Minister Roberts thankful for support as she mourns husband’s passing

St. George’s, May 5, 2012 – Grenada’s Minister of Labour, Social Security and Ecclesiastical Affairs, Glynis Roberts, is mourning the loss of her husband.

Terrence Roberts died Saturday at home, surrounding by his wife, mother, children and other relatives.

“This is a very difficult for me and my family. But I’m thankful for the strength and grace of God, as well as the support and prayers of so many people,’’ said Mrs. Roberts, who was married for more than 30 years.

Terrence Roberts assisted his wife and the National Democratic Congress in the general elections of 2003 and 2008. His wife won the South St. George seat on both occasions.

“I would like to express my deepest sympathies, and the condolences of the National Democratic Congress, to Sister Glynis on the passing of her husband,’’ said NDC General Secretary,   Peter David, who visited the Roberts family this morning.

“Both Sister Glynis and Brother Terrence have been close personal friends, as well as comrades of our party. May he rest in peace and may God continue to be with the family who are known to be strong Christian believers.’’

SOURCE: News Services

Grenada's Tourism Ministry seeks solution to MBIA's financial troubles

ST GEORGE’S, February 10 2012 - The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation is working with other Government departments, particularly the Attorney General’s Chambers and the Ministry of Finance, to arrive at a solution to the current financial difficulties being experienced by the Grenada Airports Authority.

This situation arose as result of the EXIM Bank of Taiwan obtaining judgment against the Government of Grenada for outstanding loans in a Suit filed in the United States.  The Taiwanese has made a claim for all monies owing to the Government of Grenada and its agencies to be paid against the loan.  Consequently, a request was made to airlines operating on the Grenada route to pay monies owed to the Grenada Airports Authority to the Taiwanese.   

An Escrow account has been established and carriers such as Virgin Airlines, British Airways and Delta Airlines have begun to deposit monies owed to the Airports Authority into the said account.  This has placed the Airports Authority in a very precarious financial position.

“Mr. Rodney George, Chairman of the Grenada Airports Authority, has alerted us in the government about the situation facing our airport.  I am doing all that I can from a civil aviation point of view.  The Ministry of Finance is doing its part from the debt-financing angle and the Attorney General’s Chambers is working towards  a legal solution”; said Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Hon. Peter David, who is currently attending an OECS Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministers’ Meeting in St. Vincent. 

The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation will continue to work  with other Government departments to ensure this matter is resolved quickly  and does not severely disrupt airport operations, which would directly impact our economy at a time when we can least afford it.

Betty-Ann Lazarus

Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation

Local Yachtsman takes the Big Prize at Grenada Sailing Festival 2012

ST GEORGE’S, February 1, 2012 - Grenadian yachtsman Robbie Yearwood in his J24 yacht Die Hard, the smallest boat in the fleet, finished triumphant after four days of fiercely competitive racing and took the prize of Overall Festival Winner 2012.

This was an extremely popular result, welcomed by all participants, as Robbie notched up six first places and one second place over the Festival’s seven race series - just one point short of the perfect result.

Robbie and his crew also won the True Blue Bay Resort Pursuit Race, making him the man to beat at the Grenada Sailing Festival Camper & Nicholsons Racing Series 2012.

Robbie’s prize, a Jeroboam of Moet & Chandon Champagne, the North South Wines Moet & Chandon Trophy, two British Airways return tickets to London, a bottle of Mount Gay 1703 and a bottle of 18 Year Old Chivas Regal was presented by the Honourable Peter David, Minister of Tourism, at the final night Gala Party staged at The Victory Bar, Port Louis Marina.

The Minister thanked all participating yachtsmen for coming to Grenada, and emphasised the significant contribution they make to the island. He went on to say that the Marine and Yachting Sector is a vital part of the economy and events such as the Grenada Sailing Festival are important in encouraging more skippers and crews to visit and experience the wonderful racing waters and marina facilities on offer.

The prizes for the Camper & Nicholsons Port Louis Race Series, the final day’s race, were also presented by Mr Simon Stiell, Director of the Grenada Board of Tourism. The full results were as follows:

MULTIHULL	Yacht Name	Skipper
Class Prize	Rush	Chris Long

CHARTER	Yacht Name	Skipper
Class Prize	My Mistress	Robert Mills

CRUISING 2	Yacht Name	Skipper
First Place	Die Hard	Robbie Yearwood
Second Place	Bloody Mary	Jerry Stewart
Third Place	Apero	Jason Fletcher

CRUISING 1	Yacht Name	Skipper
First Place	Jaguar	Peter Morris
Second Place	Boxxer	Scott Watson
Third Place	Diamonds Are Forever	Anne O’Sullivan

RACING	Yacht Name	Skipper
First Place	Lost Horizon	James Dobbs
Second Place	Category 5	Richard Syzjan
Third Place	Slippery	Peter Peake

The cumulative results were also announced for the final positions after the four days of racing in each Class: Racing, Cruising 1, Cruising 2, Charter and Multihull, with the Overall Class Winners receiving a Magnum of Champagne courtesy of North South Wines, a unique Grenada Sailing Festival trophy designed by Rene Froehlich and a bottle of 18 Year Old Chivas Regal. Results were:

MULTIHULL	Yacht Name	Skipper
Class Prize	Rush	Chris Long

CHARTER	Yacht Name	Skipper
Class Prize	My Mistress	Robert Mills

CRUISING 2	Yacht Name	Skipper
First Place	Die Hard	Robbie Yearwood
Second Place	Rasmus	Dieter Huppenkothen
Third Place	Apero	Jason Fletcher

CRUISING 1	Yacht Name	Skipper
First Place	Jaguar	Peter Morris
Second Place	Boxxer	Scott Watson
Third Place	Diamonds Are Forever	Anne O’Sullivan

RACING	Yacht Name	Skipper
First Place	Lost Horizon	James Dobbs
Second Place	Slippery	Peter Peake
Third Place	Blackberry Enzyme	Paul Solomon

Another Festival tradition for the final night is to present skippers and crews with a great selection of special prizes donated by local hotels, restaurants and tour companies. These are fun and not related to results over the finish line, times or places in the fleet – they are a big thank you to everyone who entered, and a chance to experience more of the island.

Company	Prize	Yacht Name	Skipper
Spice Island Beach Resort	2 Nights Accommodation	Great Escape of Southampton	Phil Munday
Laluna	Balinese Massage	Pipaluk	Francesco Massaro
Maca Bana	4 nights Accommodation	Tanga Langa	Richard Jerrom
La Source	2 Nights Accommodation	Bruggadung	Paul Johnson
Le Phare Bleu	Dinner for 2 on the ship	Bloody Mary	Jerry Stewart
Le Phare Bleu	2 Nights Accommodation	Shambhalla	Herve Pugin
Mt Cinnamon	3 Nights Accommodation	Jaguar	Peter Morris
First Impressions	Whale watching for 2	Spirit of Isis	On Deck
Mount Gay	Bag of goodies & Rum	Spirit of Isis	On Deck
Charcoals	Meal Vouchers	Apero	Jason Fletcher
Mount Gay	Bag of goodies & Rum	Apero	Jason Fletcher
Adventure Tours	River Tubing for 10	Diamonds Are Forever	Girls for Sail
BBs Crabback	Meal for 2	Cricket	Sandy Mair
Horizon Yacht Charters	Charter	Lost Horizon	James Dobbs
Spice Island Marine Services	Haul-Out	Rasmus	Dieter Huppenkothen
Spice Island Marine Services	Haul-Out	Tulaichean 2	Mike Bingley
First Impressions	1/2 day sail and snorkelling for 2	Kotari	Chris Clark
Belmont Estate	Lunch for 4	Kotari	Chris Clark

The Festival was hailed as a great success by all skippers and crews who took part, many already booking their place on the start line for the next event, which will take place from Friday 25 January to Tuesday 29 January 2013. As this will be a milestone event celebrating the 20^th Grenada Sailing Festival, the planning has already started to make it the best ever.

Grenada Sailing Festival wishes to thank all its sponsors and supporters on board already for 2012: the Grenada Board of Tourism; Camper & Nicholsons Marinas; ScotiaBank; United Insurance; Mount Gay Rum with agent Bryden & Minors; Budget Marine; True Blue Bay Resort; The Moorings; The Victory Bar & Restaurant; North South Wines; SOL EC Ltd.; Grenada Breweries Ltd.; GBN; LIME; Chivas Regal; British Airways; Horizon Yacht Charters; Spice Island Marine Services; Grenada Union of Teachers Co-Op Credit Union; Insurance Consultants Grenada Ltd; Island Dreams Yacht Services; Turbulence Ltd.; Steele’s Auto Supplies; Harris Paints (Barbados) Ltd.; Coca Cola; Real Value IGA; Grenlec; Glenelg Spring Water; Spice Isle Fish House; Country Cold Store; Courts; Marketing & National Importing Board; Mitchell’s Health & Wellness; Spice Island Fireworks and unique trophies from Rene Froehlich, Passion Furniture Design.

SOURCE: Grenada Sailing Festival

Step closer to new multi-purpose complex

ST GEORGE’S, January 27, 2012 – The people of Mont Toute and Grand Anse Valley are one step closer to getting new facilities for educational and recreational activities.

A symbolic sod turning ceremony was held Thursday, January 26, on the site where a multi-purpose complex will be constructed with funding from the Government and people of Venezuela.

When completed, the Mont Toute/Grand Anse Valley Development Complex will include a modern library with access to computers and other information technology. The project will also involve upgrading of the community’s playing field.

Thursday’s ceremony was attended by community representatives, as well as by Prime Minister Hon. Tillman Thomas.

The Prime Minister was joined by Labour Minister and MP for St. George South, Glynis Roberts; Foreign Minister Karl Hood, who chaired the event; Sports Minister Patrick Simmons; Tourism Minister Peter David; Agriculture Minister Denis Lett; and MP for St. Patrick West, Joseph Gilbert.

In brief remarks at the ceremony, the Prime Minister and his Ministers of Sports, Foreign Affairs and Labour, underscored the importance of the complex to the people of Mont Toute and other parts of South St. George’s.

They also thanked President Hugo Chavez and Venezuela for financing the construction of the complex and several other projects across Grenada.

Venezuela’s Ambassador, His Excellency Carlos Amador Perez Silva, said his country was pleased to help Grenada, with whom it has had diplomatic relations for 35 years.

Grenadians in the Diaspora gear up to celebrate 38th Anniversary of Independence

By Michael Bascombe

NEW YORK, January 25, 2012 - Grenadians living in the Diaspora will celebrate their nation’s 38^th Anniversary of Independence under the theme, “Breaking all barriers, striving for greater achievements under one flag” on February 7, 2012 with a series of activities.

The activities officially began in New York on January 20 with a Social Evening and a Calypso Monarch Competition on January 22. Burgess “Quako” McPhie dethroned Clifford “Humorous Matt” Matthew with his rendition of “These Are the Times”.

Activities continue this weekend with a Youth Fest on Friday January 28 at Holy Cross School at 2530 Church Avenue in Brooklyn beginning at 3:00 p.m. and an Ecumenical Church Service of Thanksgiving at the Holy Cross Church at 2520 Church Avenue in Brooklyn, beginning at 4:00 p.m.

There will also be the annual Senior Citizen Tea Party at Gabriel’s Church at 337 Hawthorne Street in Brooklyn, starting at 3:00 p.m. This year, the Hon. Tillman Thomas, Prime Minister of Grenada will attend the event scheduled for Thursday February 2.

The activities in New York will culminate with the Independence Dinner & Awards Gala under the auspices of Prime Minister Thomas on Saturday February 4 at Grand Prospect Place at 263 Prospect Avenue in Brooklyn beginning at 9:30 p.m.

Similarly, activities will be held in in South Florida and London on Saturday February 4. The Grenada Cultural & Civic Association is staging its 24^th Annual Independence Dinner & Dance at the Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Hotel at 1825 Griffin Road in Dania, Florida beginning at 7:00 p.m. while the United Groups of Grenada, under the auspices of the High Commissioner for Grenada to the United Kingdom, Ruth Rouse, will host an Independence Dinner & Dance at Novotel London West at 1 Shortlands, Hammersmith beginning at 6:30 p.m.

The Grenada Houston Association will also stage the Independence Celebration & Scholarship Gala at the Ensemble Theatre at 3535 Main Street in Houston, Texas. It will be held on Saturday February 11 beginning at 8:00 p.m. Nationals in Zurich, Switzerland will also celebrate Grenada’s Independence at The Nutmeg Restaurant in Zurich on February 11 at 7:30 p.m.

Independence celebrations will also be held in Toronto and Montreal in Canada. The activities in Toronto begin with a Church Service on Sunday February 5 at Toronto’s Central Seventh Day Adventist Church at 162 Bentworth Avenue, North York in Ontario beginning at 3:00 p.m.

Other activities include a Flag Raising Ceremony on Monday February 6 at Toronto’s City Hall beginning at 11:50 a.m.; the Showcase Grenada Expo on Sunday February 12 at 2562 Eglinton Avenue West beginning at 1:00 p.m. This inaugural event will showcase Grenada’s culture, cuisine, arts and crafts, festivals, investment and eco-tourism, among others.

Fish Friday on February 17 at 1935 Weston Road has been included in the schedule of activities as well as the Independence Gala on Saturday February 18 at Liberty Grand situated at 25 British Columbia Road in Toronto. Prime Minister Tillman Thomas will be the guest of honour at the Gala which begins at 6:30 p.m.

The Independence activities in Toronto culminate with a Literary Night on Sunday February 26 at 2562 Eglinton Avenue West beginning at 4:00 p.m. This event will showcase Grenada’s authors, poets, playwrights, artists and other literary talents in Toronto.

Nationals in Montreal will also share a taste of the Spice Isle’s celebrations with a Banquet and Ball on Saturday February 18 at the Schofield Hall at 90 Roosevelt Avenue. It begins at 6:30 p.m. and Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Peter David will be special guest.

PM sympathises with family of former Cab Sec, attends home service

Chasley David and Prime Minister Tillman Thomas

ST GEORGE’S, January 3, 2012 – Grenada’s Prime Minister and Leader of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Hon. Tillman Thomas, was among dozens of people who attended a service of praise and remembrance Monday evening in honour of the late senior public servant Marcella David, a former Cabinet Secretary.

Mrs. David, who also worked at the Grenada Boys’ Secondary School and earlier on in the private sector at the then Slinger-owned Supplies Store, died Saturday at her home in Grand Anse, St. George’s.

She is survived by her husband of 60 years, well-known businessman Chasley David; as well as by sons Phillip, Paul, Patrick and Peter.

Peter David, Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation and NDC General Secretary, thanked the roomful of friends, family members and colleagues – and especially the Prime Minister – for attending Monday’s home service.

He described his deceased mother as a loving person who was immensely proud of her four sons.

Grenadian Voice Editor, Leslie Pierre

Apart from Prime Minister Thomas, several other government colleagues of the Tourism Minister – the MP for the Town of St. George – were also present to sympathize with the David family. In addition, there were senior representatives of the NDC such as Chairman Kenrick Fullerton; former Chairman and now Information Minister in government, Senator Glen Noel; former executive member, Siddiqui Sylvester; and Chairman of the Town of St. George Constituency Group, Dr. Winston Thomas.

They were joined by a cross-section of people from various professions and backgrounds including Archdeacon Christian Glasgow and his wife, Deacon Eleanor Glasgow, of the Anglican Church; retired Permanent Secretary and veteran Anglican Church organizer, Pamela Steele; Grenadian Voice editor, Leslie Pierre; businessman and Chairman of the Grenada Airlift Committee, Michael McIntyre; and Permanent Secretaries Allison Miller and Arlene Buckmire-Outram.

The funeral for Mrs. David will be held Thursday, January 12, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception according to Anglican rites.

SOURCE: National Democratic Congress

Minister reiterates Grenada an “extremely safe’’ tourist destination

ST GEORGE’S, December 31, 2011 – Tourism Minister Peter David has said that Grenada remains an “extremely safe destination’’ for visitors, adding that government intends to keep it that way.

He made the comment in response to questions about the potential impact on tourism of the death of Oscar Bartholomew.

The 39-year-old Grenadian, who resided in Canada and was visiting his homeland with his Canadian-born wife, died at the General Hospital where he was taken following an altercation with officers at the St. David’s Police Station.

Officers of the Criminal Investigations Department of the Royal Grenada Police Force, who are conducting a probe into the Boxing Day incident in St. David, have so far charged two policemen with manslaughter in connection with Bartholomew’s death. “This is a tragedy on all counts, especially for the Bartholomew family,’’ said Mr. David, who is also Minister of Civil Aviation and Culture. “Like all Grenadians, including all my colleagues in government, we would have preferred this not to have happened to anyone, particularly to a national who was visiting with his wife,’’ the minister added. “But from the perspective of visitor safety, and in comparison to other tourist-dependent nations of the world, Grenada still is – and will continue to be – an extremely safe destination for travelers from around the world.’’ The Bartholomews’ legal representative in Grenada is lawyer Derick Sylvester. He said Bartholomew’s mother and his wife, Dolette, had expressed interest in meeting with government representatives. The lawyer said he was successful on Friday in setting up a meeting with Minister David, who talked with Bartholomew’s mother and wife. Mr. David conveyed his sympathies to the couple and their families, and again extended government’s condolences that were first expressed earlier in the week by Prime Minister Hon. Tillman Thomas. For Sylvester, having the Minister David meet with the two grieving Bartholomew family members was “a step in the right direction.’’

Major achievement for Grenada’s Tourism Industry

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, December 15, 2011 - GRENADA’S TOURISM continued its march into new boundaries Thursday when the first regularly scheduled direct flights to Canada were inaugurated.

“It’s another history making occasion for Grenada,” declared Tourism Minister Peter David as the Caribbean Airlines flight bound for Toronto got ready to depart.

The flight originates in Port of Spain, but for people going between St George’s and Toronto, it will be a no-hassle direct connection, that is now on the permanent schedule.

Charter airlines have seasonal schedules between the two cities, but the new deal hammered out by Grenada’s Tourism officials afford for the fixed commercial schedule.

The new service is twice weekly.

The inaugural flight was sent off with much fanfare by a high level tourism delegation including Minister David, new Grenada Board of Tourism Chairman Colin Dowe and officials of the airport authority and the Airlift Committee.

The party was on hand to greet Vice President of Operations for Caribbean Airlines Captain Thomas Lawrence and his team followed by a short Ribbon Cutting ceremony.

Minister David speaking after the cutting of the ribbon says importance of regular access to the Canadian market could not be over emphasized.

“For us it’s a wonderful day and a good boost to our tourism industry, and anything that is good for tourism is good for Grenada,” he said.

“Getting into the Canadian Market directly is a hopeful sign and wonderful Christmas gift for Grenadians in the Diaspora as well as perspective Canadian visitors,” Minister David added.

Excited passengers boarded the historic flight amidst cheers following the cutting of the Ribbon by Tourism Minister Peter David 

Director at the Grenada Board of Tourism Simon Steill admits that increased marketing of the island in Canada will have to be given priority.

“It is our intention to work with Caribbean Airlines to put a strong marketing campaign package for the year ahead,” he disclosed.

“We now have two weekly scheduled flights in addition to other seasonal   flights so we have a lot of work to do to ensure we keep the passenger traffic at its peak,” Steill added.

Captain Thomas Lawrence of Caribbean Airlines says it’s a landmark occasion for Caribbean Airlines.

“We have other services to Grenada but the addition of any new route is an exciting moment and it is our intention to connect Grenada directly with other international markets.

The inauguration comes only weeks after the Ministry of Tourism unveiled a new national tourism master plan to push the industry forward in the next two years, and is the start of a new push for increased regional and international connections out of Grenada.

SOURCE: Betty-Ann Lazarus

James relying on national support

NEW YORK - World 400m champion Kirani James has said that continued national support of athletes is important as they set sights on Olympic medals in 2012.

James, who was in New York on the weekend to receive an award from the Grenada Boys’ Secondary School’s Alumni Association of New York, warns that attention would be drawn on himself and Rondell Bartholomew in the one-lap event but they are prepared for the challenge.

“The journey has just started and I am relying on your continued support. It will take a lot for me and my colleagues to deliver at the Olympic Games in London but we are training hard to bring home the victory,” he said to thunderous applause.

“Next year will be challenging for us since Grenada has set a mark and the world will be coming for revenge, especially at the Olympics but we are determined to work hard and do our best in both the indoor and outdoor championships,” he said.

James, a 2009 graduate from the G.B.S.S., was one of two former alumni honoured at the 20^th Alumni Scholarship Awards and Dinner Dance. He was joined by Dr Anthony Bridgeman, a 1983 graduate and High School Principal in Long Island, New York.

Also in attendance were Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Peter David, Ambassador Gillian Bristol and Consul General Derrick James.

“I want to thank you for your role in promoting tourism in Grenada,” said David, who is also an alumnus of the G.B.S.S. “Many times we think of tourism as persons who are non-Grenadians visiting Grenada and that is far from the truth. The truth is that Grenadians returning home play a significant role in our tourism industry,” he said.

He also thanked Kirani for his gold medal performance at the IAAF World Championships in Athletics last August.

President of the Alumni Association-NY, Michael Bascombe also acknowledged telecommunications company LIME Grenada Ltd in supporting the Gala event.

“We have also noted the interest shown in collaborating with the Association in the future and I would like to acknowledge the support of Telecommunications Company, LIME Grenada Ltd, for ensuring the participation of Kirani James here tonight,” he said.

He said that LIME Grenada has already indicated its willingness to support the association in its Scholarship Awards Programme.

The Alumni Association-NY presented scholarship awards to Brendan Nesfield and Danielle Regis.

Nesfield is majoring in Political Science and Pre-Law studies at Duke University and Regis attends Cornell University, where she is majoring in Environmental Engineering.

The association also presented an award to long-standing member and former president Dr Kenrick Lewis.