标签： Grenada

The Grenada Airports Authority (GAA) has announced a Tsunami preparedness drill scheduled to take place at the Maurice Bishop International Airport (MBIA) on Wednesday, 5 November 2025, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM. This initiative is part of the GAA’s commitment to enhancing disaster readiness and ensuring the safety of airport users in the face of potential natural disasters. The drill coincides with World Tsunami Awareness Day, highlighting the importance of global awareness and preparedness for such catastrophic events. The exercise will last approximately 1.5 hours, during which normal airport operations will continue uninterrupted. Flights will not be affected, and the airport will remain open to the public. In the unlikely event of an actual emergency during the drill, the simulation will be halted immediately, and standard emergency protocols will be activated. The GAA has urged the public to remain calm and informed, emphasizing that any emergency-like activities observed during this period are part of the planned exercise. The authority expressed gratitude to travelers, airport stakeholders, and the local community for their cooperation and understanding as they work to bolster safety measures and emergency response capabilities. This drill underscores the GAA’s proactive approach to disaster management and its dedication to safeguarding the well-being of all airport users.

In a significant move to bolster construction safety and align with global best practices, Grenada’s Planning and Development Authority (PDA) has unveiled the ‘Check Consultant Clause’ under the Regional Building Code. This innovative framework mandates an independent third-party technical review for complex or large-scale developments, ensuring that qualified engineers or architects oversee critical design stages. The initiative aims to mitigate structural and foundational risks, which have recently plagued projects both locally and regionally.

At a recent press conference, PDA Chairman Kenrick Fullerton underscored the importance of this measure, stating, ‘This is not merely about compliance; it’s about safeguarding lives, protecting investments, and fostering public trust in our construction practices. It also supports Grenada’s national resilience agenda.’

To facilitate the rollout, the PDA has partnered with Hon. Tony Gibbs, a renowned regional engineer and author of the Check Consultant implementation guidelines. Gibbs will spearhead a series of technical training sessions and stakeholder seminars in collaboration with the Architectural Society, the Grenada Institute of Professional Engineers (GIPE), and local financial institutions. These sessions will cover Grenada’s multi-hazard environment, including wind, earthquake, and structural safety, while guiding professionals on integrating the Check Consultant process into project workflows.

The first training session is scheduled for Tuesday, 18 November 2025, from 9 am to 1 pm, with both in-person and virtual attendance options. The agenda includes technical briefings on multi-hazard design principles, procedural guidance on the Check Consultant framework, and a Q&A segment for professionals and financial institutions. Participation is mandatory for engineers and architects seeking to qualify as Check Consultants, while financial institutions are strongly encouraged to attend due to the potential impact on construction financing and risk assessment.

This initiative is part of the PDA’s broader modernization efforts, which include the adoption of national Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) procedures and the Fast-Track Review Policy. These measures aim to enhance efficiency, transparency, and public accountability in Grenada’s development sector. For further details or to confirm attendance, stakeholders can contact the PDA Front Desk via email or phone.

The Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC) has announced that its annual Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Symposium will take place at the Radisson Grenada Beach Resort from November 5 to 7, 2025. This prestigious event will convene safety professionals and disaster coordinators from electric utilities across the region to address emerging risks and innovative strategies in occupational health and safety, particularly within the energy sector. The 2025 symposium, themed “The Changing Landscape of Occupational Health and Safety,” will focus on two critical areas: Climate Change and Workforce Resilience, and Energy-Based Safety (EBS): A New Paradigm in Hazard Recognition. Attendees will explore the effects of climate change on workforce productivity and well-being, while also discussing practical approaches to developing climate-resilient safety systems. The EBS segment will emphasize identifying and mitigating high-energy hazards to prevent serious incidents. Dr. Cletus Bertin, CARILEC Executive Director, highlighted the symposium’s significance, stating, “As the energy sector navigates complex challenges like climate change and digital transformation, this event equips professionals to redefine safety culture and safeguard their most valuable asset: their people.” The symposium will feature panel discussions and interactive workshops, providing a platform for participants to exchange best practices and explore cutting-edge advancements in safety management. For further details, including the full agenda, visit www.carilec.org or email [email protected].

Grenada’s Governor-General, Dame Cécile La Grenade, alongside the nation’s government, has proudly announced the recognition of several distinguished citizens in the 2025 King’s New Year’s Honours. These individuals have been celebrated for their exceptional contributions across various sectors, including public service, culture, education, sports, and community development. Their achievements have not only enriched Grenada’s national identity but also strengthened its communities. Among the honorees, Ruth Elizabeth Rouse was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her extensive public service and diplomatic career, which included roles as High Commissioner to the UK and Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organisation. Keith Emmanuel Richard Williams received the Member of the British Empire (MBE) for his three decades of dedication to Grenadian culture, education, and sports. Other notable recipients include Annie Lauretta Rush-Bain, recognized for her community service and leadership in local organizations, and Lyneth Ann Edwards, posthumously awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for her lifelong contributions to art and culture. These honours underscore Grenada’s commitment to excellence and national pride, inspiring future generations to serve their country and humanity with distinction.

The catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica on October 28, 2025, has left an indelible mark on the nation’s education system and the mental well-being of its citizens. With sustained winds of 298 km/h (185 mph), the hurricane surpassed the intensity of Hurricane Katrina, causing widespread destruction and claiming 28 lives, with many still missing. The aftermath has forced numerous schools to remain closed for the remainder of the academic year, exacerbating an already fragile education system. Prior to the disaster, Jamaica’s schools were grappling with underfunding, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of focus on mental health. The hurricane has further exposed these vulnerabilities, leaving students and teachers to face collective trauma. Many schools in South Western Jamaica, including parishes like Westmoreland and St. Elizabeth, remain without electricity and internet, rendering virtual learning impossible. The loss of essential school supplies and educational gadgets, such as laptops and tablets, has disproportionately affected students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. To mitigate the disruption, experts are advocating for an abridged curriculum that prioritizes essential learning outcomes while addressing the psychosocial needs of students and teachers. Mental health support, including art therapy, drama, and counseling, is crucial to help individuals cope with the trauma. The World Bank has warned that the long-term consequences of school closures will be felt for decades, emphasizing the need for immediate action to rebuild and strengthen Jamaica’s education system.