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标签： Grenada

格林纳达

  • Ministry of Health clarifies social media report on disease trends in Grenada

    Ministry of Health clarifies social media report on disease trends in Grenada

    The Grenada Ministry of Health has issued a formal rebuttal against circulating social media posts suggesting unusual disease outbreaks in the country. Health authorities confirm that comprehensive surveillance data does not support these claims, emphasizing that current disease patterns align with expected seasonal trends.

    According to official monitoring systems, respiratory illnesses have shown a predictable increase corresponding with annual influenza season patterns. This trend has been further amplified by heightened population mobility during peak tourism season and Christmas holiday travels.

    Health officials documented a notable spike in Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease cases during Epidemiological Week 42 (concluding October 18, 2025), primarily affecting children across multiple educational institutions. The ministry responded with a detailed press release on October 31, 2025, outlining containment protocols and preventive measures to control transmission.

    COVID-19 indicators remain reassuringly low, with minimal positivity rates indicating constrained community transmission. Investigations into reported flu-like symptoms among tourism sector workers confirmed alignment with broader seasonal respiratory patterns, with no evidence of coronavirus clusters detected.

    Concurrently, gastroenteritis cases have reached intervention threshold levels, though remaining within anticipated seasonal parameters. The ministry has escalated pathogen testing protocols to precisely identify circulating strains and guide appropriate public health responses.

    Health authorities underscored that all epidemiological data undergoes rigorous analysis by qualified professionals before dissemination. Official communications regarding public health risks are exclusively channeled through authorized ministry platforms to ensure information accuracy and prevent unnecessary public alarm.

    The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to evidence-based health management and transparency, urging citizens to rely exclusively on official communications for accurate health information while maintaining recommended preventive practices.

  • Traffic notice: Hillsborough Street, St George’s

    Traffic notice: Hillsborough Street, St George’s

    The Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) Traffic Department has issued a significant public advisory concerning a prolonged infrastructure-related road closure in the capital. Hillsborough Street, a key thoroughfare in St. George’s, will be completely inaccessible to vehicles from its junctions with Melville Street and Halifax Street. Authorities have confirmed this closure will remain in effect for an extended period, lasting until Saturday, January 3rd, 2026.

    The RGPF, in its official communication, extended apologies to the public and motorists for any disruptions caused by this necessary closure. The police force emphasized the importance of the project necessitating the long-term shutdown and formally requested the understanding and full cooperation of all citizens and commuters during this multi-year period. The announcement was formally disseminated through the Office of the Commissioner of Police, underscoring its official status.

  • RGPF establishes units to fight digital crimes

    RGPF establishes units to fight digital crimes

    In a strategic move to combat the escalating threat of digital crime, the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) has formally launched two specialized technology units. Commissioner Randy Connaught announced the establishment of a Digital Forensic Unit and a Drones Unit during his year-end press conference, highlighting significant technological investments to address crimes ranging from digital fraud and data theft to online harassment.

    The Drone Unit, which began with a single aircraft, has now expanded into a full fleet operated by qualified pilots, with additional personnel currently undergoing training. While Commissioner Connaught showcased the drone program’s expansion, operational details of the Digital Forensic Unit remain closely guarded.

    This law enforcement modernization aligns with broader national security initiatives. Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell addressed Parliament in August 2024, emphasizing drone technology’s revolutionary potential, particularly for healthcare applications, and announced forthcoming regulations governing drone operations, including no-fly zones. However, these policies have not yet been formally gazetted into law.

    Assistant Commissioner Vannie Curwen provided stark context for these developments, noting the increasing digitalization of criminal activity. “We have been able to build out a Digital Forensic Unit giving us the capacity to go far, deep and wide into everything,” Curwen stated. “Every electronic gadget that is used to commit a crime, we will find you, and if you delete it, we will be able to find it again.”

    The urgency of these measures is underscored by a regional situational assessment conducted under the World Bank-funded Caribbean Digital Transformation Project (CARDTP). Published in August 2025, the report reveals cyber threats are proliferating faster than public comprehension, with Grenada showing particularly concerning trends.

    Focus groups conducted with Grenadian citizens revealed widespread experience with cyber incidents—from scams to impersonation and cyberbullying—yet fewer than half of participants could accurately define basic cybersecurity terms like “phishing” or “two-factor authentication.” Many believed cybercrime only targeted large institutions rather than ordinary citizens, and reporting rates remained low due to uncertainty about procedures, fear of embarrassment, and lack of trust in response systems.

    The assessment recommends comprehensive public education campaigns, increased visibility of cybersecurity resources like CSIRT Grenada, and enhanced support systems for vulnerable groups including teachers, parents, seniors, and small businesses.

  • Why do libraries still matter today? Part 3

    Why do libraries still matter today? Part 3

    In an era dominated by digital isolation, libraries are reasserting their role as vital community anchors that foster human connection and social cohesion. This examination, part of a continuing series on library relevance, explores how these institutions actively combat societal fragmentation through purposeful community building initiatives.

    Libraries transcend their traditional identity as mere repositories of books, evolving into dynamic spaces that facilitate meaningful human interaction. Grounded in fundamental human rights principles, public libraries particularly exemplify commitments to diversity, inclusion, and equity. These values manifest practically through welcoming policies that extend access to all community members, including marginalized populations such as homeless individuals seeking refuge and intellectual engagement.

    The digital revolution, while delivering numerous benefits, has simultaneously exacerbated physical and mental health challenges through increased social isolation. Recognizing these contemporary issues, forward-thinking libraries are redesigning both physical spaces and programming to actively support community wellbeing. Within library walls, diverse interest groups flourish—from traditional book clubs to coding workshops, artistic gatherings, and cultural programs—creating organic connections through shared interests.

    At T.A. Marryshow Community College (TAMCC), library staff have institutionalized community building through structured engagement strategies. The library facilitates informal interaction via specially designed Fun & Games segments during key academic periods, including Christmas celebrations, Library Week, and pre-examination stress relief sessions. Beyond recreational activities, the library maintains classroom integration through practical educational sessions covering research skills, APA formatting, digital storytelling, and professional portfolio development.

    Critically, TAMCC’s community commitment extends beyond campus boundaries through its ongoing outreach initiatives. The recently concluded seventh Gilda Campos Outreach program at St. George’s Methodist School exemplifies this external engagement, continuing a tradition that has previously served senior citizens’ homes, facilities for disabled persons, and other educational institutions. These hour-long sessions combine reading activities, musical interaction, games, and motivational speaking, supplemented by donations of books by Grenadian authors and essential stationery items.

    Ultimately, modern libraries function as social infrastructure that actively mitigates digital society’s shortcomings. By providing inclusive physical spaces, facilitating interest-based connections, and extending services to vulnerable populations, libraries demonstrate enduring relevance as institutions that fundamentally strengthen community bonds through the promotion of mutual respect and shared humanity.

  • TAMCC and Grenada Union of Teachers sign historic collective bargaining agreement

    TAMCC and Grenada Union of Teachers sign historic collective bargaining agreement

    In a groundbreaking advancement for Grenada’s educational landscape, the T A Marryshow Community College (TAMCC) and the Grenada Union of Teachers (GUT) have established their inaugural collective bargaining agreement. The pivotal signing ceremony occurred on December 24, 2025, creating a specialized negotiation framework exclusively for college lecturers for the first time in the institution’s history.

    This tripartite agreement, effective from January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2028, signifies a transformative moment in recognizing faculty rights, working conditions, and professional status. The negotiated package comprises two fundamental documents: “The Terms and Conditions of Employment for Faculty in the Bargaining Unit” and “The Wages for GUT Membership of Faculty Employed by TAMCC.” These comprehensive agreements delineate detailed salary scales, supplementary benefits, and employment terms applicable to academic staff throughout the designated period.

    The ceremonial proceedings were attended by distinguished representatives from both institutions. TAMCC’s delegation included Dr. Wendy Grenade, Chairperson of the College Council, and Council Member Samantha Antoine-Purcell. The teachers’ union was represented by President General Jude Bartholomew and General Secretary Melissa St Rose. Adding national significance to the event, Grenada’s Labour Commissioner Sparkle Grenade-Courtney witnessed the formal signing, emphasizing the agreement’s importance within the country’s education sector.

    College authorities attributed the successful negotiation outcome to constructive dialogue and mutual dedication between both parties. Special recognition was extended to Dr. John Telesford, TAMCC’s Deputy Principal, for his instrumental role in developing the benefits package, and Learie Barry, College Council member, for his contributions to the wage structure formulation. The Cabinet and Government of Grenada received acknowledgment for their steadfast support in facilitating the agreement’s completion and implementation.

    This pioneering accord establishes a positive benchmark for collective bargaining practices throughout Grenada. Beyond providing clarity and structure for lecturer benefits, it reinforces TAMCC’s dedication to cultivating an equitable, transparent, and supportive professional environment for its academic workforce. The institution projects that this framework will enhance productivity, strengthen accountability, and deliver measurable value across college operations as faculty members gain empowerment to perform at their optimal professional capacity.

    Through this collaborative mechanism, TAMCC advances its fundamental mission of academic excellence, robust governance, and sustainable development while promoting industrial harmony and consolidating its position as Grenada’s premier tertiary education provider.

  • Police: Former senator’s death not yet classified

    Police: Former senator’s death not yet classified

    Grenadian authorities have confirmed that the investigation into the August death of former opposition senator Neilon Franklyn remains ongoing, with no conclusive determination yet made regarding whether the death was a homicide, suicide, or accident.

    Assistant Commissioner of Police Vannie Curwen addressed the case during the year-end police news conference on December 24th, characterizing the investigation as “very complex” and noting that authorities are awaiting results from regional forensic laboratories. “I do not want to speak specifically on Neilon’s matter except to say this matter is still under investigation,” Curwen stated. “It is a matter that we have been assisted with both locally and regionally in terms of some of the labs that we have been working with.”

    The investigation is being directed by Christopher Nelson, Grenada’s Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), who is overseeing all aspects of the case. Curwen emphasized that the prolonged investigation reflects professionalism rather than secrecy, stating: “Our Director of Public Prosecution is leading that investigation; he is directing that investigation, and at some point, when he feels comfortable that he has all that he needs, he will address the nation.”

    Franklyn, who was appointed as an opposition senator by former Opposition Leader Dr. Keith Mitchell, resigned from his parliamentary position in September 2024 and returned to his previous role as a customs officer. His death occurred at The General Hospital after he collapsed at his home following an evening of social activities. Franklyn was buried in September, though the circumstances surrounding his death remain officially undetermined.

    Curwen concluded that authorities would only make public statements when they had “definitive answers, the data, the result, the testing, the lab, the investigation” to support their conclusions.

  • Ariza shares customers’ credit information with regional credit bureaus

    Ariza shares customers’ credit information with regional credit bureaus

    Grenada’s financial institutions are now formally implementing the Credit Reporting Act of 2017, with Ariza Credit Union becoming the second primary credit information provider to announce compliance with the legislation. In a public notice dated December 22nd, the credit union informed members that effective December 2nd, 2025, it will share customer credit data with licensed credit bureaus as permitted under the parliamentary-approved act.

    The legislative framework establishes a comprehensive credit reporting system designed to facilitate objective credit decisions through accurate information sharing. The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) serves as the exclusive licensing authority for credit bureaus, with EveryData ECCU Limited currently operating as the sole licensed credit reporting agency serving Grenada within the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union.

    Under Section 27 of the Act, credit information providers must furnish data to licensed bureaus from the date credit is provided to a data subject. The law defines ‘data subjects’ broadly to include anyone with contractual relationships with credit providers, loan applicants, guarantors, and those connected through other legitimate purposes.

    The legislation categorizes credit information providers into primary and secondary designations. Primary providers include banks, financial institutions, money services businesses, credit unions, insurance companies, and micro-finance institutions. The Central Bank may additionally designate secondary providers from sectors including telecommunications, utilities, and hire-purchase businesses when deemed in the public interest.

    Notably, existing customers of designated providers do not require separate consent forms for data sharing. Instead, institutions must display notices at physical business locations or on their websites. While credit providers may disclose both positive and negative credit information without prior consent, third parties must obtain explicit consent before inquiring about any data subject’s credit information.

    The fundamental purpose of this data collection initiative is to establish comprehensive credit histories and generate credit scores for individuals, ultimately enhancing the financial system’s integrity and decision-making processes.

  • Grenada’s first retail bond failed to raise targeted amount

    Grenada’s first retail bond failed to raise targeted amount

    Grenada’s pioneering Retail Bond Programme has concluded its initial offering, generating EC$4.3 million in investments despite falling short of its EC$5 million fundraising objective. The landmark financial initiative, which ran from October 31 to November 21, 2025, marked the nation’s first attempt to engage retail investors through the Regional Governments Securities Market.

    The bond offering attracted participation from over 350 individual investors across the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) region. The securities were distributed on a first-come, first-served basis through brokers authorized by the Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange (ECSE). Investment thresholds were set between EC$500 minimum and EC$50,000 maximum per investor.

    Kerry Pierre, Head of the Debt Management Unit at Grenada’s Ministry of Finance, characterized the auction as successful despite not reaching the full target amount. In a pre-recorded interview disseminated by the ministry, Pierre noted that while the EC$5 million goal wasn’t achieved, the initiative demonstrated significant public interest in government securities.

    “We have been very successful in the completion of the auction of the first pilot retail household bond,” Pierre stated during his conversation with Communications Manager Russell John. He acknowledged the learning curve associated with such pioneering financial instruments, explaining that investor participation accelerated as the auction period progressed despite initial cautious engagement.

    The two-year government-backed bonds offer investors a fixed annual interest rate of 4.25%, with semi-annual payments scheduled for May and November each year. The programme represents a significant step in financial inclusion, allowing everyday citizens to participate directly in government debt instruments previously accessible primarily to institutional investors.

    Pierre emphasized that the experience gained from this inaugural offering will inform future retail bond programmes, potentially paving the way for more successful implementations across the Eastern Caribbean region.

  • CPSO reaffirms commitment to CSME and regional integration

    CPSO reaffirms commitment to CSME and regional integration

    The Caribbean Community’s private sector has emerged as a pivotal institutional partner in advancing regional economic integration, with the CARICOM Private Sector Organisation (CPSO) achieving formal associate status within the Caribbean Community framework in October 2020. This strategic alignment has enabled coordinated advocacy and project development aimed at realizing the full potential of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).

    Regional business leaders from Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica, Barbados, Guyana, and across the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States have issued a collective statement affirming the CSME’s demonstrated economic benefits. According to their assessment, the single market framework has substantially boosted intra-regional commerce, strengthened supply chain resilience, generated significant foreign exchange earnings, and stimulated economic activity throughout member states.

    The vision for regional economic integration traces its origins to the historic 1989 Declaration of Grand Anse, which initiated the process culminating in the 2001 Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas that formally established the CSME. Launched in 2006, this ambitious initiative continues to represent a relevant development aspiration for Caribbean nations seeking expanded economic scale and enhanced opportunities for their citizens.

    Caribbean business organizations emphasize the complementary nature of intra-regional trade and external commercial relationships, particularly with the United States as the bloc’s principal external trading partner. These dual trading dimensions are viewed as mutually reinforcing components that enhance economic diversification and resilience.

    Amid current global economic volatility, private sector representatives stress the critical importance of policy stability, investor confidence, and constructive intergovernmental engagement. The collective statement underscores the particular relevance of regional solidarity expressed through the ‘stronger together’ principle, positioning CARICOM as an essential platform for transforming economic vulnerabilities into strategic assets through deeper integration.

    The regional business community acknowledges its vital role in CSME enhancement efforts, recognizing the mechanism’s importance for collective sustainability in an increasingly fragmented global economy. Signatory organizations expressed appreciation for the inclusive framework extended by CARICOM leadership and reaffirmed their commitment to collaborative implementation of the single market vision.

    The statement concludes with seasonal goodwill messages to Caribbean citizens and anticipations for continued dialogue regarding regional advancement and security.

  • Vacancy: Production Manager

    Vacancy: Production Manager

    A prominent Grenadian manufacturing enterprise has announced an exceptional career opportunity for an experienced Production Manager within its distillery operations. The organization seeks a dedicated professional ready to embrace the challenges of overseeing sophisticated bottling and blending processes while driving operational excellence.

    The successful candidate will assume comprehensive responsibility for maximizing daily production output while maintaining stringent compliance with ISO 22000 food safety standards and quality control protocols. This leadership position demands meticulous attention to detail across all manufacturing phases, from raw material verification to finished product delivery.

    Core operational duties include developing and implementing daily production schedules, optimizing workforce allocation, and minimizing equipment downtime through proactive maintenance strategies. The Production Manager will also spearhead continuous improvement initiatives, utilizing data analytics to enhance efficiency and productivity across all manufacturing segments.

    Beyond technical oversight, the role encompasses significant personnel management responsibilities. The selected individual will mentor departmental staff, foster professional development, and maintain team morale while ensuring adherence to operational protocols. Budget management constitutes another critical component, requiring the formulation of both recurrent and capital expenditure proposals.

    The ideal candidate must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Natural Sciences or Engineering, with postgraduate distilling qualifications considered particularly advantageous. Certification in ISO Management Systems and Food Safety Procedures is mandatory, complemented by minimum five years’ supervisory experience within distillery operations or comparable manufacturing environments.

    Essential technical knowledge encompasses liquid filtration principles, packaging requirements, HACCP protocols, and Good Manufacturing Practices. Behavioral competencies should include advanced communication skills, innovative problem-solving capabilities, and demonstrated proficiency in collaborative leadership across organizational hierarchies.

    Interested professionals must submit comprehensive application packages including cover letter and CV in Word or PDF format, accompanied by three business references, to the designated email address with the specific subject line ‘Application: Production Manager’. The submission deadline remains January 12, 2025, though the organization reserves the right to modify this timeline.

    J’S HR Consultancy, acting as recruitment agent, confirms the legitimacy of this advertisement and the esteemed reputation of the hiring organization within Grenada’s business community. Additional enterprise details will be disclosed to shortlisted candidates during subsequent selection phases.