Carib Scope

标签： Grenada

格林纳达

  • GDB participates in ECCB meeting with ECCU development banks

    GDB participates in ECCB meeting with ECCU development banks

    In a significant move to bolster regional economic cooperation, development banks across the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) have initiated a transformative collaboration framework following a high-level consultative forum hosted by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB). The two-day gathering, convened in St Kitts and Nevis on January 29-30, 2026, assembled senior executives from development financial institutions to address pressing regional challenges and accelerate climate-resilient economic growth.

    Royston Cumberbatch, General Manager of the Grenada Development Bank (GDB), represented his institution at the strategic meetings that focused on mobilizing concessional funding and enhancing sustainable development finance mechanisms. The forum served as a catalytic platform for knowledge exchange, best practice sharing, and strategic alignment across critical sectors including agricultural development, climate adaptation, infrastructure modernization, economic diversification, and financial inclusion initiatives.

    A pivotal moment emerged when Dr. David Lowe, Managing Director of the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ), presented his institution’s innovative wholesale lending model. This approach, which channels funding through commercial financial institutions to reach end-borrowers, has yielded remarkable results including minimal non-performing loan ratios and enhanced institutional sustainability. Conference participants engaged in detailed analysis of how this framework could inform structural reforms within Eastern Caribbean development banks, particularly regarding balance sheet strengthening, risk management enhancement, and development impact amplification.

    Dr. Lowe emphasized the critical balance between financial performance and measurable socio-economic outcomes, urging development banks to prioritize both institutional sustainability and tangible community impact. In response to these discussions, participants unanimously agreed to pursue a formal Memorandum of Understanding between Jamaican and Eastern Caribbean development institutions. This forthcoming agreement will establish mechanisms for technical cooperation, knowledge transfer, and capacity building, with formalization anticipated within coming months.

    The GDB delegation presented updates on their digital transformation program, climate finance initiatives, and strategic plans to expand affordable credit access and technical support for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and homeowners. These initiatives align closely with Grenada’s national development priorities and regional sustainable development objectives.

    Cumberbatch reflected on the forum’s significance, stating: ‘This collaborative engagement reinforced the imperative of regional cooperation among development banks as we work collectively to expand financial access, strengthen climate resilience, and support inclusive economic growth. The insights gained will directly inform GDB’s strategic priorities as we enhance our developmental impact both nationally and regionally.’

    The Grenada Development Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering partnerships that unlock development financing, strengthen institutional capabilities, and promote sustainable prosperity throughout the Eastern Caribbean region.

  • Maroon Warriors head to Grenada

    Maroon Warriors head to Grenada

    Grenada prepares to become the epicenter of Caribbean cricket as the West Indies Women’s team arrives for their landmark home series against Sri Lanka Women. The occasion carries extraordinary significance with the triumphant return of Grenadian cricket icon Afy Fletcher to home soil. Hailing from La Fillette, St Andrew, the accomplished leg-spinner will represent the West Indies in her homeland for only the second time in her distinguished career.

    This series transcends conventional sporting competition, offering Grenadians a rare opportunity to witness one of their own excel at the highest level. Cricket West Indies has issued a rallying cry for overwhelming support from the Grenadian public, educational institutions, cricket clubs, and the broader sporting community to generate an electrifying atmosphere for the home squad.

    The 38-year-old Fletcher has established herself as an indispensable component of West Indies’ bowling arsenal, representing the region across multiple ICC World Cups and global tournaments. Her legacy includes contributing to the team’s celebrated T20 World Cup victory in 2016.

    Following a temporary hiatus from international cricket five years ago after welcoming her son Audee, Fletcher made a resounding comeback, elegantly demonstrating the feasibility of balancing elite athletic performance with motherhood. Her recent accolades include selection to the Team of the Tournament at the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup and capturing her 100th ODI wicket against Thailand in Pakistan last April.

    With an impressive record of 111 wickets from 89 ODI appearances, Fletcher stands merely one match away from her 100th T20 appearance and four wickets short of 100 T20 dismissals. These monumental achievements solidify her status as one of the most accomplished international cricketers, regardless of gender, to emerge from the Spice Isle.

    In pre-series remarks, Fletcher conveyed her profound enthusiasm: ‘This selection brings me immense pride, particularly the privilege of performing before my home crowd. Representing the West Indies globally carries special meaning, but doing so on the soil that nurtured me, surrounded by lifelong supporters, holds incomparable significance. I aspire to show every Grenadian child that dreams remain attainable regardless of origin—this series transcends statistics to inspire future generations.’

    Hon. Delma Thomas, Minister of Sport, characterized the event as both homecoming and celebration of Grenadian excellence: ‘Afy embodies not just West Indian representation but every ambitious youth across our tri-island state. Her presence wearing maroon before family and friends constitutes the most powerful testament to Grenadian potential realized through determination and perseverance.’ The Minister extended gratitude to Cricket West Indies for choosing Grenada as host venue while welcoming the Sri Lankan delegation.

    The forthcoming matches guarantee exhilarating competition as the Maroon Warriors confront a formidable Sri Lankan contingent, promising world-class cricket spectacle.

  • Grenada Revolution chronicled by photographer Arthur Winner

    Grenada Revolution chronicled by photographer Arthur Winner

    At 81 years old, Arthur Winner, the unassuming photographer who documented Grenada’s revolutionary era, has formally entrusted his extensive collection of historical images to the Grenada National Trust. The veteran photographer, who describes himself as “a servant of the people,” captured defining moments during the Grenada Revolution while working within the Government Information Service (GIS).

    Winner’s black-and-white photographs represent one of the most significant visual records of Grenada’s modern history, preserved through political turmoil and rescued following the 1983 invasion. The collection includes historic moments such as the visit of Samora Machel, President of Mozambique, where Winner and his colleagues worked through the night to prepare a photographic dossier for the departing African leader.

    Ruggles Ferguson, former head of the government’s media centre, recalled racing to the airport with the finished album, crediting Winner as the critical figure in ensuring the photographs were ready in time. Winner also documented the extensive construction of what is now Maurice Bishop International Airport, week after week, capturing the transformation that would reshape the country’s future.

    The decision to donate his carefully safeguarded negatives came after Winner watched Jumaane Williams, a son of Grenadian soil, deliver an impassioned address about his heritage during his swearing-in as New York City’s Public Advocate. This moment made Winner acutely aware of the pressing need to preserve history for future generations.

    Darryl Brathwaite, President of the Grenada National Trust, emphasized that the donation represents far more than a transfer of old prints—it serves as a foundation stone in the country’s heritage infrastructure. “As a young nation, we are trying to build up our past to guide where we are going,” Brathwaite explained. “This is a national treasure owned by the people.”

    The GNT plans to digitize the entire collection, identify the faces and stories within the photographs, and mount a national exhibition. Discussions are underway to establish a formal national archive where the originals can be preserved under proper conservation conditions. Brathwaite hopes this gesture will inspire other Grenadians to come forward with historical photographs that may hold equally valuable pieces of the national narrative.

  • Statement by the men of The Citizens Advisory Body, St Paul’s Policing District

    Statement by the men of The Citizens Advisory Body, St Paul’s Policing District

    The Citizens Advisory Body of St. Paul’s Policing District has issued a profound statement of condolence and condemnation following the tragic death of Aleandra Lett Hypolite, an event that has sent shockwaves throughout Grenada. The organization expressed its deepest sympathies to Hypolite’s family, parents, and loved ones during what they described as a period of “immense grief and anguish.”

    In their official statement, the advisory body emphasized that no family should endure such devastating loss and no community should remain passive when confronted with acts of violence. As representatives working collaboratively with law enforcement to promote community safety, accountability, and public trust, the organization delivered a strong condemnation of all sexual violence incidents.

    The statement characterized such conduct as not merely an assault on individuals but as a fundamental violation of human dignity that threatens the moral foundation of society. While acknowledging public demands for swift justice, the advisory body simultaneously called for calm and patience, urging citizens to allow investigative processes to proceed without interference while maintaining cooperation with the Royal Grenada Police Force.

    The organization issued a national call to action, advocating for renewed commitment to protecting women, girls, and all children while upholding the rule of law. They specifically encouraged zero tolerance policies toward derogatory speech, harassment, attacks, rape, and murder directed at women and girls, while emphasizing respect for all human life.

    The advisory body concluded with a message of spiritual support for the Hypolite family, expressing hope that “the God of peace and comfort” would provide strength during this difficult time. The statement represents both a mourning of specific tragedy and a broader societal critique regarding violence against women in Grenada.

  • High-Resolution Data training at PRAIS 4 Workshop in Grenada

    High-Resolution Data training at PRAIS 4 Workshop in Grenada

    Environmental specialists and Geographic Information System (GIS) professionals from Caribbean Small Island Developing States (CSIDS) have completed an intensive capacity-building program focused on advanced data methodologies for land degradation assessment. The specialized training, conducted in Grenada, equipped participants with cutting-edge tools for the 2026 Reporting on Performance Review and Assessment of Implementation System (PRAIS 4).

    The week-long workshop, concluding on February 6, 2026, in St. George’s, was orchestrated by the Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management (PISLM) with multilateral support from the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification Secretariat, financial backing from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), implementation through the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and technical delivery collaboration with APACHETA.

    Suriname’s PRAIS Reporting Officer Zylenna Darson emphasized the transformative impact of moving beyond generic global datasets. “This initiative enabled crucial validation of our national environmental data,” Darson noted. “Previously dependent on default information that frequently misrepresented actual conditions, we can now achieve substantially more accurate depictions of land degradation.”

    The training facilitated cross-border knowledge exchange, allowing professionals from multiple Caribbean nations to develop collaborative strategies for sustainable land management. St. Kitts and Nevis GIS Officer Ayodele DeCosta highlighted how the workshop addressed the historical generalization of small island reporting, enabling more precise monitoring of environmental challenges.

    Haiti’s UNCCD Focal Point Eder Audate connected the training to recent national advancements, stating that the recently completed soil survey combined with these new capabilities would significantly enhance land degradation combat efforts.

    Bahamian representatives Latonya Williams and Jenny Morris expressed confidence that the high-resolution data methodologies would directly inform future environmental policies and project development.

    PISLM leadership encouraged participants to extend the application of these tools beyond immediate reporting requirements, emphasizing their potential to strengthen regional environmental policies, accurately document national achievements, and promote sustainable development resilience throughout the Caribbean region.

  • Commonwealth and UK provide investment support to Grenadian businesses

    Commonwealth and UK provide investment support to Grenadian businesses

    A groundbreaking initiative to drive sustainable investment in vulnerable island nations has been launched during the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. The Commonwealth Investment Network (CIN) represents a strategic partnership framework designed to identify and fund climate-positive projects across Small Island Developing States (SIDS) within the Commonwealth.

    The Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance (CCAF) has been appointed by the Commonwealth Secretariat and the UK Government to lead the implementation of this ambitious program. From February 2-6, 2024, a joint delegation comprising representatives from CCAF, the Commonwealth Secretariat, and the UK Commonwealth Unit conducted a working visit to Grenada to launch a three-month accelerator program for selected local enterprises.

    Three Grenadian companies emerged victorious from a highly competitive selection process to join the inaugural cohort: Belmont Estate (agribusiness), SarGas (renewable energy), and Green Feeds (sustainable agriculture). Each enterprise is receiving comprehensive support including customized advisory services, growth-focused mentorship, strategic stakeholder connections, and direct investor pitch opportunities.

    The program specifically aims to enhance project bankability while strengthening the broader investment ecosystem through knowledge transfer, capacity building, and targeted technical assistance. Beyond individual company support, the CIN initiative seeks to develop systemic solutions that address critical financing bottlenecks and unlock large-scale climate finance.

    During their Grenada visit, the delegation engaged extensively with government officials, private sector representatives, development agencies, and participating companies to identify key investment barriers and opportunities. British Commissioner to Grenada Victor Clark emphasized the nation’s innovative potential, stating: ‘Grenada is not short of innovation. I hope this technical support will help these companies realize their ambitious plans through accelerated investment and growth.’

    The initiative represents a significant step toward building climate resilience and sustainable economic development in vulnerable island nations facing disproportionate climate change impacts.

  • Hon. Dennis Cornwall to attend 112th ECCB Monetary Council Meeting

    Hon. Dennis Cornwall to attend 112th ECCB Monetary Council Meeting

    Grenada’s Finance Minister, Honourable Dennis Cornwall, is set to participate in the 112th Monetary Council gathering of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) on February 13, 2026. The high-level meeting will be hosted at the ECCB headquarters in Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis, bringing together finance ministers from across the currency union.

    The council session represents a fundamental component of the ECCB’s governance framework, tasked with conducting comprehensive assessments of monetary and credit conditions throughout the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU). Minister Cornwall will be accompanied by Mike Sylvester, Permanent Secretary within Grenada’s Ministry of Finance, forming the island’s official delegation.

    These biannual meetings serve as critical policy-making platforms where council members examine the ECCB Governor’s detailed report on regional economic performance. The agenda typically encompasses deliberations on financial stability mechanisms, credit market evolution, and strategic policy initiatives designed to foster sustainable economic development across member nations.

    The Grenadian government has reaffirmed its dedication to active engagement in regional financial governance structures, emphasizing its commitment to policies that enhance economic resilience and promote developmental objectives within the Eastern Caribbean framework.

    The ECCB Monetary Council operates as the supreme decision-making body for the currency union, maintaining oversight of monetary policy and financial sector stability across its eight member territories.

  • Liberty Business launches in Grenada

    Liberty Business launches in Grenada

    GRENADA – Liberty Business, the rebranded entity formerly known as Cable & Wireless Business, officially unveiled its new regional identity on February 5th at the Grenada Trade Centre. The launch event marked a significant expansion of digital solutions tailored for Caribbean businesses, positioning the company as a catalyst for technological advancement across the region.

    The summit gathered business executives, government officials, and technology partners to demonstrate Liberty’s next-generation connectivity solutions and world-class support infrastructure. Under its renewed mission of ‘Connecting Communities and Changing Lives,’ the company reaffirmed its commitment to driving progress through technological innovation and operational excellence.

    Lincoln Baptiste, Country Manager for Flow Grenada, emphasized the strategic importance of this transformation: “Liberty Business represents a bold step forward in how we serve and support enterprises. We’re investing substantially in technologies, partnerships, and human capital to build a robust digital ecosystem that empowers innovation.”

    Executive presentations by Daniel Neiva, VP Chief Commercial Officer of B2B, detailed Liberty’s substantial investments in infrastructure modernization and customer experience enhancement across Caribbean markets. The event featured immersive demonstrations of cutting-edge solutions including:

    – Next-Generation Connectivity and Digital Health solutions enabling operational agility
    – Smart Room technologies for hybrid meeting environments
    – Advanced Mobile Solutions for remote workforce management
    – Data Resiliency Services ensuring business continuity and secure architecture
    – Comprehensive Cybersecurity protections against evolving digital threats

    The company showcased its strategic partnerships with industry leaders including Fortinet, Cisco, Microsoft, Oracle, and IBM. A panel discussion moderated by Bradley Ramcharan, Director of Multinational Accounts & Government Sales, examined digital transformation trends specific to the Caribbean business landscape.

    Elena Dyer, Director of B2B Sales South Caribbean, concluded the event by emphasizing Liberty’s readiness to guide organizations through their digital evolution: “We stand beside our customers with both technological expertise and genuine passion for their success. Our team is committed to accelerating Grenada’s transition toward a digital-first economy.”

    Local management, including B2B Manager Thomas John, highlighted the deployment of specialized account managers and support teams dedicated to serving Grenadian businesses. The Liberty Business initiative represents a comprehensive commitment to powering the Caribbean’s digital future through innovation-driven partnerships.

  • PM congratulates Barbados PM‑elect Mia Amor Mottley

    PM congratulates Barbados PM‑elect Mia Amor Mottley

    In a significant diplomatic gesture, Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell has extended his warmest congratulations to Mia Amor Mottley following her unprecedented third consecutive electoral triumph in Barbados. This landmark victory, Mitchell emphasized, stands as a powerful testament to Mottley’s exceptional leadership and the profound confidence Barbados’ citizenry continues to vest in her governance.

    Prime Minister Mitchell articulated that this decisive electoral mandate underscores the widespread endorsement of Prime Minister-elect Mottley’s strategic blueprint, which prioritizes building economic resilience, accelerating social progress, and fostering inclusive national development for Barbados.

    Beyond domestic acclaim, Mitchell lauded Mottley’s formidable influence and advocacy on broader international platforms. He specifically highlighted her pivotal role in championing critical global issues, including urgent climate action, the pursuit of economic justice, and the strengthening of multilateral cooperation. Her re-election, Mitchell noted, is poised to fortify the collective voice of the Caribbean region on the world stage. This renewed mandate is widely anticipated to catalyze further advancements within Barbados and to significantly deepen collaborative efforts aimed at achieving shared prosperity and sustainable development across the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

    Reaffirming Grenada’s commitment to bilateral and regional partnership, Prime Minister Mitchell pledged his nation’s continued close collaboration with Mottley’s incoming administration. The mutual objectives will center on driving sustainable development initiatives, enhancing climate resilience strategies, and accelerating the ongoing agenda for deeper regional integration, thereby strengthening the bonds between Grenada and Barbados.

  • US Radiologist donates mammogram equipment to General Hospital

    US Radiologist donates mammogram equipment to General Hospital

    In a transformative development for women’s healthcare, Grenada has achieved a medical milestone with the installation of its first mammogram equipment featuring integrated biopsy capability at the General Hospital. This advanced diagnostic technology was formally donated by prominent US radiologist Dr. Randy Becker, marking a significant upgrade to the nation’s public healthcare infrastructure.

    The donation addresses a critical health priority in Grenada, where breast cancer represents the predominant cause of cancer-related mortality among women. The sophisticated machinery promises to revolutionize early detection capabilities, enabling radiologists to conduct comprehensive breast examinations with real-time precision and manage complex diagnostic procedures more effectively.

    During the handover ceremony last Friday, Health Minister Hon. Philip Telesford characterized the acquisition as an historic achievement in the nation’s healthcare evolution. Minister Telesford emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to rebuilding Grenada’s medical landscape with technology that directly addresses citizens’ most pressing health needs, noting this equipment exemplifies their vision for transformative healthcare delivery.

    Dr. Becker explained the clinical significance of the technology, highlighting its capacity to enhance diagnostic accuracy and streamline patient management. The initiative substantially improves accessibility to essential women’s health screening services, representing a major advancement in preventive healthcare for Grenadian women.

    The Ministry of Health has endorsed this development as a cornerstone in its ongoing efforts to modernize medical services and reduce breast cancer mortality through early intervention and state-of-the-art diagnostic capabilities.