Seven Grenadians Graduated at MSU’s Fall Commencement

TEXAS, December 20, 2010 - Seven Grenadian students earned baccalaureate and masters’ degrees at Midwestern State University’s Commencement Ceremony on December 11. They were among the 35 students from the Caribbean and over 460 in the University to earn degrees.

Stacey Paryag earned a master of public administration degree in health services administration. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the university three years previously.

Kizie Matthew earned a master of science in clinical psychology as of August 2010. She is now employed with the Ministry of Social Development in Grenada.

Emma Victoria Gay of Harvey Vale, Carriacou, drew a standing ovation for earning the highest and most esteemed summa cum laude honors. Gay earned a BBA in Accounting which she dedicated to her mom who is battling cancer.

Sharmin McKenzie graduated with magna cum laude honors and a BBA in finance. She is Grenadian of Guyanese parents residing in Gouyave, St. John.

Renisha James of Mt. Parnassus earned cum laude honors but with a double major in political science and Spanish.

Jelana Folkes of Fontenoy became the third member of her family to earn a degree at Midwestern with a BBA in management.

Paulann Paterson from Grand Roy, who served as the chair of the graduating class, earned a BSW in social work.

All the Grenadian students graduated on time or ahead of schedule.

Over 350 people attended a banquet in honour of the Caribbean graduates. Prominent Dallas-based Jamaican Physician, Dr. Carlton Clarke, delivered the feature address expressing pride in the achievements “the talented children produced in the region.”

“We can’t help but stay in love with this Caribbean programme despite the cost,” said Dr. Robert Clark, vice president. “Once again more than half of them graduated with honours, and three of our six top college graduates are from the Caribbean.”

Almost 200 Grenadian students have earned degrees from Midwestern since 1995 and seventy students are currently enrolled, making it the second largest contingent from the Caribbean.

Fifteen new students from Grenada will be accepted to Midwestern State University in August 2011, and will be part of the almost 1,000 who have been recruited in the 17 year history of the programme. The Government of Grenada provides support to individual students and to the programme in general.

Carriacou's Elisha Ackie celebrates 107 years

NEW YORK, December 20, 2010 - At 107 years, Elisha Ackie is believed to be the oldest surviving Grenadian.

The centenarian, who is from Belair, Carriacou and residing in Brooklyn, New York, was serenaded by members of the Grenadian community including Consul General Derrick James on Saturday.

The Consul General brought birthday greetings and best wishes from the Government of Prime Minister Tillman Thomas and also presented her with a bouquet of flowers and a card.

“I bring you happy birthday greetings from all the people of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique including the Prime Minister and his cabinet and the hope that you would celebrate 10 more,” he told the elder who celebrated her birthday on December 14.

Born in 1903, Elisha Ackie grew up on the sister isle and vividly remembers caring for her family’s cattle.

“She always speaks about the cows and the corn on the plantation,” said Jean Ackie, her only child.

“Doctors have asked me what has kept her living so long and with sharp memory and I say to them fresh fish, okra (ockroo) and callaloo”.

Elisha Ackie, who also received citations from Brooklyn’s Borough President Marty Markowitz among others, has never drank alcohol or smoke.

She enjoys reciting the Lord’s Prayer, the 23rd Psalm and her favourite quote “Look at me, I’m up in the air, see I let go both arms, yet I do not fall”.

She is first cousin to former Prime Minister the late Herbert Blaize who died on December 19, 1989.

She arrived in Brooklyn 22 years ago and has been an inspiration to her extended family including eight grandchildren.

The Consul General was accompanied by Jenny Pascal and Michael Bascombe of the Grenada Consulate.

PRIME MINISTER DESCRIBES GRENADIAN INVENTOR AS “A GREAT GRENADIAN,”

ST. GEORGE’S, GRENADA; WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2010 – “A great Grenadian.” That’s the description Prime Minister, Hon. Tillman Thomas gave to Mr. Lennon Mapson, a Grenadian inventor and entrepreneur, who on Tuesday launch a new brand of juices using local fruits.

The Prime Minister told the launch ceremony at the company’s headquarters in Mt. Parnassus, Mapson is an inspiration to all Grenadians who are interested in the development of their country.

“I am proud to be associated with this venture, because it is fully Grenadian. All Grenada should be proud of you and I hope you will be able to create other machinery that will give opportunities for more Grenadian products to be on our supermarket shelves,” the Prime Minister told Mr. Mapson.

The Grenadian leader used the opportunity to challenge students and young people generally, to find ways to utilize technology and their education to expand the prospects for adding value to the island’s raw material.

He pointed to the success of Grenada’s chocolate, manufactured in Hermitage, St. Patrick’s, which last week was named one of the 10 top chocolates in the world by a leading British publication and the global reach of Noelville’s Nutmed products as examples of what can be achieved if the talents and creativity of “our people are properly harnessed”.

“Grenada already has a name for providing high quality products to the world, so we must build on that foundation and move our country forward, together,” he said, adding that his administration will give Grenada’s producers “every support” in supporting the manufacturing and export potential.

The Prime Minister and invitees to the launch of Nature Cool Products were treated to a demonstration of the equipment invented by Mr. Mapson, for the pulping of local fruits. They were also given a taste of the final products to be supplied to the local market.

SOURCE: Office of the Prime Minister

2011 Grenada Independence Nominations for Awards

Members of the public are invited to submit written nominations for the 2011 Independence Award

For the following categories:

• Outstanding contribution in the area of Education

• Outstanding contribution in the area of cultural development

• Outstanding contribution in social development and welfare

• Outstanding group- contribution to community -development

Candidates for an award must be Grenadian by birth, descent or naturalization within the community in the United States, not including anyone awarded in previous years. The candidate for an award should be nominated based on contributions made in the advancement of the Grenadian Community in the United States and or link to the development of the Grenadian populace in Grenada.

Special consideration will be given to candidate’s area of focus and the ultimate benefit of their contributions to society. Selections will be made without regard to age, citizenship status, ability, gender/sex, marital status, political persuasion, religion, or level of formal education.

Any individual or group considering a candidate for an award, must submit a written nomination which should include a biography and or citation including a history of service relating to the category for which the award is being sought.

If you feel strongly about a person or group deserving an award, and meeting the criteria, please submit a nomination with the above listed documentation to the Independence Awards Committee.

Proposed Citation (not more than 25 carefully edited words that reflect specific achievements).

 

Nominations must be submitted (signed by the nominator) including name, address and telephone number to:

The Chairperson 2011 Awards Committee

Grenada Independence Anniversary Committee of NY (GIACONY}

C/O Grenada Consulate

800 Second Avenue, Suite 400K

New York, NY 10017

Deadline: December 31, 2010

Delegates begin arriving for COP16 in Cancun

by Michael Bascombe

CANCUN, Mexico, November 26, 2010 - Members of the Grenada delegation have begun arriving to participate in the United Nations Climate Change Summit known as the Conference of the Parties (COP16) in the Mexican Resort city of Cancun. Lead negotiators Leon Charles and Dr Spencer Thomas, both of Grenada, have been chairing pre-sessional meetings on behalf of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS).

The delegation, which will provide administrative and other logistical support for AOSIS and its 43 members, will also include government officials who will engage in bilateral meetings with other countries and organisations.

Among the objectives of the pre-conference meetings are to further prepare AOSIS delegates for participation in the Cancun negotiations as they sought clarity on negotiating strategies; political and diplomatic strategies as well as resource identification and mobilisation and fast start financing strategy.

The meetings, which are being held ahead of the official opening of the summit on November 29, are also reviewing proposals and positions from AOSIS member countries and identifying desired outcomes from the High Level Summit.

"We come here ready to work and on behalf of the Government and people of Grenada I extend appreciation for your continued confidence in the Chair of AOSIS," said Ambassador Dessima Williams, substantive chair of the grouping.

Delegates from AOSIS are also discussing reports from recent pre-COP meetings including the Ministerial meeting hosted by Grenada earlier this month.

The Chair of AOSIS, Prime Minister Tillman Thomas, is expected to join the delegation on December 4.

THE CAPTAINS OF FIVE OF THE FINAL EIGHT GET THEIR HANDS ON THE DIGICEL CUP

Thursday, November 5th 2010 – Fort de France, Martinique: With 16 thrilling encounters to go, the final eight teams that make up the Digicel Caribbean Cup Groups H and I all have high hopes of making it into the top four. The Captains of five of the final eight teams got their chance to hold the Digicel Cup today at the Hotel Pierre et Vacances in Martinique.

Group H matches kick off tomorrow when Trinidad & Tobago take on Cuba and hosts, Martinique, face Grenada. Group I matches begin on Saturday with Guyana facing Guadeloupe and current champions, Jamaica, taking on Antigua & Barbuda.

All final matches will be aired live throughout the Caribbean and on an as-live basis on FOX Television in North America – for free.

For more information – as well as ways to win with Digicel – log onto www.digicelfootball.com, and get the very latest news, images and results as they happen. The site provides all the up-to-date information on every single match and event relating to the Digicel Caribbean Cup, including live match reports, team information and a comprehensive image bank from every match played. In addition, video highlights from stage one and two of the competition are available online showing some of the best action from the top teams throughout the tournament.

PHOTO CAPTION: The Captains – from left to right – Stephane Auvray (Guadeloupe); George Dublin (Antigua & Barbuda); Anthony Modeste (Grenada); Clyde Leon (Trinidad & Tobago); Heine Coloma Valencia (Cuba) get their hands on the Digicel Cup this afternoon at the Hotel Pierre et Vacances in Martinique ahead of the DCC 2010 finals which kick off tomorrow.

SOURCE: DIGICEL

Grenada Embassy in Brussels to host Investment Symposium

BRUSSELS, Belgium, November 25, 2010 - The Embassy of Grenada to the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community will jointly host the first Grenada Investment symposium in Brussels next month.

The December 14 event will be taking place at a critical time in the economic life of Grenada, as the country seeks to attract Foreign Direct Investment to help cushion the effects of the domestic economic downturn which accompanied the global economic crisis, according to Grenada’s Ambassador to the Kingdoms of Belgium, Netherlands and the European Union, Stephen Fletcher.

The symposium will be held under the theme, “Grenada - A Spicy Investment Opportunity Awaits you, and will take place at the Softiel Hotel in Brussels.

According to Ambassador Fletcher, the theme was deliberately chosen as it seeks to maintain and promote the Grenada brand, as the “SPICE ISLAND.”

“The destruction caused by Hurricane Ivan in 2004 to the spice industry has the potential of diminish Grenada’s global brand as the “spice country”, since the production and export of the spices, particularly nutmeg have declined significantly,” said Fletcher. Therefore the theme selected aims to reinforce the brand in the market place, he added.

The main objectives of the symposium are to encourage and attract European Foreign Investment to Grenada; promote Grenada as preferred investment destination in the Caribbean; inform and educate the investment community in Brussels on the benefits of investing in Grenada and to highlight the generous fiscal and other incentives which are available to investors in Grenada.

The symposium targets investors, investment institutions, and investment support institutions, such as the Centre for the Development Enterprises, and the European Investment Bank.

Investment representatives from Grenada would provide participants with an overview of the investment climate on the island and the available opportunities in such areas as financial services; oil and gas; alternative energy; maritime transport; health and wellness; information communication technology; manufacturing; infrastructure (road construction, telecommunications, etc); agriculture, fisheries and agri-business; research and development in various sectors and creative industry.

The Grenada delegation, comprising public and private sector officials, will also include the Director for Private Sector Development in the Ministry of Finance, Christopher De Riggs and Ronald Theodore of the Grenada Industrial Development Corporation. A number of local private investors are also expected to attend the symposium.

The staging of the symposium comes on the heels of a report by the Doing Business 2011 that Grenada was among 10 economies worldwide that most improved their business environment in the past year.

Prime Minister regrets the resignation of MP Michael Church

From the Office of the Prime Minister

ST. GEORGE’S, GRENADA; MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2010 – Prime Minister Hon. Tillman Thomas has expressed regret over the resignation of Mr. Michael Church, as a member of his Cabinet.

“It is always a traumatic experience for a government to lose one of its members, especially at a time when all hands are needed in the rebuilding of our nation,” the Prime Minister said.

He praised the former Minister of the Environment, Foreign Trade and Export Development for his leadership of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) and his contribution to the fight against global warming in the International arena.

The Prime Minister expressed his appreciation to Mr. Church for his service to the Administration.

“I thank MP Michael Church for his contribution to my administration over the past two years. We have committed to continue working together for the development of the St. John’s constituency and the country,” the Prime Minister said Monday.

He wished Mr. Church well in his future endeavors and hopes that his ministerial contribution will help to inform his contribution to the policies of the administration in Parliament.

In Aid Of Disaster Relief

DG Cultural Performers brought back memories of yesteryear as they opened the show to Grenadians and friends who turned out in their numbers to support the Annual Disaster Relief Fundraising Event, this year, a Variety Show, held at Nettlefold Hall, West Norwood Library, South East London, on Saturday November 20th.

Grenadian Community Groups in the United Kingdom, came together to host the event which included performances in song, drama and dance. The performers, spanning a range of age groups, volunteered their time and talent to the cause and were well-received and appreciated by the audience.

High Commissioner Ruth Rouse commended Mr. Anthony Noel, Chairperson of the Disaster Relief Fundraising Committee and his team, for their dedicated and continuous service in supporting Grenada and enhancing the well-being of its citizens.

The first such event was held in January of 2000, following the storm surge which impacted Grenada in November of 1999. The fundraising effort continues on an annual basis and whenever the need arises, provides relief assistance.

High Commission for Grenada, London, UK – November 20, 2010

IMF Executive Board Completes First Review Under the Extended Credit Facility for Grenada and Approves US$1.95 Million Disbursement

Press Release No. 10/450


November 19, 2010

The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) today completed its first review of Grenada’s economic performance under the three-year arrangement under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF). The Executive Board also approved the modification of the end-December 2010 performance criterion on non-concessional debt for the completion of an agriculture feeder road project. In addition, the Executive Board completed the financing assurances review. Completion of the first and financing assurances reviews enables Grenada to draw an amount equivalent to SDR 1.25 million (about US$1.95 million) immediately, bringing total disbursements under the arrangement to an amount equivalent to SDR 2.525 million (about US$3.94 million).

The Executive Board approved the three-year ECF arrangement for Grenada in April 2010 (see Press Release No. 10/133) in the amount of SDR 8.775 million (about US$13.69 million, or

75 percent of Grenada’s quota in the Fund).

Following the Executive Board’s discussion of Grenada, Mr. Murilo Portugal, Deputy Managing Director and Acting Chair, issued the following statement:

“Grenada’s economy has yet to recover from last year’s sharp output contraction. Two of its key sectors, tourism and construction, continue to be significantly affected by the lack of a firm global recovery. Despite this difficult environment, the authorities have met all quantitative targets for end-June and all the structural benchmarks agreed under the program.

“The authorities continue to make progress in fiscal consolidation. Starting with the 2011 budget, a three-year rolling budget will be adopted. Regarding fiscal adjustment, the objective is to improve the efficiency and compliance of tax collections, and to improve the overall management and efficiency of spending. The full Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) is being finalized and a quarterly indicator of social spending is also being put in place.

“The banking sector has remained resilient but the increase in the rate of non-performing loans is a concern. The authorities are continuing to work with regional governments to minimize the fallout from the collapse of the Trinidad and Tobago-based CL Financial Group.

“The near-term prospects for the Grenadian economy remain challenging and there are downside risks stemming from financial sector stresses and a stalled recovery. However, with continued progress toward fiscal consolidation, structural reforms, and a cautious debt management policy, the long-term outlook is favorable.”

Celebs support Team Grenada for London Olympic Games 2012

LONDON, UK, November 11, 2010 - Grenada’s star athlete Kirani James was among celebrities and officials who attended a dinner at London’s historic House of Lords on Wednesday to launch a campaign to assist the Grenada Olympic team for the London 2012 Olympic Games.

The dinner, organised by the St George’s University-based Windward Islands Research and Education Foundation (WINDREF), was also to support a special programme “Sport for Health in the Caribbean” which, it is hoped, will “inspire a new healthier generation of Caribbean youth”.

Also attending the dinner were Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Glynis Roberts, who is at the World Travel Market in London, Grenadian-born Baroness Howells of St David; Permanent Secretary Marilyn Austin-Cadore; High Commissioner Ruth Rouse; WINDREF’s President, Lord Soulsby of Swaffham; President of the Grenada Olympic Committee Royston LaHee and entrepreneur and sponsor Denis Noel.

The keynote speaker was Lord Sebastian Coe the Chairman of the London 2012 Olympic Games Organising Committee and former double Olympic gold medallist who spoke on “Sport for Health in the Caribbean: the inspiration of the Olympics”.

Tables were sponsored by, amongst others, REACH Grenada, the Jason Roberts Foundation, Lord Ballyedmond, Sunderland University and St George’s University.

Sport for Health will make its debut in Grenada and it is intended that the message will spread to the rest of the Caribbean addressing the growing burden of childhood obesity and the chronic non- communicable diseases, including diabetes, and promote a healthier philosophy amongst the youth.

As a first step, Grenada’s Olympic athletes will be asked to become sporting ambassadors at sports days to he held in all Grenada’s secondary schools in the coming year. The programme is endorsed by the Government of Grenada and the Grenada Olympic Committee.

The Grenada Olympic Committee is hoping to send a 15-member team to the Olympic Games in London and has been making arrangements for a pre-games camp in the south-east of London.

Grenada elected on executive board of new UN agency for women's empowerment

UNITED NATIONS, New York, November 10, 2010 - Grenada was among six Latin American and Caribbean countries elected on Wednesday to the Executive Board of the newly-created United Nations agency on gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Following the vote, Grenada was among 18 countries selected to serve three-year terms.

The elections, held in the 54-member Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), will enable the new Board to come together prior to the official establishment on 1 January 2011 of the UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women).

The 41 board members were selected on the following basis: 10 from Africa, 10 from Asia, four from Eastern Europe, six from Latin America and the Caribbean, five from Western Europe and six from contributing countries.

Elected from the group of Latin American and Caribbean States were Grenada, Argentina, Brazil, Dominican Republic and Peru.

Angola, Cape Verde, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, Lesotho, Libya, Nigeria and Tanzania from the African Group.

Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Japan, Malaysia, Pakistan, Republic of Korea and Timor-Leste were elected from among the Asian States.

Estonia, Hungary, Russia and Ukraine were elected from among the Eastern European States, while Denmark, France, Italy, Luxembourg and Sweden were elected from the Western European and Other States.

The Council also elected Mexico, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Spain, United Kingdom and United States from among the “contributing countries,” for three-year terms beginning today.

"This is a very significant development in Grenada's diplomacy at the United Nations, in that we can garner winning votes in a competitive environment. It also marks the bringing together of Grenada's domestic progress (on women's advancement) and international governance of the same," said Grenada’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Dessima Williams.

She said that UN Women is the most recent body in the consolidation of a new United Nations facing reform.

The 35 members elected from the regional groups will serve two-year and three-years, beginning today, as determined by the drawing of lots.

Chosen to serve two-year terms were Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, Côte d’Ivoire, DRC, El Salvador, Estonia, France, India, Italy, Lesotho, Libya, Malaysia, Pakistan, Russia, Tanzania and Timor-Leste.

Angola, Cape Verde, China, Congo, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ethiopia, Grenada, Hungary, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Luxembourg, Nigeria, Peru, Republic of Korea, Sweden and Ukraine were selected to serve three-year terms.

Headed by former Chilean president Michelle Bachelet, UN Women is the merger of the UN Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), the Division for the Advancement of Women (DAW), the Office of the Special Adviser on Gender Issues, and the UN International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women (UN-INSTRAW).

The new agency was established on 2 July by a unanimous vote of the General Assembly to oversee all of the world body’s programmes aimed at promoting women’s rights and their full participation in global affairs. One of its goals will be to support the Commission on the Status of Women and other inter-governmental bodies in devising policies.

It will also aim to help Member States implement standards, provide technical and financial support to countries which request it, and forge partnerships with civil society. Within the UN, it will hold the world body accountable for its own commitments on gender equality.

In carrying out its functions, UN Women will be working with an annual budget of at least $500 million – double the current combined resources of the four agencies it comprises.

Young Grenadians in London forging effective Diaspora Organisation

LONDON, UK, November 6, 2010 – Young Grenadians in London continue to demonstrate their patriotism and commitment to forge an effective Diaspora Organisation.

The High Commission for Grenada in the United Kingdom convened a Diaspora Youth Cultural and Professional Networking Evening on Saturday, as a follow-up to the successful first Diaspora Youth Forum (DYF) held in September.

The Networking session realised the establishment of a DYF Committee which would lead the way for programmes and events to take the group forward into the Diaspora International Conference in 2011.

The participants were eager to learn of their culture and expressed concern that some of the culture had been lost along the way.

Mr. Faithman Simon aka “Root Jackson”, originally from Carriacou and a member of the Diaspora Consultative Committee (DCC), was in attendance and offered his support to facilitate a special session on culture.

The group desires also to establish a partnership with youth in Grenada to exchange information and lend support, as well as to create a link with the first generation Grenadians. The DYF will work as a subsidiary of the DCC, UK.

A team of Facilitators including Margaret Noel, Carol Joseph, Laurice Matthew, Marsha Jackson and Roy McEwen who introduced the group to “A part of their culture”, lent support to the session, along with the High Commissioner Ruth Rouse and Staff.

The First Forum was held in a response to the Grenada Government’s keen interest in and decision to engage the Diaspora in a more formalised manner.

Following the Preparatory Conference held in Grenada August 5-6, 2010, the High Commission held a formal meeting of the DCC, which is widely expected to find new and innovative ways to reach the Grenadian Diaspora throughout the United Kingdom, gather their views and interest them in participating in the Founding Conference, scheduled for Grenada August 2-3, 2011.

The future of the Diaspora would not be possible without the involvement of the second, third and later generation Grenadians, and hence the convening of the Youth Forum.

The role of the Forum was to provide an opportunity for young persons of Grenadian parentage, to explore their heritage, express their views and take steps towards making a positive and effective contribution towards Grenada.

The Young people discussed ways of getting more involved in Diaspora Activities; obstacles preventing them from getting involved; the impact they can make on Grenada; how they can promote Grenada in the UK; why their Heritage was so important, among other topics.

The DFY Committee comprises:

Alice Prince - Chair

Marsha Jackson - Vice Chair

Anthony Andrews - Secretary

Raedonna Griffith - Assistant Secretary

Shani Crawford - Events Co-ordinator

Thanee Brathwaite - Assistant Events Co-ordinator

Rodney Lendore - Chair – Reading Group

Tourism Minister congratulates Spice Island Beach Resort

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, November 6, 2010 - Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Glynis Roberts has congratulated the management and staff of Spice Island Beach Resort for being voted “Gold” by readers of Condé Nast Traveller magazine.

The magazine this week announced that Grenada’s multiple award-winning resort has been chosen as the top resort in the 2010 Readers Choice Awards.

The Minister said that Spice Island Beach Resort, led by its Chairman and owner Sir Royston O. Hopkin, KCMG, continues to make all Grenadians proud of its achievements.

“I want to join with other stakeholders in congratulating Spice Island Beach for this unparallel feat among small sized properties in the Caribbean,” said Minister Roberts before departing for London to attend the World Travel Market (WTM).

“Sir Royston and his team have been proud and consistent ambassadors in the hospitality industry, and for this we are grateful,” she said.

But Sir Royston credits the resort’s uncompromised luxury standards and attentive staff for the achievement, according to a statement from Condé Nast.

"Inclusion among the most exclusive resorts in the world is a tremendous honour for us," said Hopkin. "As a family run resort without the marketing power of a large brand, this recognition is a testament to the hard work and discipline of our dedicated staff, many of whom have been with us for more than 20 years and have become our extended family."

Featured in the November issue of Condé Nast Traveller, the 23rd annual Readers' Choice Awards ranks the top properties around the world on a multitude of criteria as judged by the magazine's affluent readers. Spice Island Beach Resort was included among 30 idyllic Caribbean resorts at the # 12 spot, according to Condé Nast Traveller.

The Tourism Minister is anticipating more awards for Spice Island Beach Resort at the WTM.

According to Condé Nast Traveller, Spice Island Beach Resort is no stranger to accolades having received the coveted AAA Four Diamond® Award for the last seven consecutive years. For the last four years, the chic property was also recognized by Virgin Holidays as the number one hotel in the company’s Platinum Collection of exclusive hotels and resorts around the world.

"The Condé Nast 'Gold' distinction had eluded us for quite some time as our decision to focus on service and amenities instead of marketing has made us the Caribbean's best kept secret," explained Hopkin.

"The low profile is part of our charm as an unparalleled hideaway steeped in timeless luxury and frequented by celebrities and those who are in the know," he added.

"While our service-oriented philosophy will never change, recently expanded flight service into Grenada has placed us on the radar of travel agencies catering to exclusive clientele," said Hopkin, referring to new direct flights on the Trinidad-based Caribbean Airlines out of New York's JFK in addition to convenient routes on Delta and American from gateways across North America.

"This greater flight accessibility, combined with the prestigious Condé Nast recognition, will enable us to welcome more affluent guests with the same level of luxury service that has set Spice Island Beach Resort apart from day one," concluded Hopkin.

While in London at the WTM, Minister Roberts will also attend the UNWTO Minister’s Summit on Tuesday, under the theme “Shaping a Stronger Travel and Tourism Industry”.

Assisted by a team of high-level experts from the public and private sector, the Summit will formulate best practices to stimulate sustainable tourism for future business models and public policies.

Some of the key issues to be discussed include, raising the political and economic recognition of tourism; creating a more competitive business environment; stimulating innovation, investment and sustainable growth and addressing global challenges such as climate change and unemployment with public/private partnerships.

Grenada proposes modernisation of CIM

MEXICO CITY, Mexico, November 5, 2010 – Grenada has tabled proposals to modernise the Inter-American Commission of Women (CIM) and make its activities more practical and impact more tangibly on daily lives of all women and girls throughout the Americas.

The proposals were presented by Permanent Representative to the Organisation of American States (OAS), Ambassador Gillian Bristol during Plenary of the Thirty-Fifth Assembly of CIM which ended in Mexico City on Friday.

Delegates have been examining amendments to the CIM Statutes, election of new officers, and consideration of the draft Declaration of the Inter-American Year of Women and draft resolutions, among others.

Ambassador Bristol underscored the important mandate and role of the Commission and recognised its accomplishments since its inception 82 years ago.

However, she emphasised the urgent need to deliver concrete improvements in the situations faced particularly by women and girls and proposed that this can be achieved by the adoption of a programmatic and results-based approach.

Grenada’s commitment to gender equality was also reiterated at the Assembly with the presentation of the national report.

“At the regional level, the Government of Grenada pledges to support the work undertaken by CIM in the short term,” the report stated.

More than 80 percent of public workers in Grenada are women and about 95 percent of the persons occupying the highest administrative positions as Permanent Secretaries in the Public Service are also women, including the Cabinet Secretary.

Grenada was the first country in the English-speaking Caribbean to establish a Ministry of Women’s Affairs during the period of the People’s Revolutionary Government (1979-1983). For the first time this year Grenada will celebrate International Men’s Day with activities scheduled for November 19.

“The intention of the celebration is to recognise men’s contribution and highlight the need to partner with women in resolving conflicts and dealing with problems in an effort to create a better family life and by extension a more peaceful society,” the report said.

Last Friday, the House of Representatives approved the Domestic Violence Act, 2010 which provides protection for victims of domestic violence. The Act also seeks to protect everyone including men.

AOSIS calls for urgent action to transform global economy

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, November 4, 2010 - The Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) believes that the prospects for a significant outcome at this month’s Climate Change Conference in Cancun, Mexico have increased following a two-day meeting hosted by Grenada.

Foreign Affairs Minister Peter David told delegates at the closing session that the productive engagement has increased the possibility of a strong agreed outcome in Cancun on the basis of strengthened confidence, greater thrust and maximum agreement towards a positive outcome.

“The exchange of perspectives have allowed us to move closer and improved the environment and possibility of successful outcomes when we get to Cancun,” he said.

“We fully expect to continue this dialogue over the next week and leading up to Cancun. I feel confident that these discussions will enhance our decisions in Cancun as we will be building on a number of advances”.

More than 100 delegates including non-AOSIS members and partner organisations participated in the informal Ministerial meeting at the Grenada Grand Beach Resort which was co-hosted by Mexico and Grenada.

David said that the meeting also saw the urgent need to transform the global economy to low carbon to minimise the threat and impact of Climate Change.

“Our survival is dependent on transforming the global energy sector from high carbon emission to low carbon or carbon neutral,” he said.

“We are therefore absolutely delighted by the words spoken by our friends at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and World Bank in support of our Sustainable Energy Initiative partnership – SIDS DOCK - and we ask our friends from the developed countries to also consider supporting the partnership”.

He said that based on the positive responses from the UNDP and World Bank as well as from other countries, AOSIS and its partners will embark on a path to develop and sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Cancun for the first phase of SIDS DOCK development.

“We have matured a great deal because of the lessons we would have learnt at Copenhagen and since Copenhagen. Thus, there is no value for us, the AOSIS Family, to engage in lamenting Copenhagen,” said Grenada’s Environment Minister Michael Church.

“Instead, we must embrace those lessons on the eve to Cancun by constantly bringing realism to our approaches and expectations”.

AOSIS continues to lend moral voice to the climate negotiations, especially emphasising the need to address global equity and climate divide issues, and in defining a clear vision and call to action.

Grenada offers to help Islands affected by Tomas

ST GEORGE’S, November 1, 2010 (GIS) – Grenada has expressed its readiness to assist its regional neighbours who were severely affected by the weekend’s weather disturbances caused by Tomas.

The 12th hurricane of the season and the 19th named storm, Tomas dumped four to six inches of rain on the islands.

The worst affected by the rains, as well as gusty winds, were St. Vincent & the Grenadines, St. Lucia and Barbados. Homes and other structures were damaged and power lines downed.

Two people were reportedly injured in St. Vincent, including one critically, when they tried to repair roof damage during the storm.

Vincent Prime Minister, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, has appealed for regional and international assistance to rebuild his country, which is said to have suffered millions of dollars in damage.

Grenada’s Foreign Minister Peter David, delivering welcoming remarks Monday at the opening of an informal ministerial meeting of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) in St. George’s, said Hurricane Tomas “serves as a perfect backdrop to our meeting.’’

He noted that almost all activities in Grenada were halted because of the threat of Tomas.

“But what we experienced in Grenada was multiplied tenfold in St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Barbados and other islands,’’ Foreign Minister David said. “Let me, on behalf of all of us, extend our sorrow to the government and people of our sister islands of Barbados, St. Vincent and St. Lucia, through their representatives here. I am told that St. Vincent in particularly received substantial damages. Be assured that we, in Grenada, are ready and prepared to assist you in your time of need.’’

Mr. David also led the way in inviting delegates to pay tribute to the late Barbadian Prime Minister, Hon. David Thompson, who will be buried on Wednesday.

“Please join me in extending, on behalf of AOSIS, our deepest condolences to the government and people of Barbados, through their delegation here, for the loss of their Prime Minister David Thompson. Mr. Thompson was a fine son of the region, and a true friend of Grenada,’’ said Mr. David. “I ask all to stand in a minute of silent tribute to the late Prime Minister.’’

Mr. Thompson’s state funeral in the Barbados capital, Bridgetown, will be attended by a Grenada delegation headed by Prime Minister Hon. Tillman Thomas. It will also include Foreign Minister David and Junior Information Minister, Senator Arley Gill.

Minister Church calls for coordination and assistance

TOKYO, Japan, October 26, 2010 - Grenada’s Environment Minister Michael Church is leading the Grenada delegation to the 10th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in Nagoya, Japan.

The high-level segment of the meeting takes place October 27-29, 2010.

Minister Church, who is accompanied by Dr Spencer Thomas, said that “Grenada recognises the unbreakable linkage between healthy ecosystems and the livelihoods of island people”.

He said that Grenada is proud to have been at the forefront of launching the Caribbean Challenge in 2006. “At the CBD COP8 we announced our commitment to increase the amount of habitat under protection from 10% under the CBD to 25% by the year 2020,” he said on Tuesday at an event co-hosted with the Secretary of the Department of Resources and Development of the Federated States if Micronesia.

The event included celebrating island achievements such as the recognition of the Caribbean Challenge’s Caribbean Biodiversity Fund, a US$40 million regional endowment created as part of the eight-country Caribbean Challenge and the leadership, financing and partnerships for implementation which have seen significant progress since 2006 in the Micronesia Challenge, a five-country protected areas and livelihoods commitment.

The Caribbean Challenge was officially launched at the COP9, in Bonn, Germany, in May 2008, by the Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Jamaica, and St Vincent and the Grenadines. Antigua & Barbuda, St Kitts & Nevis and St Lucia are now active members.

There are 193 Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, which was opened for signature at the 1992 Rio Earth Summit and entered into force in December 1993.

Welcome

On behalf of the Government of Grenada and along with the Honorable Marion Henry, Secretary for the Department of Resources and Development of the Federated States of Micronesia, I would like to welcome you all to this Celebration of Island Leadership and Commitment to Conservation and Sustainable Livelihoods on Islands.

Excellences, Dignitaries, Fellow Islanders, Ladies and Gentlemen

I first would like to extend my thanks to the Government and people of Japan for their warm and kind hospitality and the excellent arrangements made for COP10.

This Island event is a celebration of the achievements of the Micronesia Challenge, the Caribbean Challenge and the Coral Triangle Initiative. We are also here to show support for new multi-country initiatives the Western Indian Ocean Partnership and a conservation challenge for West Africa.

We are glad to be here with our partners in the Global Island Partnership – GLISPA - a partnership that helps to bridge local and global island initiatives, build upon existing networks and programs and share knowledge among all islands.

As we deliberate on the revisions of the Convention it is a time of reflection on the responsibility we have to protect the biodiversity of our islands, and our oceans. The survival and long-term sustainability of our island nations relies on the actions we take now. Grenada recognizes the unbreakable linkage between healthy ecosystems and the livelihoods of island people.

This is why, island nations, despite their small size, are providing an example to the world – and we have shown and will continue to show that significant progress on achieving this conventions biodiversity targets are achievable.

While Grenada is a signatory on the CBD and supports the actions under this Convention, we have recognized that for our islands we need to do more. Grenada is proud to have been at the forefront of launching the Caribbean Challenge – in 2006. At the CBD COP8 we announced our commitment to increase the amount of habitat under protection from 10% under the CBD to 25% by the year 2020. Along with the Government of Bahamas, we then issued the Challenge to our neighbors in the Caribbean to join us in this vision.

The Caribbean Challenge was officially launched at the COP9, in Bonn, Germany, in May 2008, by the Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Jamaica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

• There are Three primary components of the Challenge:

• Expansion of near shore marine protection to a minimum of 20% by 2020;

• Development of sustainable finance mechanisms, such as Protected Area Trust Funds, tourism and conservation derived fees, and payment for environmental services to provide sustainable funding to the countries’ national systems of protected areas; and,

• Development and implementation of ecosystem-based adaptation to climate change projects

The Caribbean Challenge builds on the past 5 years of work by the participating countries to develop, endorse and implement our National Protected Area System Plans that include biological, financial, and capacity assessments, and focused strategies to fill the identified biological, financial and capacity gaps.

Grenada is proud to celebrate with you the success to date of the Caribbean Challenge – the largest biodiversity conservation initiative in the history of the Caribbean. It is the vision of The Challenge to more than double the amount of marine and coastal habitat currently under protection, safeguarding nearly 20 million acres of habitat. It will improve protected area management by helping governments establish sustainable finance mechanisms to generate long-term funding for capacity building and the on-the-ground conservation action for newly expanded Marine Protected Area networks.

Of the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund’s initial capitalization goal of US$40 million, US$31 million has already been pledged by KfW (the German Development Bank), the Nature Conservancy, and the GEF. The Challenge now includes, in addition to the Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, our neighboring Eastern Caribbean islands of Antigua & Barbuda, St. Kitts & Nevis, and St. Lucia are active members.

Our Caribbean Challenge effort requires coordination and assistance from partners with regional expertise – and we are pleased that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Government of Italy has generously provided $1 million through the UNEP-Caribbean Environment Program to help advance Marine Protected Area’s networking, strengthening and regional coordination with a particular emphasis on capacity building.

This coordination was evident at the recent Wider Caribbean Governments meetings convened by UNEP in October in Jamaica. This included the Eleventh Meeting of the Contracting Parties to the Convention of the Protection and Development of the Marine Environment of the Wider Caribbean Region.

At this meeting the Parties called on both The Nature Conservancy and the UNEP-CEP Secretariat “to examine and establish the appropriate coordination mechanisms, with the Caribbean Challenge. And we note with interest that the French delegation was also keen to highlight the very relevant work of listing of marine protected areas under the Caribbean's SPAW Protocol – and hope that the Government of France will soon join us as an official partner of the Caribbean Challenge.

In conclusion, the Caribbean is already leading the world in sustainable finance planning for our national systems of protected areas. And now the Caribbean countries, supported by our partners, continue to lead by example, moving beyond planning to implementation, via the development and establishment of the $40 million Caribbean Biodiversity Fund, 8 national Protected Area Trust Funds, and expansion of our protected areas.

Thank you very much

A double from Delroy Facey puts Grenada in DCC Finals

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, Sunday, October 24th 2010 – Grenada National Stadium, Grenada: Grenada confirmed their passage through to join Guadeloupe Martinique and defending champions Jamaica in the Digicel Cup Finals in late November with a hard fought win over a dogged St Kitts and Nevis in Group E.

Grenada started brightly in front of a strong home crowd of over 4,786 and almost opened the scoring through home favourite Kitson Bain who seemed destined to score but for a last minute block from Williams, after a beautiful pass from Charles.

The home crowd did not have long to wait to get on their feet and cheer when on 15 minutes Facey converted from 4 yards after a corner kick from Charles somehow came through the crowded goal mouth to the fortunate striker who did not have to be asked twice for such a golden opportunity.

Two minutes later and Facey almost doubled his account as his thunderous shot from 25 yards flew past the right hand post of Richards.

Facey did eventually double his and Grenada’s tally when he latched onto a beautiful through ball from Bain and lifted the ball over the advancing Richards to make it 2 nil.

The ecstatic crowd were in hysterics two minutes later when a carbon copy of the second goal occurred and Bain somehow cleared the cross bar with his lofted shot on this occasion to keep St Kitts in with a fighting chance.

Facey who was born in the UK to a Jamaican mother and a Grenadian Father bossed the St Kitts defence and looked odds on for his hat trick before half time, which, thankfully for the game as a contest, did not occur.

The second half continued with Grenadian dominance and, but for an acrobatic finger tip save from Richards after a fantastic looped header from skipper Modeste on the edge of the box, it would surely have been 3-0.

On 68 minutes St Kitts had their best chance of the game when Lake broke free from his own half and as he raced through squared the ball back for Isaac who had sprinted 40 yards in support but rather than take his chance with the goal at his mercy, his attempted pass to Clark was easily cleared.

On 82 minutes Isaac almost made up for his earlier miss when the diminutive striker rose unchallenged to head Lake’s cross against the post and into the safety of Baptiste’s grateful arms.

Kitts hopes were dealt a severe blow when Lake was given his marching orders for an elbow in the head to full back Curt Rennie. This kept the unusual stat alive of at least one sending off in every game of Group E to date.

Grenada then took advantage of the numerical superiority and but for some grandiose long range shooting from the home side could have inflicted a larger scoreline.

It ended to the delight of the large home crowd who cheered their heroes through to another Digicel Cup finals and will return Tuesday to see them take on Guadeloupe to try end the group as winners. St Kitts and Puerto Rico will only have pride to play for in their final Digicel Cup game on Tuesday as they end another fantastic journey in the main football tournament in the Caribbean.

For more information, access to match images and live score updates, visit www.digicelfootball.com.

Grenada: 1 Andre Baptiste 2 Shannon Phillip 4 Curt Rennie 5 Cassim Langaigne 6 Marc Marshall 8 Delroy Facey (12 Denron Daniel 65 mins) 9 Ricky Charles 10 Kitson Bain (21. Lashley Cyrus 75mins)11 Anthony Modeste (Capt) 19 Patrick Modeste (Kyle Joseph 65 mins) 20 Shane Rennie

Coach: N. Simpson

St. Kitts & Nevis: 18 Alexis Richards 3. Shashi Isaac (5. Tishan Hanley 76 mins) 4 Kareem Mitchum 7 George Isaac 8 Alexis Saddler 9 Jevon Francis (11. Stephen Clark 62 mins) 10 Ian Lake 17 Gerard Williams 13 Thrizen Leader (Capt) 14 Tiran Hanley (6.Orlando Mitchum 70 mins) 15 Errol O’Loughlin

Coach: Clinton Percival

Referee: Kevin Morrison (Jamaica)

Assistant Referee 1: Mark Moses (Barbados)

Assistant Referee 2: Adrian Goddard (Barbados)

Match Commissioner Maurice Victoire (Martinique)

Caribbean Airlines to fly the Grenada to New York route from November

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad - On 10 November 2010, Caribbean Airlines will begin twice weekly (Wednesdays and Saturdays) return services from Port of Spain to Grenada and New York.

The Trinidadian carrier takes over the Grenada-New York route which commenced under the Air Jamaica banner earlier this year.

"Building on CAL's commitment to increasing connectivity in the region, customers will be able to travel from Piarco International Airport in Trinidad to the Maurice Bishop International Airport in Grenada, and then get to JFK International Airport in the United States.

This new route continues the much anticipated expansion of CAL into the Caribbean region, "noted Caribbean Airlines CEO Captain Ian Brunton. Captain Brunton went on to explain the decision to have Caribbean Airlines operate the route with CAL aircraft. "We gain operational flexibility when we switch this route to operate from Trinidad. In fact, we are realising the synergies that we spoke about earlier this year when we took over the Air Jamaica operations in May. The provision of critical connectivity from various Caribbean islands to major North American destinations is one objective that Caribbean Airlines continues to fulfil."

The last Air Jamaica flight from Grenada to JFK will take place on 3 November 2010 and the first CAL flight will depart Port of Spain heading to Grenada on 10 November 2010. Customers can book online at www.caribbean-airlines.com, call the airline toll free at + 800 744 2225 or contact their travel agent to make their bookings.

PM Thomas describes late Barbadian PM as a visionary leader

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, October 23, 2010 – Prime Minister Tillman Thomas was among regional leaders who have expressed condolences to the government and people of Barbados on the sudden death of Prime Minister David Thompson on Saturday.

Mr Thompson, 48, passed away at his St Phillips’ home after suffering from pancreatic cancer.

The Grenadian leader shared fond memories of the late Barbadian Prime Minister who was among the first leader to visit Grenada following his ruling National Democratic Congress’ victory at the July 2008 polls. He also noted the close working relationship between the governments of Grenada and Barbados especially on regional governance.

He said that Barbados and the region has lost a great leader. He described Mr Thompson as an intellectual and visionary leader.

Also expressing condolences was Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Glynis Roberts who is in Barbados.

Minister Roberts conveyed her condolences directly to her colleague Minister.

“His death is a tragic lost to the region,” said Roberts who is attending her daughter's graduation ceremony in Bridgetown.

The Parliamentary arm of the ruling Democratic Labour Party of Barbados has chosen Freundel Stuart to succeed the late Prime Minister David Thompson. Mr. Stuart will be sworn in as Prime Minister at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday.

Mr Thompson died, with his family at his side; wife Mara and daughters Mischa, Oya & Osa- Marie at around 2:10 a.m. on Saturday at his home in Mapps, St Philip.

Sports Minister congratulates Windwards' selectees on WI team

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, October 20, 2010 - The Ministry of Youth Empowerment and Sports congratulates the four Windward Islands players, including two Grenadians, selected to represent the West Indies in the upcoming Digicel Series against Sri Lanka.

The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) on Sunday announced the appointment of St Lucia and Windward Islands all rounder Darren Sammy as the new captain of the West Indies team for the Sri Lanka tour, replacing Chris Gayle of Jamaica.

Sammy is the first Windward Islands player to be appointed captain of the West Indies cricket team.

The WICB also announced the selection of Grenadians Devon Smith and Nelon Pascal and Shane Shillingford of Dominica in the 15-member squad for the three-Test tour of Sri Lanka in November.

Minister Patrick Simmons said their selection and elevation demonstrate that dividends come with commitment and dedication.

“Over the years we have seen a consistent cadre of talent from the Windward Islands and it was only time for our players to begin to rise to the top,” Simmons said.

“Our hope is that the appointment and selection of Sammy, Smith, Pascal and Shillingford would inspire the other young players”.

The Minister said that the players have already shown their maturity by leading the Windward Islands to emphatic victories in the WICB Cup. The Windwards are the only unbeaten team going to the semi-finals with a maximum 13 points from three matches.

The Sports Minister said that the Ministry and by extension the Government will continue to provide support to sporting associations including the Grenada Cricket Association (GCA) to ensure that players are given an opportunity to maximise their talent.

The Government is also assisting the GCA in hosting three matches of the Pakistan “A” team tour of the West Indies.

Grenada will host three One Day Internationals between West Indies “A” and the touring Pakistanis on November 9 (National Stadium); November 11 (Progress Park); and November 14 (National Stadium).

Grenada features in UK's Diplomatic Magazine

LONDON, UK, October 19, 2010 - Grenada’s attractions and other areas of potential investments are featured in the latest edition of the Diplomat magazine.

The full-coloured glossy 63-year-old monthly magazine, which provides a unique insight into the minds of the most prominent world leaders and governments, provided 22 pages of information about Grenada, including interviews, photographs and advertisements.

Through an initiative of High Commissioner Ruth Rouse, the editor of the Diplomat Venetia de Blocq van Kuffeler was invited to Grenada by Tourism Minister Glynis Roberts.

In her foreword for the special feature on Grenada the editor said: “I have been privileged to visit many spectacular places around the world, but none have I found as unspoilt, charming and bursting with natural beauty as Grenada”.

“This ‘Spice Isle’ boasts dramatic scenery, tropical rainforests, waterfalls and golden beaches that will appeal to visitors from all over the world. The country’s relatively new tourism industry is packed with potential, not only on account of the beaches – there’s plenty of heritage, sport, nature and local culture to discover as well,” she wrote.

The “Grenada Report” in the Diplomat included an introduction of the island by High Commissioner Rouse and investor Peter de Savary recalling his first to the island more than 50 years ago and recognising “an untapped opportunity for the development of the hospitality industry on the island”.

The editor also spoke to Prime Minister Tillman Thomas, who shared his plans and priorities for the development of Grenada, Foreign Affairs Minister Peter David, Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Glynis Roberts and Finance Minister Nazim Burke among government officials.

The Tourism Minister said that if the right conditions are created, the tourism sector could become the number one creator of employment and wealth for Grenada. “Our strategy is a work in progress. We aren’t working on mass tourism, but on quality and creating experiences that will make people want to return to the island”.

The magazine also profiled the St George’s University and the Grenada Chocolate Company among industries and institutions, and a guide to hotels and restaurants on the island.

A two-page advertisement from the Grenada Co-operative Bank Ltd and other spots from the Grenada Electricity Services (GRENLEC); Mount Cinnamon Resort Hotel; and SGU supplemented the feature on Grenada in the Diplomat.

Co-op Bank, Grenada’s fastest growing bank, recognises the need to expand its customer focus geographically. The Bank has therefore committed itself to understanding the needs of existing and potential customers in the Diaspora,” the bank stated in the magazine.

The Diplomat boasts a mixture of international writers, political commentary on world affairs, stunning photography and interviews with Heads of Mission.

Articles can be found on http://www.diplomatmagazine.com/

Grenada to host AOSIS Ministerial Meeting

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, October 17, 2010 - Grenada will host a Ministerial meeting of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) next month.

The meeting, scheduled for the Grand Beach Hotel in St George’s on November 1-2, will involve Environment Ministers from the 43 AOSIS countries.

They will be updated on the current state of the negotiations and to assess and to agree on a common AOSIS position going into the sixteenth Conference of the Parties (COP 16) scheduled for Cancun, Mexico.

Grenada’s Ambassador to the United Nations and Chair of AOSIS, Dr Dessima Williams said that the meeting will also engage negotiating partners with AOSIS’ positions and to ensure that there is a common understanding.

“The meeting is very important as a way to caucus each other and to develop a consensus position for the December meeting,” said Ambassador Williams.

“We have invited the 43-member Ministers from AOSIS countries which include 19 from the Caribbean region, 14 from the Pacific region and about 10 from the African and Indian Ocean region,” she said.

The Grenadian diplomat said that AOSIS has very clear positions for a comprehensive outcome in Cancun and very high ambitious levels of bringing down carbon emissions in the atmosphere.

“It’s not likely that any one group of countries will get all that they want but I think the meeting in Tianjin, China (United Nations Climate Change Conference, October 4-9, 2010) showed us that countries are ready to take some decisions toward a legally binding outcome, toward finance, toward capacity building and toward forestry regime for emissions”.

The COP 16 and the sixth Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (CMP 6) will be held in Cancun, Mexico, from November 29 to December 10, 2010.

FM David wants Grenadian children in Diaspora to remember their heritage

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, October 14, 2010 - Foreign Affairs Minister Peter David is urging Grenadians in the Diaspora to encourage their children to remember their Grenadian heritage.

Speaking Thursday on a monthly radio programme with host Anthony “Jericho” Greenidge, Minister David was high in praise for the young Grenadians in London who recently held a forum and discussed ways of getting more involved in Diaspora activities including the exploration of their heritage.

“I was amazed in my visit to London recently that the young people there are very conscious of their roots and are doing everything to try to keep the second generation in touch with Grenada,” he said.

He commended High Commissioner Ruth Rouse who spearheaded the formation of the Diaspora Consultative Committee (UK) following the Preparatory Conference in Grenada last August.

The DCC (UK) is intended to find new and innovative ways to reach the Grenadian Diaspora throughout the United Kingdom, gather their views and interest them in participating in the development of Grenada.

He said that the challenge is as the Diaspora gets older, we need to do more. Minister David urged the people in Canada and New York to do the same with their kids. “While they remain Americans and Canadians, we must try as much as possible to have them remember where they came from”. He said they must contribute to that society that nurtured their fore-parents.

He said that the Office of Diaspora Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be reaching out to nationals in the various cities to encourage them to lend their skills and talents to the benefit of their homeland.

“This Diaspora Initiative is very important not only for the people who left Grenada 10 or 20 years ago but people who have never come to Grenada but see their roots as Grenada and who are proud”.

Grenadian nationals in London have already formed a Diaspora Consultative Committee (UK) and recently held a Diaspora Youth Forum. Similar initiatives are being planned for New York and Toronto ahead of the Founding Conference scheduled for St George’s on August 2 and 3, 2011.