标签: Grenada

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  • United Nations Day 2025 message

    United Nations Day 2025 message

    Simon Springett, the United Nations Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, delivered a poignant message commemorating the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. In his address, Springett reflected on the UN’s enduring mission to foster international cooperation, peace, and sustainable development. He emphasized the organization’s pivotal role in addressing global challenges, from climate change to social inequality, and underscored the importance of collective action in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Springett also highlighted the UN’s historical achievements while acknowledging the evolving complexities of the modern world. His message served as both a celebration of the UN’s legacy and a call to action for renewed commitment to its principles. The statement was published by NOW Grenada, which clarified that it is not responsible for the opinions or content expressed by contributors.

  • Statement on storm threat to Jamaica

    Statement on storm threat to Jamaica

    The Government of Grenada has intensified its efforts to safeguard its citizens as Tropical Storm Melissa approaches Jamaica and the northern Caribbean. With a particular focus on Grenadian students studying in Jamaica, authorities are working tirelessly to ensure their safety and well-being. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in coordination with Deputy Consul General Kerry Frank in Miami, is actively engaging with students and local authorities to provide essential support and guidance. Plans are underway to facilitate the safe return of affected students to Grenada as early as tomorrow, contingent on weather conditions and logistical feasibility. Grenadian students in Jamaica are urged to remain vigilant, while families back home are encouraged to maintain communication with their loved ones and seek updates from the ministry. The government has also expressed solidarity with the people of Jamaica, offering assistance as needed during this challenging time. The Office of the Prime Minister reaffirmed its commitment to protecting its nationals and ensuring their safe return.

  • Parental consent and parental detachment

    Parental consent and parental detachment

    The reluctance of Caribbean parents to engage in discussions about sex education with their children has emerged as a significant cultural issue, according to recent studies and surveys. In the Bahamas, where a well-established sex education program exists in public schools, a staggering 77% of women reported learning about sex from school, while only 5% cited their parents as a source of information. This trend highlights a concerning detachment among parents, who often defer to formal education systems. A similar survey conducted among older teens in Grenada revealed slightly more parental involvement, but still, fewer than half learned about sexuality through school instruction. Alarmingly, over a quarter of these teens turned to social media platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and ChatGPT for information, raising concerns about the reliability and appropriateness of such sources. Religious institutions, despite their influence in the region, were notably absent as a source of guidance. Adolescents consistently express a preference for learning about sex from their parents, particularly their mothers. However, cultural stigmas surrounding the topic have led to widespread avoidance and ignorance, leaving young people vulnerable. The Age of Civil Responsibility (ACR) Bill has been proposed as a potential catalyst for change, encouraging parents to shift from detachment to active engagement. Advocates argue that both school programs and parental involvement are essential for comprehensive sex education. The Grenada Planned Parenthood Association (GPPA) and Advocates for Safe Parenthood: Improving Reproductive Equity (ASPIRE) are calling for urgent action to address this crisis. They emphasize the need for collaborative efforts to equip parents with the tools and confidence to discuss sex with their children, aiming to increase parental engagement from below 6% to over 60% within the next year.

  • 5 creative industries subsector associations officially launched

    5 creative industries subsector associations officially launched

    The Grenada Office of Creative Affairs (GOCA) has unveiled five new nonprofit associations dedicated to advancing the island’s creative industries. These associations, officially introduced at a press conference on October 22, 2025, aim to represent creative practitioners, drive sector development, and advocate for the growth of Grenada’s cultural and creative economy. The initiative stems from recommendations made at Unleash, Grenada’s national cultural and creative industries conference held in May 2023. Orlando Romain, Advisor for the Creative Economy, highlighted the extensive groundwork undertaken by GOCA over the past two years, including stakeholder consultations, legal guidance, and governance training for the associations’ boards of directors. The five associations—Innovative Multimedia Association of Grenada (IMAGND) Inc., Grenada Association of Dance, Event Planning, Promotion, Infrastructure, Coordination and Theatre (DEPICT) Inc., Grenada Association of Visual Arts and Craft (GAVAC) Inc., Grenada Gastronomy and Culinary Arts (GGCAA) Inc., and Grenada Association of Musicians, Performers and Producers (AMPP Grenada) Inc.—are member-run and independently governed. Leaders of these associations expressed gratitude for GOCA’s support and pledged to champion the interests of their creative communities. Anthony Johnson, President of GGCAA Inc., emphasized the association’s mission to elevate Grenadian cuisine through improved quality, training, and consistency. Sen. the Hon. Adrian Thomas, Minister for Tourism, Creative Economy and Culture, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering creative excellence, urging practitioners to actively engage with their respective associations. For further details, inquiries can be directed to [email protected].

  • Grenada Tourism Authority launches WhatsApp broadcast channel

    Grenada Tourism Authority launches WhatsApp broadcast channel

    The Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) has unveiled its latest digital initiative with the introduction of a WhatsApp Broadcast Channel on October 23. This innovative platform is designed to provide real-time updates, crucial announcements, and tourism-related information directly to subscribers’ mobile devices. The move underscores the GTA’s dedication to leveraging technology for enhanced accessibility, transparency, and engagement with its audience.

  • Temporary road closure: Marian public road

    Temporary road closure: Marian public road

    The Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) Traffic Department has announced a temporary road closure affecting a section of the Marian public road. Starting from Thursday, 23 October 2025, the stretch between the intersection with Calivigny public road near the Gospel Hall Church and the Cocoa Road intersection will be closed daily from 9 am to 4 pm. This closure is expected to last for several weeks to facilitate the Calivigny–Marian Pipeline Upgrade Project, spearheaded by the National Water and Sewerage Authority (Nawasa).

    During this period, no vehicles will be permitted to travel along the specified section of Marian public road in either direction. Motorists are advised to use an alternative route via the intersection with Calivigny public road near the Brooke Smith Lowe Institute. However, access will be granted to residents of Marian and local business operators directly impacted by the closure, allowing them to reach their properties.

    The RGPF has expressed regret for any inconvenience caused and urges the public to cooperate during this essential infrastructure upgrade. The project aims to enhance water and sewerage services in the region, contributing to long-term community benefits.

    For further updates or concerns, the public is encouraged to contact the Office of the Commissioner of Police. NOW Grenada, the source of this announcement, clarifies that it is not responsible for the opinions or statements made by contributors and provides a reporting mechanism for any misuse of its platform.

  • SPYO and IMA Grenada launch 2025 Primary School Debates

    SPYO and IMA Grenada launch 2025 Primary School Debates

    The St Patrick’s Youth Organisation (SPYO), in partnership with the Investment Migration Agency Grenada (IMA Grenada), has unveiled the inaugural IMA Grenada–SPYO Primary School Debate Competition 2025. This marks the second year IMA Grenada has served as the title sponsor and the eighth year the event has inspired young debaters across Grenada. For the first time, the competition extends its reach to include primary schools from St David, alongside St Patrick, St John, St Mark, and St Andrew. This year’s theme, ‘Empowering the Future: Youth Leadership as the Key to Nation Building,’ challenges 19 participating schools to explore critical topics such as technology for sustainable development, youth governance, and the implications of artificial intelligence. The competition commenced with the opening ceremony and elimination rounds on October 7 and 8, featuring debates on artificial intelligence. The tournament will progress through preliminary, quarter-final, and semi-final rounds, culminating in the Grand Final on December 3. Substantial awards, including cash prizes totaling $13,000, team awards, and individual recognitions, will honor the participants’ efforts. The event is supported by sponsors such as Rubis, Grenada Cooperative Bank, Republic Bank Grenada Limited, Glenelg Spring Water, True Blue Bay Resort, and the National Lotteries Authority (NLA).

  • Grenada in no rush to provide a response

    Grenada in no rush to provide a response

    In response to a request from the Donald Trump US Administration to install temporary radar at Maurice Bishop International Airport (MBIA) and deploy military assets in or near Grenada, Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell announced that he will provide an update to Parliament on October 28. The Lower House of Parliament, initially set to meet on October 24, rescheduled its session to accommodate this update. Mitchell clarified that his statement will not announce a government decision but will instead inform the public about the ongoing consideration of the request, which was received in August 2025. He emphasized that the matter is highly technical and requires extensive input from experts. Mitchell also noted that Grenada has historically received similar national security requests from regional and international partners, including the US, Trinidad, and France. He assured the public that the government is taking its time to deliberate on the issue, as there is no urgency to respond. The Prime Minister’s update will be delivered during his weekly social media program, ‘DMs with the PM,’ ensuring transparency and public awareness.

  • Sinking of the Bianca C: 22 October 1961

    Sinking of the Bianca C: 22 October 1961

    On a serene Sunday morning, October 22, 1961, the Italian luxury liner Bianca C was preparing to depart from Grenada. The vessel, a prominent member of the Costa Line fleet, had just boarded a mix of emigrants bound for Britain and tourists who had enjoyed a day exploring the island. Due to its immense size, the ship was anchored in the outer harbor of St. George’s. However, tragedy struck before it could set sail. A catastrophic explosion erupted in the engine room, igniting a fierce fire that rapidly engulfed the ship. The Bianca C immediately sounded its horn and raised a distress flag, signaling the dire situation to nearby vessels. Witnesses from the Grenada Yacht Club observed the billowing black smoke and quickly alerted harbor authorities. Despite the chaos, all passengers and crew, except for two unfortunate crew members, were successfully rescued. Nearly 700 individuals were temporarily housed in a government-organized camp, local hotels, and guesthouses, while many Grenadians generously opened their homes to the stranded travelers at no cost. The Costa Line later arranged for their safe departure from the island. The following day, as the ship was being towed out of the harbor, the towing chain snapped, causing the Bianca C to sink approximately 1.25 miles off Point Salines, resting at a depth of 160 feet. In a gesture of gratitude for the Grenadian community’s selfless assistance, the Costa Line gifted the island a monumental bronze statue, ‘Christ of the Abyss’ or ‘Christ of the Deep,’ which now stands on the Carenage. Today, the wreck of the Bianca C, often referred to as the ‘Titanic of the Caribbean,’ is celebrated as one of the world’s premier shipwreck diving sites, attracting adventurers and history enthusiasts alike.

  • Decline in overall profit in 2024 for Grenlec

    Decline in overall profit in 2024 for Grenlec

    Grenada Electricity Services Ltd (Grenlec), the sole electricity distributor in Grenada, has announced its financial performance for 2024, revealing a mixed outcome. Despite maintaining profitability, the company experienced a significant decline in operating profit, which dropped by more than 50% from $43.11 million in 2023 to $20.7 million in 2024. Net profit also fell sharply to $7.6 million, down from $21.29 million the previous year. The company attributed the increased operating costs, excluding fuel, to heightened generation maintenance and the rental of emergency units, which rose from $74.67 million in 2023 to $90.86 million in 2024. However, Grenlec achieved a record non-fuel dollar sales growth of 10.52%, increasing from $99.26 million in 2023 to $109.70 million in 2024. Chairman James Pitt highlighted this growth in the 2024 Annual Report, stating that it helped offset the higher operational expenses. Despite the sales growth, the board reduced dividends from 40¢ per share to 32¢ per share due to the profit decline. Retained earnings saw a modest increase to EC$64.8 million, up from EC$63.30 million in 2023, reflecting the company’s prudent financial management during a challenging year. The 2024 performance contrasts sharply with the company’s strong 2023 results, where it outperformed previous years with a 4.82% increase in kWh sold and a 26.07% revenue boost, driven by commercial and domestic sales growth.