In a compelling address at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) on September 27, 2025, Grenada’s Prime Minister, Hon. Dickon Mitchell, underscored the transformative power of education as a unifying force in a world marked by paradoxes of progress and peril. Speaking on behalf of Grenada and the Caribbean Community (Caricom), Mitchell emphasized education’s role in bridging divides, fostering resilience, and driving innovation. He highlighted the stark contrasts in global access to education, from children walking miles for water to those leveraging artificial intelligence in classrooms, and called for a redefined vision of education that transcends traditional boundaries. Mitchell shared Grenada’s transformative reforms, including universal secondary education, modernized curricula, and free tuition for technical and vocational training, as a model for inclusive development. He also urged global partnerships to co-create resilient education systems, particularly in conflict zones, where schools often become casualties of war. Mitchell’s speech concluded with a powerful call to action, urging the international community to protect education as a fundamental right and a cornerstone of peacebuilding. He envisioned a world where every child, regardless of circumstance, has equal access to knowledge and opportunity, asserting that education is not just a policy but a promise to humanity.
标签： Grenada
格林纳达
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Who is responsible for building resilience?
In the Caribbean, resilience is not merely a policy buzzword but a critical survival strategy. The region faces a myriad of challenges, from devastating hurricanes and rising sea levels to biodiversity loss and economic shocks. These issues underscore the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to resilience-building, one that involves the entire society rather than relying solely on governmental action. While governments play a pivotal role in setting strategic priorities, mobilizing resources, and engaging with international partners, resilience cannot be achieved through top-down measures alone. It requires the active participation of communities, the private sector, youth, academia, and every individual citizen. Communities, often the first responders, are at the forefront of resilience efforts. Whether it’s fisherfolk adapting to changing marine ecosystems or youth groups organizing disaster preparedness workshops, local action is both immediate and impactful. Yet, these grassroots initiatives often remain underfunded and underrepresented in national decision-making. The private sector also has a crucial role to play, as climate risks directly threaten business operations. Investing in resilient infrastructure, renewable energy, and innovative sectors like the Circular Economy and Blue Economy is essential. Meanwhile, young people are demanding climate justice and inclusive governance, pushing for their voices to be heard in shaping the future. Universities and research institutions must continue to provide evidence-based insights to inform resilience strategies. Regional and international development partners should offer support without overshadowing local leadership. Ultimately, resilience is about more than recovery; it’s about transforming systems to anticipate, absorb, and adapt to shocks while thriving. This collective effort is vital to securing a sustainable and prosperous future for the Caribbean.
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Possible widespread use of reused oils
The Grenada Food and Nutrition Council (GFNC) recently hosted a compelling webinar titled ‘Cooking with Danger: The Health Impact of Reused Cooking Oil in Grenadian Kitchens.’ Held on September 23, 2025, the virtual event attracted 100 participants, including cooks, chefs, healthcare professionals, educators, and entrepreneurs. The session featured insights from National Epidemiologist Larissa Mark and Dr. Ariel Frederick, both Grenadian experts with strong ties to St. George’s University and extensive experience in public health and disease prevention. The webinar aimed to address the widespread but often overlooked risks associated with reusing cooking oil, a practice that can lead to the accumulation of harmful chemicals like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), linked to cancers such as lung, breast, and prostate cancer. A poll conducted during the event revealed that 42% of attendees admitted to adding new oil to reused oil, while 24.5% reused oil 2–3 times. GFNC CEO Lydia Browne emphasized the importance of public education and awareness, urging participants to share the information widely. The council also highlighted the need for routine inspections of food establishments to ensure safer cooking practices. The webinar replay is available for those who missed the live session, offering valuable insights into healthier cooking habits and the broader implications of reused oil on public health.
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World Contraception Day: 26 September
The ongoing debate surrounding the Age of Civil Responsibility (ACR) Bill has brought to light critical issues concerning adolescent sexual health in the Caribbean. Recent findings reveal that only 5% of parents engage in conversations with their children about puberty and responsible sexual behavior. Alarmingly, some parents fail to cooperate with legal authorities in cases involving sexual predators, and in extreme instances, even exploit their children for financial gain. The Caribbean region holds the dubious distinction of having the second-highest adolescent fertility rate globally, the second-earliest sexual debut, and three countries ranking among the top ten for gender-based violence. While the ACR Bill alone cannot resolve these deep-seated issues, it serves as a catalyst for broader initiatives. These include promoting abstinence, overcoming parental reluctance to discuss sex, enhancing sexuality education in schools and churches, and improving access to contraceptives and counseling for sexually active individuals of all ages. Studies indicate that 99% of women visiting public health clinics are aware of at least one contraceptive method. However, 80% report that their most recent or current pregnancy was unplanned. The primary reasons for not using contraceptives include fear of side effects (55%), partner objection (22%), and cost (8%). Addressing these challenges requires dispelling myths about modern contraceptives, combating patriarchal attitudes, and implementing policies that eliminate legal and economic barriers to contraceptive access. World Contraception Day serves as a poignant reminder of these ongoing struggles. Sincerely, Tonia Frame, President, Grenada Planned Parenthood Association (GPPA) and Fred Nunes, Consultant, Advocates for Safe Parenthood: Improving Reproductive Equity (ASPIRE). NOW Grenada is not responsible for the opinions, statements, or media content presented by contributors. In case of abuse, click here to report.