Grenada’s unemployment rate for the second quarter of 2025 has been reported at 10.8%, according to the latest labour force survey published by the Central Statistics Department. This figure stands in stark contrast to the claims made by Foreign Affairs Minister Joseph Andall, who recently asserted that the unemployment rate had reached a historic low of 7.5%. Andall attributed the low unemployment rate to individuals either being unqualified for available jobs or choosing not to seek employment voluntarily. He even drew a historical parallel, stating that the only period in Grenada’s history with lower employment levels was during the era of slavery or forced labour. The survey, however, reveals that the economically active labour force, comprising individuals aged 15 to 65 and above, stood at 57,359, while the economically inactive population was 32,366. The total working-age population was recorded at 89,745. Economically inactive individuals include those not seeking employment due to reasons such as education, caregiving, retirement, or long-term illness. This discrepancy between government claims and official statistics raises questions about the accuracy of public statements regarding the nation’s economic health.
标签: Grenada
格林纳达
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Grenadian Culinary Delegation at Festival de la Gastronomie 2025
Grenada is set to make a remarkable culinary statement at the grand finale of the 2025 Festival de la Gastronomie in Marigot, St Martin. Organized by the Grenada Office of Creative Affairs (GOCA), the event titled ‘From the Roots to the Horizon: A Journey of Grenadian History Through Flavours’ will take place on November 22. The Grenadian delegation, led by renowned chefs Anthony Johnson and Joachim Joseph, aims to highlight the island’s rich culinary traditions and innovative gastronomy. Johnson, President of the Grenada Gastronomy and Culinary Arts Association (GGCAA) Inc., expressed pride in representing Grenada and sharing its unique culinary narrative. The presentation will feature two signature dishes: Tri-Island Oil Down, presented in chicken/pork, seafood, and vegan variations, and Sweet Potato Pone with a Twist, incorporating passion fruit as a nod to the festival’s theme. This participation underscores GOCA’s commitment to developing gastronomy as a key sector within Grenada’s creative economy, with significant investments planned for 2026. Senator Adrian Thomas, Minister for Tourism, Creative Economy and Culture, emphasized the importance of supporting culinary creatives through advanced training and infrastructure. The 12-day festival, now in its fifth edition, celebrates Caribbean collaboration, bringing together chefs from Grenada, Dominica, Barbados, Haiti, and Curaçao to showcase the region’s diverse flavors and culinary artistry.
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Grenada to launch Revised National Adaptation Plan 2025–2030
The Government of Grenada is set to launch its Revised National Adaptation Plan (NAP) for 2025–2030 on November 26, 2025, at the Grenada Trade Centre Annex. The event, led by Hon. Kerryne James, Minister for Climate Resilience, the Environment & Renewable Energy, will commence at 8:30 am with registration, followed by the official launch at 9 am. This updated NAP represents a pivotal step in fortifying Grenada’s resilience against escalating climate challenges. Building on extensive research, national consultations, and lessons from recent climate events, including the catastrophic Hurricane Beryl in 2024, the plan is Grenada’s most comprehensive adaptation strategy to date. Minister James emphasized the plan’s significance, stating, ‘This is Grenada’s commitment to safeguarding our people, economy, and way of life. The climate crisis is urgent, and this plan empowers us to act decisively.’ The revised NAP aligns with national development strategies like Vision 75 and the National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP 2020–2035), ensuring a unified approach to sustainable growth. It incorporates insights from the 2021 Midterm Review, the 2022 First NAP Progress Report, and extensive 2024 consultations. The plan also aligns with international frameworks such as the Paris Agreement and the Sendai Framework. Key features include a dedicated NAP Implementation Team, expanded community engagement, gender-responsive approaches, and a strengthened Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) system. The NAP outlines six priority areas: strengthening health systems, advancing sustainable infrastructure, enhancing disaster risk reduction, securing water resources, promoting nature-based solutions, and ensuring climate-resilient agriculture. Implementation, set to begin in 2025, will enhance Grenada’s access to international climate finance, institutional readiness, and community resilience, safeguarding lives, livelihoods, and ecosystems for a more equitable future.
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Ariza Credit Union launches “Triple R Promise”
In a significant step toward prioritizing its members’ needs, Ariza Credit Union has introduced the ‘Triple R Promise,’ a comprehensive suite of benefits crafted in direct response to member feedback. The initiative, announced by CEO Mervyn Lord at a press conference, underscores the credit union’s commitment to enhancing mortgage and savings products based on member suggestions. ‘Our goal is not merely to maximize profit but to maximize the quality of life for our members,’ Lord emphasized. The Triple R Promise includes lower mortgage rates, increased deposit interest, and new savings products, reflecting Ariza’s dedication to sharing its success with its members. In 2024, the credit union plans to return over $2 million to members through dividends and interest. A key feature of the initiative is the reintroduction of the Switch Mortgage, offering interest rates as low as 3.99%, 100% financing, and reduced fees. Additionally, Ariza has expanded vehicle loan options and increased interest rates across various savings products, including secondary savings (2%), lifetime savings (3%), and retirement savings (4.25%). The newly launched Ariza Advantage Account, a long-term savings product, allows members to start with $10,000, earn 3.5% interest quarterly, and secure loans. Lord also highlighted the importance of service enhancement, promising daily efforts to improve member experience. The Triple R Promise marks a new chapter in Ariza’s member-centered approach to financial services.
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Dr Mitchell: Gift of vehicles to MPs is abuse of privileges
In a heated session of the Lower House on November 19, 2025, former Prime Minister and Opposition Leader Dr. Keith Mitchell criticized the Government’s decision to purchase and distribute vehicles to Members of Parliament (MPs), labeling it as an abuse of parliamentary privileges. Dr. Mitchell, a seasoned legislator since 1984, argued that MPs already benefit from a 100% concession on vehicles, making the additional provision unnecessary. He emphasized the dire economic conditions faced by constituents and suggested that the funds allocated for these vehicles could be better utilized to address pressing community needs. ‘I will not accept any vehicle from the taxpayers of this country,’ Dr. Mitchell declared, urging the Government to sell the vehicles and redirect the funds to support the North-West constituency. His stance was echoed by other Opposition MPs, who questioned the necessity of the initiative. However, Joseph Andall, MP for St. Patrick West, defended the decision, stating that the House Committee, comprising members from both the Government and Opposition, had unanimously agreed in 2024 to provide vehicles to each constituency. Andall clarified that the vehicles were intended to facilitate MPs’ duties rather than for personal use. Following the adjournment of the session, Government MPs were presented with the keys to their constituency vehicles by Speaker Leo Cato. The debate underscores the ongoing tension between the Government and Opposition over resource allocation and parliamentary privileges.
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Grenadian Diaspora Meet & Greet in Montreal, Québec, Canada
The High Commission for Grenada to Canada held its inaugural Diaspora Meet & Greet Engagement in Montreal on November 15, 2025, marking a significant step in fostering connections with the Grenadian community abroad. The event was attended by Honourable Joseph Andall, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Export Development, His Excellency Sylvester Quarless, High Commissioner for Grenada to Canada, and Gerry Hopkin, Consul General for Grenada in Toronto. Minister Andall emphasized the role of Grenadians as ambassadors for their homeland, urging them to take pride in their identity and contribute to Grenada’s development. He praised the diaspora for their resilience and dedication, particularly in the face of Canada’s challenging winters. High Commissioner Quarless called for increased engagement from younger generations of Grenadians, highlighting the High Commission’s commitment to fostering dialogue and creating civic groups to strengthen ties. The event concluded Minister Andall’s Canadian tour, which included meetings with the diaspora in Toronto and the official reopening of the Grenada High Commission in Ottawa. The re-established High Commission is poised to serve as a vital platform for political dialogue between Grenada and Canada, ensuring the interests of Grenadian citizens are well-represented.
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Grenada breaks ground on FIFA-funded Technical Development Centre
The Grenada Football Association (GFA) has officially commenced construction of its highly anticipated FIFA-funded Technical Development Centre in Simon, St Andrew. This milestone event signifies a transformative moment for football in Grenada, promising to enhance youth development, uplift communities, and elevate the sport both nationally and regionally. The groundbreaking ceremony, attended by FIFA representatives, government officials, community leaders, and national team members, heralds a new era in the GFA’s strategic vision to foster talent, build capacity, and achieve excellence in football. GFA President Marlon Glean emphasized the centre’s role as a cornerstone for sustainable football development, stating, ‘This facility is more than a building; it’s the heartbeat of our vision for Grenadian football, ensuring access, opportunity, and professionalism at every level.’ Funded through FIFA’s Forward Programme, the state-of-the-art complex will feature training fields, coaching classrooms, fitness and recovery areas, and administrative offices, serving as the hub for year-round development for athletes, coaches, referees, and administrators. Beyond its technical mandate, the centre is poised to become a community focal point, offering mentorship programs, educational outreach, and social activities. Minister for Sports Hon. Delma Thomas highlighted its broader impact, calling it ‘an investment in our people, youth, and communities.’ The project aligns with the GFA’s Strategic Development Framework, which prioritizes grassroots and youth football, coach and referee education, women’s football participation, and social development through the sport. FIFA Director of Member Associations (Americas) Jair Bertoni reaffirmed FIFA’s commitment to supporting sustainable football infrastructure globally. As construction begins, the GFA invites corporate and community partners to collaborate, ensuring the centre becomes a model for similar initiatives across the Caribbean.
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Get ready to win big with Campari Red Passion Holiday Winningz
As the holiday season approaches, Campari is captivating the Caribbean with its dynamic ‘Red Passion Holiday Winningz’ campaign. The promotion, currently active in St Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, St Lucia, Grenada, and The Bahamas, offers consumers the opportunity to celebrate with a chance to win exciting prizes. Campari, known for its vibrant brand ethos, is not only setting the stage for memorable holiday experiences but also giving back to its loyal customers. Theresa Higgins-Edwards, Campari Export Manager, emphasized, ‘Campari is more than a brand; it’s an invitation to live passionately and celebrate boldly. This season, we’re rewarding that passion by giving back to our consumers who make every celebration unforgettable.’ From now until December 31, every purchase of Campari 750ml or 1 litre bottles from participating supermarkets and wholesalers enters consumers into a draw for weekly cash prizes, supermarket and gas vouchers, and phone cards. Monthly prizes include laptops, iPhones, and Samsung/Apple Watches. The grand prize, available in each market, offers a furniture and appliance shopping spree valued at US$3,500 or utility bills covered up to US$2,400. Higgins-Edwards added, ‘Across the Caribbean, Campari resonates with those who value culture, connection, and energy. This campaign transforms that connection into tangible rewards, ensuring every pour this holiday season comes with the chance to win big.’ Campari continues to embody passion, turning ordinary moments into extraordinary experiences, and invites Caribbean consumers to toast to togetherness, excitement, and bold living.
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GHTA Culinary Team wins Silver at Taste of the Caribbean 2025
The Grenada Hotel & Tourism Association (GHTA) has proudly announced that its Culinary Team achieved Silver in the National Team of the Year category at the prestigious Taste of the Caribbean 2025 competition, held in Barbados. This remarkable feat underscores Grenada’s growing reputation for culinary excellence and the exceptional talent displayed by its team on one of the Caribbean’s most competitive gastronomic platforms.
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Government advances fisheries legislation
The Government of Grenada has taken decisive steps to bolster the sustainability and regulatory framework of its fisheries sector through critical legislative reforms. On November 19, 2025, the House of Representatives unanimously passed the Fisheries (Amendment) Bill 2025, which introduces comprehensive measures to enhance marine conservation and regulatory oversight. This legislative move is part of Grenada’s broader strategy to address compliance issues with the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act and avert a potential ban on fish imports to the United States set to take effect on January 1, 2026. The amendment includes updated provisions to align with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) standards, aiming to reverse the U.S. decision announced on August 26, 2025. The bill comprises four key clauses: redefining terms such as ‘observer’ and ‘marine mammal,’ establishing an Observer and Monitoring Programme, empowering the Minister to enact marine mammal protection regulations, and imposing penalties of up to EC$100,000 or 12 months imprisonment for violations. To ensure stakeholder engagement, the Ministry of the Blue Economy and Marine Affairs conducted nationwide consultations, including a pivotal meeting on November 14, 2025, at the St George’s Fisheries Complex Conference Room. The discussions focused on export restrictions to the U.S. and the forthcoming Fisheries (Marine Mammals) Regulations, 2025, which aim to prohibit intentional harm to marine mammals, mandate reporting of incidental catches, restrict harmful fishing gear, and implement a Marine Mammals Management Plan. Additionally, Grenada is collaborating with Compete Caribbean Plus and the Inter-American Development Bank on a pilot initiative to introduce digital vessel monitoring and a fisheries data platform. This initiative includes installing 20 Remora Electronic Monitoring/Vessel Monitoring System (EMS/VMS) devices on longline vessels and providing training to stakeholders. Permanent Secretary Javan Williams emphasized the importance of balancing economic opportunities with environmental stewardship, ensuring the sustainability of Grenada’s fisheries for future generations.
