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  • Grenadian entrepreneur to speak at World FZO Congress

    Grenadian entrepreneur to speak at World FZO Congress

    A prominent Grenadian business leader has earned a global spotlight, with founder of Citez Grenada Ltd Cory Zufelt set to share insights on the international stage at the World Free Zones Organisation (World FZO) 12th World Congress. Scheduled to run from May 12 to 14, 2026 at the Panama Convention Centre in Panama City, the major global gathering will draw hundreds of key stakeholders from every region of the world to examine the evolving role of special economic zones.

    Held around the core theme “Free Zones in the New Global Operating Model: Challenges and Opportunities”, the 2026 congress will convene a cross-section of leading voices, including senior government policymakers, free zone executives, global investment leaders, business founders, and international development specialists. Attendees and speakers will tackle pressing topics shaping the future of global free zones, ranging from international trade and cross-border investment to innovation strategy, sustainability, and building long-term national economic competitiveness.

    Zufelt has been selected to join a high-profile roundtable discussion titled “Anchoring Tourism and Culture in the Knowledge Economy”. The session will focus on a forward-thinking economic model: how free zones centered on tourism and cultural assets can act as catalysts for digital trade expansion, dynamic innovation ecosystems, global talent attraction, small and medium entrepreneurship, and sustainable service-led economic growth. He will share the panel with other distinguished industry and policy leaders: Peter Janech, Coordinator of Innovation, Education and Investments at UN Tourism based in Spain; Liriola Pitti, Chief Executive Officer of AEI Panama; and Juan Carlos Abud, Minister of Economic Development for Jujuy, Argentina. The roundtable will be facilitated by Juliana Villegas Restrepo, Director of International Promotion and Business Development for Colombia.

    As the only truly global multilateral organization representing special economic and free zones, World FZO currently supports and represents more than 2,260 free zones across 168 nations worldwide. Founded in Dubai in 2014 and registered in Geneva, the organization’s core mission is to connect free zone operators globally through knowledge sharing, industry networking, policy advocacy, and strategic consulting. It works to amplify the positive impact of well-structured free zones and strengthen their contribution to inclusive global economic prosperity and social development.

    For his part, Zufelt leads Citez Grenada Ltd, a Grenadian-owned economic development firm focused on building integrated platforms for cross-border trade, investment attraction, end-to-end business support services, skilled workforce development, digital business onboarding, and scaling future-oriented industries. The firm is currently advancing the Citez Grenada Project, a private-sector-led development initiative that explores how the small Caribbean nation can position itself as a strategic economic connector linking markets across the Caribbean, North America, South America, Africa, and the broader global economy.

    In comments on the invitation, Zufelt framed the opportunity as a landmark moment not just for his firm, but for Grenada’s national dialogue on long-term economic growth. “This invitation is an important moment not only for Citez Grenada, but for Grenada’s wider conversation around economic development,” he said. “Tourism and culture should not only be viewed as visitor experiences. They can also become platforms for investment, entrepreneurship, digital trade, workforce development, cultural exports, and long-term national growth.”

    Organizers project the 12th World Congress will attract more than 1,500 attendees from across the globe, including cabinet ministers, senior government officials, and leadership from major international organizations. For Grenada, Zufelt’s participation will put a spotlight on the Caribbean nation’s untapped potential to develop modern, diversified economic zone models that integrate tourism, cultural heritage, cross-border trade, digital services, green economic development, workforce training, and streamlined investment facilitation — opening new pathways for inclusive, sustainable growth.

  • Police investigate fatal accident at Mt Gay, St George

    Police investigate fatal accident at Mt Gay, St George

    A devastating fatal road incident has claimed the life of a 17-year-old student from Tempe, St George, prompting an active investigation by the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF). The collision unfolded on Sunday, 10 May 2026, in the Mt Gay area of St George, according to official updates released by the Office of the Commissioner of Police.

    Preliminary findings from ongoing investigations outline that the young victim was traveling along the roadway on a bicycle when, for reasons still under review, he lost control of his vehicle and fell into the path of moving traffic. Moments after the fall, an oncoming motor vehicle struck the teenager, inflicting life-threatening head trauma. Emergency medical personnel responded to the scene, where a doctor examined the victim and officially pronounced him dead at the site of the crash.

    In the wake of the tragic incident, the Commissioner of Police and all serving members of the RGPF have issued a formal statement of condolence, extending their deepest sympathies to the deceased student’s family, loved ones and friends, who are now grappling with sudden and unexpected loss. The RGPF has not yet released additional details regarding any potential charges, road conditions at the time of the crash, or the identity of the driver of the vehicle involved, as investigations remain ongoing.

    This report is sourced from the official Office of the Commissioner of Police. NOW Grenada disclaims responsibility for the content and opinions shared by external contributors, and invites users to report any abusive content via official platform channels.

  • Matter involving Neilon Franklyn to proceed to Coroner’s Inquest

    Matter involving Neilon Franklyn to proceed to Coroner’s Inquest

    The Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) has officially announced the completion of its investigation into the passing of former Grenadian Senator Neilon Franklyn, updating the public on the next steps in the legal process.

    After holding comprehensive consultations with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, law enforcement officials confirmed that the case will move forward to a formal Coroner’s Inquest to further examine the circumstances surrounding Franklyn’s death. This procedural step follows standard legal protocol in Grenada for suspicious or unattended deaths, allowing for a public, thorough review of evidence collected during the police investigation.

    In a public statement released from the Office of the Commissioner of Police, the RGPF extended its gratitude to members of the Grenadian public for their patience, tips, and ongoing cooperation throughout the duration of the investigative work. Law enforcement noted that public support was instrumental in moving the case through its initial stages.

    This announcement marks a key transition in the handling of the high-profile case, which has drawn public attention since Franklyn’s death. The upcoming inquest will give the coroner and any participating jury the opportunity to review all gathered evidence and make a formal determination regarding the cause and circumstances of the former senator’s death.

  • Juvenile charged with Non-Capital Murder

    Juvenile charged with Non-Capital Murder

    Authorities in Grenada have formally charged a 16-year-old male resident of Sabb, St Andrew with non-capital murder in connection with the violent death of 66-year-old Melvar Wharwood. Prosecutors confirm the charge stems from evidence that the teen caused Wharwood’s death through unlawful harm, according to official statements released by the Office of the Commissioner of Police of the Royal Grenada Police Force. The criminal proceeding was launched after police launched a full investigation into the grim discovery: Wharwood’s unresponsive body was found in the Mirabeau area of St Andrew on Sunday, May 3, 2026. As a juvenile accused of the serious offense, the teen is scheduled to make his first initial court appearance at the Grenville Magistrate’s Court on Monday, May 11, 2026, where the first procedural steps of the legal process will get underway. No further details about the motive or circumstances surrounding the incident have been released to the public as the investigation remains ongoing. This report is based on official police documentation, and NOW Grenada disclaims responsibility for any third-party contributor content hosted on its platform.

  • Grenada Pavilion: Embracing wider Caribbean experience

    Grenada Pavilion: Embracing wider Caribbean experience

    As Grenada prepares to take part in its ninth consecutive edition of the 61st Venice Biennale, Dr. Susan Mains, commissioner of the Grenada Pavilion, opens up about the journey, the milestone, and a groundbreaking new direction for the small island nation’s presence at one of the world’s most prestigious international art events. For Mains, this participation is far more than a symbolic exhibition slot—it is a years-long strategic effort to build cross-border connections with Italy and the global arts community, strengthening the cultural and creative capacity of a small island developing state. Backed by official endorsement and support from Grenada’s Minister of Culture, the project has steadily grown into the transformative initiative it represents today.

    Nine consecutive participations are more than a numerical milestone: they stand for unbroken continuity, steady growth, and a continuously evolving artistic vision for the Grenada Pavilion. Over decades of engagement with the Biennale, the curatorial and leadership team has come to a core realization: Grenada’s cultural narrative does not exist in isolation. It is deeply interwoven with the shared histories, natural rhythms, and collective aspirations of all Caribbean neighboring nations. In line with this understanding, the 2026 pavilion will mark a deliberate, transformative shift in its mission.

    Moving forward, the Grenada Pavilion will expand its scope to embrace the entire Caribbean region, reimagining the Caribbean Sea not as a dividing barrier between islands, as it was often framed in colonial histories, but as a unifying connector that ties communities together—echoing the cross-island networks of the indigenous Kalinago people who navigated these waters for centuries. What was once a platform solely for Grenadian artistic voices will now open its doors to collaborative work, shared storytelling, and celebration of the extraordinary cultural diversity that defines the Caribbean. From the tiniest micro-island to the region’s largest sovereign nations, every artistic voice carries a unique cadence, and together they form a cohesive, powerful chorus that demands global attention. For this year’s edition, artists from across the region have joined the roster: Russell Watson of Barbados, Edward Bowen of Trinidad, and Grenadian artists Lilo Nido, Christ Mast, Jeverson Ramirez, and Arthur Daniel round out the list of contributors, each adding their unique perspective to deepen and enrich the collective narrative.

    The thematic core of the pavilion is anchored in research and writing by Asher Mains, MFA, who draws heavily on the work of Edouard Glissant, the iconic Martinican philosopher and writer whose thought was shaped by his dual experience of Caribbean lived reality and French intellectual tradition. This layered history—rooted in Indigenous Caribbean heritage, shaped by European colonialism, and enriched by the forced migration of African peoples and the arrival of Southeast Asian communities—has created a dynamic cultural synthesis that makes the Caribbean a global hotbed of creative innovation and cultural richness, a legacy the pavilion seeks to center.

    Mains emphasizes that this collaborative model is not rooted in competition, a core value that sets the pan-Caribbean project apart from the often individualistic, comparative framing of national pavilions. The goal is not to outperform other participating nations or artists, but to stand in solidarity: to lift each other up, exchange knowledge, learn from one another, and celebrate shared cultural heritage. The region’s strength, Mains argues, does not come from outcompeting one another, but from deep connection. When one Caribbean story is told, it resonates across every island and coastline of the region, and it belongs to all. This year’s Biennale marks a historic turning point for Caribbean art: alongside the reimagined Grenada Pavilion, national pavilions will also be hosted by The Bahamas, Haiti, and Cuba, while dozens of additional Caribbean artists are featured in the central Biennale exhibition curated by Koyo Kouoh. Mains notes that Kouoh’s inclusion of Caribbean creators in her *Minor Keys* curatorial framework has brought unexpected, graceful new layers to the central exhibition, highlighting the underrecognized power of the region’s artistic output.

    The Grenada Pavilion’s evolution has been shaped over multiple Biennale cycles by its long-running collaboration with curator Daniel Radini Tedeschi and his team, who have helped turn the project’s long-held aspirations into reality. Every sponsor and supporter that has backed the initiative has aligned with its core vision: a world built on peace, where art acts as a harbinger of greater connection and collective understanding.

    For Mains, serving as commissioner for this milestone participation is both a profound honor and a weighty responsibility. Moving forward, the Grenada Pavilion proceeds with clear intention, radical unity, and an unshakable belief in the power of collective artistic presence. While Grenada walks into this 9th participation with well-earned national pride, its greatest defining feature moving forward is radical openness: the pavilion is no longer a solo national venture, but a core part of a vibrant, united Caribbean artistic family. Together, the region’s artists move forward, together—forward ever.

  • MP Ron Redhead set to take over ICT portfolio from 1 June

    MP Ron Redhead set to take over ICT portfolio from 1 June

    In a public announcement made during the official launch of the International Girls in ICT Day–AI Innovation Challenge this past Friday, Grenada Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell revealed a key shift in cabinet leadership: long-serving legislator Ron Redhead, the Member of Parliament for St George North East, will assume full responsibility for the country’s ICT portfolio starting June 1. Currently, Mitchell himself oversees Grenada’s ICT and digital transformation strategy, a responsibility he has held alongside multiple other high-level cabinet posts that include Prime Minister, National Security, Public Administration, Infrastructure and Information. A formal official statement confirming Redhead’s appointment is scheduled to be released by the Prime Minister in the coming days.

    Redhead first entered public office following the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) historic 9-6 election victory in June 2022, where he won his seat for St George North East. After the NDC took power, he was appointed Minister of State for Youth and Sports, a position he stepped down from during the government’s 2024 cabinet reshuffle. At the time of that reshuffle, administration officials clarified that the departure would allow Redhead to complete his university degree while continuing to carry out his duties as an elected Member of Parliament. Now, he is set to rejoin the cabinet ahead of his upcoming graduation.

    At the end of this month, Redhead will graduate from St George’s University, having completed his academic program while balancing the full demands of his parliamentary role. Prime Minister Mitchell emphasized the significance of this achievement during his announcement, framing Redhead’s journey as a powerful example of lifelong learning and persistent goal pursuit even amid challenging circumstances. “He has a unique story to share,” Mitchell noted. “I highlight this because it’s important for us to understand that we can work and continue to educate ourselves and continue to pursue our dreams, even in pretty difficult circumstances.”

    Mitchell argued that Redhead’s experience combining senior public policymaking and ongoing higher education leaves him uniquely positioned to lead Grenada’s digital development. “The fact that he is a Member of Parliament, the fact that he’s a politician, the fact that he is responsible for policymaking, is all the more reason why he recognised the need to pursue and continue his education,” Mitchell added. The Prime Minister also emphasized that the portfolio shift will bring much-needed dedicated focus to Grenada’s expanding ICT and digital transformation agenda. Unlike the current arrangement where the portfolio is held by the Prime Minister alongside multiple other major responsibilities, Redhead will have no conflicting high-priority duties, allowing him to devote full attention to advancing the country’s digital goals. “I’m sure he’ll be happy to take on his new portfolio. I’m sure those members of the ICT team will be happy to have a minister who has the time and no competing priorities to ensure that we can continue to push ICT and the digital transformation in Grenada,” Mitchell said.

    A well-known younger figure within the ruling NDC party, Redhead has not yet commented on his upcoming appointment: attempts by reporters to reach him for a statement on Friday were unsuccessful.

  • Grenada advances smart farming with drones and RFID Technology

    Grenada advances smart farming with drones and RFID Technology

    Against a backdrop of global efforts to modernize small-scale agricultural systems, the Caribbean nation of Grenada has launched an ambitious tech-driven transformation of its farming and land management sectors, centered on a new drone training program for agricultural officials. This week, 10 officers from the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands and Forestry wrapped up a week of theoretical instruction on Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAVs) — led by local technology provider Aerial Vision — before stepping into the field at Mirabeau Agricultural Station for their first hands-on flight testing exercises.

    The initiative marks a major milestone in the Grenadian government’s long-term strategy to update the country’s agricultural industry through digital innovation. Officials have invested more than EC$200,000 to acquire 9 new drones, bringing the total fleet of UAVs managed by the Ministry of Agriculture to 12. This pilot program builds on a collaborative UAV initiative first launched in 2023 between the ministry and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), which was created to integrate cutting-edge aerial technology, big data analytics, machine learning and agriculture-specific artificial intelligence tools into local farming practices.

    Beyond boosting crop yields and streamlining production monitoring, the program targets one of the most persistent and costly challenges facing Grenadian farmers: praedial larceny, or the theft of agricultural produce and livestock. For many small-scale producers in the country, losing even a small number of livestock can erase months of hard work and critical income, making anti-theft protection a top policy priority.

    To address this gap, the training program includes instruction on a complementary technology: Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) livestock tagging. The system uses electronically coded micro-tags attached to animals to enable real-time identification and tracking, giving farmers and law enforcement a reliable tool to recover stolen livestock. Leon Williams, UAV Officer for the Ministry of Agriculture, explained that the curriculum extends far beyond basic drone operation. Trainees are also introduced to a suite of emerging digital tools designed to improve agricultural data collection, land management and resource allocation across the country’s rural areas.

    The uses for the new drone fleet extend well beyond farming and anti-theft work too. UAVs will also be deployed to monitor remote forested areas for illegal logging and other unauthorized activities, track the health of tree populations, and conduct rapid aerial assessments of terrain that would take ground-based officers hours or even days to survey manually.

    In the coming weeks, the Ministry of Agriculture will expand the program, holding additional demonstrations for local farmers and extension officers to roll out technology-driven practices across the sector. Government officials believe the integrated approach — combining drone monitoring, digital tracking, and traditional Grenadian farming knowledge — will strengthen the country’s food security, boost operational efficiency, and build greater resilience for the agricultural sector in the face of evolving economic and environmental challenges.

  • Temporary closure and interruption in cash services

    Temporary closure and interruption in cash services

    The Magistracy Department has issued a public advisory confirming that all court-based cashing services will be completely unavailable to the general public on Wednesday, 13 May 2026. This planned, temporary service pause is not the result of an operational error or system failure, but rather a deliberate step to make space for a mandatory, institution-wide Cashiers’ Training program. The department emphasized that this training initiative is designed to upskill all cashiering staff, with the explicit goal of boosting both the speed of service delivery and the overall quality of support offered to community members accessing court facilities. Regular cashing operations are scheduled to fully resume at all court offices starting at 8:00 a.m. local time on Thursday, 14 May 2026. In closing its advisory, the Magistracy Department extended a sincere apology to all residents and visitors who may experience disruption or inconvenience to their planned court-related business during this one-day suspension. This advisory is issued by the Magistracy Department. NOW Grenada notes that it does not take responsibility for the opinions, statements, or third-party contributed content shared on its platform, and provides a reporting channel for users to flag any abusive content.

  • British High Commission supports Levera mangrove reforestation project

    British High Commission supports Levera mangrove reforestation project

    A landmark environmental partnership between the British High Commission in St George’s and Grenada’s St Patrick Environmental Community and Tourism Organisation (SPECTO) is driving forward critical ecosystem recovery at the Levera Pond, one of the Caribbean island nation’s most ecologically significant wetland sites. The collaboration, known as the Levera Pond Recovery: Mangrove Restoration and Education Initiative, is fully funded through the UK Government’s Bilateral Programme Fund, bringing both financial and community-focused support to a landscape still reeling from extreme weather damage.

    The initiative targets two core restoration priorities: expanding ongoing mangrove reforestation work across the protected wetlands, and rebuilding the popular public boardwalk that was heavily destroyed when Hurricane Beryl swept through Grenada in 2024. As a Ramsar-designated wetland of international importance, Levera’s mangrove ecosystems play an irreplaceable role in supporting native biodiversity, buffering coastal communities against storm surges, and maintaining the natural balance of the region’s marine and terrestrial habitats.

    Months into the project, early progress already demonstrates the power of cross-sector and community collaboration. To date, teams have successfully planted 423 mangrove seedlings, encompassing both native red and black mangrove species critical to the local ecosystem. Coordinated by project implementer Michael Forteau, the planting activities have been carried out by SPECTO community volunteers alongside students from Grenada’s TA Marryshow Community College (TAMCC), blending hands-on restoration work with impactful environmental education. The project has also delivered immediate local economic benefits, creating five full-time temporary positions for community members to support ongoing work at the site.

    During a recent site visit to assess progress, Resident British Commissioner Victor Clark joined SPECTO representatives for a mangrove planting activity and tour of the new boardwalk construction. After observing the work firsthand, Clark emphasized the urgency of protecting the vulnerable Levera ecosystem, noting that hurricane damage and additional stress from nearby construction have put the site at heightened risk. “Protecting the fragile environment and ecosystems of the Ramsar-designated Levera wetlands in Grenada is critically important — especially in the wake of Hurricane Beryl and the damage caused by nearby construction,” Clark said. “Seeing the impact firsthand has only strengthened my conviction, and I am proud that the British High Commission is partnering with SPECTO to support this vital work.”

    When the project wraps up later this year, organizers plan to host a public official launch event to celebrate the completed boardwalk reconstruction and showcase the early progress of the newly planted mangroves. Beyond this specific initiative, the British High Commission has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to supporting environmentally sustainable projects across Grenada that protect native biodiversity, build community climate resilience, and advance inclusive, sustainable local development.

  • Traffic Arrangements – The Carenage, St George’s

    Traffic Arrangements – The Carenage, St George’s

    Motorists and local residents in Grenada will soon face adjusted traffic patterns around the Carenage district, as law enforcement has officially announced new permanent-until-further-notice traffic regulations to accommodate a critical infrastructure upgrade. The upcoming project, a full sewer line installation led by the National Water and Sewerage Authority (NAWASA), will trigger the adjusted road rules starting Thursday, 7 May 2026. The changes will only take effect during overnight hours, running daily from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. to minimize disruption to peak daytime travel.

    Under the new framework, the main Carenage public road will switch to a single one-way flow, with all traffic required to travel toward the Sendall tunnel direction. Additional route restrictions will be in place on H A Blaize Street: drivers moving along this thoroughfare will be banned from making right turns onto Hughes Street. Instead, all vehicles must continue along H A Blaize Street until connecting to the Tanteen Public Road to continue their journeys.

    The Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF), which issued the official public notification from the Office of the Commissioner of Police, has acknowledged that the detours and route changes may create temporary disruptions for road users. In the public announcement, the force issued an apology for any inconvenience the traffic adjustments may cause, and urged all commuters, delivery services, and local residents to plan alternate routes in advance and comply with the new rules during the construction period.

    This infrastructure work aims to upgrade Grenada’s aging public sewer network, supporting long-term public health and urban development in the Carenage area. The traffic restrictions will remain in place until project officials complete the installation work and issue a formal notice lifting the route adjustments. Local road users are encouraged to check official RGPF and NAWASA updates for any changes to the timeline or traffic arrangements.