AIR JAMAICA SPECIALS TO AND FROM GRENADA

Grenada signs second revision of ACP

BRUSSELS, Belgium, June 29, 2010 - Grenada, along with 78 other African, Caribbean & Pacific States, recently signed the second revision of the Africa, Caribbean & Pacific States-European Union (ACP-EU) Partnership Agreement in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

Grenada’s Ambassador to the EU, Stephen Fletcher signed on behalf of the Government of Grenada.

The signing ceremony marked the culmination of the 91st Session of the ACP Council of Ministers, and the 35th Session of the joint ACP-EU Council of Ministers’ meetings.

The Cotonou partnership agreement provides the framework through which the EU would provide assistance to ACP states.

Overall the new agreement seeks to eradicate poverty, promote sustainable development, facilitate assistance to ACP States or adaptation to climate change, as well as to accelerate work towards the mutual recognition of higher education qualification within ACP group of States.

Additionally, the revised agreement seeks to increase its focus on political dialogue and support for regional integration throughout the ACP regions.

The revised agreement was signed in Ouagadougou after more than one year of negotiations between the ACP & the EU.

Ambassador Fletcher served as a core member of the thematic group II, on regional integration and trading agreements and economic cooperation.

In addition to the signing of the second revision of the ACP – EU partnership Cotonou Agreement, other declarations, resolutions and communiqués were announced.

They included Climate Change, United Nations Millennium Development Goals, Banana and Sugar. Unfortunately, the Council failed to agree on a joint declaration regarding the Regional Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs).

Additionally, the Republics of South Africa, and Equatorial Guinea acceded to the Cotonou Agreement.

OPEC Fund approves Grenada's feeder roads project

BRUSSELS, Belgium, June 29, 2010 - Grenada’s application for a US$8.5 million loan to finance the second phase of the agricultural feeder roads project has been approved by the OPEC Fund for International Development.

The approval, by the governing board of the fund last week, paves the way for the start of work on over 25 feeder roads across the country and would provide jobs for hundreds of workers.

Additionally, the approval of this OPEC loan would have a positive influence on related loan applications which are pending with other institutions, such as the Kuwaiti Fund.

The approval of other feeder road loan applications would allow the government to embark on the repairs and construction of a greater number of roads than what was previously conceived.

The Government is expected to spend over EC$52 million on the agricultural feeder roads during the next 12 or so months.

According to officials from the Ministry of Finance, the speed with which this loan application was dealt with and approved was in large part due to the close working relationship between the Department of Economics and Technical Corporation, Ministry of Finance and the Grenada Embassy in Brussels. This close working relationship between various government departments and ministries exemplifies the new approach to mobilising international assistance by the government.

Following the electronic transfer of the application of the loan request by the Ministry of Finance in late March, on April 11th, under the clouds of ash from the erupting Iceland Eyjafjallajökull Volcano, which caused the closure of almost all of Europe’s Airport, Grenada’s Ambassador to the European Union, Stephen Fletcher, travelled from Brussels to Vienna (almost 1,000 km) on train in order to meet with the Director General of the OPEC Fund, to further negotiate the project.

According to the officials, this act of patriotic pride and national commitment had a significant influence on the decision by the OPEC Fund to move expeditiously to assess review, and approve the loan request.

During this all day and all night travel, there was constant communication between the Ambassador and the Director of Economics and Technical Corporation, Ministry of Finance in order to ensure that the most vigorous and clinically professional presentation would be made to the fund.

The Loan is expected to be signed within the next six weeks and plans are being put in place for an early disbursement, in order to commence work across the island.

Nationals abroad encouraged to use influence to seek opportunities for young Grenadians at home

TORONTO, Canada, June 20, 2010 - The Grenada Government wants nationals in the Diaspora to use their influence to create opportunities for young Grenadians, according to Foreign Affairs Minister Peter David.

Speaking at a function in Toronto on Saturday to celebrate the appointment of Grenadian-born Dr. Jean Augustine to the Order of Canada, the Grenadian Minister said that the exposure of our people to more education can empower and consolidate the foundation for a better society.

“When we were campaigning during the last election, we said that we are determined to ensure that every household in our country has at least one university graduate,” said Mr. David.

“Sister Jean, I know you have a long and proud history in education in this country and if I can beg of you one thing on behalf of our people of Grenada is that you use your influence in both public and private spheres to encourage more training opportunities for the children of Grenada to study here,” Minister David said in paying tribute to the distinguished Grenadian.

He said, as an educator herself, she will appreciate the transformative power this will have on our society.

“That ambitious goal will never be achieved without the generous assistance of the public and private sectors in countries such as Canada. By exposing our people to more education we empower them, and consolidate the foundation for a better society back home.”

The Minister told the retired politician that Grenada has embraced her individual successes and achievements as if they are its own collective success and achievement.

He said that Honourable Jean Augustine is a living testimony of the resilience and brilliance of the Grenadian spirit on which she was nurtured.

Last year she was made a Member of the Order of Canada for her distinguished career as an educator, politician and advocate for social justice in Canada.

“She has positively affected the lives of millions here in Canada as an educator, a politician and a social activist and has consistently inspired every one of us back home.

The bestowing of Canada’s highest honour on you is indeed a testimony of this great country’s gratitude for the contribution you have made to all aspect of life in this society,” he said.

Augustine migrated to Canada in 1959 at the age of 22 and worked part time and took night-school classes at the Toronto Teacher’s College. After earning her teaching degree, Augustine taught elementary school in the Toronto public school system. She eventually became one of the first black school principals in the country.

“Your singular contribution has made this country a much better place than it was when you first arrived here as a bright-eyed girl from a small village in Grenada more than a generation ago,” he said.

Mr. David added that “Your story speaks to the renewing grace and the power of enlightened immigration – a flowing well of positivity from which both the home country of the immigrant and the new society which he or she is entering can draw from.

While you came here, already nurtured with raw potential and cultured ambition, it is this country, Canada that gave you the opportunity, through its education and social services, to reach your full potential. And in time you have repaid this society a thousand times over by the contribution you made to its development.”

The audience comprised Grenada’s Consul General to Toronto and other members of the diplomatic corps, business and community leaders, as well as members of the Grenadian community in Toronto.

Proceeds will benefit the Grand Anse Child Development Centre in Grenada.

Randy Lewis sets targets for 2010 season

NEW YORK, June 18, 2010 - Grenada's ace triple jumper Randy Lewis says his biggest challenge this season is overcoming inconsistent performances and maintaining his world ranked status.

The 31 year-old Olympian, whose best mark of 17.49m was recorded in Sao Paulo in 2008, has had two performances above the 17-metre mark this season.

His best efforts so far have been 17.08m in Montreuil-sous-Bois, France on June 8 and 17.01m in Daegu, South Korea on May 19.

Lewis recorded 16.76m to finish fifth at the adidas Diamond League Grand Prix at Icahn Stadium, Randall's Island, New York on June 12, a meet in which he struggled, having to battle inconsistent wind conditions.

"I had problems getting on the board and this is my biggest challenge," he said. However, Lewis is quite satisfied with his training and is looking forward to the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in Puerto Rico in July and the Commonwealth Games in India in October.

"Other than getting on the board, everything is going well and I am stronger and jumping well in training but I just need to work on my run up," said the Germany-based athlete.

Randy Lewis from Michael Bascombe on Vimeo.

Donation of cricket gear to alma mater in Carriacou

He loved cricket with a passion and once represented Grenada on the Windward Islands Youth Cricket Team. Frank Carl Belmar continued playing cricket even after migrating to the United States and building a career in the US Navy.

Upon his passing in April 2009, Frank’s family made a decision based on his deep love for cricket. They decided to donate all his cricket gear to his alma mater, Bishop’s College. His brother, Bernard Isaac – also a past student of Bishop’s College – made the presentation on behalf of the family.

Bernard said that while Frank is missed so dearly, he is happy to make the donation to the school to assist with the development of cricket.

School Principal Rholda Quamina and students were present as teacher Gavin Moses accepted the donation, which included bats and pads.

Both Mr. Moses and Ms. Quamina expressed their appreciation to Frank Belmar’s family for the donation of the cricket gear.

Agriculture division embarks on revitalisation

Hillsborough, Carriacou, June 16th, 2010 –The Agriculture Division within the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs continues its mission of revitalizing the agriculture sector on the sister isles.

With the coming of the rain, workers attached to the Belair Nursery have embarked on planting a variety of crops on lands adjacent to the nursery. These include corn, cabbage, sweet potato, cassava and peas.

The crop-planting should lead to an increase in the number of local produce on the market, said Benson Patrice, Head of the Agriculture Division. He added that making more crops available for sale will itself lead to greater consumption of locally produced fruits and vegetables.

In November of 2008, two persons were trained in plant propagation at the Mirabeau Agricultural Station in Grenada. The benefits of the training have included the propagation and sale now of a wider variety of plants, and elimination of farmers’ travelling to Grenada to purchase plants, resulting in cost-savings for them.

Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, Senator George Prime, in complimenting the Agriculture Division for their efforts, noted that it is important for farmers and people in Carriacou generally to have access to crop varieties.

He said it’s keeping with government’s agenda to establish a thriving agriculture sector in Carriacou and Petite Martinique, and to enhance the nation’s food security situation.

Ambassador Stephen Fletcher seeking financial and technical support for Grenada

BRUSSELS, Belgium, June 16, 2010 - Grenada’s Ambassador to the European Union, Stephen Fletcher has been intensifying efforts in Europe aimed at mobilising much needed assistance for Grenada by holding a series of meetings with key banking and development organisations in Belgium and Luxembourg.

Over the past two weeks Ambassador Fletcher held important meetings with the ING Bank of Belgium, the Belgium Investment Company for Developing Countries (BIO) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) in Luxembourg.

According to Ambassador Fletcher, “these meetings are a critical part of my function, as I seek to mobilise development assistance and promote the many investment opportunities, which are available in Grenada, additionally; these meetings also help in selling Grenada as the ideal tourist destination”.

“At a time when the Global economy is still in crisis, small economies like Grenada bears the disproportionate burden of the effects of the crisis, such as declining Foreign Direct Investment, declining revenues from tourism, increasing unemployment, etc. It therefore means that all of us who carry such national responsibility ought to intensify efforts in order to be heard and seen in the international space which we occupy,” said Ambassador Fletcher.

As a result Ambassador Fletcher has met with two representatives from the ING Bank of Belgium in Mr. Maximilien DeSutter and Aynur Sacan. The purpose of the meeting was to sensitise the bankers on the various investment opportunities which could be of interest to their clients who are seeking attractive and viable investment opportunities.

Following on the heels of the meeting with the bankers, Ambassador Fletcher met with Mr. Mostafa Ouezekhtl of the Belgian Investment Company (BIO), a Development Finance Institution. The Belgian Investment Company is financed by the Belgium Government, and is mandated by the Government of Belgium to foster private sector growth in developing and emerging countries in order to achieve sustainable economic growth and social prosperity.

The meeting focused on the type of financial and developmental institutions, which the Belgian Investment Company can partner with. It is anticipated that an investment mission could be mounted between the Belgian Investment Company and relevant Grenadian financial and development institutions in the near future.

The Ambassador also travelled to Luxembourg, where he met with three high level senior executives of the European Investment Bank - Mr. Sakellaris, Vice President responsible EIB activities in ACP countries, Mr. Heim, Head of Division, West Africa Sahel and Caribbean Division and Ms. Arévale Calsina , loan Officer for Grenada.

Among the issues discussed were funding for the Grenada Development Bank, an essential oil manufacturing project, possibilities funding for alternative energy projects and other development needs of the country.

Ambassador Fletcher described the meeting as inspiring and hopeful. The EIB is presently considering a US$ 6.0 million line of credit to the GDB. Since the 1980s the EIB has been a developmental partner with Grenada, providing approximately 16 million Euros to Grenada in such areas as electricity, small business financing through the Grenada Development Bank, waste management project, and a resort hotel.

Ambassador Fletcher is also Chairman of the ACP Sub-Committee on Investment and Private Sector.

Strengthening ties

St. George’s, June 14, 2010 – Grenada’s attendance at recent Latin and Caribbean meetings afforded the country an opportunity to strengthen bilateral ties with many friendly nations.

Foreign Minister Hon. Peter David represented Grenada at an Organisation of American States meeting in Peru, and also at a special Caribbean conference in Barbados with U.S. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton.

“Apart from regional issues such as security and climate change that the meetings examined,’’ said Foreign Minister David, “I also met one-on-one with Grenada’s friends such as the United States and Mexico and discussed continued cooperation between our countries.’’

Like Mr. David, Secretary of State Clinton attended both the OAS and Barbados meetings.

The Grenada Foreign Minister and Patricia Espinosa Cantellano, the Mexican Foreign Minister, held discussions in Lima, the Peruvian capital.

Sports Minister congratulates outstanding performers

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, June 13, 2010 - Minister of Sports and Youth Empowerment, Patrick Simmons, has sent congratulations to Kirani James and other Grenadian track and field athletes and officials who have excelled during the past week.

The Minister, who has been following the progress of these athletes this season, says the future looks encouraging for the sport in Grenada.

In a message to athletes, Minister Simmons said that, “I am absolutely proud of your accomplishments and your efforts are now paying off.”

“You have done well to earn recognition as among the leading performers in your various events,” he added.

“We are putting systems in place to ensure that your achievements are recognised,” he said making reference to the National Sports Policy which is expected to go before Parliament this year.

Kirani James (University of Alabama) won the NCAA Men 400m final on Friday in a time of 45.05 seconds to become the third Grenadian athlete to win a major United States Collegiate 400m championship. Rondell Batholomew (South Plains College) won the 2010 NJCAA Outdoor 400m Championship and Alleyne Francique (Louisiana State University) won the NCAA Indoor 400m Championship in 2002.

James is among four Grenadian athletes participating in the NCAA Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Oregon. Phylicia George (University of Connecticut) in the women 4x100m relay; Joel Phillip (Arizona State University) in the men 4x400m relay and Kurt Felix (Boise State University) in the 10-event Decathlon.

Felix finished 13th overall with a score of 7,275 points where he won the high jump (2.11m) and javelin (63.00m) and third in the long jump (7.27m).

Three other Grenadian athletes were outstanding in the 2010 NJCAA Outdoor Championship. Colleen Felix (South Plains College) won the women javelin and triple events; Janelle Redhead (South Plains College) won gold with the 4x100m and 4x400m relay teams and finished third in the 100m and second in the 200m and Kanika Beckles (Essex County College) was second in the women 400m.

The Minister was also high in praise for Francique, a former Olympian, two-time world indoor champion and Commonwealth Games medallist, who is an assistant coach at the number one ranked Texas A&M University which retained its dual national championships.

Texas A&M repeats as national champions in track and field, winning men's and women's NCAA Outdoor Championships.

Minister Simmons also recognised the recent performances of two professional athletes - Neisha Bernard-Thomas in the 800m and Randy Lewis in the triple jump. The two athletes are currently world ranked in their respective events with Bernard-Thomas clocking a personal best and new national record of 1:59.60 in Kingston, Jamaica on May 1 while Lewis has had his best effort of the season so far at 17.08m in Montreuil-sous-Bois, France on June 8.

Lewis recorded 16.76m to finish fifth at the adidas Diamond League Grand Prix in New York on Saturday.

The Sports Minister said that Government, through the Ministry and working along with the Grenada Olympic Committee, the Grenada Athletics Association and other local federations, will continue to provide the necessary assistance and support for our sportsmen and women.

The Minister also extended best wishes to the National Under-23 netball team participating in the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Championships in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The netballers won their opening match against Dominica on Saturday 56-40 and will play Antigua and Barbuda on Sunday.

Cricketer Nelon Pascal, who made his Test debut for the West Indies against South Africa on Thursday, was also singled out in the Minister’s comments. The right-arm fast bowler became the fourth Grenadian cricketer to play Test cricket when he opened the bowling for West Indies in the rain-affected match in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad.

“All of Grenada is proud of your accomplishments,” Mr. Simmons said.

Neisha continues outstanding form this season

NEW YORK, June 10, 2010 - Grenadian Neisha Bernard-Thomas continues her outstanding form this season with a third sub-2 minutes performance over the 800m on Thursday.

At the Golden Gala in Rome, Italy she clocked 1:59.70 in sixth position in a very competitive race which was won by Halima Hachlaf of Morocco in a world leading time of 1:58.40.

Bernard-Thomas also recorded her season best 1:59.60 in Kingston, Jamaica on May 1st and four days later, 1:59.92 at the Ponce Grand Prix in Puerto Rico.

Meanwhile, Kirani James competes in the final of the men's 400m at the NCAA Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Oregon on Friday.

James was the second fastest qualifier after Wednesday's Preliminaries. He won heat one in 45.44 seconds ahead of Calvin Smith of Florida (45.64) but Joey Hughes of Southern California (45.15) secured the fastest qualifier.

Grenada urges US to support Energy Security and Climate Change

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, June 10, 2010 - Grenada is urging the United States to complete domestic legislative processes involving climate change and energy security during 2010 since this will significantly and positively impact on the outcomes achieved in Cancun, Mexico later this year.

Foreign Affairs Minister Peter David told Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Thursday that the 2010 hurricane season is predicted to be exceptionally active and such predictions underscore our sense that talks should progress toward conclusions with urgency.

He noted the challenges her administration is currently experiencing at the national level in this regard but urges dialogue and cooperation.

“The intergovernmental negotiations have begun again in full earnest for 2010, meeting now in a first substantive round in Bonn, Germany,” Mr. David told Mrs. Clinton during an informal meeting between CARICOM Foreign Ministers and the Secretary of State in Barbados.

“In the context of CARICOM and AOSIS, Grenada continues to put proposals on the table as well as to respond to the proposal of others, in ways that can move the process forward. We have been arguing that we be guided by good information, including a scientific survey on knowledge already in the public domain,” he said.

He said that these negotiations are extremely important to our survival as small island developing states.

“We want to emphasise the need for very ambitious outcomes in Cancun, outcomes that address the need to urgently reduce greenhouse gas emissions within a global legally binding framework, as well as to initiate the process of adapting to climate change, through provision of financing among other things. It is not one, or the other - we need to do both.”

“We also want to urge you to continue to encourage your delegation to be sensitive to the needs and concerns expressed by our countries at these negotiations and to provide support in advancing them,” said Minister David.

He said that addressing energy security and climate change together can be very supportive for our long term development, especially as we look forward to the September five-year review of the Mauritius Strategy for Implementation for the Barbados Programme of Action for Small Island Developing States.

“The Energy and Climate Partnership of the Americas, ECPA, continues to receive our support as a place for CARICOM to work with you and USAID in support of CARICOM energy needs,” he said.

Energy and Climate Change Co-operation were among agenda items discussed with the US Secretary of State. The effect of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI), Trade, the impact of the Global Financial and Economic Crisis and Health and Development Co-operation were also discussed.

Grenadian Minister calls for more engagement among youth in Diaspora

NEW YORK, June 10, 2010 - Targeting young people in the Diaspora in returning home and the need to maintain constant engagement, were among issues raised with Caribbean Tourism Ministers at a Diaspora Forum at the New York Helmsley Hotel on Wednesday.

Grenada’s Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Glynis Roberts, who was one of three regional ministers on the panel, said that the event provided an opportunity to continue the engagement with the Caribbean Diaspora.

“This was a useful engagement and I think we were able to dialogue on a number of issues,” Minister Roberts said in an interview following the forum.

“We also received criticisms and we have to see how best we could continue to engage the Diaspora”.

However, the Tourism Minister noted that Grenada has started the process and Foreign Affairs Minister Peter David has embarked on a number of outreach visits to the Diaspora.

“I believe the approach of engaging them at various stages will help crystallise the relationship,” she said.

In reacting to a suggestion from Grenadian student Andrea Church, one of two Grenadians who were on the three-member question panel, about the involvement of youth in the Diaspora the Minister agreed that they have an important role to play.

“They (young people) are the ones who will shape our Diaspora in the next five to 10 years and we need to maintain their involvement”.

The other Caribbean Ministers who participated were Glen Beache of St. Vincent & the Grenadines and Richard Sealy of Barbados while Bishop Dr. Ebony Kirkland, President/CEO of Ebony Marketing Research and Grenadian-born writer and special assistant to New York State Senate leader, John Sampson made up the panel.

Also attending were Consul General Derrick James; Minister Counsellor Michael Mitchell; Policy Advisor, Ministry of Tourism George Vincent and Grenada Board of Tourism, USA Christine Noel-Horsford.

The Diaspora Forum was part of Caribbean Week in New York, mounted by the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO).

The week of activities will culminate on Friday with the 37th annual Governments of the Caribbean State Ball and Awards Presentations at the Plaza Hotel in New York City.

The highlight will be awarding of Grenadian Dr. Roy Hastick who will receive the first ever CTO Diaspora Award honouree.

Dr. Hastick, an avid supporter and advocate of trade, investment and tourism to the Caribbean region, is the founder of the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CACCI), a highly respected organisation which promotes economic development on behalf of Caribbean American, African American, and other small businesses.

He is being awarded for fostering both economic development and prosperity in the Caribbean American community.

“You have opened doors and given generously of your time and wisdom to help others craft their own successes and you represent what it means to be a true leader,” the CTO says in its citation.

Consul General Derrick James and Office of Diaspora Affairs praised for swift response

by Betty-Ann Lazarus

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, June 9, 2010 - The effectiveness of Grenada’s representatives abroad and the role they play in national development were again highlighted on Tuesday, June 8.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lana Mc Phail, handed over supplies valued at over US$16,000 to two other ministries. They were the Ministries of Sports and Social Development.

More than 21 boxes of pillows, bedspreads, sheets, shower curtains and linens for senior citizens nationwide were donated to the Social Development Ministry headed by Hon. Sylvester Quarless.

Among items donated to the Sports Ministry for the nation’s athletes were four boxes of gear consisting of over 150 pairs of track pants and sweat shirts.

The donations are the culmination of a process that began with a visit to the country earlier this year by Grenada’s Consul General in New York, Derrick James.

While here, Mr James held discussion with Hon. Quarless, focusing on the wellbeing of senior citizens. On his return to New York, the Consul General raised the issue with Grenadians living there and made a plea for help.

The result was the gifts presented Tuesday to Social Development and to the Sports Ministry of Hon. Patrick Simmons.

The supplies to the Ministry of Social Development will be distributed to institutions and individuals identified as being in “dire need,’’ said Mrs Sandra Thomas, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry.

Media attaché to the New York Mission, Michael Bascombe, was instrumental in coordinating the Sports Ministry donation that was presented to Permanent Secretary, Veda Bruno-Victor.

She complimented the swiftness with which Consul General James and Mr. Bascombe responded to the needs of the nation’s sports people. “Our Athletes do well when they look well, and we are looking forward to great achievements in the London 2012 Olympics,’’ Mrs Bruno-Victor said.

Permanent Secretary Mc Phail said the Foreign Ministry is proud to be the medium through which the needs of a number of other Ministries are met.

She praised the hard work of Consul General James, officials of the Diaspora Desk, and individual Grenadians overseas, for contributing positively to the request for assistance.

Welcomed airlift news for Grenada

St. George’s, June 5, 2010 (GIS) – Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister, Glynis Roberts, has said that airline service to Grenada is moving along “nicely,’’ especially for the summer when the country will be hosting Spicemas, the annual carnival celebration.

The travel needs of would-be visitors are being met through a series of formal arrangements between government and airline officials, as well as with non-government private charters.

Air Jamaica, whose majority owners are now Caribbean Airlines, is returning to Grenada from New York after cutting the route a few months ago. It’s not a formal, negotiated arrangement with the Ministry of Tourism, and so far it appears limited to just the summer months.

“They are doing it on their own accord,’’ Minister Roberts said in reference to Air Jamaica which is proposing a schedule of four flights weekly – Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

The recently announced scheduled of Air Jamaica also targets travellers to Barbados and the Grand Caymans, with the airline offering passenger concessions such as “two bags free in Lovebird Economy class,’’ a 10 percent discount for “accompanied children and senior citizens,’’ and a 15 percent discount on “personal cargo shipments for ticketed passengers.’’

The theme of Grenada’s carnival, which will be officially launched June 12, is: “We Playin’ Ah Wicked Mas.’’ It culminates August 9 and 10.

Many visitors from the United States east coast are expected to travel to Grenada on private charter with Jet Blue, the low-fare airline.

Minister Roberts said Grenada has been in discussion with Jet Blue since last October with a view to arriving at a permanent arrangement to service the Grenada market. No deal has yet been reached.

The Tourism Ministry had better success with Delta Airlines, which will be commencing flights to Grenada next month.

“We have Delta that’s coming in on July 3 with year-round service,’’ Mrs. Roberts said. “They’ll be coming twice weekly, on Wednesday and on Saturday. This augurs well for our industry not only in terms of expatriates coming back home for carnival, but also for people on the eastern seaboard who want to visit Grenada during the festival time.’’

Government is also in talks with Virgin Airlines, West Jet and Air Canada, the Minister announced. “The airlift is coming along nicely,’’ she told the Government Information Service.

The minister said the National Democratic Congress government is promoting “Community and Heritage Tourism,’’ which requires the collective efforts of all Grenadians.

“For tourism to move, our people need to take ownership,’’ said Mrs. Roberts. “We have so much that we can utilise for ourselves and share. Every Caribbean island has sea, sun and sand. We have to find what is different that can pull people to our country.’’

The Tourism Minister also noted the need for Grenada to further upgrade the quality and quantity of its room stock.

“We have to work feverishly to get our room stock in line. There’s no point you’re working to bring people into the country and all the accommodation is not up to capacity or are not to a certain standard,’’ she said.

Mrs. Roberts said a lot of work is being done to improve the tourism product, which benefits other economic sectors.

“The spill-off effects of tourism are vast and wide,’’ she said. “We have to continue working towards developing the industry and sensitising people to understand the benefits we get from tourism.’’

Tourism, carnival and airline travel

St. George’s, June 5, 2010 (GIS) – Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister, Glynis Roberts, has said that airline service to Grenada is “coming along nicely,’’ especially for the summer when the country will be hosting Spicemas, the annual carnival celebration.

The theme of carnival 2010, which will be officially launched June 12, is: “We Playin’ Ah Wicked Mas.’’ It culminates August 9 and 10.

The travel needs of would-be visitors are being met through a series of formal arrangements between government and airline officials, as well as with non-government private charters.

Air Jamaica, whose majority owners are now Caribbean Airlines, is returning to Grenada from New York after cutting the route a few months ago.

Hon. Roberts, in an interview with the Government Information Services, said she is particularly looking forward to next month’s the start of Delta’s year-round flights into Grenada.

Government is also in talks with Virgin Airlines, West Jet and Air Canada, she announced.

The minister said the National Democratic Congress government is promoting “Community and Heritage Tourism,’’ which requires the collective efforts of all Grenadians.

Insurance institute suggested for Grenada

St. George’s, June 5, 2010 – A regional insurance professional claims that insurers in the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) are being unfairly penalised by governments who “do not understand insurance.’’

St. Lucian Claudius Francis is unimpressed with the Insurance Act that has the backing of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU).

“This Act is meant to punish,’’ Francis charged June 4 during a lecture at the Trade Centre organised by the Association of Grenada Insurance Companies (AGIC). It was part of an AGIC week of activities that was held under the theme, “Insurance: It’s Role, Impact and Future in our Society.’’

The week of activities, a first for the local insurance industry, was the brainchild of AGIC President, Molly Roberts. She said it was an information-sharing and bonding exercise for industry representatives, as well as an opportunity to educate Grenadians on the importance of insurance.

“Nothing moves without insurance,’’ Roberts said.

Francis, President of the OECS Insurance Association, highlighted the importance of insurance to the regional economy, including the tourism sector.

“There could be no tourism industry if there is no insurance,’’ said Francis, who has lived and travelled in the Caribbean on business and as a table tennis player. “There is no aspect of economic life that can exist without insurance.’’

He said with such things as private health and life insurance, governments are relieved of a “great burden.’’ However, he chastised OECS administrations, saying they don’t “understand the benefits of insurance. It’s as simple as that.’’

OECS countries, which are also members of the ECCU, drafted legislation for the financial sector – which includes insurance companies and agents – mainly in response to the collapse of CLICO and the difficulties of British American Insurance Company Ltd.

The legislation, which Francis described as “coordinated’’ but not “unified,’’ has either been passed or it’s still in the bill stage. It is expected to become law in all OECS countries, except Montserrat and Anguilla, which are British-dependent territories.

The Insurance Act came into effect in Grenada last March, as part of what government said are efforts at stronger regulation and supervision of insurance companies.

Among other things, it increases the capital and solvency requirements for insurance companies and makes provision for the establishment of statutory funds to protect policyholders’ liabilities. The Act also imposes penalties on companies and their officers for non-compliance, and strengthens the supervisory and regulatory powers of GARFIN as the Supervisor of Insurance.

GARFIN – the Grenada Authority For the Regulation of Financial Institutions – is headed by Angus Smith as Executive Director, with the authority having responsibility for regulating and supervising not just insurance companies, but the entire “non-bank financial sector.’’

Those named as part of the “non-bank financial sector’’ include Building, Co-operative and Friendly Societies, as well as Grenadians involved in currency exchange and the issuance and sale of travellers’ cheques.

Francis said regional countries have always had regulation but never “proper’’ regulators. He does not believe the industry could be effectively supervised and regulated by anyone whose expertise is not in insurance.

“Insurance is a peculiar thing that requires a peculiar animal to regulate it,’’ Francis argued. “It needs someone who knows about it and understands it.’’

Francis said while he supports “strong and fair regulation,’’ he is critical of the OECS Insurance Act, calling it too punitive with threats of fines for companies and individuals.

He chided Grenada’s insurance sector for being too fragmented and divided, and encouraged insurers here to treat insurance as a career by seeking further professional training.

“Insurance is extremely important. You cannot work in insurance and do not treat it as a career,’’ Francis said.

He suggested a model used in St. Lucia, where there is an institute for training and an Insurance Council that disciplines agents for ethical violations, and certifies all garages in the country. Francis is President of the Insurance Council of St. Lucia.

“For the way forward, you must have a strong insurance institute,’’ Francis told the Trade Centre audience that included MP Peter David, Grenada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.

“Insurance laws,’’ Francis added, “change almost on a daily basis. You need to keep abreast and the way to keep abreast is to have a good and solid institute.’’

Air Jamaica returns to Grenada

KINGSTON, JUNE 02, 2010—Air Jamaica today announced the resumption of service to Grand Cayman and the return of its popular summer service from New York (JFK) to Barbados and Grenada .

“We are excited about the return to these Caribbean markets. Jamaica and Grand Cayman have shared strong ties for many years, and our service to Barbados and Grenada gives the Diaspora the most convenient way to go home for festivals, fun and family,” said Bruce Nobles, Air Jamaica’s President and CEO.

Starting July 1, Air Jamaica will operate daily service between Kingston and Grand Cayman .

The summer non-stop service from New York , when approved, will operate three times weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sunday to Barbados, and four times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays to Grenada .

flight    departs                                         arrives                                        frequency

JM069     Kingston at 10:35 AM                             Grand Cayman at 11:30 AM                     Daily

JM068     Grand Cayman at 12:30 PM             Kingston at 1:25 PM                      Daily              

JM090     New York (JFK) at 12:40 AM         Barbados at 5:40 AM                     Tue, Thur, Sun

JM091     Barbados at 6:40 AM                      New York (JFK) at 11:40 AM        Tue, Thur, Sun

JM094     New York (JFK) at 12:40 AM         Grenada at 5:40 AM                      Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat

JM095     Grenada at 6:40 AM                        New York (JFK) at 11:40 AM        Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat

In addition to convenient flights, passengers also have several new reasons to choose Air Jamaica this summer:

·         2 bags free in Lovebird Economy class

·         Double Rewards Miles for 7^th Heaven Rewards members who book Lovebird Executive Class

·         10% Discount for accompanied children and senior citizens

·         Student waivers for date changes

·         15% discount on personal cargo shipments for ticketed passengers.

The airline has already announced an increase in flights to New York and Toronto from Jamaica, as well as its return to Nassau .

With the inauguration of service to Grand Cayman, Barbados and Grenada, Air Jamaica’s summer schedule will have more than 182 weekly flights to eight destinations.

Grenadian students among hundreds of City Tech Graduates

NEW YORK, June 2, 2010 – A Grenadian student was the toast of about 2,000 graduates of New York City College of Technology on Wednesday.

Lerone Bleasdille of St. David delivered the Valedictorian Address on behalf of the 2010 graduating class at Madison Square Garden in New York.

He was among a handful of Grenadian students who received their diplomas at the 70th Commencement Ceremony of the Brooklyn-based College of the City University of New York (CUNY).

Bleasdille, who left his full time bank teller job to take up a scholarship provided by CUNY in the aftermath of Hurricanes Ivan and Emily, challenged his colleagues to use adversities as stepping stones to fulfil their career dreams.

"Fellow graduates today we become the representatives of City Tech, members of the privileged group responsible for showing the world that we produce quality. I want to challenge each of you to keep learning and to live your passion," Bleasdille said at the ceremony which was also attended by his mother and other family members.

Bleasdille (summa cum laude) and Kadell Joseph (magna cum laude), the son of Grenada Board of Tourism Director, William Joseph, both graduated with honour degrees in Bachelor of Technology in Computer Systems.

Craig John, another Grenadian student, also completed an Associate Degree in Radiologic Technology and Medical Imaging.

It was a proud moment for John, the grandson of former Chief Education Officer, Carlyle John and the nephew of pharmacist Rupert John. They were among family members including his mother Deslyn Hosten who journeyed from Grenada to New York to witness the graduation. His father Clement John who lives in Maryland and Harrison Copeland who is in charge of the Radiology Unit at Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn as well as aunts in England and Trinidad also attended the commencement ceremony.

John, who is from Mt. Craven, St. Patrick, attended the McDonald College.

In the citation, the College said that “out of devastation emerged opportunity for Lerone Bleasdille, New York City College of Technology’s 2010 valedictorian. He arrived at City Tech as a result of Hurricane Ivan in 2004, which decimated most of the buildings in his native country, Grenada.”

Bleasdille’s mother, then an administrator in the Prime Minister’s Office, learned that CUNY, in partnership with the Grenada Mission, was offering 15 college scholarships to Grenadian students as a humanitarian initiative. At the time, Bleasdille was working in a local bank as a commercial teller. He applied for and won one of the CUNY scholarships, and chose City Tech because it offered computer science-related majors. The scholarship paid for his tuition during his years at City Tech.

Grateful for the support he was given, Bleasdille, who served as president of City Tech’s Student Government Association (SGA) and later as senator-at-large and treasurer, recognised the need to provide scholarships for international students who ordinarily were ineligible due to residency requirements. He and some fellow students established the merit-based SGA Trust Award, for which international students were eligible, which provides $2,000 each to three full-time students.

Bleasdille has served as lead reporter of the College’s student newspaper, New Tech Times, president of the Martial Arts Club and vice president of the E-commerce club, in addition to his student government posts. While gravitating towards a career in technology, Bleasdille says he found himself as a creative writer at City Tech, winning first prize in both the poetry and short story categories in the City Tech Literary Festival Competition.

Bleasdille credits his drive and multiple interests partly to the example set by his late father, Leroy Neckles, who died in 2008. Neckles, a U.S.-educated business turnaround specialist, told him: “Leaders are never people who want to lead; they are the people others ask to lead.” He said, “I always remember that statement; because it means you’re doing something right when people believe in you.”

Bleasdille also credits his mother, who raised him, for her indomitable spirit, and unquenchable support. “She’s read all my stories and poems. While my father set the education bar high, my mother built my character,” he said.

Consul General Derrick James congratulated the students who graduated on Wednesday noting that they all excelled in their various areas of specialisation.

“What is even more encouraging is that a son of the soil was chosen to be the Valedictorian for the graduates,” he observed.

He said that Grenadian students continue to demonstrate to the world that they can excel and compete among the best in the face of extreme challenges.