标签： Grenada

In a significant legislative development, Grenada’s Parliament has demonstrated unified concern for youth welfare while addressing cannabis decriminalization. During deliberations on the Drug Abuse (Prevention and Control) Amendment Bill on January 20, 2026, both government and opposition representatives reached consensus on relieving young people from criminal records for simple possession charges.

Dr. Neals Chitan, an international crime reduction specialist who previously advised St. Kitts-Nevis on cannabis legislation in 2019, acknowledges the plant’s medicinal properties while emphasizing concerning neuroscientific findings. ‘Credible research indicates potentially devastating effects on the developing adolescent brain,’ notes Dr. Chitan, who holds a PhD in Social and Behavioural Sciences.

The parliamentary discussion highlighted a paradigm shift toward addressing root causes rather than symptom management. Legislators recognized that emotional distress—stemming from dysfunctional homes, parental expectations, peer pressure, and various traumas—often drives youth toward marijuana’s temporary euphoria.

Dr. Chitan warns of cyclical dependency: ‘The psychoactive effect temporarily rescues users from misery, but the subsequent crash leaves them craving another joint, creating an open door to addiction.’

Instead of chemical relief, Grenada is pursuing substantive emotional health solutions. The Ministry of Mental Health and Religious Affairs is partnering with experts to launch a nationwide 2026 Emotional and Mental Health Community Empowerment Campaign across all 16 communities in Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique.

This initiative represents what Dr. Chitan identifies as ‘true healing’—teaching evidence-based strategies to address trauma sources rather than masking symptoms. The approach aligns with modern medical practice’s increased emphasis on prevention before prescription, despite allegations of pharmaceutical conspiracies.

The comprehensive program aims to create emotionally resilient youth through mental health empowerment, ultimately fostering productive citizens with winning attitudes beyond temporary chemical relief.

In a celebration of youthful innovation and nutritional excellence, J W Fletcher Catholic Secondary School claimed top honors at the Grenada Food and Nutrition Council’s High School Snack Attack Competition on January 15, 2026. The triumphant team secured a $7,000 prize alongside a commemorative plaque for their outstanding performance.

The competition, hosted at the Ministry of Finance Conference Room within Grand Anse’s Galleria Mall, showcased five secondary schools competing through culinary creativity and entrepreneurial vision. Fletcher Catholic’s winning entry, ‘Fruity Fusion Gummies,’ distinguished itself through exceptional presentation, strategic branding, and market-ready execution. The product featured 100% natural flavors and sweeteners, packaged in environmentally conscious orange-and-white recyclable containers bearing prominent ‘Product of Grenada’ labeling.

GFNC CEO Lydia Browne characterized the event as profoundly rewarding, noting: ‘The demonstrated innovation and camaraderie exceeded expectations. Several products exhibit strong potential for commercial development beyond school environments to broader Grenadian markets.’

The initiative aimed to transform youth perspectives on food—emphasizing creativity, cultural significance, and health benefits while promoting local agriculture and national identity. Students received guidance from educator Kaylee Redhead and GFNC mentor Masha Benjamin-Hunte, with team members Joshua Williams-James, Tai Alexander, Amaiyah Charles, John Hazzard, and Grace Charles delivering a professionally energetic sales pitch.

Judging criteria encompassed ingredient quality, taste profiles, nutritional value, market viability, and production feasibility. The evaluation panel included Nekisha McDonald (Ministry of Finance), Amiesha Persaud (Grenada Bureau of Standards), TAMCC culinary faculty Rosamond Francis and Raquesha Peters, plus student judges Heavenly Primus and Tariq Noel.

Adding democratic engagement, primary students from Grand Anse Private Academy and Calliste Government School served as impartial taste-testers. Presentation Brothers’ College secured the People’s Choice Award through combined paper ballot and digital QR code voting, earning an additional $1,000. Bishop’s College placed third with $1,500, while Grenada Boys’ Secondary School and Grenada Seventh-day Adventist Comprehensive School participated as finalists.

The competition reinforces Grenada’s commitment to strengthening food security through youth engagement and nutritional education, aligning with GFNC’s ‘Eat Local’ initiative to enhance national food sovereignty.

Grenadian students have demonstrated exceptional literary prowess by securing half of the top positions in the prestigious 2025 Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA) Short Story competition. The regional academic event witnessed a remarkable display of creative writing talent from the island nation, with young scholars claiming an impressive 10 out of 20 ranked spots.

Adania George, a promising writer from Westmorland Junior School, achieved the highest honor with her captivating short story ‘Thomas and the Visitor,’ which earned the first-place distinction. Her narrative stood out among numerous submissions from across the Caribbean region, showcasing exceptional imagination and literary skill.

The competition results revealed outstanding performances from multiple Grenadian educational institutions. Grand Roy Government School emerged as the most represented institution with five short stories ranking in the top 20, followed by Westmorland Junior School with three recognized entries. Alpha Junior School and St Andrew’s Anglican Primary School each contributed one award-winning story to Grenada’s impressive tally.

The Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment, administered by the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), serves as a critical evaluation mechanism for students transitioning from primary to secondary education throughout the Caribbean. This comprehensive assessment examines core academic competencies including mathematics, language arts, scientific literacy, and civic knowledge.

The complete collection of top-ranked short stories has been made publicly accessible through the official CXC portal, providing recognition for these young authors and offering valuable literary resources for educators and students across the region.

Grenada is set to launch a groundbreaking initiative within its national Independence celebrations with the inaugural Independence Youth Expo 2026. Scheduled for Saturday, 24 January 2026, the event will transform the Morne Rouge Playing Field in Grand Anse into a vibrant showcase of youth innovation from 3 pm to 8 pm.

SherryAnn Noel, a member of the National Celebrations Committee (NCC), revealed that the expo was specifically designed to address a significant gap in traditional Independence observances. While cultural events, calypso competitions, and military parades have long been celebration staples, the committee identified an urgent need for programming dedicated exclusively to the nation’s youth.

The expo serves a dual mission: creating dedicated space for youth engagement within national celebrations while providing substantial exposure for young entrepreneurs operating small businesses throughout Grenada. More than 25 youth entrepreneurs from multiple parishes, including St Andrew, have already confirmed participation, representing diverse commercial and creative ventures.

Exhibitors will display an impressive array of products including original paintings, woodcraft, fashion collections, handcrafted candles, artisanal cakes, confectionery, cotton candy, and an assortment of locally produced juices featuring indigenous flavors.

The event will simultaneously function as a talent showcase, featuring performances by young artists from Grenada, Carriacou, and Petit Martinique. The Spiceland Dancers are scheduled to appear alongside eleven-year-old steel pan prodigy Destiny, who performs with Nexa New Dimension.

A highlight of the afternoon programming will be the Young DJs Clash, featuring emerging talents like DJ Snappy and DJ Jamie alongside established entertainers who will provide mentorship and support to the next generation.

In a significant support measure, the NCC will cover all logistical requirements including tents, tables, and electricity, ensuring participants can focus exclusively on presenting their businesses. Admission is free for both attendees and participants.

Adding an interactive dimension, young interviewer Shiloh will conduct booth visits to document entrepreneurial journeys and discuss the importance of youth involvement in business and creative sectors through peer-to-peer conversations.

The Independence Youth Expo 2026 represents a strategic investment in Grenada’s future, celebrating youth creativity and innovation while reinforcing their vital role in national development. The public is encouraged to attend and support these emerging talents.