China may construct new stadium for Grenada

by Michael Bascombe

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, November 30, 2011 - China have indicated an interest in constructing a new track and field stadium in Grenada.

This was hinted by Chinese Ambassador to Grenada, Mr Xu Jianguo during the recent signing of the Second Phase of Technical Cooperation for the Cricket Stadium.

In reiterating China’s commitment to Grenada’s development, Ambassador Xu indicated that a Chinese technical team, expected on the island before the end of the year, will make a determination on the best option.

The Grenada Government has been criticised for its tardy response in rebuilding the facility which was partially destroyed by Hurricane Ivan in 2004.

However, Minister for Youth Empowerment and Sports, Mr Patrick Simmons said that projects like these call for tremendous resources and planning, noting that efforts were made as early as 2008 to reconstruct the stadium facility. Mr Simmons expressed appreciation to China on behalf of the Government and people of Grenada.

“Based on preliminary discussions there are indications that the Chinese may demolish the track and field and football stadium and rebuild a new facility,” Simmons said. The new facility will include 8,000 permanent seats and an additional 2,000 temporary seats which could be relocated to other playing fields around the island.

He said that the existing facility will be unavailable for cultural and sporting activities including the annual Secondary Schools' Athletics Championships when construction work starts in the New Year.

"The safety of the athletes and spectators are paramount so a determination has to be made on the best possible venue to accommodate these championships," he said.

The Grenadian Minister also joined Ambassador Xu in signing the Handing-Over Certificate of First Phase of the Technical Cooperation Agreement. The first phase included the treating and repainting of the metal structure of the stadium as well as the training of locals on maintenance of the facility.

The second phase which will be for a period of two years will include the lighting of the cricket stadium as well as ongoing maintenance.

Ambassador Xu also handed over some computers to the Ministry of Youth Empowerment and Sports.

Grenada makes Figure Skating debut

by Michael Bascombe

NEW YORK, November 28, 2011 – Grenada made an impressive debut in international figure skating this month in Italy.

Grenadian figure skater, 14-year-old Oliya Clarkson recently competed in the Merano Cup, organised under the auspices of the International Skating Union (ISU).

Clarkson, the youngest competitor, finished seventh in the Junior Ladies Free Skating Programme and tenth in the Short Programme. She had a Total Segment Score of 59.11 and a Total Programme Component Score of 31.28 with no deductions in the Free Skating and a Total Segment Score of 30.88 and Component Score of 16.40 and again without any deductions in the Short Programme.

It was her first major international competition with participating from 22 other nations. It was also Grenada’s first competition since the Grenada Figure Skating Association (GFSA) was granted provisional membership in the ISU.

General Secretary of the GFSA, Reena Leschinsky, who accompanied Clarkson to the Merano Cup, said that the presence of Grenada created much excitement among the traditional participants.

“They were all very excited to see our participation and flag at this event,” said Leschinsky. “Oliya created an impact and was quite noticeable and outstanding, judging from the responses.”

The New York-based Grenadian figure skater is now preparing for the Istanbul Cup 2011 in Turkey, her second competition in less than one month. She will be among 15 to compete in the Junior Ladies category from December 13-18, 2011.

Clarkson has already qualified for the World Junior Figure Skating Championships in Minsk, Belarus from February 29 to March 4, 2012.

Grenada and Georgia established diplomatic relations

NEW YORK, November 23, 2011 - A senior Georgian Government Minister is expected to make an official visit to Grenada early next year to explore various areas of relations and to create a roadmap for future relations.

This was disclosed as Grenada and Georgia signed diplomatic relations at the Ambassadorial level in New York on Wednesday.

Ambassadors Dessima Williams of Grenada and Alexander Lomaia of Georgia discussed areas of cooperation between both countries including exploring the waiver of visas (Georgia has visa-free arrangements with more than 50 countries), double taxation, agreements of projects in Energy and Education, including exchange students.

Ambassador Lomaia also disclosed that Georgia is willing to provide fully funded scholarships with accommodation to Grenadian students.

He said that as an initial gesture his Government is willing to fund as soon as possible a modest development assistance project related to climate impact.

Ambassador Williams said that today’s signing of relations, is an indication of both governments to strengthen the strong and growing relations which have developed between the two countries.

“Excellency, although Georgia is an advanced European Economy and Grenada a middle-income Caribbean country, we are confident that our friendship is sincere and well founded: for, among other reasons, we wish to pursue friendship and the elevation of Georgia 'friendship diplomacy" is worthy of emulation and pursuit,” said Ambassador Williams.

“Therefore, in friendship, Grenada invited all Georgians to the hospitality and stunning beauty of Grenada as tourist, investors, friends, and people of goodwill,” Ambassador Williams added, noting the coincidence of Today being celebrated as St. George’s Day in Georgia.

Also present at Wednesday’s signing were Mrs Marguerite St. John-Sebastian, Counsellor of the Grenadian Mission to the United Nations and Mr. Merab Manjgaladze, Senior Counsellor of the Georgian Mission to the UN.

Georgia is a democratic semi-presidential republic, with the President as the head of state, and Prime Minister as the head of government. It is located at the crossroads of Western Asia and Eastern Europe, and bounded to the west by the Black Sea, to the north by Russia, to the southwest by Turkey, to the south by Armenia, and to the southeast by Azerbaijan.

The Capital of Georgia is Tbilisi.

"Jericho" will be missed!

By Michael Bascombe
“Let’s prayer for the best but prepare for the worst”. That was the phrase I used in conversation with family and close friends for the past week as I monitored my colleague, friend, pal and what he termed the “tag team”, Anthony “Jericho” “The Duke” Greenidge.
Informing my colleagues and the general public of the passing of my “tag partner” was one of the most difficult assignments I have had to undertake in recent times. I knew the information will take some time to believe, and I wasn’t surprised when I received a call from a former classmate of Jericho questioning the authenticity of the alert. I understood his feelings but convinced him to the contrary.
On Thursday October 6, I spoke to Jericho from his home in New York and we discussed many things including plans to “link-up” that weekend. Like Jericho, I was excited to meet him to follow-up on some discussions we had about two months ago while in Grenada.
We shared sports information and traveled all over Grenada covering sports, especially basketball and track and field. We teamed up a few years ago to attend the Junior CARIFTA Games. And when I am not in Grenada he sends me photographs of various sporting events. His voice was familiar to the ears of spectators at the track and field stadium….”Results of event number….”

Jericho was like an extended arm of the Diaspora Information Network and among many things he will be greatly missed.
The tributes continue to come in from many of his colleagues and listeners. The Management & Staff of WEE FM Radio have also issued a statement expressing sadness on his passing.
Bro, I will miss you!
“Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, May looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow”
“What moves through us is a silence, a quiet sadness, a longing for one more day, one more word, one more touch, we may not understand why you left this earth so soon, or why you left before we were ready to say good-bye, but little by little, we begin to remember not just that you died, but that you lived. And that your life gave us memories too beautiful to forget.”
“God Be With You Till We Meet Again”

Special Prime Time Edition on WEE FM Radio on Thursday November 3, 2011
http://www.weefmgrenada.com/audio/PRIME-TIME-JERICHO-PASSING-NOVEMBER-3RD-2011.mp3

GBSS Alumni-NY Promotional Video

GBSS Alumni Association-NY hosts its Annual Christmas Dinner & Dance on Saturday December 10, 2011, under the patronage of distinguished Alumnus World 400m Champion Kirani James and Dr Anthony Bridgeman.

Tickets are on sale from any member of the Executive Committee or call 347-481-5413 for more information.

See promotional video courtesy "Old Boys Production".

Grenada's PM Thomas updates nationals in the UK

LONDON, UK, November 2, 2011 - The Prime Minister of Grenada The Honourable Tillman Thomas, on Tuesday evening addressed a packed audience in the United Kingdom, at the Novotel London West, Hammersmith International Centre.

The Grenadian Diaspora from areas in and around London, Reading, Manchester, and elsewhere, listened attentively to the Prime Minister’s presentation on the status of the Grenadian Economy and achievements of his Government in nation-building - among them:

1.       Improved Management of the Economy recognised by major regional and international organisations

2.       Revitalization of the Agricultural Sector

3.       Successful negotiation of a maritime boundary delimitation Treaty with the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

The Prime Minister mentioned that though the country was also suffering from the impact of the Global Financial Crisis, his Government was seeking ways to lower the unemployment rate and seek partnership with friendly Governments in order to improve the state of the economy and the well-being of the population.

In looking to the future, the Prime Minister mentioned the five transformational sectors for economic activity and job creation:

1.       Health, Wellness and Education Services – to include – a new Comprehensive agreement with the St George’s University to establish a new Teaching Hospital and an agreement with the University of the West Indies to establish its Open Campus in Grenada.

2.       Energy/Renewable Energy – Agreements to provide a lower cost of electricity and exploit the benefits of Geothermal energy

3.       Agribusiness – New and Creative Cocoa and poultry farms

4.       Tourism/Hospitality – Efforts to deliver a flagship hotel

5.       Information Communication Technology –  Centre for Excellence/to ensure communications technology reaches the wider population

The Prime Minister informed the audience that work had begun on the development of the Grenville Market as well as the St George’s Market, and of new initiatives including a chocolate factory at Diamond in St Mark’s and a creative thrust in food production and processing.

The Prime Minister was accompanied by Foreign Minister Hon I J Karl Hood, who addressed the meeting with an update on the services to be provided by the Office of Diaspora Affairs. The Minister expressed his appreciation to the UK Diaspora for their cooperation since the start of the Diaspora Initiative and their participation in the recent Diaspora Conference in Grenada. He also commended the Diaspora Youth Forum for their involvement and encouraged the audience to continue the partnership with their homeland.

The Minister made a call to the Grenadian Diaspora in the United Kingdom for participation in the 2012 Homecoming scheduled for August 5^th – 18^th 2012, and also for support to the Grenada Team at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

The Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, respectively, received questions and comments from the audience who complemented the Government on its achievements, and appreciation for the regular updates received from the High Commission.

Questions posed included the status of Renal Dialysis in Grenada; the Relocation of the Grenada Public Library; the growth of the Nutmeg Industry; greater involvement of the diaspora in supporting Education and Youth; and decentralization of tourism projects, among others.  

The UK Diaspora was informed that the Government was ready and willing  to engage in the process of nation-building by inviting them to share their expertise, talent and knowledge in the various sectors of the economy.

The Prime Minister and delegation will return to Grenada on Wednesday November 2^nd 2011, following participation at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Perth, Australia October 28 – 30, 2011.

SOURCE: High Commission for Grenada, London, United Kingdom

Grenada to assist Barbados in setting up of Drug Information Network

St. George’s Grenada, Tuesday November 1, 2011, MOEPRU –  Grenada has been chosen to provide technical assistance to the National Council on Substance Abuse (NCSA), Barbados, on the establishment of the Barbados Drug Information Network BARDIN.

This, coming out of a recent training workshop conducted by the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (OAS/CICAD), for BARDIN Stakeholders, at which Drug Control Officer Dave Alexander was a co-facilitator.

Alexander was invited by CICAD to co-facilitate the workshop, based on his experiences in the establishment of the Grenada Drug Information Network (GRENDIN), in 2002.  GRENDIN is being used by CICAD as a model for establishment of similar Networks in the Caribbean.

Officials from Government Institutions and NGO's involved in drug control initiatives, such as the Judiciary, Law Enforcement, Health, Education and Community Development in Barbados participated in the workshop. Two Officials from Trinidad and Tobago, and one from St. George’s University, also attended.

Mr. Francis Mc. Barnette, OAS Representative, Barbados, delivered remarks at the commencement of the workshop and in his remarks, complimented Grenada as having the best organized and most efficient drug information network in the Caribbean as well as its successful participation in the Multilateral Evaluation mechanism (MEM).

In his presentation, Alexander shared the ‘Grenada Experience’ regarding the establishment of the Grenada Drug Information Network (GRENDIN), its successes and challenges.  He also provided examples of information generated from Information Networks.

Alexander also assisted the four working groups established to formulate plans for the establishment of BARDIN, which focused on organization of participants by sector (Law enforcement, Prevention, Treatment, and Research), review of indicators by sector, development or review of data forms, development of a data collection and reporting plan and reports, publications and other outputs.

As a follow-up Alexander will now provide technical assistance toward the establishment of BARDIN.

SOURCE: Wendy Chasteau, Ministry of Education

Grenada's Finance Minister speaks on Taiwan's loan debacle

NEW YORK, November 1, 2011 - Grenada's Finance Minister Nazim Burke speaking with Rennie Bishop about the Export-Import Bank of Taiwan v. Grenada on Caribbean Corner on WWRL 1600 in New York on Saturday October 29, 2011.

Mr Burke, in answering questions, said that it's not the wish of the government to reduce this to a blame game between the government and the opposition.

"Our objective is to say to the nation this is where we are and these are the circumstances,” he said.
Caribbean Corner with Rennie Bishop is heard on Saturdays between 5-7 p.m. on WWRL 1600.

Grenada's Finance Minister - Nazim Burke, Oct 29 201 (RB) by mikebas

Grenadian Schools to receive computers from Food For The Poor

NEW YORK, NY, Nov 01, 2011 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- ServerPronto, home to the world's most affordable dedicated server, has partnered with Food For The Poor to outfit schools in Jamaica, Haiti, Grenada, and Guyana with 100 computer workshop sets to accommodate 600 students at a time.

"ServerPronto is committed to serving the needs of financially disadvantaged youths around the world. In order to drive a competitive workforce in a high-tech, global economy, learning computer skills must be a priority for students," said Chris Kurzweg, Managing Director of Infolink Group, Inc., the parent company of ServerPronto.

For this project, Food For The Poor utilized Ncomputing X550 technology that allows sharing of one PC with up to six users. One of the benefits of using this system in developing countries is that it lowers electrical consumption requirements by 90 percent. Food For The Poor has an ambitious goal to distribute 40,000 computers in the Caribbean and Latin America.

By providing computer labs for schools and orphanages in developing countries, Food For The Poor's generous donors offer students a higher level of support. The children have the advantage of a full computer lab in their school/residence, along with individual instructors who teach the basics of computation as well as assist children with homework assignments and online research.

"Giving a child access to a computer changes their lives," said Angel Aloma, Executive Director of Food For The Poor. "In our quest to end poverty, education and technology might be our best tools. Imagine the world we open up for children when we can connect, through computers, to learning that has no boundaries."

The partnership between ServerPronto and Food For The Poor is part of an effort to foster computer literacy in these Caribbean and Latin American nations by giving students broader access to computers. Studies show that computers improve both teaching and student achievement. Many experts believe computer literacy should be taught as early as possible or students will be left behind. ServerPronto's initial deployment of workstations could allow as many as 1,800 students a day to develop the computer skills they will need to succeed in the future.

"Many schools are literally starved for funds to purchase new computers. ServerPronto is grateful for the opportunity to help," said Kurzweg. "Just as our customer base is global, our charitable efforts must also be global. This is the beginning of what we hope is a long term partnership with Food For The Poor."

ServerPronto currently has customers in 122 nations. ServerPronto is part of the 'Pronto family' of companies with MailPronto, ColoPronto and CloudPronto, which have been leading a low-cost revolution in the hosting industry since 2003. ServerPronto is breaking the price barrier for dedicated hosting in secured and reinforced Data Centers with redundant power, lightning fast fiber connections, and 24x7x365 support from a staff with more than 10 years of experience building and maintaining servers and computer networks. To learn more, visit http://www.serverpronto.com .

Food For The Poor, the largest international relief and development organization in the nation, does much more than feed millions of the hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. This interdenominational Christian ministry provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 96 percent of all donations going directly to programs that help the poor.

For more information, please visit www.FoodForThePoor.org .

UHP donates Diagnostic and Laboratory equipment to Grenada’s General Hospital

File: SGU

New York, NY (PRWEB) November 1, 2011 - Urban Humanitarian Projects (UHP) announced on Monday that approximately $25,000 worth of new diagnostic tools and supplies were delivered to Grenada General Hospital.

UHP's donation included a rack loader for Bio-Rad D-10 automated hemoglobin analyzer, a Liquiprep L-500 Centrifuge, two fetal dopplers, a pulse oximeter, a fetal monitor, and additional supplies to stock the diagnostic laboratory.

Students at St. George’s University (SGU) chose the General Hospital as the beneficiary of a fundraiser event that was hosted by UHP on March 12, 2011. The event, organized in partnership with the school’s honor society, Iota Epsilon Alpha, was a massive Nintendo Wii video game tournament on campus. With generous support from students, faculty, local businesses, and the school’s Chancellor, Dr. Charles Modica, over $28,000 was raised to purchase medical equipment for the hospital.

In the months that followed the event, UHP’s project coordinators Sachin Amin and Angeline Rubasingham, who are also medical students at SGU, worked closely with the hospital to compile a list of equipment to purchase. Items were selected based on data collected from departments at the hospital and also on information gathered from individuals that lived on the island.

“We chose to focus more on screening and diagnostic equipment because early detection and treatment monitoring will not only decrease the mortality but also the morbidity associated with chronic diseases like diabetes,” said Mr. Amin.

According to data published by Grenada’s Ministry of Health, diabetes is one of the major cause of death on the island. Although there are many reasons for this statistic, one issue faced by many citizens is the limited access to quality health care. Grenada General Hospital, funded by the Grenadian government, is the main community health center that serves the public. Unfortunately, the hospital is limited in its resources and many individuals may not be able receive care in a timely manner. UHP attempts to somewhat enhance this situation with the newly donated Bio-Rad D10 Rack Loader, which will greatly increase efficiency by allowing the laboratory to analyze blood samples from up to 50 patients at one time.

The donation also included items to restock the laboratory for many routine tests and equipment to enhance prenatal and neonatal care. These supplies will allow the hospital to screen and diagnose conditions like Dengue fever, peptic ulcer disease, anemia, syphilis, and renal disease for several months. Similarly, the fetal dopplers and monitor will provide physicians the information necessary to diagnose and treat conditions that are unique to pregnant mothers and newborns.

“This donation, made possible by the SGU community, will influence the lives of thousands of Grenadians over the next few years. We are grateful for everyone who supported this cause, especially Dr. Charles Modica, who donated $14,000 to the fundraiser,” added Ms. Rubasingham.

Dr. Modica, SGU's Chancellor, has been supporting UHP generously over the past year by matching all fundraisers held at the university. Over the past year, UHP and the SGU community raised approximately $100,000 for humanitarian projects worldwide.

UHP is a New York based nonprofit organization that operates under the fiscal sponsorship of FJC. The organization focuses on improving health and education in urban communities through giving, mentorship, and fundraising campaigns.

Grenada signs concept agreement for Climate Change Projects

St. George’s, November 1, 2011 - Environment Minister, the Hon. Joseph Gilbert, on Monday October 31, signed a five (5) million Euro "concept agreement'' for projects in climate change with German Government representative, Michael Scholze.

Mr. Scholze, who is leading a visiting mission to Grenada, signed the agreement on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety.

One of the main objectives of the new programme will be to deliver funds to local communities in Grenada to help them combat and adapt to the adverse effects of climate change, such as droughts and sea level rise.

The concept agreement is titled “Programme of Integrated Adaptation Strategies in Grenada.”

 Mr. Scholze and his appraisal mission team, comprising representatives from the German Development Agency known as GIZ, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Climate Analytics, spent over a week in Grenada to jointly develop, with their Grenadian partners, an overall concept for the project. The exercise included a national stakeholders' consultation process.

The programme concept will be used by GIZ and UNDP as the basis for the preparation of their project offer that will be presented for consideration and approval to the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety.

Four proposed components for the programme – including the setting up of a Community Climate Change Adaptation Fund – were developed to utilize the 5 million Euros – EC$19 million – promised by Germany.

Component 1:         Strategic national approach to integrating and mainstreaming climate

resilience across sectors.

Component 2:          Climate resilient integrated Water and Coastal Resource Management.

Component 3:     Implementing pilot adaptation and climate resilience activities on the ground supporting communities to improve livelihoods and combat the effects of droughts, extreme floods and sea level rise.

Component 4:            Knowledge management and establishment of capacity to access climate

Finance.

The project will support an integrated approach to water and coastal resource management, mainstreaming climate change considerations into the water and coastal resource sector.

Included in the overall objectives of the programme are fostering inter-sectoral coordination and collaboration, and implementing concrete on-the-ground measures for climate change risk management in highly vulnerable communities.

Apart from a national consultation held on October 27 to develop the general concept of the project, the visitors’ itinerary included a field trip throughout the island and interviews with various government officials and technical partners. Several sites affected and vulnerable to future climate change were visited.

PHOTO: Joseph Gilbert and Michael Scholze shake hands after signing concept agreement

SOURCE: Kareen Morain, Ministry of Environment, Foreign Trade and Export Development

Contract awarded for rehab of Vendome School

St. George’s, Grenada, November 1, 2011, MOEPRU – A contract has been awarded to F.A. Alexander and Associates Co. Limited for the rehabilitation of Vendome Roman Catholic School.

The contract amounts to Seven Hundred and Seven Thousand, Eight Hundred and Eighty-four dollars and Twenty-seven cents Eastern Caribbean Currency. (EC$707,884.27)

Vendome R.C. is one of four schools that will benefit under phase 2 of the Government of Grenada/Caribbean Development Bank’s Schools Rehabilitation and Expansion Project.

The other schools, for which contracts have not yet been awarded, are Grenville Secondary School, which will receive a new wing and refurbishment to the existing structure, Mt. Rose SDA Comprehensive, which will also receive a new wing, and refurbishments and St. Josephs Convent St. George, which will receive an administrative block.

Four schools have already been expanded and refurbished in phase 1 of the government of Grenada/Caribbean Development Bank’s Schools Rehabilitation and Expansion Project.  They are St. Mark’s Secondary, St. Andrew’s Anglican Secondary, Anglican High and the Crochu R.C. Schools.

A sod turning ceremony, to signal the start of work at Vendome R.C. will be held on a date to be announced.

SOURCE: Ministry of Education