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标签： Grenada

格林纳达

  • Call for Projects under the 2026-2027 UNESCO Participation Programme

    Call for Projects under the 2026-2027 UNESCO Participation Programme

    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.

  • Over EC$41 million in scholarships awarded to Grenadian students

    Over EC$41 million in scholarships awarded to Grenadian students

    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.

  • Rollout of COMS-PAN Programme

    Rollout of COMS-PAN Programme

    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.

  • Opening of the New Law Year 2026

    Opening of the New Law Year 2026

    The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) will inaugurate its 2026 legal calendar on January 12th through traditional ceremonial proceedings, adopting the thematic banner “Justice that Endures — Anchored in Independence, Strengthened through Trust.” This year’s host nation, the Commonwealth of Dominica, will stage the inaugural sitting of the Court of Appeal while simultaneous observances occur across eight additional Member States and Territories—a significant departure from the past four years’ format.

    In Grenada, festivities will commence with an 8:15 am service at St George’s Anglican Church, succeeded by the Inspection of the Guard of Honour. A formal procession will then advance to the High Court for a Special Sitting scheduled at 10 am.

    Presiding over the ceremonies, Acting Chief Justice Her Ladyship the Hon. Mde. Margaret Price Findlay will deliver the keynote address live from Dominica. Her address will be broadcast in real-time to all Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) jurisdictions through multiple digital platforms, including the Commonwealth of Dominica Information Services media channels, the ECSC’s official website and Facebook page, and UWITV.

    The ECSC, established in 1967 as a superior court of record, exercises unlimited jurisdiction across nine OECS territories. These include six sovereign nations—Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, and St Vincent and the Grenadines—alongside three British Overseas Territories: Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, and Montserrat.

    The public is invited to participate either in person at church services or court sittings, or virtually through the various streaming options provided.

  • The sea is rising and so should we

    The sea is rising and so should we

    As the United Nations commences the second year of the Second International Decade for People of African Descent (2025-2034), the accelerating climate emergency presents an existential threat to Small Island Developing States that can no longer be marginalized in global discourse. Across the Caribbean and Global South, human-induced climate change has transformed from theoretical concern to daily reality, particularly for over 200 million people of African descent inhabiting formerly colonized territories.

    This crisis unfolds against a backdrop of deteriorating global climate governance. The Trump administration’s confirmation of withdrawal from 66 international organizations—including 31 UN bodies specializing in climate policy, sustainable development, and international accountability—has created seismic shifts in diplomatic circles. Critical withdrawals encompass the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and International Renewable Energy Agency, signaling a dangerous retreat by major industrial powers from their environmental responsibilities.

    Scientific evidence underscores the urgency. The Americas recorded unprecedented temperatures in 2025, with prolonged heatwaves from February through July breaking historical records across North America, the Caribbean, and South America. This extreme heat intensifies droughts, compromises fragile infrastructure, and fuels catastrophic wildfires. Urban centers face particular vulnerability as ‘heat islands’ exacerbate living conditions—a phenomenon poetically foreshadowed in Bob Marley’s ‘concrete jungle’ depiction of 1970s Kingston.

    The Caribbean’s hurricane seasons reveal increasingly destructive patterns, with recent storms devastating Jamaica, Grenada, Cuba, Haiti, and The Bahamas. These are no longer natural disasters but climate-amplified events fueled by warming oceans and atmospheric instability. Each storm leaves devastated infrastructure, lost livelihoods, and communities trapped in cyclical reconstruction with diminishing resources.

    This environmental emergency intersects directly with historical injustices. The Caricom Reparations Commission emphasizes that climate change cannot be divorced from colonial legacy—plantation economies created structural poverty that now magnifies climate vulnerability. Reparatory justice demands must encompass climate justice, including adaptation financing, technology transfer, and institutional support.

    Regional examples offer hope amidst crisis. Cuba’s conservation efforts—protecting 25% of marine coastal areas including the Caribbean’s largest mangrove forest and significant coral reefs—demonstrate people-centered approaches yielding tangible results. Despite US embargo constraints, Cuba has developed robust meteorological research documenting 121 hurricanes between 1791-2023, though political isolation limits regional knowledge sharing.

    Encouragingly, South-South collaboration gains momentum. The African Union and Caricom have forged a powerful alliance around reparatory justice, with the AU designating 2025 as the Year of Reparations and 2026-2036 as the Decade of Reparations. This partnership explicitly links historical redress with climate justice, recognizing the Caribbean’s disproportionate vulnerability. Calls for a global tribunal addressing historical atrocities further underscore demands for accountability.

    Caricom’s Environment and Natural Resources Policy Framework signals institutional commitment to integrating environmental justice with sustainable development and climate resilience. In an era of industrial nation unresponsiveness, Caribbean solidarity and Global South cooperation emerge not as radical concepts but essential survival strategies confronting interconnected crises of history, climate, and inequality.

  • Grenada government responds to latest US travel advisory

    Grenada government responds to latest US travel advisory

    The Grenadian government has issued a robust response to the United States’ updated travel advisory, firmly maintaining the Caribbean nation’s status as a secure destination despite heightened warnings from American authorities. On Wednesday, Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell’s administration launched a comprehensive defense of the country’s security infrastructure, directly addressing the U.S. State Department’s decision to elevate Grenada to Level 2 status, which advises visitors to ‘exercise increased caution’ due to crime risks.

    The U.S. advisory, released Tuesday, cited concerning statistics including armed robberies, assaults, burglaries, and sexual assaults affecting American citizens, with some cases resulting in fatalities. The warning specifically noted that police response times ‘are not as fast as one may expect in the United States.’

    In sharp contrast, the Grenadian government presented compelling data showing the nation maintains one of the region’s lowest crime rates at approximately 4 incidents per 100,000 people. Officials emphasized Grenada’s ‘strong record of public safety, social stability, and effective law enforcement,’ highlighting the significant population of U.S. citizens who permanently reside, work, study, and invest in the tri-island state without security concerns.

    The government statement detailed the Royal Grenada Police Force’s ‘robust systems for rapid response’ and ‘strong crime solvency rates,’ underscoring institutional capabilities that ensure continued public safety. Through close collaboration among law enforcement agencies, ongoing investment in public safety infrastructure, and strong regional and international partnerships, Grenada maintains its commitment to treating security as a ‘national priority.’

    Tourism officials noted that hundreds of thousands of visitors experience Grenada’s ‘renowned hospitality, rich culture, and world-class tourism offerings’ annually, with the sector operating under rigorously maintained safety protocols. The government reaffirmed its ‘open lines of communication and continued security cooperation’ with international partners including the United States, while maintaining that Level 2 represents a ‘relatively low’ risk classification within the State Department’s four-tier advisory system.

    Contextualizing the advisory, Grenada joins the Bahamas at Level 2, while neighboring Caribbean destinations including Barbados and Dominica maintain Level 1 status, indicating standard precautions for travelers.

  • Statement by the Media Workers Association of Grenada

    Statement by the Media Workers Association of Grenada

    The Media Workers Association of Grenada (MWAG) has formally responded to Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell’s recent televised commentary regarding the absence of regular government press briefings and journalist conduct at previous engagements. Issued on Monday, January 5, the statement aims to rectify what the association describes as inaccurate representations of longstanding media concerns spanning three years.

    MWAG emphasizes that transparency issues were raised early in the current administration’s tenure, including during a direct meeting with the prime minister. The administration’s initial action involved discontinuing scheduled press engagements, with Prime Mitchell publicly announcing information would be distributed on a “need-to-know” basis—a approach that raised significant concerns within media circles about governmental transparency.

    The association clarifies that journalists have never objected to the volume of information disseminated by the government. Rather, media professionals welcome comprehensive and timely information serving public interest. The core concern centers on the structure of government news conferences, which prioritize sequential presentations over interactive dialogue. This format consistently limited opportunities for journalists to question, clarify, and scrutinize issues on behalf of the public.

    MWAG refutes suggestions that journalists disengaged due to being overwhelmed by information, characterizing this assertion as misleading. The actual problem resided in the lack of coherent focus and adequate questioning time during these engagements. Regarding virtual participation, the association notes that hybrid formats have long been facilitated through government communications teams using Zoom credentials distributed to media houses. Any technical disconnection experienced by the prime minister should have been addressed through proper technical arrangements standard in hybrid events.

    The association reaffirms its commitment to constructive engagement with the Grenadian government, emphasizing that regular, well-structured press briefings with sufficient questioning time remain fundamental to transparent governance and democratic accountability. MWAG stands ready to collaborate in good faith to improve these arrangements for public benefit.

  • CXC reports strong uptake for CTEC Pilot

    CXC reports strong uptake for CTEC Pilot

    The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) has launched its January 2026 examination period with significant advancements in digital assessment technologies and regional education reform. With over 10,000 candidates participating in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations, the council is implementing a strategic shift toward complete digitalization of all testing within the next three to five years.

    During a press conference in Kingston, Jamaica, Registrar and CEO Dr. Wayne Wesley unveiled comprehensive updates on CXC’s evolving examination framework. The current January sitting, running through January 29th, utilizes the council’s digital e-assessment and hybrid systems. Following this period, CXC will immediately commence preparations for the May-June examinations, which anticipate over 100,000 candidates and more than 600,000 subject entries across CSEC and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) programs.

    Dr. Wesley presented two foundational documents representing CXC’s renewed focus on educational standards: learning standards for literacy and numeracy, and standards with performance criteria for primary exit examinations. These resources establish benchmark proficiencies aligned with regional and international requirements. The literacy and numeracy standards specifically guide pedagogical approaches during the first three years of secondary education, while the updated Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA) standards target enhanced primary-level instruction outcomes.

    A standout development is the remarkably successful Caribbean Targeted Education Certificate (CTEC) pilot, exceeding participation projections by more than 50%. Initially designed for 3,000 learners, the program attracted 6,453 candidates across all 13 CXC member states through 48 examination centers. Alton McPherson, supporting the pilot rollout, outlined the structured implementation timeline from January to March. Candidates will receive orientation on the Surpass platform, which will administer Paper One electronically and Paper Two in hybrid format, followed by comprehensive practice testing.

    The assessment process incorporates meticulous technical preparation between March and April, ensuring candidates can upload School-Based Assessments (SBAs), download timetables, and meet e-test readiness requirements. CTEC results will be addressed during the July-August results period, with comprehensive data analysis and qualitative feedback informing the full program rollout scheduled for June 2027.

    Dr. Wesley also emphasized CXC’s commitment to accessibility, referencing the council’s adherence to the Marrakesh Treaty. For the 2025 examinations, special arrangements accommodated 3,444 candidates with visual impairments and other special needs. The council continues to refine technologies and approaches to ensure full and equitable participation for all candidates regardless of ability.

    The Board of Governors has formally approved a comprehensive disaster and business recovery protocol featuring six implementation steps: initial response and support statement, coordination with education ministries, stakeholder consultation, recommendation development, board review, and measured implementation with ongoing evaluation. This protocol ensures continuity when member states experience disasters or unusual events.

    Dr. Wesley concluded with an optimistic outlook for 2026, inviting regional partnership in CXC’s mission to “ignite the potential and shape the future of our Caribbean people” through resilient stakeholder engagement, improved operational processes, and inclusively expanded service access.

  • Royal Grenada Police Force hosts historic promotion ceremony

    Royal Grenada Police Force hosts historic promotion ceremony

    In an unprecedented move signaling significant institutional growth, the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) has elevated 179 officers and subordinate personnel—marking the single largest promotion ceremony in the force’s modern history. The landmark event, orchestrated under the thematic banner ‘Elevated in Rank, Anchored in Service,’ underscores the profound dedication and professional excellence demonstrated by Grenada’s law enforcement community in their ongoing mission to ensure national security.

    The comprehensive promotions encompass multiple hierarchical tiers within the police infrastructure, including one individual ascending to Assistant Commissioner of Police, 14 to Superintendent, 18 to Assistant Superintendent, 32 to Inspector, 46 to Sergeant, and 69 to Corporal.

    Assistant Commissioner of Police Vannie Curwen emphasized that the ceremony served dual purposes: not only honoring the relentless effort and perseverance exhibited by RGPF personnel but also recognizing the indispensable support and personal sacrifices made by their families, which proved crucial to their professional achievements.

    Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, delivering the keynote address, lauded the promoted officers for their exemplary service and called upon them to approach their enhanced responsibilities with unwavering integrity and forward-thinking vision. He urged leadership by example, encouraged self-reflection for diversified future service, and motivated all personnel to pursue continuous self-improvement and training opportunities. The Prime Minister further articulated that this milestone represents a pinnacle of achievement for regional law enforcement, reinforcing Grenada’s steadfast dedication to superior public safety and community-oriented policing.

    This substantial organizational advancement symbolizes the RGPF’s renewed commitment to maintaining the highest standards of law enforcement, deeply rooted in service to the citizens of Grenada, as the force continues its progressive evolution.

  • Temporary closure of Melville Street Fish Market

    Temporary closure of Melville Street Fish Market

    The Ministry of the Blue Economy and Marine Affairs has issued a public advisory regarding the temporary suspension of operations at Melville Street Fish Market, a facility under its Fisheries Division. The market will remain closed on Monday, January 12, and Tuesday, January 13, 2026, to accommodate specialized training sessions on Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Standards and Protocols.

    This initiative represents a collaborative effort between the Ministry of the Blue Economy and Marine Affairs and the Ministry of Health, focusing on enhancing food safety measures within Grenada’s fish markets. The comprehensive training program is designed to equip market personnel with advanced knowledge and practical skills necessary for maintaining stringent hygiene standards. The curriculum emphasizes compliance with both national regulations and international benchmarks to ensure the highest quality of seafood products for consumers.

    Regular commercial activities at Melville Street Fish Market are scheduled to recommence on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, following the completion of the training initiative. Government officials have expressed appreciation for public understanding regarding this temporary disruption, acknowledging the essential nature of these improvements to public health infrastructure and food safety systems.

    The implementation of SPS protocols demonstrates Grenada’s commitment to advancing its blue economy sector while prioritizing consumer protection and international trade compliance. Such measures are increasingly critical for Caribbean nations seeking to maintain competitive standing in global seafood markets while safeguarding public health interests.