Senator suggests establishing award for Grenadian authors

St. George’s, July 29, 2010 (GIS) – Grenada may soon introduce a national award to honour its writers. The announcement was made July 28 by Senator Arley Gill, Minister of State with Responsibility for Information, Information and Communication Technology, and Culture.

He was speaking at the Esplanade Mall on Bruce Street at the media launch of the Department of Culture’s inaugural Spice Word Festival and Book Fair, and the Camahogne Folk Festival.

Senator Gill wants “tangible recognition’’ given to Grenadian writers, some of whom are well-known published authors living in North America and Europe.

The Spice Word literary festival – which would involve a book fair of the works of Grenadian authors, poetry and an art exhibition – will be held October 20 to 24 – at various venues, including St. Mark, Bathway in St. Patrick and the National Stadium in St. George’s.

The featured Grenadian writers will be Clyde Belfon, David Franklyn and Merle Collins. However, Sen. Gill said the Word Festival and Book Fair are open to “all Grenadian writers’’ of every genre.

The Wednesday afternoon media launch, which included a brief performance from some members of the Grenada delegation to the recent Shanghai Expo in China, was witnessed by scores of shoppers and attended by prominent Grenadians, including Mr. Belfon and Ms. Collins, who read excerpts from their works.

Among others in attendance were Education and Human Resource Development Minister Franka Alexis-Bernardine; Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Glynis Roberts; Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office, Arlene Outram; retired senior public servant, Gloria Payne-Banfield; and Beverly Steele, author and former Resident Tutor University of the West Indies Centre at Marryshow House.

Government, Sen. Bernardine said, is dedicated to promoting local writers. As a clear demonstration of its commitment, the Ministry of Education is setting up a section in every school where books by Grenadian authors will be displayed and made accessible for student readership commencing at the end of October, she announced.

The Camerhogne Folk Festival – from December 3 to 5 – will involve elements such as drama, dance, song, craft and the Shakespeare Mas’ of Carriacou.Sen. Gill said the overall objective of the October and December events – the first of their kind in Grenada – is to highlight and preserve the literary and oral traditions of the nation.

The Camerhogne Festival will honour well-known Grenadian folklorist, Thelma Phillip, popularly known as “Auntie Tek.’’ She’ll be recognised as the “Caribbean Golden Lady of Storytelling,’’ said Sen. Gill.

Two special guests – Jamaican poet Mutabaruka and Trinidad Rapso artiste, Brother Resistance – have been invited to the festival of words and book fair in October.

Sen. Gill said plans are to take the festivals “to the people’’ of Grenada, and also to “aggressively’’ market them overseas.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Agriculture division embarks on revitalisation

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ambassador Stephen Fletcher seeking financial and technical support for Grenada

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Strengthening ties

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

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

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

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

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

Grenada urges US to support Energy Security and Climate Change

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grenadian Minister calls for more engagement among youth in Diaspora

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

by Betty-Ann Lazarus

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Welcomed airlift news for Grenada

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tourism, carnival and airline travel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Insurance institute suggested for Grenada

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

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

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

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

“Nothing moves without insurance,’’ Roberts said.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Air Jamaica returns to Grenada

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

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

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

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

flight    departs                                         arrives                                        frequency

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

·         2 bags free in Lovebird Economy class

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

·         10% Discount for accompanied children and senior citizens

·         Student waivers for date changes

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

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

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

Grenadian students among hundreds of City Tech Graduates

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GRENADIAN STUDENTS AMONG OUTSTANDING GRADUATES AT MSU

TEXAS, May 23, 2010 - Eight Grenadian students earned degrees, and two earned masters, at Midwestern State University’s May commencement ceremonies.  

Sigmund Courtney earned a master of science in biology. The former teacher at St. Joseph’s Convent St. George’s previously earned a BS in chemistry. 

Stephen Matthew Joseph earned a master of business administration. He previously earned a bachelor of business information. 

Several of the Grenadians earning bachelor’s degrees were recognised with honours achievement. 

George Robinson “Ants” Cornwall, a former national team goalkeeper and policeman, earned a bachelor of criminal justice degree.  Cornwall achieved magna cum laude honours. 

Kevaughan Graham earned a bachelor of business administration in accounting with magna cum laude honours.  Graham also had the distinction of serving as the university’s student government president this past year.  He was named “man of the year” at the university and awarded the Viola Grady Award for excellence in service. 

Melissa Fraser earned a bachelor of science in radiologic science. She achieved cum laude honours. 

Shennel George earned a bachelor of business administration degree in marketing.  George, who hails from Carriacou, earned cum laude honours.  

Kinda Williams-Braveboy earned a bachelor of science in nursing with cum laude honours. She previously earned a bachelor of science in psychology. 

Naureen Mitchell also earned a bachelor of science in Nursing.  Lovell Felix earned a bachelor of business administration in management information systems, and Everil Bonaparte earned a bachelor of business administration in management and finance. 

Red Hot Flames of Antigua provided a five-hour concert and was wildly cheered by over 400 Caribbean students and guests.

Midwestern has graduated over 600 Caribbean students in the past 14 years including almost 200 Grenadians. Twenty-five new students from Grenada have been accepted to Midwestern State University this August, and will be part of almost 1,000 recruits from the Caribbean in the history of the seventeen year old programme.   

Group Photo of Grenadian graduates…left to right…  Kevaughan Graham; Stephen Joseph; Shennel George; Everil Bonaparte; Kinda Williams-Braveboy; Naureen Mitchell; Melissa Fraser; Lovell Felix; Sigmund Courtney; Robinson “Ants” Cornwall.

 

Carriacou & Petit Martinique Sports Council Launched

Hillsborough, Carriacou, May 17, 2010 –A Sports Council has been officially launched in Carriacou and Petit Martinique.

The launch, comes ahead of the formal establishment of a government-back National Sports Council, and was attended by Kenrick Fullerton, Policy Advisor in the Ministry of Youth Empowerment and Sports.

It’s in keeping with the vision of institutional strengthening of existing sporting organisations in Carriacou and Petit Martinique, and the creation of a body to govern sports on the islands.

Chairman of the Carriacou and Petit Martinique Sports Council is Anderson Matheson, with Walt Williams as vice-chairman, Beverly Bartholomew as secretary, Nigel Wilson is treasurer, and Bryan Prince is assistant secretary/treasurer.

Mr. Fullerton said the National Sports Council will be launched later this year. One representative from the Carriacou and Petit Martinique Sports Council will be appointed to the Board of Directors of the National Council, which will be charged with executing a national sports policy.

James and Felix led outstanding performances by Grenadian Athletes

NEW YORK, May 17, 2010 – World Youth double gold medallist Kirani James of Grenada lowered his personal best over the 400m at the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Outdoor Championships in Knoxville, Tennessee on Sunday.
 

James, a freshman at the University of Alabama, clocked 45.01 seconds to win the one-lap event and set himself up for a major showdown at the NCAA Championships in Eugene, Oregon next month.

James, who was the runner-up in the 400m at the indoor SEC championships in February, defeated a filed which included the numbers one and three fastest 400m sprinters in the world (Calvin Smith, Florida and Tavaris Tate, Mississippi State).

In the process, the former Grenada Boys’ Secondary School (GBSS) standout set a new school record and the fifth-best time in the world this season.

“It’s just good to gain experience,” James told his school’s website. “Coach said just go out there and compete to the best of my ability. I knew if I just went out there and followed my race plan, I would get the win. I felt really good the whole way around.”

Also in winners’ row this weekend was Kurt Felix who bettered his career-best point total by nearly 200 points, earning 7,412 points to win the men's decathlon for Boise State University at the Western Athletic Conference Championships in Ruston, Louisiana.

Felix is now ranked No.14 in the United States and score the second-best decathlon score in Boise State history.

Felix also finished second in the javelin (67.16m), second in the high jump (2.12m), third in the triple jump (14.67m) and also third in the long jump (7.17m).

Also recording creditable performances on the weekend were Phylicia George (University of Connecticut), Kevin Bowen (Morgan State University), Sherine Wells (Oklahoma University), and Joel Phillip (Arizona State University).

At the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Championships in Princeton, New Jersey, George came in second place in her specialty, the 100 meter hurdles, with a time of 13.69 as she entered the weekend ranked 15th in the region in the event. She was also a part of the first place 4x100 meter relay of the University of Connecticut.

Also, Bowen set his season best time in the 400m during the preliminaries in a time of 46.30 to rank him in the top 20 in the East Region. Bowen finished the second in the final with a time of 46.50.

 

Wells finished seventh in the women’s 100m with a time of 11.58 and eighth in the 200m in 23.89 at the Big 12 Championships in Columbia, Missouri. 

In the Pac-10 Championships Phillip finished sixth in the men's 400m in a time of 47.11 seconds.

Photo credits: Michael Steele/Getty Images

Grenada Police charge man for double murder

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, May 5, 2010 – The man charged with the double murder of two St. Andrew residents will make his first appearance in the Grenville Magistrate Court on Thursday.

Police on Wednesday charged Steve Gorrie, 36, a Machine Operator and resident of Birchgrove, St. Andrew for the murders of Clyde Greenidge and Christopher Stafford.

“At approximately 5.40 pm on Monday 3rd May 2010, Gorrie entered the Grenville Police Station and placed a white plastic bucket containing the heads of two male persons on the counter,” according to a Police statement. 

Police later identified the heads to be that of Clyde Greenidge, a Farmer/Proprietor of Birchgrove, St. Andrew and Christopher Stafford, a Labourer of Byelands, St. Andrew.

Officers from the C.I.D and Grenville Police Station later discovered the bodies of Greenidge and Stafford on a farm owned by Clyde Greenidge in Balthazar, St. Andrew.  

FM DAVID AND REGIONAL COLLEAGUES TO DISCUSS MULTILATERAL AND HEMISPHERIC RELATIONS IN ROSEAU

ROSEAU, Dominica, May 5, 2010 – CARICOM’s response to the Haitian catastrophe, the changing geopolitical dynamics in the hemisphere and Post-Copenhagen, challenges and policy responses are among issues to be discussed by Foreign Affairs Minister Peter David and his regional colleagues in Dominica.

The regional ministers are attending the 13th meeting of the CARICOM Council of Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR) which began in Roseau on Wednesday.

The Ministers will also discuss multilateral and hemispheric relations to include the United Nations, the Organisation of American States (OAS), Association of Caribbean States (ACS) and the Human Rights Council.

Border issues to include Guyana-Venezuela relations and Belize-Guatemala relations and piracy in the Gulf of Aden.

The proposed meeting of the Assembly of Caribbean Community Parliamentarians (ACCP) set for Trinidad, July, 2010 and the operations and functioning of the COFCOR are also on the agenda for the two-day meeting.

Australia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Stephen Smith is also attending the meeting which follows on from a Memorandum of Understanding Prime Minister Kevin Rudd signed at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Trinidad and Tobago last year, establishing formal relations between Australia and CARICOM.

COFCOR is the primary mechanism for managing CARICOM’s external relations.

Grenada and Trinidad sign maritime treaty

By Lincoln Depradine

Port of Spain, April 21, 2010 – The leaders of Grenada and the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago have hailed the signing of a maritime treaty between the two countries as symbolic of their historical bonds of friendship.

Prime Ministers Tillman Thomas of Grenada and Patrick Manning of Trinidad and Tobago affixed their signatures to the treaty at about 11.20 Wednesday morning in Port of Spain, the Trinidad and Tobago capital.

“Today,’’ said Prime Minister Thomas, “is testament to our shared commitment to the continued deepening of relations and cooperation between our two states.’’

Hon. Thomas said the agreement leading to the signing of the treaty is “consistent with international maritime law and conventions,’’ and is in keeping with the “mutual interest’’ of both Grenada and Trinidad.

In the case of Grenada, added Prime Minister Thomas, the stage is set “for the exploration and exploitation of our marine resources, which will be to the benefit of our people and the development of our nation.’’

One Grenadian maritime expert, who witnessed the signing ceremony, projects that Grenada could reap immediate benefits by establishing a body to manage the expected oil and natural resources deposited in the country’s waters.

He explained that once the proper infrastructure is in place, Grenada could be generating up to US$200 billion in revenue from oil and gas in less than three years time.

Prime Minister Manning called the treaty “just and equitable,’’ and described its signing as an “extremely positive development’’ for Grenada and Trinidad, and for progress in the Caribbean.

Mr. Manning referred to the historically “good neighbourliness’’ between Grenada and Trinidad and Tobago, and said the treaty establishes a course for a “new direction in the relations between the two countries.’’

The treaty follows a report of a Joint Boundary Commission that met in three rounds of maritime talks.

According to Prime Minister Manning, the commission’s report was “well-written and well-reasoned.’’

Wednesday’s signing ceremony was witnessed by Grenada’s Foreign Minister Hon. Peter David; Trinidad and Tobago’s Foreign Minister Paula Gopee-Scoon; Senators Chester Humphrey and Chris DeAllie of Grenada; as well as by Grenadian representatives on the Joint Boundary Commission.

They included Dr. Carlyle Mitchell, Grenada’s chief commissioner, an Adjunct Professor at the University of Ottawa and a former Director of the Economic Affairs Secretariat of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States.

Other commissioners at the signing were Senator Arley Gill, a maritime law specialist; former Director of Lands and Survey in Grenada, Gilbert Massell; Foreign Service Officer Alva Browne; Senior Energy Officer John Auguste; and advisors – maritime specialist Anslem Clouden, and attorney Reynold Benjamin.

HAIL PETER: PETRO PRINCE OF GRENADA

by Dr. Francis Alexis

SIGNING OF THE TREATY

Tomorrow, the 21st, there will be signed in Port of Spain a Treaty delimiting maritime boundaries between Grenada and Trinidad and Tobago. Prime Minister Tillman Thomas will sign for Grenada.

BILLIONS OF DOLLARS NET

Presumably, the Treaty will entitle Grenada, under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, to exploit certain blocs of maritime space between Grenada and Trinidad and Tobago.

The Treaty with Trinidad and Tobago should be a forerunner to a similar treaty with Venezuela. As such, the Treaty could well, more than any other event in decades past, begin to move our national Grenadian economy into high gear. For our maritime waters between those two countries have appreciable oil and gas resources. Such resources, properly managed, can launch our economy on to a path of sustainable economic development, and keep it there long.

Meeting our own energy needs will save us spending foreign exchange. Exporting oil and gas will earn us foreign exchange. Dealings can amount, over time, to billions of dollars in net foreign exchange earnings. This will be a significant change in the economic fortunes of Grenada. This can translate into fundamental affirmative social transformation of Grenada. The signing of the Treaty is therefore momentous.

WHAT OF BLOC 21?

Of the Blocs of maritime space which came up for delimitation under the Treaty, one particularly has over the years attracted extraordinary interest. It has long been called Bloc 21. This Bloc 21 has for some time been perceived to be especially saturated with petroleum resources.

There will be much interest in the way the Treaty treats Bloc 21, whatever the name the Treaty gives it. We wait with great expectations to find out, what does the Treaty say of Bloc 21? When the Treaty becomes available to the public, the matter of its provisions generally and its disposal of Bloc 21 particularly will be reverted to by this writer.

MINISTER AND TEAM

Prime credit for reaching this positive historic milestone must go to Peter David. For it was Mr. David who, as Minister of Foreign Affairs of Grenada, in terms only of individual ministerial responsibility, led the team that blazed the trail through to this clearing. This is all the more a spectacular triumph for Peter doing so in less than 2 years as Minister.

Not that Peter David did this all by himself; of course not. He did what a savvy and confident Minister does. He assembled a formidable team, with personnel of known relevant expertise. It was indeed a team effort.

At the helm was Dr. Carl Mitchell, the experienced and able petroleum economist. The team included Reynold Benjamin, a person very knowledgeable on Grenada’s maritime oil and gas resources; Anslem Clouden, maritime law specialist; Arley Gill, properly certified in international maritime affairs; Gilbert Massell, the focussed land surveyor; and John Auguste, energy officer in the Grenada public service. No doubt Prime Minister Tillman Thomas’ Cabinet also helped, with logistics, supplies and otherwise.

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER

Perhaps Trinidad and Tobago was not particularly negative or truculent in the negotiations generally, rather reflecting the good-neighborly CARICOM spirit. Even so, NNP in 13 years failed to hammer out such a treaty. And it is beside the point that the fruits of this treaty might not reach the table for some time. Except that this undererscores how amazing it is that NNP did not settle the boundaries all those years. Better late than never.

KEEP THE TEAM INTACT

At least, the experience gained by Grenada in the engagement with Trinidad and Tobago, generally uncontentions though it might have been, will serve Grenada in good stead, going forward to the really demanding maritime boundaries negotiations with Venezuela. Chavez’s Venezuela will be a horse of a different colour from Manning’s Trinidad and Tobago, not only in language and culture , but elsewise too. Peter and his team must be kept intact for the Venezuelan round. Where possible, they should be strengthened; in whatever way appropriate.

HAIL PETER: PETRO PRINCE

The signing of the Treaty with Trinidad and Tobago should be a welcome achievement in itself, and can open up to further prospects . From here, onward goes Peter and the team forward to Venezuela in such of oil and gas for Grenada . Simon Bolivar, true liberator that he was, must be wishing Peter well. When he pulls that off we shall shout-- HAIL PETER : PETRO PRINCE OF GRENADA.