GRENADA DRAWN INTO GROUP E FOR CONCACAF’S SECOND ROUND OF QUALIFYING FOR THE 2014 FIFA WORLD CUP

Group E is composed of Grenada, Guatemala, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Belize.
2014 FIFA World Cup – CONCACAF Draw
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
First Round (June 15 – July 17, 2011)
- The 10 lowest-ranked teams in the region (based on March 2011 FIFA World Rankings) contested a home-and-away series.
- The five series winners advanced to the Second Round.
Second Round (Sept. 2 – Nov. 15, 2011)

Group A
El Salvador
Suriname
Cayman Islands
Dominican Republic


Group B
Trinidad and Tobago
Guyana
Barbados
Bermuda


Group C
Panama

Dominica
Nicaragua
Bahamas


Group D
Canada
St. Kitts and Nevis
Puerto Rico
St. Lucia


Group E
Grenada
Guatemala
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Belize


Group F
Haiti
Antigua and Barbuda
Curaçao
U.S. Virgin Islands


Semifinal Round (June 8 – Oct. 16, 2012)
Group A
USA
Jamaica
Winner E (Second Round)
Winner F (Second Round)


Group B
Mexico
Costa Rica
Winner A (Second Round)
Winner B (Second Round)


Group C
Honduras
Cuba
Winner D (Second Round)
Winner C (Second Round)


Final Round (Feb. 6 – Oct. 15, 2013)
- Three group winners and runners-up from Semifinal Round comprise a group of six teams. 
- The top three teams qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup with the fourth placed team advancing to the intercontinental playoff against a team from Oceania.

SGU Medical Student Represents Grenada at Jaycees Caribbean Queen Show

Nakitta Noel, a student at St. George’s University, School of Medicine (SGUSOM) is representing Grenada at the 2011 Jaycees Caribbean Queen Show.

She will join her fellow classmates at SGUSOM’s Fall 2011 White Coat Ceremony, in reciting the Oath of Professional Commitment and donning white coats that will symbolize their entry into the School of Medicine. 

When asked about her future as a physician, she stated, “My aim then is to dutifully perform my task as a general practitioner and provide the best health care in my capability. I seek to adjust the health sector in my country for the betterment of my Grenadian people because I love the country and its people…”

She went on the say, “I am committed to my 4 years in medical school and my career as a Medical Doctor (M.D.).  My motivation, my hunger for success and my passion for the medical industry will carry me through.” She credits having the value of the importance of hard work being instilled in her at childhood with playing a role in her ambition and focus.

As the reigning Miss Grenada Carnival Queen 2010, Nakitta was given the opportunity to represent Grenada at this competition. 

The Jaycees Caribbean Queen Show is being held in Antigua and participants are expected from nine other countries across the Caribbean: Antigua & Barbuda, Anguilla, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Guyana, Montserrat, St. Kitts and St. Maarten.   

We wish Nakitta best of luck and are certain that she will continue do herself and country proud.

Published on 7/28/11 – www.sgu.edu

Photo credit: Spice Vibes Grenada

Grenada becomes full member of IRENA

Roxie McLeish-Hutchinson & Dr Hugh Sealy

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, July 15, 2011 - Grenada today (July 15, 2001) becomes a full member of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

Grenada’s full membership takes effect on Friday following the mandatory 30-day waiting period after depositing its instrument of ratification on June 15.

In anticipation of full membership Grenada was elected a member of the Policy and Strategic Committee during IRENA’s governing Council inaugural meeting which concluded on Monday in Abu Dhabi.

Grenada was represented at the meeting by Dr. Hugh Sealy, Energy Advisor, Ministry of Finance, Planning, Economy, Energy and Cooperatives and Mrs. Roxie McLeish-Hutchinson, Foreign Service Officer, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Environment, Foreign trade and Export Development.

Grenada, as a member of the committee, is now at the centre of decision-making process and can make input into policy and strategy which governs the Agency.

IRENA was formally established as an intergovernmental organisation by 148 member states and the European Union at the first session of the Assembly in April 2011.

The Council is one of the two governing bodies of IRENA, reporting to the Assembly, and convenes twice per year. The membership consists of 21 countries for a term of two years.  The Council was opened by the President of the First Assembly, Dr. Sultan Al-Jaber, Special envoy for energy and climate change for the United Arab Emirates.

Australia was elected as the Chair of the Council, and the Republic of Korea the Vice-Chair, for 2011. Additionally, 32 observer states participated in the meeting. 

The Director-General, Adnan Amin, provided members with an overview of activities implemented since the Assembly, including operational and programmatic progress. IRENA has initiated a number of projects related to Innovation and Technology, Knowledge Management, Capacity Building and Policy Advice, involving collaboration with actors across the renewable energy sector.

During a round table discussion on the Work Programme of the Agency, members expressed their desire to further position the Agency at the centre of renewable energy worldwide through strategic partnerships and further staff recruitment, and to engage in fruitful exchanges of views with private sector and academia.  

The Council additionally endorsed and approved the membership and terms of reference of three Committees: Policy and Strategy, Finance, and Governance and Legal. 

These committees will support the Council and the secretariat through intensive support and review of matters assigned to them. Each Committee has a membership of eight countries, not including a Chair and Vice-Chair, but is open to full participation by observers. 

Antigua & Barbuda chairs the Finance Committee, Tonga the Governance and Legal Committee and the UK the Policy and Strategy Committee. 

The Council also approved the selection procedures for a US$350 million partnership between IRENA and the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, the Abu Dhabi’s government leading development agency.  The fund will launch at the second Assembly January 14-15, 2012, and IRENA will immediately call to receive applications for funding. 

The fund was established in 2009 to disburse concessional loans for renewable energy generation and transmission projects located in developing countries that are signatories of the Agency.  As part of the operationalisation of the fund, the Agency will begin later this year a call for experts, who will lead technical review of the applications.

The initial focus of IRENA seems to be towards Africa and the Pacific regions. In this regard, Grenada’s presence along with council member Antigua served as a reminder to the council that the Caribbean should not be forsaken as the region share similar concerns and limitations as the abovementioned regions.

Grenada’s representatives at the meeting also held bilateral discussions with the Swedish and United Arab Emirates delegations and the IRENA secretariat.

Grenadian excels in Exceptional Student Education

By Michael Bascombe

FLORIDA, USA, July 15, 2011 - A former Grenadian teacher recently graduated from a South Florida University with top honours in Exceptional Student Education.

Michele Francis of Petite Martinique obtained a Masters Degree in Exceptional Student Education from Nova Southeastern University at its commencement ceremony at the Bank Atlantic Centre in Florida on June 12.

Francis, the daughter of Cecelia and Claudius St Ignac, is now a proud member of Kappa Delta Pi-Omega Theta Chapter – International Honour Society in Education.

Francis was among the first group of females to graduate from the Grenada Boys’ Secondary School (GBSS) in 1987 during the school’s integrated period. She obtained her teaching certificate from Teachers’ College and taught in Grenada for 15 years. She also obtained a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration with a minor in Social Science from St George’s University.

Upon migrating to the United States, Francis attended Long Island University and Touro College in New York where she studied Intensive Science in General and Special Education.

Francis, who taught in Brooklyn, New York before moving to Florida, holds National Child Development Associate (CDA) and Florida Child Care Directors credentials and is currently assigned to the Palm Beach County School District in Florida.

She has already expressed an interest in pursuing a Doctoral Degree in the area of Special Education with a focus on Autism.

“My future goal is to one day operate a learning institution in Grenada where the children will be taught based on their individual learning styles,” she said.

Francis is a strong advocate of the Multiple Intelligence Theory and believes that there are many ways to teach the same thing.

SDGCPM provides assistance to QE Home in Grenada

Sons & Daughters of Grenada, Carriacou & Petite Martinique (SDGCPM) continues to provide assistance the Queen Elizabeth Home in Grenada.  SDGCPM, a non-profit organization comprising of nationals of Grenada, Carriacou & Petite Martinique who live in the New York Tri-State Region, recently held a fund-raising barbecue to help the Children of the QE Home.

It was a very well attended event, and we thank everyone who contributed to this effort, and look forward to their continued support. Two members of our Executive, while on vacation in Grenada delivered a check of   USD1, 500 to Ms. Marion Pierre, Director of the home on July 11, 2011.

We are a non-political organization whose mission is to bring together, those nationals and their Spouses over the age of 35 years, for social events and activities. The organization also seeks to assist its members and other Tri-State nationals whenever special needs are presented and approved by the general body.

The organization has about 35 active members which includes an executive body. The organization’s election of officers, budget and policies are determined at its annual general meeting.

For the past five years, SDGCPM has achieved its annual financial goals through a variety of fund-raising and social events such as Barbecues, Dances, Bus Rides, and Recreational Evenings. We also assisted numerous families with health care and bereavement costs. To date, we have donated more than $15,000 to families in the New York Metropolitan area as well as Grenada, Carriacou & Petite Martinique.

In August 2010, two members of the Group visited the Queen Elizabeth Home in Tempe, St. Georges, Grenada, and met with the Caregivers to assess their immediate needs. On their return, they provided a report to Sons & Daughters Organization, and the organization pledged to provide assistance to the Home.

On the afternoon of November 21, 2010, the group assembled and packed six barrels of food, clothing, toys, books, school supplies, first aid supplies, and hygiene products for the children of the Queen Elizabeth Home. We were very impressed by the amount of donations we received from members and friends.

The barrels arrived in Grenada just before Christmas and Ms. Estella Charles of the Organization visited the home on Monday, December 20, 2010 to ensure the barrels were well received, and to bring Seasons Greetings from the NY based Organization.

SDGCPM will also like to commend Ms. Marion Pierre, and her staff for the wonderful job they are doing with the children of the QE Home. We are very happy to be able to assist, and to bring some joy and happiness to the children and we hope to have an ongoing relationship with the QE home.

SOURCE: Sons & Daughters of Grenada, Carriacou & Petite Martinique

Grenada strengthen ties with South Africa

PRETORIA, South Africa, July 12, 2011 - President Jacob Zuma has welcomed eight new Heads of Mission, who will represent their countries in South Africa.

Zuma received letters of credence from ambassadors and high commissioners representing the Republic of Korea, Ethiopia, Iraq, Jamaica, Myanmar, Grenada, Brazil and Belgium, on Tuesday.

Korea's ambassador to South Africa, Y Lee, said his country had particular fondness for South Africa and Durban.

"To the people of Korea, South Africa and the City of Durban is a land of hope, promise and blessing because Durban was the place for Pyeongchang's Olympic dreams to come true."

Just last week, the Korean city of Pyeongchang was named as the host city for the 2018 Winters Olympics at the 123rd International Olympic Committee Session held in Durban.

Zuma in turn congratulated Korea on winning the bid saying the bid was "absolutely wonderful".

Both the President and Lee also acknowledged the cordial relations that exist between the countries since diplomatic relations were established almost 20 years ago.

Zuma said he was very happy to deepen relations with Korea.

Belgium's ambassador to South Africa, J Maricou, noted that his country and South Africa enjoyed excellent bilateral relations.

"We share like-minded views on a number of regional and international matters," he said.

While Zuma agreed that relations between Belgium and South Africa were very good, he said more could be done to enhance them further.

South Africa would also look to increase its trade with Belgium, the President said.

Grenada's High Commissioner to South Africa, Ruth Rouse, said she would look to build on the strong bonds of friendship that exist between the two countries.

She also congratulated Zuma and the country on the great strides that South Africa has made both economically and politically over the years.

Zuma noted that the support the country received from Grenada during the struggle against apartheid, saying many cadres used Grenadian passports during that time.

The President also received letters of credence from ambassadors Dr YM Kassa of Ethiopia, Dr H Al-Alawi of Iraq, M Naung of Myanmar, PL Carneiro de Mendonca of Brazil and Jamaica's High Commissioner to South Africa N Taylor-Roberts. 

SOURCE: South African Government News Service

PM Thomas supports urgent action to combat spate of crime

ST. GEORGE’S, GRENADA, 7 JULY, 2011 - Prime Minister and Minister for National Security, Hon. Tillman Thomas has assured the Grenadian public that his administration fully supports the efforts of the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) in addressing the security issues in the country.

The Prime Minister, accompanied by his security team, this afternoon met with the senior management of the force to address security in general, and a plan by the RGPF to deal with the recent spate of robberies affecting the island.

“Any activity that affects our peace and security in our country must be given urgent and immediate attention. We will give all the necessary support to you in the fight to reduce crime and its impact on our economic recovery, our tourism and our investment potential,” the Prime Minister told today’s meeting.

He called on the RGPF to find creative approaches to enhance security at various locations around the island, especially in business centers, and particularly, in view of the upcoming Carnival celebrations.

“It is an area we should not compromise. We want our people and our visitors to feel safe when they participate in or attend activities,” the Prime Minister told Commissioner Clarkson and members of the RGPF.

Commissioner Clarkson briefed the Government team on the current situation and assured Prime Minister Thomas that the RGPF is working assiduously to solve the recent spate of criminal activities and has taken steps to stop any planned crimes.

“We have taken certain proactive steps that will stop some of these activities. We appeal to the public for their cooperation and understanding in our fight against all forms of criminal activity,” the Commissioner said, following Thursday’s meeting.

 

Prime Minister Thomas also used the opportunity to commend the Fire Service of the Royal Grenada Police Force for its handling of Tuesday’s fire which destroyed the buildings in the ‘drill yard,’ in St. George’s.

SOURCE: Office of the Prime Minister

Grenada Figure Skating Association gets international membership

By Michael Bascombe

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, July 7, 2011 - Grenada could have representation at the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia in 2014.

Last month, the Grenada Figure Skating Association (GFSA) was been granted provisional membership in the International Skating Union (ISU).

The GFSA, which was formed in 2007 and recognised by the Grenada Olympic Committee three years later, is hoping that this international recognition will give Grenadians who could figure skate an opportunity to compete at the highest level.

President of GFSA, Grenadian Earl Clarkson said that the provisional membership means that Grenada could be represented internationally at winter sports, starting this season.

Grenadian figure skater, 14 year-old Oliya Clarkson is trained by Nikolai Morozov and is considered to be one of the best coaches in the world.

“Oliya has been training and is excited to represent Grenada on the international arena,” said Clarkson.

The GFSA is headed by Mr Clarkson with James Clarkson as the Vice-President and Reena Leschinsky as the General Secretary.

Grenada: 8,000 Poor Families to Benefit from Improved Social Programme

WASHINGTON, July 5, 2011 — The World Bank Board of Directors approved today a US$5 million zero-interest credit to help Grenada strengthen its conditional cash transfer programme. As a result, the project will improve coverage of poor households receiving cash transfers provided children go to school and to health check-ups.

"Grenada's safety net includes three targeted cash transfer initiatives which will be consolidated into a comprehensive conditional cash transfer (CCT) programme," said Hon. Nazim Burke, Minister of Finance, Planning, Economy, Energy and Cooperatives. "Grenada welcomes the World Bank’s support for our reforms in the area of social protection having regard for its long track record of designing effective CCT programmes that have achieved good results in several countries." 

Burke said he expects that the combination of new financing and knowledge provided by the World Bank will greatly help improve Grenada's CCT programme.  Safety Net Assistance Programme is consistent with our Government’s commitment to social protection for the poor and vulnerable, good governance and sound economic management, Burke concludes.

The combined effects of lower levels of tourism revenues and transfers from abroad including foreign direct investment and remittances — recent rise in prices for food and fuel, and natural disasters —have reduced purchasing power among the poor, and raised unemployment levels.

Grenada’s available social safety net initiatives are not currently able to fully respond to mitigate the impacts of these shocks or effectively promote productive investments amongst the most vulnerable. 

“New financing will strengthen safety nets in order to prevent potential declines in living standards while maintaining investments by providing financial support to families most in need,” said Françoise Clottes, World Bank Director for the Caribbean.

Specifically, the Grenada Safety Net Advancement Project will finance a plan to strengthen the new consolidated Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) Programme and the capacity of the Ministry of Social Development to implement it. 

It will also:

(i)       improve coverage of poor households receiving cash transfers; and

(ii)      improve education outcomes of poor children and health monitoring of vulnerable households.

Social policy officials in the OECS recommended in January 2010 a reform of Social Safety Net Programmes as Member Countries seek to design more efficient strategies to help the region's most vulnerable persons.

The two US$5 million zero-interest credits from the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA) are repayable in 40 years, including a 10-year grace period.

SOURCE: World Bank

Country Boys hosted at Consulate in New York

NEW YORK, July 1, 2011 – The Consulate-General of Grenada in New York this week hosted an official welcome reception for one of the most popular bands from Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

The Country Boys are in New York on a three-week tour with performances which began last weekend and will culminate at the annual Grenada Day Celebrations at St Andrew’s Park in Brooklyn on July 17.

Members of the band visited the offices of the Consulate and the Permanent Mission of Grenada to the United Nations on Thursday followed by a social evening which was attended by Ambassador Dessima Williams and Consul General Derrick James.

“You are not here as Country Boys but as ambassadors of the State of Grenada,” said Consul General James. He thanked Mr Leo Joseph for organising the Country Boys’ tour to the United States.

The touring group performed to a sell-out audience at the Nazareth High School in Brooklyn on June 25 and will stage another show on July 10, followed by their opening acts at the Grenada Day Celebrations.

Grenada accedes to Convention on Cluster Munitions

(Geneva, 1 July 2011) - Grenada became the first country to accede to the Convention on Cluster Munitions in the one-step process of accession, a highlight of an unprecedented four-day diplomatic meeting on the treaty.

“The first accession to the Convention is an important milestone, and is all the more significant given that Grenada is one of the countries where cluster bombs have been used,” said Laura Cheeseman, Director of the Cluster Munition Coalition (CMC).

Grenada deposited its instrument of ratification with the United Nations on Wednesday 29 June. Since the treaty became binding international law on 1 August 2010 countries can no longer sign and then later ratify, but must undertake the one-step process of accession.

Two more countries - Thailand and Cambodia - also indicated during the meeting they are taking steps to accede to the Convention in the near future.

“This is a remarkable development in light of the fact that Thailand fired cluster munitions into Cambodia earlier this year during a border dispute-the first use of the weapon since the ban treaty entered into force. Hearing this from Thailand and Cambodia was really encouraging, and we’re hopeful this will be the first accession of many more,” Cheeseman added.

These announcements came during a landmark meeting on the ban held in Geneva.

More than 400 diplomatic representatives from 81 countries attended the first intersessional meetings of the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions from 27-30 June 2011.

They joined representatives from UN agencies, the ICRC, and a CMC delegation of 100 campaigners from 40 countries to discuss progress against the ban.

The CMC and its global members have been actively engaging with the delegates throughout the meeting, urging them to advance their commitments to a world free of cluster bombs.

Along with the CMC and the ICRC, seven countries condemned the recent use of cluster bombs by Thailand and Libya (Australia, Lao PDR, UK, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway and Spain).

Spain acknowledged that it had transferred cluster bombs to Libya prior to signing the ban treaty, but delivered a strong statement condemning Libya’s use of the weapons in light of the widespread international ban now in place.

Other states gave updates on progress to implement the Convention.

Albania and Zambia have cleared their land of these deadly unexploded weapons and eight countries have already completed destruction of their entire stockpiles, for which the CMC commends them (Austria, Belgium, Ecuador, Moldova, Montenegro, Norway, Portugal, and Spain).

Hungary, which has not yet ratified the Convention, also announced that it had completed the destruction  of its stockpiled cluster munitions.

States also made significant headway this week in preparing for a global ban treaty conference being held in Lebanon, a country that has been devastated by cluster bombs, in September.

More than 100 states are expected to meet in Beirut under the Presidency of Lebanon’s Foreign Minister at the Second Meeting of States Parties on the Convention.

“The meeting in Beirut will be vital to establish what governments are doing to drive forward their obligations under this lifesaving treaty,” said Cheeseman.

“This week we’ve already started to see momentum gathering around states working to rid the world of cluster bombs, which is really encouraging, and has paved the way for even more progress to be made in Beirut,” she added.

SOURCE: Cluster Munition Coalition