标签： Grenada

In a landmark defamation ruling, the High Court of Grenada has determined that The New Today publication engaged in libel against Karen Roden-Layne, the former general manager of the Grenada Solid Waste Management Authority (GSWMA). Justice Raulston Glasgow delivered the verdict on January 13, concluding the lengthy legal proceedings that spanned several years.

The case centered on allegations published by The New Today claiming Roden-Layne had misappropriated organizational funds through improper use of the authority’s credit card during an official trip to the United Kingdom. Justice Glasgow found the publication failed to substantiate these serious allegations with credible evidence.

Court documents revealed that following the original publication, GSWMA’s Board of Directors, then chaired by Dr. Bert Brathwaite, conducted a thorough internal investigation that completely exonerated Roden-Layne. The investigation concluded there had no misuse of corporate funds or credit facilities. These findings were subsequently published in The New Today as a paid advertisement, though the original defamatory content remained uncorrected.

The court has mandated a 21-day negotiation period for both parties to reach a mutually agreeable damages settlement. Should they fail to consensus by mid-February 2026, the matter will be referred to the Master of the Court for formal assessment and determination of appropriate compensation within two months.

George Worme, representing The New Today, faces significant financial liability following the court’s ruling, which underscores the critical importance of journalistic verification before publishing serious allegations against public figures.

The Government of Grenada has announced decisive enforcement action to remove all unauthorized mooring systems from the nation’s coastal waters, with concentrated efforts targeting Prickly Bay and Woburn/Clarke’s Court Bay. This initiative forms part of a broader strategy to enhance regulatory oversight within the yachting sector and safeguard fragile marine ecosystems.

Authorities have clarified the legal protocol for mooring installation: prospective operators must secure formal approval through one of two designated channels. The Fisheries Division holds jurisdiction over installations within Marine Protected Areas, while the Grenada Ports Authority governs moorings situated in harbors under its administrative control.

Despite prior warnings issued in August 2021 and again in September 2025, officials report persistent non-compliance with established regulations. In response, the government has designated MoorSouth Ltd/HarbourSecure Solutions Ltd as the officially licensed entity authorized to manage, install, and operate government-sanctioned mooring systems. Junior Cuffie has been appointed as the primary operator responsible for development and maintenance within Marine Protected Areas, with new system installations scheduled to commence imminently in the specified bays.

The Ministry of The Blue Economy and Marine Affairs has established a compliance deadline of January 31 for all unauthorized moorings to be either removed or regularized through arrangement with the licensed operator. Enforcement teams will conduct ongoing surveillance of affected areas, with penalties awaiting those who fail to adhere to the directive as prescribed under Grenadian law.

St. George’s Baptist Church (SGBC) has officially confirmed the forthcoming retirement of its Senior Pastor, Reverend Stanford Simon, effective March 31, 2026. This significant leadership transition concludes more than twenty years of devoted ministerial service to both the congregation and the broader Grenadian community.

The Church Council and SGBC membership have formally accepted Reverend Simon’s retirement decision, which follows an extensive period of spiritual contemplation and deliberation regarding the church’s future direction. The church’s foundational vision of “building communities” remained central to these considerations.

In a reflective statement, Reverend Simon explained his decision-making process: “Having served this local church for over two decades, I recognized the necessity for a carefully planned leadership transition. More than ten years ago, I began prayerfully considering succession planning but did not then feel the appropriate leadership was positioned to assume pastoral responsibilities. I now discern that God has prepared the necessary personnel to ensure a seamless and faithful transition within the pastorate.”

Concurrently with his SGBC pastoral retirement, Reverend Simon will step down from his additional leadership roles as President of the Grenada Baptist Association (GBA) and Communications Officer of the Conference of Churches in Grenada (CCG), effective the same date.

SGBC leadership has proactively established a Pastoral Transition Committee chaired by Mrs. Matonia Munroe, a member of the Church’s Pastoral Team, who will serve as official spokesperson throughout the transition process. This committee will ensure organizational continuity and stability during this period of change.

The church community expressed profound gratitude for Reverend Simon’s decades of spiritual guidance, dedicated service, and significant contributions to both the local congregation and Grenada’s wider Christian community.

The Grenada National Commission for UNESCO has officially launched its call for funding proposals under the UNESCO Participation Programme for the 2026-2027 cycle. Eligible entities including government ministries, departments, agencies, and registered non-governmental and youth organizations are invited to submit project requests that align with UNESCO’s mandate areas.

Project proposals must demonstrate clear relevance to UNESCO’s core sectors: education advancement, natural sciences, social and human sciences, ocean sciences, cultural preservation, communication and information technologies, and statistical development. The commission specifically encourages transdisciplinary initiatives that address youth-related challenges while delivering tangible benefits to Grenada. A fundamental consideration during project preparation must be the integration of gender equality principles, reflecting one of UNESCO’s global priorities.

Funding allocations, capped at US$26,000 per request, may be utilized across multiple categories including program implementation, specialist consultancy services, publication production, equipment procurement, and conference organization. Study grants and fellowships also qualify for financial support under this program.

Prospective applicants must adhere to the February 16, 2026 submission deadline using official application forms. The evaluation process will extend through mid-2026, with successful applicants receiving notification after July 2026. The Grenada National Commission for UNESCO has provided direct contact information—telephone numbers (473) 440-3162/2737 and email address [email protected]—for additional guidance regarding application procedures and eligibility criteria.

This announcement originates from Grenada’s Ministry of Education, which oversees the national UNESCO commission’s operations. The funding initiative represents a significant opportunity for organizations to contribute to national development through UNESCO-aligned projects while addressing critical social priorities.

In a significant move to bolster national development through education, the Grenadian government has awarded 117 citizens with scholarships totaling EC$41,077,463.19. The prestigious National Scholarship Awards Ceremony, held on December 17, 2025, at the Grenada Trade Centre in Morne Rouge, showcased the country’s strategic investment in human capital development.

The scholarship program features a diverse funding structure, with 31 awards fully funded by the Grenadian government alongside substantial contributions from international partners. These include St George’s University (SGU), the Republic of Cuba, the People’s Republic of China, the Organisation of American States (OAS), and the Commonwealth UK. New initiatives such as Pathways, supporting performing arts studies at Jamaica’s Edna Manley School, and the OECS Data for Decision Making program, highlight the expanding educational opportunities.

Education Minister Senator David Andrew emphasized the recipients’ crucial role in national progress, stating, “You are part of the solution our country faces. You are part of the solution that our region faces, that our environment faces, that our societies face.” This sentiment was echoed by Permanent Secretary Elvis Morain, who outlined the government’s deliberate approach to aligning scholarship offerings with national development priorities.

The scholarship recipients will pursue studies across strategically selected fields including geology, environmental engineering, computer science, law, healthcare specialties, and sustainable tourism management. Cuban-sponsored awards focus on medical fields including dentistry and ophthalmology, while Chinese scholarships cover international relations and electronic engineering. OECS scholarships concentrate on development statistics and economic finance.

Morain articulated the government’s targeted approach: “We are going to be more strategic and purposeful in the coming year. We want to be doing not just the good things but the right things.” This philosophy ensures that scholarship investments directly address national workforce needs and prevent unemployment among returning graduates.

Colin Dowe, Associate Dean of Admissions at St George’s University, encouraged recipients to contextualize their education within national development goals from the outset: “This investment is to help to get you educated, to become critical thinkers, to acquire skills that will be applied to our national development.” He emphasized that contribution to Grenada’s progress should begin during academic training rather than waiting until graduation.

The comprehensive scholarship program represents Grenada’s commitment to developing expertise across multiple sectors crucial for sustainable national advancement, ensuring that educational investments yield tangible benefits for both individuals and society.

The Ministry of Tourism, Creative Economy and Culture is preparing to launch its innovative Community Steelpan Programme (COMS-PAN) across Grenada’s tri-island territory, bringing the distinctive sounds of steelpan music to local communities starting next week. This groundbreaking cultural initiative, formally inaugurated on November 7, 2025, will provide comprehensive training in steelpan fundamentals to at least twenty participants from each parish in its inaugural cohort.

The program commences with orientation sessions scheduled for St. David on January 12, 2026, at the Corinth Community Centre (5:00 PM), followed by Carriacou on January 16 at the La Resource Community Centre in Mt. Royal (2:00 PM). Regular training sessions will follow, with St. David hosting instruction every Monday and Thursday from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the community center’s pan house, while Carriacou sessions will occur Tuesdays and Thursdays during the same hours at the La Resource facility.

According to Program Manager Cordel Byam, COMS-PAN specifically targets youth and community members not currently affiliated with established steel bands. The structured curriculum aims to enhance musical literacy, develop performance skills, and build confidence for both solo and ensemble presentations. “Our objective encompasses teaching steelpan fundamentals, introducing basic music theory, and cultivating performance confidence across individual and group settings,” Byam elaborated.

Successful participants who complete both theoretical and practical components will receive certification and may be selected for community band placements. Chief Cultural Officer Kelvin Jacob emphasized the program’s historical significance, noting it represents Grenada’s first initiative of its kind. Jacob credited Minister for Tourism, Creative Economy and Culture Senator Adrian Thomas with conceptualizing the program, which reflects the ministry’s dedication to innovation, cultural development, and national pride.

Prospective participants can obtain additional information by contacting the Ministry at 440-0366 or visiting the Division of Culture at Unit 12, Steele’s Commercial Complex in Grand Anse, St. George.