标签： Grenada

The Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC) has announced that its annual Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Symposium will take place at the Radisson Grenada Beach Resort from November 5 to 7, 2025. This prestigious event will convene safety professionals and disaster coordinators from electric utilities across the region to address emerging risks and innovative strategies in occupational health and safety, particularly within the energy sector. The 2025 symposium, themed “The Changing Landscape of Occupational Health and Safety,” will focus on two critical areas: Climate Change and Workforce Resilience, and Energy-Based Safety (EBS): A New Paradigm in Hazard Recognition. Attendees will explore the effects of climate change on workforce productivity and well-being, while also discussing practical approaches to developing climate-resilient safety systems. The EBS segment will emphasize identifying and mitigating high-energy hazards to prevent serious incidents. Dr. Cletus Bertin, CARILEC Executive Director, highlighted the symposium’s significance, stating, “As the energy sector navigates complex challenges like climate change and digital transformation, this event equips professionals to redefine safety culture and safeguard their most valuable asset: their people.” The symposium will feature panel discussions and interactive workshops, providing a platform for participants to exchange best practices and explore cutting-edge advancements in safety management. For further details, including the full agenda, visit www.carilec.org or email [email protected].

Grenada’s Governor-General, Dame Cécile La Grenade, alongside the nation’s government, has proudly announced the recognition of several distinguished citizens in the 2025 King’s New Year’s Honours. These individuals have been celebrated for their exceptional contributions across various sectors, including public service, culture, education, sports, and community development. Their achievements have not only enriched Grenada’s national identity but also strengthened its communities. Among the honorees, Ruth Elizabeth Rouse was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her extensive public service and diplomatic career, which included roles as High Commissioner to the UK and Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organisation. Keith Emmanuel Richard Williams received the Member of the British Empire (MBE) for his three decades of dedication to Grenadian culture, education, and sports. Other notable recipients include Annie Lauretta Rush-Bain, recognized for her community service and leadership in local organizations, and Lyneth Ann Edwards, posthumously awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for her lifelong contributions to art and culture. These honours underscore Grenada’s commitment to excellence and national pride, inspiring future generations to serve their country and humanity with distinction.

The catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica on October 28, 2025, has left an indelible mark on the nation’s education system and the mental well-being of its citizens. With sustained winds of 298 km/h (185 mph), the hurricane surpassed the intensity of Hurricane Katrina, causing widespread destruction and claiming 28 lives, with many still missing. The aftermath has forced numerous schools to remain closed for the remainder of the academic year, exacerbating an already fragile education system. Prior to the disaster, Jamaica’s schools were grappling with underfunding, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of focus on mental health. The hurricane has further exposed these vulnerabilities, leaving students and teachers to face collective trauma. Many schools in South Western Jamaica, including parishes like Westmoreland and St. Elizabeth, remain without electricity and internet, rendering virtual learning impossible. The loss of essential school supplies and educational gadgets, such as laptops and tablets, has disproportionately affected students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. To mitigate the disruption, experts are advocating for an abridged curriculum that prioritizes essential learning outcomes while addressing the psychosocial needs of students and teachers. Mental health support, including art therapy, drama, and counseling, is crucial to help individuals cope with the trauma. The World Bank has warned that the long-term consequences of school closures will be felt for decades, emphasizing the need for immediate action to rebuild and strengthen Jamaica’s education system.

Hurricane Melissa recently tore through the Caribbean, leaving a trail of destruction that disrupted lives, damaged infrastructure, and threatened food security. In Jamaica, the storm flooded St. Elizabeth, the nation’s agricultural heartland, while widespread power outages affected over 75% of electricity customers. Haiti and the Dominican Republic also faced devastating floods, claiming dozens of lives and displacing families. These recurring climate shocks highlight the region’s vulnerability to extreme weather events.

The aftermath of the storm revealed deeper economic and social challenges. Farmers lost essential equipment and seedlings, vendors were unable to operate due to damaged markets, and fishers saw their boats and docks destroyed. Tourism and service workers faced reduced shifts as hotels and ports underwent repairs. These individual losses ripple across communities, creating widespread hardship, particularly for those in the informal economy who are the backbone of local food systems and markets.

National governments have responded with emergency measures. Jamaica’s Prime Minister outlined immediate relief efforts, including road clearance, power restoration, and price controls to prevent gouging. A J$400 million fund was allocated for emergency drain-cleaning and support for farmers and fishers. The Ministry of Health launched mosquito-control operations to mitigate post-storm disease risks. Additionally, disaster-risk financing instruments were activated to ensure swift access to funds.

However, these national efforts often fall short in addressing the scattered, small-scale losses that communities face. Research by the Caribbean Policy Development Centre (CPDC) reveals that 79% of organizations serving vulnerable populations lack disaster budgets, leaving them without a safety net during crises. CPDC advocates for meso-level Climate and Disaster Risk Financing and Insurance (CDRFI), leveraging trusted local institutions like credit unions and cooperatives to deliver faster, fairer financial support. This approach includes parametric insurance for quick payouts, indemnity insurance for additional losses, and community savings funds for restocking and repairs.

CPDC emphasizes that while government aid is crucial for large-scale infrastructure, community-level financial systems are essential to protect livelihoods, food supplies, and dignity during recovery. The organization’s research, conducted across five Caribbean nations, calls for a regional discussion on practical, people-centered disaster finance. As climate threats become permanent, the Caribbean must transition from rebuilding from scratch each season to building resilient financial systems that enable faster recovery for farmers, fishers, vendors, and informal workers.

Protecting livelihoods is not just about economic stability; it’s about preserving the region’s knowledge, traditions, and community strength. CPDC invites Caribbean media, civil society organizations, governments, and financial cooperatives to join the conversation and implement solutions that turn disaster lessons into long-term protection.

Real Value IGA Supermarket, located at Spiceland Mall International in Morne Rouge, St George, Grenada, is actively seeking experienced and passionate professionals to join its leadership team. The supermarket is expanding its managerial and supervisory roles and is looking for individuals who can drive operational excellence and inspire their teams. Ideal candidates should possess strong leadership and team management skills, demonstrate strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, and have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. The roles require a results-driven mindset and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced retail environment. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the supermarket’s operations and enhance the customer experience. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their resumes and cover letters detailing their qualifications and relevant experience to [email protected]. Join Real Value IGA Supermarket in shaping the future and making a positive difference in the community. NOW Grenada is not responsible for the opinions, statements, or media content presented by contributors. In case of abuse, users can report it through the provided link.

The Grenada Food and Nutrition Council (GFNC), in collaboration with the Grenada Investment Development Corporation (GIDC), recently hosted a two-day training session on October 27 and 29 for participants of its Snack Attack contest. The event, held on the mainland and in Carriacou, engaged students from Bishop’s College, Grenada Boys Secondary School, Grenada Seventh Day Adventist Comprehensive School, J W Fletcher Catholic Secondary School, and Presentation Brothers College. The initiative aims to inspire young people to transform healthy snack ideas into sustainable business ventures while promoting Grenadian produce.

GFNC CEO Lydia Browne highlighted the contest’s broader vision during her welcome remarks, emphasizing the importance of fostering health-conscious, entrepreneurial youth. She stated, ‘Snack Attack encourages young people to view food as a creative and cultural expression that supports health, celebrates local agriculture, and strengthens Grenadian identity. This initiative is a strategic step toward transforming school food environments and building deeper connections to local food systems.’

To prepare students for the December 2025 contest, GFNC partnered with GIDC, leveraging its expertise in business development. GIDC’s Senior Vice President Khesha Mitchell, along with Business Development Specialists Katelyn Brathwaite and Lois McGuire, led sessions on business planning, marketing strategies, and entrepreneurship. Mitchell explained, ‘We’re equipping students with the tools to craft compelling proposals, develop marketing plans, and pitch their ideas effectively to emerge as champions.’

The contest will culminate in December, with students presenting their snack products to a panel of judges. Entries will be evaluated based on ingredients, taste, nutrition, marketability, and production feasibility. An online voting component for the People’s Choice Award will further engage schools and communities.

Through initiatives like Snack Attack, GFNC continues to empower Grenadians to achieve food security and self-reliance. For more information, visit GFNC’s website or follow them on social media.