Fostering cultural cooperation between CARICOM and Canada

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, May 9, 2012 - Identifying technical assistance to build capacity in cultural cooperation and trade and innovation was one of the areas focused on at a consultation for negotiations between CARICOM and Canada.

Officials of CARICOM and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) visited the island recently to meet with local stakeholders to hear first-hand the concerns specific to Grenada to include in the negotiations with Canada.

Some of the areas under technical assistance in the draft text include the development of digitalisation of audio visual archives; and the development of film animation and video art capabilities.

Grenada also reported keen interest in securing technical assistance in facilitating compliance with international and regional standards to ensure compatibility and interoperability of audio-visual technologies, and in the development of international theatre technology standards.

The consultation also sought to increase the awareness of the private and public sectors of the CARICOM-Canada Trade and Development Agreement.

Malcolm Spence, Senior Coordinator of the Office of Trade Negotiations (OTN) of the CARICOM Secretariat said the concerns gathered from Grenada and other regional member-states will fast-track efforts to meet the deadline to complete an agreement with Canada.

The Senior Coordinator of the OTN said Canada has a current waiver in place for CARICOM which will expire at the end of 2013. He also noted that Ministers of Trade in the region have requested a report by the end of July this year to have a clearer understanding of how negotiations will likely unfold.

Grenada’s Minister with responsibility for Information, ICT and National Mobilisation, Sen. Glen Noel, indicated that discussions for the new trade and development agreement between CARICOM and Canada began in 2001.

He said CARICOM Heads of Government proposed to their Canadian counterpart for negotiations that would lead to a more mature trading relationship to enhance existing arrangements, and to fulfil the objectives of the economic development of CARICOM countries.

The objectives include broadening the scope of the current instruments of trade and economic cooperation; deepening disciplines to improve market access for CARICOM exports of goods and services; and providing a more secure and predictable environment for bilateral trade.

Mrs Sally Anne Bagwhan-Logie, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment and Trade, noted that trade and culture play an important role in the socio-economic development of Grenada.

She said fora, such as the CARICOM/OECS consultation, give calypsonians, playwrights and other artistes an opportunity to share information on barriers faced when seeking to export cultural services.

The Permanent Secretary said the Ministry welcomes additional inputs from stakeholders in driving the process forward.  
SOURCE: Kareen Morain, Public Relations Officer
Ministry of the Environment, Foreign Trade & Export Development

PM Thomas meets with Foreign Secretary Hague ahead of UK-Caribbean Forum

By Michael Bascombe

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, January 20, 2012 - Prime Minister Tillman Thomas is hoping that this weekend’s seventh UK-Caribbean Forum being hosted in Grenada will result in a clearer understanding of key issues important in the strengthening of relations between the Caribbean and the United Kingdom.

Prime Minister Thomas made the comments during a brief discussion with UK’s Foreign Secretary Williams Hague on Friday.

Mr Hague is leading a large UK delegation to the Forum which begins on Friday evening with a welcome reception at the Grenadian by Rex Resorts.

The Prime Minister thanked the visiting Foreign Minister for the UK’s continued assistance to the Caribbean especially in areas of security, climate change and development aid.

Mr Hague also congratulated Grenada on its leadership role on climate change during its tenure as Chair of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS).

“Climate change remains a global responsibility and we admired the leading role Grenada played in recent climate change talks,” he said.

The Foreign Secretary, who was accompanied by the Director of the Americas Angus Lapsley, also met with Foreign Affairs Minister Karl Hood.

Prime Minister Thomas presented a painting of the Carenage by Grenadian resident and well known artist Susan Mains while the Mr Hague presented a hardcover copy of his book “William Wilberforce: The Life of the Great Anti-Slave Trade Campaigner.

UN environmental workshop for Grenada

ST GEORGE’S, December 26, 2011 – Grenada is to be the venue of a United Nations’ environmental workshop.

It will be held here around June 2012, Environment Minister Joseph Gilbert has announced.

“This workshop, which will be funded by the United Nations Environment Programme, will put Grenada on the map as being the first country in the western hemisphere to host  such a meeting. Environmentalists from all over the world will converge on Grenada for that important forum on the environment,’’ Minister Gilbert said in his 2011 Christmas Message.

He said Grenada has been getting increased international support from countries such as Germany, South Korea, Japan and China for projects aimed at preserving the nation’s natural environment.

“One of the critical tasks for us now, as a government, is to ensure that when these environmental projects come on-stream, that as many persons as possible obtain some degree of employment,’’ said Hon. Gilbert, who is also Minister for Foreign Trade and Export Development  

The outlook, he said, is that “things would get better’’ in 2012 for Grenadians, including the people of the Parish of St. Patrick.

“For us in St. Patrick, this New Year would see the commencement of work on the St. Patrick's Road Network Upgrade Project. It is also the year when the people of Snell Hall, La Fortune, Madeys and Morne Fendue will see their age-old dream to have their own playing field and resource center become a reality,’’ said Mr. Gilbert who MP for St. Patrick West. The MP for St. Patrick East is Prime Minister Hon. Tillman Thomas.

In his message, MP Gilbert thanked his constituents for their “clear demonstration of solidarity, love and patriotism.’’

“Your support for me as your MP since 2008, and particularly over the  past three months, has been a source of strength and consolation,’’ he added. “I look forward to serving you with even greater commitment and fervour in 2012.’’

Here’s the text of the Christmas Message delivered by MP Joseph Gilbert, Minister for the Environment, Foreign Trade and Export Development.

Fellow Grenadians:

As we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, I bring you warm and fraternal season's greetings.

Christmas for most of us is a time of sharing. It is a time when we remember the less fortunate in our society and ensure that they, too, share in the joys and festivities of the season.  For many of us, Christmas is celebrated as one of the most important time in the Christian calendar: a time of praise and worship; a time to refocus our lives, and make the extra effort to reflect on the mysteries of man's salvation – a salvation that was ushered in with the birth of Jesus Christ more than two thousand years ago.

Brothers and Sisters, we are celebrating yet another Christmas in a world that continues to struggle to cope with one of the worst economic recessions in history.  Several of the major world economic powers are grappling with the problem of high unemployment and social unrest.

Despite all these global challenges, we in Grenada still have much to be thankful for in the year 2011: our country rose to world fame as we captured the spotlight on the stage of international athletics.   Kirani James, Rondell Bartholomew and other national sports men and women did Grenada proud. At home, notwithstanding localised flooding and its associated problems in some parts of our country, by the grace of God and through His blessings, we suffered no hurricane whatsoever. Bearing in mind the negative impact of the effect of green-house gas emission on global weather patterns – such as the increased frequency and severity of storms and other adverse weather conditions – we in Grenada must indeed be truly grateful that in 2011 we were  spared the worst of these negative impacts.

Since assuming my new portfolio as Minister with responsibility for Environment, Foreign Trade and Export Development, we have consistently informed you of the growing international support that Grenada is receiving to undertake several projects related to the preservation of our natural environment.

In this season of sharing and thanksgiving, I want to take this opportunity to thank the several countries that have committed to help us with our local environmental challenges. These countries include Germany, South Korea, Japan and the People's Republic of China, to name but a few.  One of the critical tasks for us now, as a government, is to ensure that when these environmental projects come on-stream, that as many persons as possible obtain some degree of employment.

Grenada is also expected to host an international workshop on the environment in the middle of 2012.  This workshop, which will be funded by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), will put Grenada on the map as being the first country in the western hemisphere to host  such a meeting. Environmentalists from all over the world will converge on Grenada for that important forum on the environment.

In 2012, also, my Ministry is expected to participate in an important trade expo in South Korea. The opportunity for our local manufacturers and entrepreneurs to capitalise on this exposure to international markets is tremendous. The point I am making, is that there is great prospect that things would get better for us as a Nation and as a people in 2012.

I take this opportunity to extend special season's greetings to all my constituents of St. Patrick West. You have been there for me in good times and in tough times. Your support for me as your MP since 2008, and particularly over the past three months, has been a source of strength and consolation. Your clear demonstration of solidarity, love and patriotism must never go unnoticed. I look forward to serving you with even greater commitment and fervour in 2012.

For us in St. Patrick, this New Year would see the commencement of work on the St. Patrick's Road Network Upgrade Project. It is also the year when the people of Snell Hall, La Fortune, Madeys and Morne Fendue will see their age-old dream to have their own playing field and resource center become a reality. 2012 will also feature important progress with regard to the Sauteurs Road Network Expansion Project; that would ultimately result in the construction of several new streets in the Town of Sauteurs.

 The coming on-stream of these major projects in St. Patrick is intended to complement the long list of small infrastructure projects that would be undertaken at the village level in the New Year, with God's help.

Brothers and Sisters, as we continue to celebrate this festive season,  I admonish you to also remember the true reason for Christmas. Let us show others that we truly care. Let us ensure that our neighbours have a decent meal. Let us ensure that every child has a toy. Let us ensure that the elderly and the shut-ins are visited and taken care of. Let the true spirit of “good will among men’’ manifest itself by our unselfish giving from the heart.

I take this opportunity, also, to wish the diligent management and staff of the Ministry of Environment, Foreign Trade and Export Development a very happy Christmas, and a bright and productive New Year.

To all my fellow Grenadians at home and abroad, on behalf of the Staff of the Ministry of Environment, Foreign Trade and Export Development and myself and family, I wish you a Blessed, Peaceful and Enjoyable Christmas; and a Healthy and Prosperous New Year.

Grenada to receive German-funded Climate Change Projects

by Michael Bascombe

DURBAN, South Africa, December 6, 2011 – Grenada is one of two countries selected to benefit from a pilot programme being offered by Germany to cope with the effects of climate change.

Foreign Affairs Minister Karl Hood on Tuesday signed a €5 million (EC$18 million) joint ministerial declaration to fund natural resource management projects. Mali is the other country to benefit from the German-funded programme.

Also participating in the signing were Germany’s Minister for Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, Nobert Roettgen and Minister for Environment and Water Sanitation of Mali, Tiemoko Sangare.

The four-year project will among other things improve planning, management and efficient use of water resources through the establishment of integrated water resource management approaches to meet the demand of reliable and sustainable freshwater supply in a changing climate.

It will also increase adaptive capacity of communities through the implementation of pilot community based adaptation activities on the mainland and in Carriacou and Petite Martinique and enable access to public and private funding for climate change measures.

The Grenadian Minister said that the project targets both government and the sectors and communities already being impacted by climate change. Communities will also benefit from improved services associated with stronger national institutions and service providers.

“It is within this context that this Pilot Programme on Integrated Adaptation Strategies, in Grenada, will address the gaps and contribute to improving climate resilience at the national and sectoral levels through an integrated strategic approach to adaptation to climate change,” he said.

He said the adaptation project seeks to promote an integrated approach to water resources and coastal zone management, mainstreaming climate change considerations into the water and coastal resource sector. 

“It is our hope that at the end of this programme, we would be able to incorporate climate change issues in the national planning process and investment decisions of key relevant ministries,” he added. 

“I am also convinced that the proposed pilot programme will have to be ‘country led and country driven’ and will create and excellent opportunity to share lessons learnt and best practice with other small island states.”

Tuesday’s signing came after the visit of a scoping mission to Grenada at the end of October where consultations were held with key stakeholders including Ministries, private sector and non-governmental organisations to agree on areas of intervention and adaptation.

Consideration was also given to the key areas identified by the climate change policy which included water resource management, coastal management and data management.

Grenada to get China assistance in Climate Change Adaptation

by Michael Bascombe

DURBAN, South Africa, December 5, 2011 - Grenada is to benefit from a multi-million dollar Chinese project aimed at adapting to climate change.

Under an AOSIS- China Climate Change Adaptation Pilot Programme (CAAP), Grenada will receive more than two million US dollars in technology assistance in the first tranche, over a five-year period.

The announcement was made on Monday by China’s Vice Minister of the National Development and Reform Commission, Xie Zhenhua, on the sidelines of the 17^th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Durban, South Africa.

The project is characterised by a capitalised Revolving Fund as the key mechanism to help Small Island Developing States (SIDS) adapt to climate change.

Grenada’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Karl Hood said that the technology transfer revolving fund/CAAP would provide private and public sector agencies in SIDS, with financing for the acquisition of hardware, equipment and training from China, on loans, with repayment linked to the savings in fuel imports.

“Such upfront financing is considered critical to the successful development of a sustainable energy sector in SIDS,” he said.

“South-South cooperation is not new and China has consistently demonstrated this,” said Minister Hood. “What is new, additional and is very promising, is the application of these efforts to climate change and climate change adaptation, mitigation and financing.”

The immediate beneficiaries of the project are major public buildings including the Ministerial and Financial Complexes, Hospitals and Police and Fire Stations.

Lighting and cooling technologies will be implemented under the first phase of the project with the replacement of the current T12 (40 watts 4 feet long) fluorescent bulbs with the LED equivalent and fitted with an adaptor that allows it to be slotted into an existing T12 fitting.

More than 20,000 LED equivalents will replace the fluorescent bulbs and about 1,000 incandescent 100 watts (screw fitting) bulbs used for exterior security lighting with the LED equivalent with photocells, according to Energy and Sustainable Development Advisor, Hugh Sealy.

The plan is also to replace existing High Pressure Sodium street lamps with the LED equivalent. The Grenada Electricity Company Ltd (GRENLEC), at the request of the Government of Grenada, installs between 600 to 900 new streetlights per year. Currently there are approximately 8,000 streetlights installed in Grenada.

It is hoped that Grenada can request approximately 3,000 LED streetlights. However, a pilot programme is requested before moving to full procurement. GRENLEC will also require a service contract with the supplier.

Sealy said that Grenada is also interested in the use of solar technology to achieve space cooling. “It’s estimated that up to 50 percent of the energy costs for buildings is for air-conditioning,” he said. “We are particularly interested in using solar hot water and absorption chillers for air-conditioning.”

Initially, the Financial and Ministerial Complexes will be targeted in the CAAP.

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

Grenadian Minister praises staff support, looks forward to tenure

St. George’s, October 31, 2011 – Minister for Environment, Foreign Trade and Export Development,  Hon. Joseph Gilbert,  is “extremely happy with the level of support’’ he has been getting from management and staff since taking up his new assignment at the Ministry about three weeks ago.

Mr. Gilbert was warmly received at the Ministry on his first day on the job, with staff putting on a “sumptuous welcoming breakfast.’’

Since then, Mr. Gilbert has been treated to several briefing sessions, and  said he is “looking forward to having as good a tenure in this new Ministry as I had in the Ministry of Works.’’

He held the Works’ portfolio for three years until an October 7 Cabinet reshuffle in which Prime Minister Tillman Thomas moved Mr. Gilbert to the Ministry for Environment, Foreign Trade and Export Development. The new Minister for Works, Physical Development and Public Utilities is Senator Dennoth Modeste.

Among Minister Gilbert’s most recent briefing sessions was one held last Friday, October 28, with climate change negotiators, Dr. Spencer Thomas and Mr. Leon Charles. The two have been very instrumental in asserting Grenada's role as an important world leader on climate change matters.

Others participating in last Friday’s briefing with the Minister were Dr. Bill Hare, Technical Consultant to the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), and Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of the Environment, Ms. Helen Roden.

Grenada currently holds the chairmanship of AOSIS and has been intimately involved in meetings of COP – the Conferences of the Parties – where assessment is done annually on progress being made in dealing with climate change.

Minister Gilbert is due to sit as chair for the group of countries in the upcoming COP 17 climate change negotiations and meeting in Durban, South Africa, later this year.

At the Durban meeting, the Minister will also sign an important bilateral agreement with Germany. Under the agreement, Grenada will receive five million Euros – about EC$19 million – in grant funds.

The money will be used to undertake several climate change adaptation projects in Grenada, starting next year.

These projects, according to Minister Gilbert, would be implemented through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Germany's Society for International Cooperation (GIZ).

Left – right are Dr. Bill Hare, Dr. Spencer Thomas, Minister Joseph Gilbert, Mr. Leon Charles and Permanent Secretary, Helen Roden.


Source: Kareen Morain, Ministry of Environment, Foreign Trade & Export Development.

Grenada to benefit from five million euros for climate change projects

St. George’s, 26 October, 2011 - Grenada is one of two countries that will benefit from five million Euros – approximately EC$19 million – in bilateral support for climate change adaptation projects from the Government of Germany.
German environmental specialists met with Minister of Environment Hon. Joseph Gilbert on Monday and have been meeting with various stakeholders (government and civil society) in Grenada to discuss project ideas and proposals and to hold a national stakeholder consultation.
The opportunity for bilateral funding first presented itself at a climate change meeting held recently in Panama City, Panama, where Grenada was selected along with Mali as one of two pilot study countries.
Support to Grenada came because of its current position as Chairman of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS).
The German scoping mission is following up on initial contact made in Panama, to identify in an inclusive, party driven manner adaptation projects that are “on the ground”, "visible" and most importantly "sustainable" that both governments through their Ministries of Environment could support.
Pertinent “adaptation” projects to address issues relating to the devastating impact of climate change on vulnerable sectors in the Tri-Island state will be discussed and crystallized into projects to be implemented through the United Nation Development Programme (UNDP) and Germany’s Society for International Cooperation (GIZ). Cross cutting issues like capacity building, environmental awareness and education will also be discussed.
UNDP is the United Nations’ global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build better lives. GIZ supports the German Government in achieving its objectives in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development.
The Ministry of Environment, Foreign Trade and Export Development has been working in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to organize the meetings and gather feedback.
The mission is headed by Mr. Michael Scholze of GIZ and includes Ms Diana Salvemine (UNDP Adaptation specialist); Dr Bill Hare and Ms Henrike Doebert (Climate Analyst), Dr Renold Murray (UNDP) and Ms Margit Potgieter (Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany in Grenada).

PHOTO: Minister for the Environment Hon Joseph Gilbert flanked by Ag. Permanent Secretary Helen Roden, Ministry of Environment Staff and German Environmental Officials

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

Grenada, Japan talk Environmental Cooperation

St. George’s, October 11, 2011 – Grenada and Japan have held discussions on ways for further collaboration on environmental-related matters.

The latest round of discussions took place Monday between visiting Japanese Ambassador for Civil Society, Akira Yamada, and Honourable Joseph Gilbert, Minister for the Environment, Foreign Trade and Export Development.

It was Mr. Gilbert’s first official engagement as Environment Minister, following a breakfast welcoming reception hosted by his staff.

During their meeting, Minister Gilbert and Ambassador Yamada examined a number of issues, including the impact of climate change on vulnerable islands such as Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

The ambassador noted that Japan itself is also an island and faces many similar environmental problems to Grenada’s.  He pledged to work with Grenada on identifying areas of convergence in the environment portfolio.

The two sides also discussed the possibility of Japan sharing technology for renewable energy options with Grenada’s Energy Unit, and in providing expertise in coastal and biodiversity management and in conservation matters.

Ambassador Yamada, accompanied by officials of the Grenada Solid Waste Management Authority, also visited the Perseverance dumping site in St. George’s.

Solid waste management, as well as water availability and infrastructure development in the Grenada water sector, were also part of the discussions held with the Japanese Ambassador, who is Deputy Director General for Global Issues.

Global Issues is a non-governmental world organization concerned with environmental, social, political and economic issues – including poverty, racism and food and agriculture – and their effects on people and nations.

Photo: Minister for the Environment Hon. Joseph Gilbert and Deputy Director General for Global Issues, Akira Yamada


Source: Kareen Morain, Ministry of Environment, Foreign Trade & Export Development

PM Thomas announces Cabinet changes

Address by Grenada's Prime Minister Tillman Thomas regarding Ministerial Portfolio Adjustments.

Grenada: Capacity of Small Island States to pursue development agenda limited

NARR: The capacity of small-island developing States (SIDS), to effectively move towards the achievement of their development objectives in the areas of transport, waste management, chemicals, mining and sustainable consumption and production patterns must be viewed against the backdrop of the ongoing effects of the recent economic and financial crisis.  That's what Grenada's Representative Ambassador Dessima Williams told Commission on Sustainable Development as it began a session aimed at taking policy decisions on practical measures to bolster implementation on five areas: again transport, waste management, chemicals, mining and sustainable consumption and production patterns; and the increasing volatility of the prices of food, fuel and other commodities on which their economies of small island developing states are heavily dependent.  Speaking on behalf of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), Ambassador Williams said this increasing volatility bears heavily on the economies of small developing states in addition to the burden of the impacts of Climate Change. And she noted that challenges such as these have undoubtedly depleted the already limited capacities of AOSIS to pursue their overall development agenda.

WILLIAMS: AOSIS will continue to make known its priority issues within the key thematic clusters during these two weeks of the CSD proper, but today, we would like to take the opportunity to briefly highlight some of these main issues. Transport and communication are the life lines of the SIDS within their own countries, as well as with each other and the outside world. Furthermore, the impacts of climate change have severe negative effects on the transport capacity of SIDS, given the close proximity of our transport infrastructure to the coast and rising sea-levels. This year, the Secretary General's report on "Policy options and actions for expediting progress in implementation: transport" states that transport and mobility are essential preconditions for sustainable development. Clearly transport remains at the heart of sustainable development and SIDS remain at a disadvantage which makes this a major impediment to the growth of the SIDS economies. These factors, in addition to the geographical remoteness which characterises most SIDS, mean that transportation costs are quite exorbitant, and constrain these states' ability to provide reliable and efficient air, land and maritime transport services.

NARR: Ambassador Williams stressed that AOSIS looked forward to the Outcome Document reflecting the prioritization of adequate and sustained international support to address the high and increasing costs of transport services and communication in small island developing states, through support for improved infrastructure and networks and climate proofing. This, she said, is especially so given that the Commission on Sustainable Development is the primary intergovernmental forum for monitoring the implementation of the Mauritius Strategy and the Barbados Programme of Action.

WILLIAMS: SIDS are committed to efficient management of waste, and while significant progress has been reported for some SIDS, research shows otherwise . There remain numerous challenges which must be addressed as a matter of urgency given the negative effects which poor waste management practices are having on the sustainability of marine areas, health, food supplies and tourism in SIDS. One major challenge has been the flooding of waste disposal sites due to their proximity to coastal areas. The trans-boundary movement of hazardous wastes and chemicals also affects the marine ecosystems of SIDS given that their economic and environmental sustainability and livelihoods are intrinsically linked with the sea. It is for this reason that more effective regional mechanisms have to be developed to protect SIDS' oceans and coastal zones from ship-generated wastes and challenges posed by the transboundary movement of hazardous material.

NARR: Ambassador Williams said SIDS supported the recommendation of an earlier Commission on Sustainable Development Intersessional Conference on Building Partnerships for Moving Towards Zero Waste for the promotion of the 3R's leading to the reduction of waste at its sources and the reduction of the total volume of waste requiring disposal, as well as the reuse and recycle of waste. And on the subject of chemicals:

WILLIAMS: The use of Chemicals continues to be necessary in the economic development of all countries, including Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Therefore, the need to manage chemicals in an environmentally sound manner as highlighted in Agenda 21 and in the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation remains relevant to this day. We continue to support the effective implementation of the main chemicals-related Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAS), namely the Stockholm, Basel and Rotterdam Conventions as well as the Montreal Protocol. However, the fulfillment of all the obligations under many of these treaties remains a major challenge for developing countries, especially Small Island Developing States. In this regard, we request that a comprehensive global financing strategy for chemicals be developed as a matter of priority to support implementation of these MEAs by developing country Parties. It is also necessary to further enhance the support given to regional technical centres designated under the Basel and Stockholm Conventions so that they can effectively respond to the needs of their constituents.

NARR: Grenada's Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Dessima Williams.  This is Donn Bobb reporting.

UN-backed test shows need to improve Caribbean Tsunami warning system

AP Photo

New York, Mar 26 2011 - The first full-scale test of the tsunami warning system in the Caribbean has highlighted the need to reinforce preparations as well as improve communication, evacuation plans and the role of the private sector, the United Nations said today.

The simulated tsunami alert, dubbed Caribe Wave 2011, was carried out on 23 March and involved 34 countries. Under the test scenario, a 7.6-magnitude earthquake was signaled off the coast of the Virgin Islands, which generated a tsunami with waves reaching of up to ten metres.

The exercise tested the Tsunami and Other Coastal Hazards Warning System for the Caribbean and Adjacent Regions (Caribe EWS), which was set up in 2005 under the aegis of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

"The exercise highlighted a number of gaps in the transmission of information," UNESCO stated in a news release, noting that in several areas, the message was not received by the Global Telecommunications System (GTS).

In other cases, reception of messages via the Emergency Managers Weather Information Network (EMWIN) failed. At national level only a few mobile telephone operators joined the exercise.

Populations and media throughout the region keenly followed the exercise, which also allowed for an evaluation of evacuation plans and the role of the private sector in the case of a catastrophe, the agency added.

"I am delighted with the level of participation in this exercise and the interest that has been shown by local populations," said UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova. "Such drills are essential to evaluate the efficiency of warning systems and ensure their efficient operation when catastrophe strikes."

Similar exercises have been held in the Pacific (2008) and Indian Ocean (2009) regions.

Minister Hood attends Climate Change meeting in Tokyo

TOKYO, Japan, March 3, 2011 - Environment Minister Karl Hood is attending the 9^th Informal Meeting on Further Actions against Climate Change which opened on Thursday in Japan.

Mr Hood, who also holds ministerial responsibilities for Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Export Development, will be making a presentation on Adaptation and leading the discussion on further actions to be taken following the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Cancun, Mexico last December.

The two-day meeting, jointly organised by the governments of Japan and Brazil, is being attended by officials from around the world.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, the UNFCCC Executive Secretary Christiana Figueres called on governments to quickly transform the Cancun Agreements, agreed at the UN Climate Change Conference in Mexico, into tangible action on the ground, and provide clarity on the future of the Kyoto Protocol.

“Governments must now implement quickly what they agreed in Cancun and take the next big climate step this year in Durban,” she said. 

Ms. Figueres described the outcome of the UN Climate Change Conference in Mexico as a solid step forward for strengthened global climate action, encompassing the basis for the largest collective effort the world has ever seen to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Minster Hood returns to Grenada on Sunday.

Venezuelan-funded projects to commence in January

by Michael Bascombe

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, January 19, 2011 – Three Venezuelan-funded projects are expected to commence here this month, according to Foreign Affairs Minister Karl Hood.

In making his presentation to the 2011 Budget Debate on Wednesday, Mr Hood said that the second phase of the Hospital Project in St George’s; the main market square and a number of community projects including playing fields, upliftment programmes, community centre recreation activities and maintenance.

Two years ago Venezuela delivered on a promise and handed over 120 low cost houses to Grenada for distribution to persons displaced as a result of Hurricane Ivan in 2004.

Mr Hood said that following on the delimitation of boundaries with Trinidad and Tobago, Government will be pursuing areas of Ocean Management to maximise our marine resources.

“We will also be pursuing delimitations negotiations with Venezuela with whom we share common boundaries,” he said.

He noted Grenada’s leadership role among the 43-member Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) and at the forefront of the struggle for climate justice and for positive outcomes at future summits of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Mr Hood, who also holds portfolios for Environment, Foreign Trade and Export Development, said that the Ministry has secured funding and will implement four Climate Change projects in 2011.

They include the World Bank supported Pilot Project on Climate Resilience; the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) project for Mainstreaming Climate Change in the Development Agenda; Water and Small Community Projects.

He said that the Ministry has submitted project proposals in excess of $30 million which are actively receiving consideration under various countries’ Adaptation Financing Programmes.

Delegates begin arriving for COP16 in Cancun

by Michael Bascombe

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prime Minister regrets the resignation of MP Michael Church

From the Office of the Prime Minister

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

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

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

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

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

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

AOSIS calls for urgent action to transform global economy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grenada offers to help Islands affected by Tomas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Minister Church calls for coordination and assistance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Welcome

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

Excellences, Dignitaries, Fellow Islanders, Ladies and Gentlemen

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• There are Three primary components of the Challenge:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you very much