标签： Grenada

Grenada has recently been immersed in a vibrant celebration of its cultural identity through a series of national events, though concerns about preserving traditional practices have emerged alongside the festivities.

The Workboat Regatta at Grand Anse beach showcased the island’s maritime heritage, where veteran boat builders shared their expertise. Lennox (Leonard Julien) of Woburn, an 82-year-old craftsman, expressed disappointment about being unable to fund repairs for his boat this year. Joseph Paris of Grand Mal demonstrated innovative boat-building techniques using bamboo masts and recycled sails. Both veterans voiced concerns about declining participation, noting that only Woburn and Gouyave communities were represented this year compared to broader regional involvement in previous years.

Simultaneously, Independence celebrations filled the streets with displays of national pride. The red, green, and gold colors adorned costumes from preschool children to adults, while the aroma of traditional oil down cuisine permeated the island. The Spice Garden at Laura in St. David offered educational tours highlighting the medicinal value of local herbs, with Agriculture Ministry recognizing them as ‘minor spices’ despite their significant cultural importance.

The cultural scene continued with the St. Paul’s Extravaganza featuring music, dance, and local crafts. The Conception Dance Company presented a reinterpretation of traditional dance, combining white dresses and broad-brimmed hats with symbolic ‘one good foot and one cow foot’ movements. Local artisans displayed unique jewelry made from upcycled natural materials, while artists exhibited paintings that found their way into Grenadian homes.

A moment of national pride occurred when Grenada’s flag appeared during Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show, showcasing the country alongside other Americas nations. The author also recounted a personal experience where community members quickly assisted after a vehicle accident, demonstrating the Grenadian spirit of mutual support.

Despite these celebrations, organizers emphasized the need for greater institutional support to preserve these cultural traditions for future generations.

Sandals Resorts International has unveiled an ambitious hospitality training program specifically designed to cultivate the next generation of Caribbean tourism professionals. The comprehensive 10-week initiative combines technical expertise with essential soft skills development, creating a pathway for young Caribbean nationals to enter the thriving hospitality industry.

The program offers specialized training tracks across five critical hospitality sectors: Food & Beverage services, Rooms Division management, Engineering maintenance, Landscaping design, and Administrative operations. This multi-disciplinary approach ensures participants receive industry-relevant training tailored to various hospitality career paths.

Successful candidates will benefit from an extensive package that includes professional soft skills development, hands-on practical training opportunities, a recognized Sandals certification upon completion, and eligibility for potential employment based on organizational needs. Participants will also receive a formal letter of recommendation and a stipend during the training period.

Eligibility requirements stipulate that applicants must be Caribbean nationals aged 18-30 with a genuine interest in hospitality careers. The program welcomes both individuals with formal training and those without previous experience, making it accessible to a diverse range of candidates. Essential prerequisites include CXC Mathematics and English qualifications, valid identification documentation, and a current Food Handlers Permit.

Prospective applicants must submit their resumes to the designated email address [email protected] before the February 13, 2026 deadline. This initiative represents a significant investment in Caribbean human resource development and regional tourism sustainability.

Hillsborough’s Mermaid Beach Hotel served as the distinguished venue for Grenada’s Independence Awards and Cocktail ceremony, a highlight of the nation’s 52nd anniversary celebrations. The event, orchestrated by the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, honored exceptional individuals and organizations that have significantly enriched community development and preserved national heritage.

Held under the inspiring national theme ‘Grenada at 52: Anchored in Faith Guided by Purpose,’ the ceremony showcased excellence across multiple domains. Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs and Local Government personally acknowledged all award recipients, emphasizing their profound impact on Grenadian society.

The awards presentation celebrated diverse local achievements: Kellis Andrews and Ashareah Enoe received Excellence in Sports awards; cultural preservationist Fimbar ‘Shortparrow’ Andrews was named Cultural Ambassador; EA Goldhill was recognized for Community Service; and entrepreneurs Ken & Kenny Regis received the Entrepreneur Award for their business accomplishments.

The Minister’s Special Award featured multiple distinguished recipients including the Carriacou Animal Hospital, Henry Stiell, dedicated Grenlec workers, and Hyacinth ‘Slim’ Mathurine, highlighting their extraordinary contributions to community welfare.

The successful event was supported by key local partners including the National Lotteries Authority (NLA), Paddy’s Enterprises & Hardware, Grenada Development Bank, and Nexa Credit Union, whose sponsorship demonstrated strong commitment to celebrating local excellence.

The celebratory evening was enhanced by musical performances from Lyndon Langdon, a saxophonist from the Royal Grenada Police Force Band, and live entertainment provided by the A1 Band, creating a memorable atmosphere of national pride and celebration.

The National Water and Sewerage Authority (Nawasa) has announced the official commencement of its significant network enhancement project along the Mt Kumar to Tempe corridor in St George, scheduled for Monday, February 9, 2026. This long-anticipated infrastructure improvement will impact multiple communities including Snug Corner, La Mode, Hubbard’s, and the De Caul Service Centre.

In coordination with the Royal Grenada Police Force and contracted partners, Nawasa has developed an extensive traffic management strategy to maintain safe transit for both vehicles and pedestrians throughout the construction period. The carefully designed plan emphasizes public safety protocols while ensuring uninterrupted access to essential services and minimizing interference during high-traffic hours.

Construction-related traffic controls will be implemented following the morning rush hour to alleviate potential congestion. Adaptive management approaches will be employed based on roadway dimensions, topographic challenges, and construction requirements, utilizing both one-way traffic systems and stop-and-go operations as conditions dictate.

Certified traffic wardens will be positioned at all active construction zones to facilitate orderly movement, with dynamic adjustments to traffic patterns based on real-time volume assessments and evolving safety considerations. Nawasa expresses appreciation for public understanding and cooperation during this essential water infrastructure modernization initiative.