For many, consuming even a small amount of certain foods can lead to a life-threatening condition known as anaphylactic shock. Common allergens like peanuts, shellfish, milk, and eggs are widely recognized, but the Grenada Food and Nutrition Council (GFNC) is raising awareness about lesser-known triggers that can be equally dangerous. These include lentils, sesame seeds, avocados, and even specific types of oils. Anaphylactic shock, a severe immune system overreaction, can rapidly constrict airways, cause swelling, and lead to a drop in blood pressure, dizziness, or loss of consciousness, potentially resulting in death. The GFNC emphasizes the importance of understanding and declaring all ingredients, especially when preparing food for others. They urge hosts and food vendors to ask about allergies, avoid including allergens in meals, and provide complete ingredient lists to ensure consumer safety. Ignoring these precautions can have fatal consequences. The GFNC also encourages the public to learn more about food allergies and nutrition through their resources and counseling services. Visit their website or social media for further information and support.
标签: Grenada
格林纳达
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Ministry of Education: Service disruptions 6–10 October
The Ministry of Education has announced the completion of a significant refurbishment of its headquarters, marking a pivotal step in enhancing its operational efficiency. However, the relocation process will lead to temporary service disruptions, necessitating adjustments in its operations. On Friday, 3 October 2025, the Ministry will operate for a half-day, closing at noon. Additionally, the office at the Ministerial Complex will remain closed on Monday, 6 October 2025, as staff will be working remotely. During this period, the public can contact the Ministry via email at [email protected], which will be actively monitored. The week of 6–10 October 2025 will see further disruptions as staff transition to the newly refurbished building. Normal services are expected to resume on Monday, 13 October 2025. The Ministry has expressed its apologies for any inconvenience caused and appreciates the public’s understanding as it strives to deliver improved services in a more conducive environment.
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Empowering Half the Sky
China is set to host the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment in Beijing later this year, an event that has garnered significant international attention. Leaders and representatives from numerous countries will convene to celebrate advancements in women’s rights, share experiences, and strategize for future progress. This meeting highlights China’s dedication to promoting gender equality and empowering women globally.
Historically, women have played a pivotal role in shaping human civilization, yet they have long faced systemic discrimination. In China’s feudal past, women were relegated to domestic roles, denied education and employment, and often subjected to abuse. The establishment of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in 1921 marked a turning point, as the CPC championed women’s liberation and gender equality. Following the founding of the People’s Republic of China, laws were enacted to protect women’s rights, leading to significant improvements in their status. Women gained access to education, employment, suffrage, and equal standing in family and society.
Under President Xi Jinping’s leadership, China has continued to make strides in women’s rights. Gender equality has been integrated into the CPC’s political agenda and national development plans. Legal protections for women have been strengthened, resulting in a 95% reduction in cases of abduction and trafficking from 2013 to 2024. Women now constitute 50.76% of higher education students, and maternal mortality rates have dropped by 76.9%. Women’s life expectancy has risen to 80.9 years, reflecting improved healthcare and living standards.
Chinese women are excelling in various fields, from science and engineering to entrepreneurship and governance. The digital economy has opened new opportunities, with women comprising over half of internet entrepreneurs and one-third of the workforce in emerging industries. Women’s participation in family decision-making has also increased, with 90% of married women involved in major family decisions.
China’s commitment to gender equality extends globally. Through initiatives like the Belt and Road and South-South Cooperation, China has collaborated with over 140 countries, 420 women’s organizations, and trained more than 200,000 women worldwide. The Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund has supported women-focused projects worth nearly $40 million across 20 countries.
As the world prepares for the Global Leaders’ Meeting, China calls for renewed global commitment to gender equality. The goals include strengthening legal protections, closing education and healthcare gaps, leveraging technology, and integrating gender perspectives into global governance. Together, we can create a world where all women and girls can thrive.
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Grenada concludes 4th cycle of UN Human Rights Review
The Government of Grenada has successfully completed its participation in the 4th Cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. The delegation, led by Permanent Secretary Roxie McLeish-Hutchinson from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Export Development, presented the national outcome report, emphasizing Grenada’s steadfast dedication to human rights, democratic governance, and sustainable development. The report showcased significant advancements in justice, education, gender equality, and climate resilience, while highlighting ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional frameworks and protect vulnerable populations. During the review, Grenada received 171 recommendations and, following extensive national consultations facilitated by the National Mechanism for Implementation, Reporting and Follow-up (NMIRF), formally accepted 103. These recommendations now form the cornerstone of Grenada’s reform agenda, reflecting broad national consensus and legitimacy. Key priority areas identified include correctional reform, human rights and climate resilience, protection of vulnerable groups, advancing gender equality, and establishing a national human rights institution. Grenada expressed gratitude to the Commonwealth Secretariat and its multilateral and bilateral partners for their technical and financial support. The international community lauded Grenada’s transparency, engagement, and commitment to multilateralism. The government remains resolute in implementing the accepted recommendations, working closely with civil society, regional institutions, and international partners to ensure a rights-based future for all Grenadians.
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Grenada Building & Loan Association celebrates 100 years!
The Grenada Building and Loan Association (GBLA) is set to commemorate its 100th anniversary on October 8, 2025, a landmark achievement since its registration on October 8, 1925, under the Building Societies Ordinance of 1887. This centennial celebration underscores a century of unwavering resilience, indigenous service, and dedication to the people of Grenada. As the nation’s oldest and only Building Society, GBLA has been a cornerstone of financial empowerment, fostering property ownership, share investments, and financial independence for Grenadians both locally and abroad. Its member-centric approach has remained a guiding principle throughout its century-long journey. Founded during a time when access to credit was scarce for the average Grenadian, GBLA began as a modest mutual institution and grew into a symbol of hope and opportunity. Its founders—Arnold Williamson, Ronald O. Williams, Frank L. Gresham, and Dr. Arnot Steele—laid the groundwork for what has become a respected and unique financial institution. Over the decades, GBLA has weathered political shifts, economic downturns, and natural disasters, emerging stronger each time. Today, it continues to operate through investments in local mortgages and deposits, helping thousands of Grenadians achieve homeownership and financial stability. As GBLA looks to the future, it plans to expand its offerings with innovative financial products tailored to the needs of its members. The Association extends its heartfelt gratitude to its members, staff, directors, and the people of Grenada for their unwavering support. Together, GBLA and its community look forward to shaping another century of possibilities. Congratulations to GBLA on 100 years of resilience, longevity, and service!
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Lack of financial statements showing MNIB history delaying its transformation
The Grenadian government has initiated a significant transformation in its agricultural sector by replacing the long-standing Marketing and National Importing Board (MNIB) with a new entity, Import-Export Agromart (IMEXA) Ltd. This move comes after years of financial mismanagement and inefficiencies within the MNIB, which had necessitated repeated government bailouts. Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell highlighted the absence of financial statements as a major obstacle in securing a private partner for the MNIB. ‘The MNIB was so poorly run that there were no financial statements for many years,’ Mitchell stated during an interactive talk show, ‘DMs with the PM.’ The government has since taken decisive steps to address these issues, including the payment of severance and termination benefits totaling $2,667,892.73 to all 87 MNIB staff members recorded as of 28 February 2023. In August 2023, the government successfully refinanced approximately EC$5 million of debt owed by the MNIB to a local commercial bank, consolidating all outstanding principal balances at an interest rate of 4.0% to be repaid over 10 years. Finance Minister Dennis Cornwall announced in March 2025 that the MNIB would cease operations before the third quarter of 2025, with IMEXA Ltd. established as its successor. Legal and financial experts are currently developing a prospectus and legal agreements to engage a suitable strategic partner for the new entity, aiming to have it operational by the end of the third quarter of 2025.
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Caribbean students invited to enter 2025 YES Competition
Macmillan Education Caribbean has officially announced the commencement of the 2025 Young Environmental Scientists (YES) Competition, set to kick off in October 2025. This initiative invites primary school students aged 7 to 11 and secondary students aged 12 to 18 from across the Caribbean to explore local environmental challenges and devise innovative, actionable solutions aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land. The competition aims to inspire young minds to address pressing ecological issues while fostering creativity and scientific curiosity. Participants are required to form teams of four and prepare a 2–5 minute video report showcasing their research, proposed solutions, and potential impact. Supplementary visuals such as models, posters, or photographs are encouraged to enhance their presentations. Submissions will be accepted until November 28, 2025, and must be submitted via the official competition portal by a teacher, parent, or guardian. The competition will recognize both regional and country-specific winners, with prizes including workshops for entire classes and monetary vouchers redeemable at local bookstores. Katy Corderoy, Marketing Manager at Macmillan Education Caribbean, emphasized that the YES Competition is more than a contest; it is a platform for nurturing environmental awareness, critical thinking, teamwork, and scientific curiosity among Caribbean youth. The initiative seeks to amplify the voices of young environmental scientists and empower them to drive sustainable change in their communities. For further details, including competition guidelines and submission instructions, interested parties can email [email protected] or visit the entry portal at https://forms.microsoft.com/e/AVE58k4uss. Macmillan Education Caribbean eagerly anticipates the innovative ideas and contributions that this year’s participants will bring, celebrating their efforts toward a greener future for the region.
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St Joseph’s Convent Grenville boosted by computers from Team RUBIS
In a significant move to enhance educational opportunities, St Joseph’s Convent in Grenville has received two new desktop computers from Team RUBIS, a gesture that promises to transform the learning experience for its students. This donation underscores RUBIS’ steadfast commitment to fostering education and innovation, particularly in addressing the pressing issue of limited access to technological resources for academic research and IT preparation. Areen Lewis, Accounts Executive at RUBIS, emphasized that this initiative aligns seamlessly with the company’s core values of technological advancement and educational empowerment. ‘RUBIS is dedicated to evolving with technology and equipping the next generation with the tools they need to excel in a digital world,’ Lewis stated. She further highlighted that this contribution is part of RUBIS’ broader strategy to invest in education and nurture innovation, ensuring students are well-prepared for academic success and future careers. Miguel Fortune, Vice Principal of St Joseph’s Convent, expressed profound gratitude for the donation and urged students to maximize the potential of this gift. ‘Use this as a gateway to your future,’ he advised, emphasizing the transformative power of technology when utilized wisely. This initiative not only bridges the digital divide but also opens new avenues for students to explore and achieve their full potential.
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16 schools face off in 2025 Grenlec Debates
The 2025 Grenlec Debates have entered a critical phase as 16 secondary schools advance to the Round of 16, following an impressive preliminary round. This year’s competition, centered on the theme ‘Mental Health and Wellness in the Digital Age,’ highlighted the exceptional talent and dedication of Grenada’s student debaters. Over three days, participants demonstrated remarkable preparation, confidence, and insight in addressing contemporary issues. Venilia Noel, coach of Bishop’s College, praised her team’s performance, attributing their success to rigorous training and teamwork. The Round of 16 will shift focus to a new theme, ‘Artificial Intelligence in the Educational Sphere,’ promising engaging discussions on how technology is transforming education. Grenlec has commended all participating schools and extended best wishes to the advancing teams. Highlights from the preliminary rounds will be broadcast on October 4 and 5, with full coverage available on Grenlec’s YouTube channel throughout the season.
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Migraine-triggering foods
Migraines, characterized by intense, debilitating headaches, can manifest subtly or strike abruptly, overwhelming sufferers with sensitivity to light, sound, and even minor stimuli. While avoiding triggers is a common strategy, certain foods have been identified as significant contributors to migraine severity. A recent cross-sectional study conducted across university hospitals in Egypt, including Cairo and Alexandria, revealed that unhealthy dietary habits exacerbate migraine symptoms. Foods such as fried meats, aged cheeses (e.g., Cheddar and Swiss), citrus fruits, coffee, pickles, and smoked herring were frequently linked to chronic migraines. Additionally, the American Migraine Foundation highlighted other dietary triggers, including aspartame (found in diet sodas and sugar-free products), monosodium glutamate (MSG) in processed or restaurant foods, yogurt, energy drinks, alcohol (red wine, beer, spirits), bananas, and certain vitamins or herbal supplements. The Grenada Food and Nutrition Council (GFNC) emphasizes that triggers vary among individuals, recommending the use of food journals to self-track potential culprits. Beyond diet, factors like weather, stress, menstrual cycles, and sleep patterns should also be considered. For further information, visit the GFNC website or contact them for nutrition counseling.
