From October 29 to November 1, 2025, Panama City will host the inaugural Global Robotics Competition, an international event uniting over 190 countries. This groundbreaking initiative brings together students to harness the power of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in tackling pressing environmental issues and fostering a healthier planet. The competition’s theme, ‘Eco Equilibrium,’ challenges participants to innovate collaboratively, focusing on maximizing biodiversity and safeguarding vital ecosystems, from rainforests to coral reefs. This mission is critical for the well-being of both humanity and the Earth. Representing Grenada is Team Grenada, which has been diligently preparing since receiving robotics kits in August. The team has been designing, building, and programming their robot with unwavering enthusiasm and determination. Beyond technical preparations, Team Grenada has actively engaged with international peers from countries such as Angola, Belize, China, Canada, and Ukraine, fostering global collaboration. Team Grenada has also made significant contributions to their local community through environmental initiatives. These include a beach cleanup at Flamingo Bay, educational sessions during Career Day in Westmoreland, fundraising efforts to support club activities, participation in a summer short film, and the submission of eleven social media challenges centered on sustainability. The team, comprising Jada Jacob, Talisha Jessamy, Jesse Logie, Hadassah Roberts, and Jeromy Simson, is guided by mentors Clement Commodore and Merlisia John. As Team Grenada and their global counterparts take on the Eco Equilibrium challenge, their efforts underscore the transformative potential of young innovators and STEM education in building a sustainable future for our planet.
标签： Grenada
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Cutting food waste, protecting our future
Every day, vast quantities of food are wasted globally, from spoiled produce to unsold pastries. This issue is particularly pressing in Grenada, where many families struggle to secure enough nutritious food. Recognized on September 29, the International Day of Awareness for Food Loss and Waste highlights the urgent need to address this global challenge. Reducing food waste is not only essential for food security but also for protecting the environment and supporting local economies. The Codex Alimentarius, a set of international food standards developed by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the World Health Organisation (WHO), plays a pivotal role in this effort. These standards guide food handling, storage, packaging, and transportation to minimize waste and ensure safety. Grenada’s National Codex Committee is at the forefront of this initiative, bringing together farmers, food businesses, and government agencies to implement Codex guidelines. By adopting these best practices, Grenadian producers can reduce spoilage, improve food quality, and ensure more produce reaches consumers. A critical focus is the post-harvest stage, where improper handling, storage, or transportation can lead to significant losses. Simple measures, such as better storage and packaging, can make a substantial difference. Reducing food waste directly impacts food security by making food more affordable, boosting farmers’ incomes, and reducing reliance on imports. It also benefits the environment by decreasing landfill waste and conserving resources. Clear labelling is another key factor, helping consumers and retailers make informed decisions about food safety and storage. This reduces premature disposal and extends the shelf life of products. Grenada’s National Codex Committee continues to raise awareness and provide guidance to the agricultural sector, ensuring food is safe, nutritious, and used efficiently. By addressing food waste, Grenada is not only safeguarding its food supply but also protecting its economy, environment, and future generations.
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PM’s speech at United Nations General Assembly
In a compelling address at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) on September 27, 2025, Grenada’s Prime Minister, Hon. Dickon Mitchell, underscored the transformative power of education as a unifying force in a world marked by paradoxes of progress and peril. Speaking on behalf of Grenada and the Caribbean Community (Caricom), Mitchell emphasized education’s role in bridging divides, fostering resilience, and driving innovation. He highlighted the stark contrasts in global access to education, from children walking miles for water to those leveraging artificial intelligence in classrooms, and called for a redefined vision of education that transcends traditional boundaries. Mitchell shared Grenada’s transformative reforms, including universal secondary education, modernized curricula, and free tuition for technical and vocational training, as a model for inclusive development. He also urged global partnerships to co-create resilient education systems, particularly in conflict zones, where schools often become casualties of war. Mitchell’s speech concluded with a powerful call to action, urging the international community to protect education as a fundamental right and a cornerstone of peacebuilding. He envisioned a world where every child, regardless of circumstance, has equal access to knowledge and opportunity, asserting that education is not just a policy but a promise to humanity.
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Who is responsible for building resilience?
In the Caribbean, resilience is not merely a policy buzzword but a critical survival strategy. The region faces a myriad of challenges, from devastating hurricanes and rising sea levels to biodiversity loss and economic shocks. These issues underscore the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to resilience-building, one that involves the entire society rather than relying solely on governmental action. While governments play a pivotal role in setting strategic priorities, mobilizing resources, and engaging with international partners, resilience cannot be achieved through top-down measures alone. It requires the active participation of communities, the private sector, youth, academia, and every individual citizen. Communities, often the first responders, are at the forefront of resilience efforts. Whether it’s fisherfolk adapting to changing marine ecosystems or youth groups organizing disaster preparedness workshops, local action is both immediate and impactful. Yet, these grassroots initiatives often remain underfunded and underrepresented in national decision-making. The private sector also has a crucial role to play, as climate risks directly threaten business operations. Investing in resilient infrastructure, renewable energy, and innovative sectors like the Circular Economy and Blue Economy is essential. Meanwhile, young people are demanding climate justice and inclusive governance, pushing for their voices to be heard in shaping the future. Universities and research institutions must continue to provide evidence-based insights to inform resilience strategies. Regional and international development partners should offer support without overshadowing local leadership. Ultimately, resilience is about more than recovery; it’s about transforming systems to anticipate, absorb, and adapt to shocks while thriving. This collective effort is vital to securing a sustainable and prosperous future for the Caribbean.
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Possible widespread use of reused oils
The Grenada Food and Nutrition Council (GFNC) recently hosted a compelling webinar titled ‘Cooking with Danger: The Health Impact of Reused Cooking Oil in Grenadian Kitchens.’ Held on September 23, 2025, the virtual event attracted 100 participants, including cooks, chefs, healthcare professionals, educators, and entrepreneurs. The session featured insights from National Epidemiologist Larissa Mark and Dr. Ariel Frederick, both Grenadian experts with strong ties to St. George’s University and extensive experience in public health and disease prevention. The webinar aimed to address the widespread but often overlooked risks associated with reusing cooking oil, a practice that can lead to the accumulation of harmful chemicals like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), linked to cancers such as lung, breast, and prostate cancer. A poll conducted during the event revealed that 42% of attendees admitted to adding new oil to reused oil, while 24.5% reused oil 2–3 times. GFNC CEO Lydia Browne emphasized the importance of public education and awareness, urging participants to share the information widely. The council also highlighted the need for routine inspections of food establishments to ensure safer cooking practices. The webinar replay is available for those who missed the live session, offering valuable insights into healthier cooking habits and the broader implications of reused oil on public health.
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World Contraception Day: 26 September
The ongoing debate surrounding the Age of Civil Responsibility (ACR) Bill has brought to light critical issues concerning adolescent sexual health in the Caribbean. Recent findings reveal that only 5% of parents engage in conversations with their children about puberty and responsible sexual behavior. Alarmingly, some parents fail to cooperate with legal authorities in cases involving sexual predators, and in extreme instances, even exploit their children for financial gain. The Caribbean region holds the dubious distinction of having the second-highest adolescent fertility rate globally, the second-earliest sexual debut, and three countries ranking among the top ten for gender-based violence. While the ACR Bill alone cannot resolve these deep-seated issues, it serves as a catalyst for broader initiatives. These include promoting abstinence, overcoming parental reluctance to discuss sex, enhancing sexuality education in schools and churches, and improving access to contraceptives and counseling for sexually active individuals of all ages. Studies indicate that 99% of women visiting public health clinics are aware of at least one contraceptive method. However, 80% report that their most recent or current pregnancy was unplanned. The primary reasons for not using contraceptives include fear of side effects (55%), partner objection (22%), and cost (8%). Addressing these challenges requires dispelling myths about modern contraceptives, combating patriarchal attitudes, and implementing policies that eliminate legal and economic barriers to contraceptive access. World Contraception Day serves as a poignant reminder of these ongoing struggles. Sincerely, Tonia Frame, President, Grenada Planned Parenthood Association (GPPA) and Fred Nunes, Consultant, Advocates for Safe Parenthood: Improving Reproductive Equity (ASPIRE). NOW Grenada is not responsible for the opinions, statements, or media content presented by contributors. In case of abuse, click here to report.