affordable credit, and cross-border market integration.

    “In a fracturing world, the capacity to feed ourselves is the most concrete expression of sovereignty available to a small state,” Jules said. “A sector does not renew itself; it is renewed by people who choose it. When more than 100 young people volunteered to spend three days discussing agriculture, the question of whether our youth are interested in farming was answered; they were simply waiting to be asked. When we put our young people in a room together, they do not merely network; they trade, and that shows commitment and seriousness.”

    The event highlighted the critical financial and strategic support provided by international partners, most notably the European Union, whose 11th European Development Fund RIGHT (Regional Integration through Growth Harmonisation and Technology) programme has funded the bulk of the OECS’s ongoing agricultural development work across the region. Addressing delegates virtually, Chiara Tardivo, Team Leader for Global Gateway Climate and Energy Investments at the EU Delegation to Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean, and the OECS, reaffirmed the bloc’s long-term commitment to regional agricultural transformation.

    “We believe that with climate resilience innovations in agriculture, we can help overcome the high food import bills and better address environmental challenges,” Tardivo said. “We would like to reaffirm our commitment to working with the OECS and Caribbean islands, placing young people, women and youth at the centre of the transformation process.”

    Welcoming attendees to the opening of the symposium, Natalie Williams, Permanent Secretary in Grenada’s Ministry of Agriculture, Lands and Forestry, centered the often-overlooked historical contributions of women to Caribbean food systems. “The question is, who will carry this world forward?” Williams said. “As the farming population ages, we must look to women and youth to lead the next generation.”

    By the close of the symposium, delegates and leaders agreed on a clear, action-oriented mandate centered on four core strategic priorities. First, participants committed to the formal institutionalization of the OECS Agriculture Forum for Youth and Women, establishing a permanent active governance structure and clear policy mandate to guide ongoing work. Second, delegates agreed to launch a co-managed OECS-IICA information portal that will provide centralized, accessible data on land markets, available grant funding, and technical guidance for small producers across the region.

    Third, participating ministers agreed to prioritize addressing systemic barriers to land access, committing to offer crown lands via transparent, long-term lease arrangements that can be recognized as collateral by commercial lending institutions. Fourth, leaders committed to advancing structural inclusion, requiring that all future agricultural training programs, funding instruments, and new technologies are proactively designed to accommodate and include persons with disabilities.

    This article was originally published by NOW Grenada, which notes that it is not responsible for the opinions, statements or media content presented by external contributors. Readers may click through to report abusive content per the outlet’s community policies.

  • Flavours of Grenada showcases opportunities across UK and Europe

    Flavours of Grenada showcases opportunities across UK and Europe

    On September 8, the High Commission for Grenada to the United Kingdom launched *Flavours of Grenada 2026: An Investment, Trade & Tourism Showcase* at London’s Hilton London Metropole, bringing together a cross-section of global stakeholders to explore Grenada’s expanding economic potential. The one-day event drew government leaders, institutional investors, corporate executives, representatives from international bodies, tourism industry leaders, and diplomatic community members, all gathering to align on Grenada’s core economic development priorities and map out untapped collaborative opportunities.

    Far more than a simple exhibition of the island nation’s signature goods and scenic tourism offerings, the 2026 showcase was structured as a targeted engagement platform designed to link Grenada’s national development goals with international capital, specialized expertise, global market access, and long-term strategic partnerships. The event’s agenda combined high-level ministerial addresses, sector-specific breakout discussions, and a dedicated exhibition space highlighting Grenada’s world-renowned export products, including its multi-award-winning craft chocolate and premium aged rum. Chaired by British-Grenadian actor Fraser James, the forum opened with formal welcome remarks from Her Excellency Rachér Croney, Grenada’s High Commissioner to the UK, followed by a landmark keynote address from Grenada’s Minister of Finance, the Honourable Dennis Cornwall. In his address, Minister Cornwall delivered a comprehensive breakdown of Grenada’s current macroeconomic landscape, outlined the nation’s priority growth sectors, detailed its updated regulatory framework and investor incentive programs, and walked attendees through practical pathways for both new and existing businesses looking to enter or expand their operations in the country.

    Sector-wide discussions throughout the day covered a wide range of high-growth areas of opportunity, including Grenada’s overall investment and trade climate, the nation’s popular citizenship by investment program, targeted tourism development projects, climate adaptation strategies and renewable energy initiatives, the burgeoning Blue Economy, and the transformative Project Polaris development initiative. Alongside Minister Cornwall and High Commissioner Croney, featured speakers included Renee Moses, Head of Immigration, Migration and Diasporic Affairs; Randall Dolland, Chairman of the Grenada Tourism Authority; Suresh Yadav, Director of the Climate Change and Oceans Directorate at the Commonwealth Secretariat; and Dr Brendon LaGrenade, Grenada’s Chief Philanthropic Officer for Project Polaris.

    In her remarks, High Commissioner Croney emphasized that the event was conceived to do more than just highlight Grenada’s investment appeal: it was built to foster tangible, action-oriented connections that move beyond discussion to deliver real collaborative progress. “At a time when Britain is continuing to redefine and strengthen its trade and investment relationships internationally, Grenada offers a compelling gateway to opportunities in the Eastern Caribbean, and we look forward to turning the expressions of interest into meaningful action,” she said.

    Minister Cornwall echoed this sentiment, highlighting Grenada’s proven economic resilience amid overlapping global economic and climate challenges, paired with the nation’s commitment to disciplined fiscal management. “The economy has continued to grow, supported by tourism, reconstruction activity and investment inflows,” he noted. “More importantly, Grenada is positioning itself not as an aid-dependent microstate, but as a high-performing small island economy seeking strategic partners for its next phase of development and expansion. The forum demonstrated the breadth of opportunities available across several sectors, and I am encouraged by the caliber and seriousness of the investors willing to be a part of Grenada’s development.”

    The showcase also shone a spotlight on the critical role of international collaboration in advancing Grenada’s climate action, renewable energy expansion, and infrastructure development goals. Yadav reaffirmed the Commonwealth Secretariat’s ongoing commitment to supporting Grenada’s growth, noting that “Grenada has taken substantial measures to attract private sector investment, and we in the Climate Change, Ocean, Energy and Natural Resources Directorate, are pleased to support Grenada both on the ground and through policy reform, to help make it a viable destination for investment in energy and infrastructure.”

    From its inception, *Flavours of Grenada 2026* was designed to achieve four core goals: establish Grenada as a trusted, competitive investment destination in the Caribbean; build direct trade and institutional partnerships between Grenadian and global entities; align the nation’s development priorities with expertise and capital from the UK, Europe, and the broader Commonwealth; and translate on-site discussions into tangible, on-the-ground projects and long-term partnerships. The ultimate outcome the event targeted is delivery: converting initial investor interest into active due diligence, strengthening cross-institutional collaboration, opening new trade routes for Grenadian goods, and encouraging international stakeholders to join a upcoming Trade and Investment Mission to Grenada organized by the High Commission.

    For the Grenadian High Commission, these strengthened international relationships are a core pillar of the nation’s broader socio-economic development strategy. By bringing global investors, businesses, and institutions into closer contact with Grenada’s market, the island nation can expand access to critical capital and specialized expertise while opening new international markets for local Grenadian enterprises, supporting domestic entrepreneurship, and creating sustainable, long-term employment and economic opportunity for local communities.

    The day’s programming concluded with a cultural networking reception that gave attendees an immersive taste of Grenadian culture, featuring curated tastings of the nation’s premium rum and award-winning chocolate, authentic local delicacies, and live traditional music. Rather than leaving with only marketing materials and exchanged business cards, attendees were invited to leave with concrete next steps: a potential partnership to develop, a new project to explore, and a personal invitation to visit the island nation. As organizers emphasized, Grenada is ready to engage, ready to accommodate new investors, ready to streamline processes for business growth, and open for international partnership.

    The High Commission for Grenada extended formal gratitude to all speakers, attendees, and supporting sponsors that made the 2026 showcase a success, including The Ben Delo Foundation, TTSOLS Ltd., Silversands, Ora Caribbean, the Grenada Tourism Authority, the Grenada Immigration Migration Agency, Coyaba Beach Resort, and Think Events London.

  • Temporary road closure: Belmont, St George

    Temporary road closure: Belmont, St George

    Drivers and commuters in Grenada are being given advance notice of an upcoming full road closure that will affect access through one of Belmont’s busiest corridors next year. The Traffic Department of the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) has officially announced that a central stretch of Belmont Minor Road will be completely closed to all motor vehicle traffic on Sunday, September 13, 2026. The closure will run from 7 a.m. through 6 p.m., covering an 11-hour window that spans most of the day. The affected segment stretches from the junction of Belmont Minor Road and Jean Anglais Public Road all the way to the intersection with Belmont Main Road at the traffic light, a heavily traversed connection for local and through traffic. The closure is being implemented to make way for critical concrete construction work being carried out by the Grenada State Engineering Construction Group Ltd. RGPF confirmed that the restriction is necessary to ensure worker safety and allow the construction team to complete the project work efficiently within the scheduled time frame. The law enforcement agency has issued a formal apology to motorists, local businesses, and residents for any travel disruptions or inconvenience that the temporary closure may cause, and urged all road users to plan alternate routes and adjust their travel schedules accordingly ahead of the date. RGPF also said it expects full cooperation from the general public to ensure the work can proceed smoothly and wrap up on schedule. This announcement was originally released via the Office of the Commissioner of Police, Grenada. Source: Office of Commissioner of Police