2010 Budget Statement
Thursday, February 4th, 2010 | Cams | No Comments
Follow this link for the 2010 Budget Speech statement presented by Minister for Finance Honourable V. Nazim Burke in regards to the 2010 Revenue and Estimates for Grenada.
CELEBRATING OUR NATION’S BIRTH WITH LOVE AND TOGETHERNESS
Thursday, February 4th, 2010 | Cams | No Comments
DATE: FEBRUARY 2nd 2010
CELEBRATING OUR NATION’S BIRTH WITH LOVE AND TOGETHERNESS
Our nation is celebrating its 36th Anniversary of Independence with the theme “celebrating our nation’s birth with Love and Togetherness.”
We are commemorating this milestone at a time when our country is facing its greatest economic challenge in decades. However, while this global phenomenon is negatively impacting us, it has also afforded us the opportunity to focus on building our nation together in a spirit of love and unity.
Since our independence in 1974, we have had our own struggles and challenges. Collectively, those experiences have resulted in a stronger and more resilient Grenadian people with a history of overcoming obstacles.
While we have made considerable progress as a nation over the last thirty six years of independence, there are still many milestones to be achieved and much to be done. Hence, we must recommit ourselves to building together, as one nation. This commitment must be anchored in a belief that, we will achieve our dreams and aspirations as a people.
We must focus on ways of enhancing our communities by building meaningful relationships, resolving conflicts peacefully and making dialogue the centerpiece for greater mutual understanding.
We must, individually and collectively, consider our responsibilities and contributions towards the nation building process. There is room for all, whatever our political philosophy or party affiliation. We must reflect a maturity that allows us to look beyond our differences, our individual needs, our beliefs and orientation.
As we celebrate this 36th anniversary of independence, I urge you to ponder on Grenada’s future and resolve to become more patriotic, more committed and closely involved in building our nation. We owe it to ourselves and to our future generations. It is only by doing so that we will be able to restore integrity, renew hope and achieve a sustainable Grenada for all.
I thank you and may God bless Grenada
Tillman J. Thomas
PRIME MINISTER
Calypso Dreams Triumphs
Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010 | Cams | No Comments
Trinidad’s Calypso Legends Celebrated in Colorful, Cultural Documentary
By Kam Williams
When most people outside of the Caribbean think of Calypso, the first person who comes to mind is Harry Belafonte and the first place that comes to mind is Jamaica. After all, it was Belafonte who ushered in the international Calypso craze of the Fifties, with such popular hits as “Day-O,” “Matilda,” “Mama Look a’ Boo-Boo” and “Jamaica Farewell.” In fact, his debut album, “Calypso,” was the first LP in history to sell more than a million copies.
Truth be told, however, Belafonte was a bit of a poser, as he was born and raised in Harlem (U.S) and only stayed in Jamaica briefly, when his struggling, single mom sent him down there to live with his grandmother. But he dropped out of high school, and after a stint in the Navy, Harry ended up back in New York City, working as a janitor, by day, and trying to make it in Greenwich Village as a folk singer, by night.
After his agent suggested that he stop imitating Burl Ives, what Belafonte came up with was a watered down version of Kaiso, a relatively sophisticated sound with a rich tradition in its native Trinidad. The word “Kaiso” was derived from a West African exclamation of approval, the functional audience equivalent of “Bravo!” Trinis turned Kaiso into Calypso, so, the music Harry would one day be crowned “King” of, actually emanated from an island in the Caribbean he’d never visited.
Where Kaiso generally cleverly concealed subtle political statements about the social order into jaunty tunes ostensibly about everything from language to life to love, Harry’s readily digestible interpretation smoothed the rough edges off the genre and served up some relatively sanitized white bread variations on the theme. Though he took a little heat from Calypso’s originators, Belafonte basically got away with passing off his watered-down versions of other people’s creations like “Momma Look at Boo-Boo” as his own.
Finally, in Calypso Dreams, a documentary which is as much a joyous celebration of the music as it is a belated testament to its legitimate greats both dead and alive, we have a laudable effort to set the record straight. Directed by filmmakers Dr. Geoffrey Dunn and Michael Horne, the movie pays tribute to the late Lord Kitchener via archival footage, while simultaneously providing impromptu performances and running commentary by dozens of the music’s legends including Grenada-born Mighty Sparrow, Mighty Bomber and Brother Valentino. It recently aired on Grenada Channel 12.
What a treat it is to hear these wise old elders ruminate about their roots, and right on location in Port of Spain, whether while strolling through the town square on Frederick Street or while just hanging out in a crowded bistro. For instance, dreadlocked Brother Valentino explains that kaiso began as a subtle form of rebellion relied upon by plantation slaves, as a means of commenting on their predicament.
“Raise your head, Mr. African,” Brother Akil subsequently sings to the accompaniment of a chorus of impassioned voices and a lightly strummed acoustic guitar, the Calypsonian instrument of choice. Paying close attention to the lyrics reveals this catchy tune to be an anti-apartheid anthem about martyred student leader, Steve Biko.
The political subtext turns out to be typical. An Ice-T look-a-like named Crazy croons about Saddam Hussein, while Lord Relator does a spirited rendition of a number which superficially seems to be a silly song about Rum and Coca-Cola. But that’s before The Mighty Chalkdust,, who holds a Ph.D. in history and ethnomusicology, explains the deeper meaning of the bouncy ditty.
The eloquent educator/entertainer shows how easy it is for many to overlook the underlying message about how “Americanism is breaking up the family life of our people.” After recounting the line, “Both mother and daughter working for the Yankee dollar,” Chalkdust points out that the lyrics are a lament about prostitution. As David Rudder summarizes, “Under the laugh is a blade, always a blade.”
Dr. Dunn says he would like to explore similar cultural terrain in Grenada.
Calypso Dreams relies on modest settings all around Trinidad to serve as a fitting backdrop for the country’s unpretentious troubadours. This is a movie so chock full of colorful characters, so informative, and so much fun that you never want it to end. Each new performer outdoes the last, though none appears to have a competitive bone in his or her body, or a bad word to say about anyone besides Belafonte.
Even Harry makes a couple of brief, but telling appearances in the film, in which he wistfully owns up to misdeeds a half-century old. He acknowledges that when, “I became the King of Calypso, the Trinidadians went crazy. Boy, they went nuts.” He recalls being confronted by some for stealing the music and for then never even coming to Trinidad to participate in the annual Carnival competition.
And how did the indicted monarch respond to his accusers? Humbly. “You’re absolutely right. I’ve never competed, because I never thought I could… Those who possess the Calypsonian arts are men of remarkable gifts that I’m not privileged to embrace. The fact that I’ve been called ‘The King of Calypso’ was not my manufacturing. Deal with those who market and sell you goods that you buy every day. If I have offended you, then I beg your forgiveness.”
Hear! Hear! At long last, a heartfelt homage from the person most indebted to the island’s gifted greats. Calypso Dreams is Trinidad’s answer to Cuba’s Buena Vista Social Club. Only much more satisfying.
GRENADA AT THE WORLD DYSLEXIA FORUM IN PARIS FRANCE
Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010 | Cams | 2 Comments
St. George’s Grenada, Tuesday February 2nd 2010, MOEPRU – Grenada is being represented at the World “Dyslexia” Forum by Inclusive Education (formerly Special Education) Officer at the Ministry of Education & Human Resource Development, Mrs. Jenny St. John-John.
The Forum will take place at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris from February 3rd to 5th. Grenada’s attendance is being made possible by the Grenada National Commission for UNESCO, the European Commission and the Secretariat of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States.
Dyslexia is a neurologically-based condition, which is often hereditary. It results in problems with reading writing and spelling, and is usually associated with difficulties in concentration and short term memory.
This forum targets ministry of education teacher training decision-makers in over 190 countries.
It also brings together education authorities and experts in order to address the teaching of reading and writing, as well as the difficulties for learners who struggle with memory and organization.
It will consider good practice for teacher training and establish a platform for a world-wide network of supportive forums.
Through different languages and cultures, it will also explore the approaches that work best for dyslexic learners to help them manage the challenges they confront.
The Forum will create a dynamic for change within education systems. It will address the UN’s literacy drive and ensure appropriate teaching to for those with different learning needs by bringing together three key players: education teacher training decision makers, academic researchers and local parent groups.
Air Jamaica leaves out Grenada
Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010 | Cams commentary | No Comments
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Air Jamaica announced a significant realignment in its network – including the suspension of service on several routes – driven by the departure of three aircraft from its fleet. By April, Air Jamaica will operate six aircraft; one A319, four A320’s and one A321.
“This fleet reduction has become necessary as we seek to meet our financial obligations, however Air Jamaica continues to be the best choice for convenient schedule and excellent service as we have ensured that adequate capacity is provided on our core routes,” stated Bruce Nobles, Air Jamaica’s President and CEO.
Route Suspensions
Effective March 9, 2010, Air Jamaica will suspend service on the following routes: New York (JFK) – Grenada and Jamaica – Orlando.
Effective April 12, 2010, Air Jamaica will suspend service on the following routes: Jamaica – Chicago, Jamaica – Curacao and Jamaica – Nassau.
New Schedule
The revised schedule takes effect in two stages – first on March 9, 2010 and finally on April 12, 2010. The new schedule also changes some frequencies and departure timings. Key changes include:
· New York will have three daily flights effective March 14 – two early morning departures, one to Kingston and one to Montego Bay
· Chicago will be reduced to three weekly flights between March 9 and April 11
· Nassau will be reduced to two weekly flights after March 14
· Baltimore will operate daily service effective April 12, departing Baltimore in the afternoon and departing Montego Bay in the morning
· Philadelphia will operate daily service effective April 12
· Toronto will operate daily service effective April 12
· Fort Lauderdale will operate four daily flights effective April 12 – three to Kingston and one to Montego Bay
By April 12, Air Jamaica will operate 161 weekly flights between Jamaica and five cities with daily service to Baltimore, Philadelphia and Toronto, three daily flights to New York (JFK) and four daily flights to Fort Lauderdale.
Caribbean Super Yacht Marina/Residential/Village Investment Opportunity
Wednesday, January 20th, 2010 | Cams commentary | No Comments
Submitted by:
Citizens in Defense of Grenada’s Lands and Heritage citizensgrenada@yahoo.com
This is a private opportunity to invest with Mr. Peterde Savary & Camper & Nicholsons (since 1783) in a marina, residential & resort project in Grenada, the “Last Best Place” in the Caribbean!
www.PortLouisGrenada.com is being offered by the notable English developer, Peter de Savary ), with several very successful projects under his belt – see his CV at ( www.desavary.com ) under his belt, as a 80% interest in developing the Granada projects of Port Louis and others outlined below.
Bottom line price would be US$15m for both the beach and hill sites; other
related project descriptions and prices below.
Available to interested investors is the initial investment document that
outlines the intention and requirements of the fund that is being established
to develop the entire Port Louis, Grenada complex.
It is a truly unique and diverse project built around one of the best natural harbors in the world, offering over 1.1m sq.ft. of development, a spectacular Nikki Beach Hotel, a comprehensive shopping and retail area in the style of St. Tropez and a beautiful gated residential area built on a headland separating the Caribbean’s largest marina and the ocean (Camper & Nicholsons, since 1782, is developing the 400 slip mega/superyacht marina).
We now have a full and detailed independent report from C.B. Richard Ellis (CBRE) for Port Louis, which places a value on the land in excess of USD $140,000,000, with a Gross Sell-Out Value of US$865,000,000. The CBRE report projects a profit of USD$350m for an investment total of just USD$50m.
Please contact us for details and additional photos.
Courtesy Week to be observed January 25th to 29th in schools
Wednesday, January 20th, 2010 | Cams | 3 Comments
The Grenada Human Rights Organization Inc. (GHRO Inc) in association with the Ministry of Education launches ‘Courtesy Week’ on Monday 25th January 2010 in all schools throughout Grenada Carriacou and Petite Martinique.
Each day of the week will focus on specific aspects of courtesy and students, supported by teachers and staff of the various schools are encouraged to participate in the exercise.
Minister of Education, senator the Honorable Franka Bernadine welcomes this initiative by GHRO Inc to create awareness for positive habits of courtesy into the student’s school life. “It is very important that our students develop lifestyles and habits that enhance their attitudinal and personal development, Senator Bernadine said.
The Public Relations unit of the Ministry of Education and Human Resource is assisting with the promotion of this initiative.
President of GHRO Inc Mr. Milton Coy believes that students should be given an opportunity to integrate the practice of being courteous. Mr. Coy who is also the coordinator for the 2010 Courtesy Week observance said this is an opportunity for both the education system and the student population to embrace courtesy as a lifestyle. It is important that our youngsters understand the value of respect, discipline, good manners and positive social interaction during their academic development, Coy said.
The theme for Courtesy Week is “Integrating courtesy into every day lifestyles.”
The organizers say each participating school is encouraged to nominate a class or group within the school deemed to demonstrate outstanding habits of courtesy during the week. One of those nominated will be awarded the “2010 Minister’s Award for Courtesy’ at the end of the week and will be recognized during the 2010 Independence celebrations on February 7th 2010. All nominations will also be recognized.
GHRO Inc calls on all parents and guardians to be examples of positive habits of courtesy and encourage their children to strive embrace courtesy as a lifestyle. Courtesy should not only be practiced for the week but should be reflected in their attitudes at home and the community as part of Government’s refocusing thrust for social development through education and empowerment.
Courtesy Week is part of GHRO’s human rights education and awareness process leading up to the launching of the Student with the Right Attitude (SRA) program in September 2010.
Youth Ministry considering criminal investigation into missing items
Wednesday, January 20th, 2010 | Cams | No Comments
ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada, January 20, 2010 – The Ministry of Youth Empowerment and Sports is contemplating a criminal investigation into the disappearance of items from the department and a lack of account for other equipment.
Sports Minister Patrick Simmons, speaking on the 2010 budget debate on Tuesday, said that the Ministry will not tolerate the stealing of government’s property and is appealing to those responsible for the removal of the equipment to surrender them. Although not disclosing the missing items, the Minister hinted that the Police may be called in to investigate.
Quoting from a 2007/2008 audit report tabled before the House of Representatives on Friday, Minister Simmons said the monies allocated for running of projects within the Ministry were not properly accounted for in all instances.
“Monies allocated for running the projects were not properly accounted for in all instances. I was particularly concern with some expenditure incurred under the IMANI programme. Additionally, other expenses incurred by the Youth Officers and Supervisors were not incurred with due economy,” according to the report.
He said the audit report was also critical of the expenditure incurred under the IMANI programmes, as well as other expenses by the Youth Officers and Supervisors.
“Projects undertaken by the Division of Youth in 2007/2008 were administered by a number of temporary officers. It was evident that the senior officers (SAO, AO etc) were not fully aware of most of the activities of these projects.
A review of correspondence and interviews of Youth Officers revealed that most of the planning was carried out with directives from the Minister responsible for Youth and as such most of the reporting was made directly to that Minister”.
Simmons said that in the past two years the Youth Department was totally revamped, through a genuine and comprehensive Grenada Youth Upliftment Programme.
This new programme, he says, is designed to address some of the major social problems facing young people, including high levels of unemployment and under-employment.
Grenada Government plans to light up rural playing fields
Wednesday, January 20th, 2010 | Cams | 1 Comment
ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada, January 20, 2010 – Government wants to resuscitate night time recreation, with plans to lit one playing field in each parish as part of the development of the physical infrastructure.
Minister of Youth Empowerment and Sports Patrick Simmons says that $600,000 are allocated in the 2010 budget for the first phase of the project which includes the Victoria Park in Grenville, Alston George Park in Victoria and Cuthbert Peters Park in Gouyave.
Minister Simmons said that preparatory work for the rebuilding of the National Athletic Stadium will also begin in 2010.
As part of the physical infrastructure, the Ministry is also to upgrade, expand and construct new facilities, according to the Sports Minister.
Mr. Simmons said that the expansion of the basketball court at the Cuthbert Peters’ Park should start as early as next week.
He said the installation of bleachers, as part of the first phase of the mini stadium at Progress Park and the construction of an Olympic-size swimming pool, are projects to begin in the first quarter of 2010.
The sum of EC$14.6 million has been allocated to the Ministry of Youth Empowerment and Sports, an increase of $5 million over what was spent in the 2009 budget.
DELTA TO BEGIN NON-STOP WEEKLY SERVICE TO GRENADA IN JULY 2010
Wednesday, January 20th, 2010 | Cams | No Comments
ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, January 20, 2010 – The world’s largest airline will begin operations into Grenada this summer.
Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister, Glynis Roberts on Wednesday confirmed that Delta Air Lines will commence scheduled service from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York to the Maurice Bishop International Airport in St. George’s starting from July 3, 2010.
In addressing the 2010 Budget at the Grenada Trade Centre Minister Roberts said that the government will continue its aggressive efforts to expand airlift service to Grenada.
The non-stop service departs JFK at 8:30 a.m. and arrives in Grenada at 1:20 p.m. with the return flight scheduled to depart at 2:10 p.m. and arriving in New York at 7:30 p.m.
Delta will use its 737-800 aircraft which offers 16 First Class seats and 144 Coach Class seats.
The Minister said that the new service from Delta will also encourage more nationals to return home during the Festive seasons, starting with Carnival this summer.
Roberts, who is also the Parliamentary Representative for St. George South, said that the new flight, which will operate only on Saturdays, is also as a result of the Grenada Board of Tourism’s road shows on the eastern corridor and the excellent work of the Airlift Committee led by Mr. Michael McIntyre.
“I think we’re going in the right direction and we just need to continue on our marketing drive, including the Diaspora, with the hope of acquiring a second flight from Delta,” Roberts said.
She said that Virgin Atlantic is also offering another weekly service from the UK and Air Canada has expressed an interest to provide year-round service to Grenada.
Culture Minister, Senator Arley also welcomed the announcement of the new flight describing it as an excellent opportunity to increase visitors for our Carnival.
“This is also consistent with our aggressive marketing campaign over the last year, particularly in the region, North America and Europe,” said Senator Gill. “The mission is to take Grenada to the world,” he added.
The weekly service is expected to provide additional seats to the island which is already served by American Airlines and Air Jamaica from the United States; British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Monarch and Condor from Europe and Air Canada, Sky Service and Zoom from Canada during the winter.
Passengers flying with Delta will be able to make connections to more than 360 destinations, using the airline’s hubs in Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, Memphis, Minneapolis-St. Paul, New York-JFK, Salt Lake City, Amsterdam and Tokyo-Narita, as well as its Northwest subsidiary and Delta Connection carriers.
For more information contact:
Name: Michael Bascombe
Organization: Consulate General of Grenada, NY/Press Officer
Email: mbascombe@grenadaconsulate.org
Phone: +1-347-549-9293
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