标签： Grenada

In a remarkable display of environmental commitment and community spirit, the Grenada Fund for Conservation and the Sandals Foundation joined forces to lead this year’s International Coastal Cleanup Day (ICCD) on September 20. Over 50 volunteers, including students, Girl Guides, Scouts, Youth and Climate Ambassadors, and staff from Sandals Grenada Resort, gathered at Simon (Seamoon) Beach in St. Andrew to tackle marine pollution and safeguard the island’s precious marine ecosystems. The event, part of a global initiative, focused on solid waste management to improve water quality and protect aquatic habitats. The volunteers collected an impressive 1,134 pounds of trash, including 7,207 plastic bottles, clothing, household items, and more. Tyrone Buckmire, Founder of the Grenada Fund for Conservation, hailed the effort as one of their largest to date, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in environmental preservation. Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation, underscored the critical role of marine ecosystems in providing sustenance, economic stability, and natural disaster protection. Beyond the one-day cleanup, the Sandals Foundation has been a leader in marine conservation for 16 years, supporting coral restoration, environmental education, and biodiversity projects. The Grenada Fund for Conservation has also benefited from four grants over the past six years, enabling initiatives like eco-tourism development and coastal restoration. This year’s ICCD not only revitalized Simon Beach but also inspired a broader movement for environmental sustainability in Grenada.

As World Teachers’ Day approaches on October 5, Jude Bartholomew, President of the Grenada Union of Teachers (GUT), has urged the government to reinstate allowances for school principals that were eliminated following the enforcement of the latest collective bargaining agreement. Bartholomew emphasized the disparity in compensation, noting that principals were previously among the lowest-paid educators, earning less than regular teachers. During a press conference on September 29, 2025, he highlighted that while the union successfully negotiated higher pay grades for principals—elevating primary school principals from Grade H to I and secondary school principals from Grade I to J—the Ministry of Education subsequently removed their allowances. Bartholomew described this move as ‘unjust and unfair,’ calling for the restoration of these benefits in honor of World Teachers’ Day. The GUT plans to commemorate the occasion with an event at St John’s Anglican School on October 3. Additionally, Bartholomew advocated for compensation for teachers serving as acting principals and the payment of seniority allowances to qualified teachers who have completed college and passed three appraisals. He criticized successive administrations for failing to uphold this clause in the collective agreement, stressing that such payments should continue until a new pay structure is established.

The Traffic Department in Grenville has officially moved to a new location at the Grenville Bus Terminus, effective as of 9:00 AM on Monday, September 29, 2025. This relocation ensures that all services previously offered at the old site will now be accessible at the new address. Concurrently, the Grenville Police Station has also been relocated to the former MNIB building on Victoria Street. These changes aim to enhance operational efficiency and provide better service to the community. The Royal Grenada Police Force has expressed regret for any inconvenience caused by these moves and has extended its gratitude to the public for their patience and cooperation during this transition. For further information or assistance, residents are encouraged to visit the new locations or contact the relevant authorities directly.

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.

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.