Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs Newsletter - Vol. 1, Issue 1 (Sept - Nov 2008)

The Workings of the

MINISTRY OF CARRIACOU & PETITE MARTINIQUE AFFAIRS NEWSLETTER Volume 1, Issue 1 September– November 2008

“inside the beautiful twin isle parish”

Minister For Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs

Message Senator The Hon. George W. Prime

As the new Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, I want to say how happy I am to have the Prime Minister place his confidence in me by entrusting me this very important Ministry.

While it is a daunting task, and the challenges are many I am prepared to work diligently and audaciously with the employees of the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs to bring not only good governance to the people of Carriacou and Petite Martinique but, sustainable economic growth to this twin isle constituency.

The islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique are unique in many ways, not just separated from the mainland Grenada by water but we have a rich cultural heritage, which can be developed. Our people are deeply steeped in community values that can enhance our lives.

2

The participation of every member of staff of the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs and the people of Carriacou & Petite Martinique will be instrumental in effecting the changes that are about to take place.

As I embark on this mission I ask for the cooperation, patience and understanding of the staff of the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs and the people of Carriacou and Petite Martinique whether you live here or overseas as we seek to build and develop this dear land of ours.

George W. Prime

LOCAL GOVERNMENT: fulfilling the constitutional rights of the people The Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs has started the process of local government with a series of district meetings in all polling divisions. Local government is the administration of a particular district or village with representatives from and by the people who live there. It introduces a system where the people of the local community come together to discuss and deliberate on government policies and issues that will affect them.

more direct participation by citizens. It also would mean that the average citizen would have a voice in shaping the policies that will determine what happens in the twin-isle constituency, deciding what matters get priority.

Professor Simeon McIntosh of UWI has prepared a document for study he emphasized that ordinary citizens are fair judges of public matters.

People keenly listening in on what is local government

Wayne Bethel in blue one of the persons who is happy that local government will be here

Personal Assistant to the Minister Mr. Anderson Matheson, Minister Senator George Prime and P.S Bernadette LendoreSylvester

One may ask why local government, however the constitution of Grenada provides in Section 107 (1) that “there shall be a Council for Carriacou and Petite Martinique, which shall be the principal organ of local government in those islands.” This means that local government will provide wider and

Local government in Carriacou would take the form of a parish council and require the electing of representatives from the different districts or polling divisions. The council would comprise of one representative and one alternate who would attend meetings if the representative is unavailable.

What this means is that each district would be organized into a village council or neighbourhood assembly, in order that they can elect a representative to the parish council.

We would welcome your views and feedback about this important process in Carriacou & Petite Martinique which is expected to bring about more efficient and effective service to the people.

Audience at Dover listening intently

2ND REGIONAL LOCAL GOVERNMENT CONSULTATION & CONFERENCE HELD IN JAMAICA Ministers of Government, Permanent Secretaries, local government officers, members of civil society from eleven (11) CARICOM countries and international funding agencies attended the 2nd Regional Local Government Consultation and Conference in Montego Bay, Jamaica from December 1st – 2nd, 2008.

A five (5) member delegation from Carriacou and Grenada led by Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, Senator the Honourable George Prime was in attendance as the government continues on its promise of establishing a

3

parish council as part of local government in the twin-isle constituency.

that the policy has a focal role to play in the Caribbean islands in addressing some of the challenges faced such as recruitment of adequate and competent personnel and limited capital and financial resources.

All ministers in attendance gave their full support to the policy and they were happy to see it referring to the involvement of youth and persons with disabilities in the decision-making process. They therefore promised to make presentations before their respective cabinets. However, some recommendations to improve the policy were made so that it can be endorsed as the blue print for local governance; among them were a review after two (2) years of being adopted and restructuring of the document to make it more reader friendly.

The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) funded the development of the policy.

The consultation and conference was the culmination of a series of regional consultations on the draft regional policy and cooperation framework on local governance and democracy in the Caribbean. According to Regional Local Government Advisor, Winston Cramer seventeen (17) national consultations were held in eight (8) countries and approximately nine hundred (900) persons participated.

Convenor of the Technical Working Group who was responsible for putting together the policy, Keith Miller said

Some of the other ministers who attended the consultation and conference included Hazel Manning of Trinidad & Tobago, Brian Woodside – Bahamas, Gabrielle Martinez – Belize and Richard Frederick – St. Lucia.

An invitation was also extended to those in attendance to be part of the Commonwealth Local Governance Conference in the Bahamas from May 10th – 14th, 2009 which will be held under the theme “Improving Local Government: the Commonwealth Vision”.

NADMA EMERGENCY OPERATING CENTER After operating from the Administrative building at Hillsborough, Carriacou for some years, the National Disaster Management Agency in Carriacou now has its own place, an Emergency Operating Centre (EOC) which will act as the central command centre and control facility responsible for carrying

out the principles of disaster preparedness and management in the sister isles. It is located at Belair, just a few meters away from the Princess Royal Hospital.

Speaking at the official opening of the facility, National Disaster Co-ordinator Mr. Sylvan McIntyre described the occasion as a dream coming to reality.

He impressed on those in attendance to make full use of the facility and said the strength of any nation lies not only in its resources but also in community empowerment.

Personal Assistant to Minister of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs Mr. Anderson Matheson spoke on behalf of Minister Senator the Hon. George Prime who was away on official

4

business. In his remarks, Mr. Matheson congratulated NaDMA on establishing the EOC and said the centre will go a long way in helping to ease the minds of the people of Carriacou & Petite Martinique in knowing that when a disaster occurs there is a center to deal with the situation.

Persons in Attendance

maximum benefits. He also asked that a similar facility be set up in Petite Martinique.

NADMA Building

Parliamentary Representative Honorable Elvin Nimrod implored on the people and the staff to make full use

Catholic Priest Blessing Building

of the facility and to keep it safe, clean and maintain it, so everyone can reap

Father Augustine Adjei-Boachie of the Roman Catholic Church community blessed the building. This facility would not have been possible without the generosity of the United States Southern Command and it is one of two such facilities in the tri- island state with the other located at Pearls, St. Andrew's, Grenada.

OFFICIAL OPENING AND BLESSING OF THE CARRIACOU POLICE STATION the renovated structure should aid in them carrying out their functions more effectively and efficiently.

The refurbished Carriacou Police Station

Officers attached to the Carriacou Police Station now have a comfortable place to work and rest. After months of renovation on the police station through funds provided by the Government of Grenada they are now back in their refurbished building that is more conducive for work.

Officer-in-Charge Superintendent Floyd Dragon said, he was happy for the renovation as in the past they had to deal with insect problems such as roaches and the place was in a deplorable state. However, he implored on the officers to be responsible and care for the building and he added that

Superintendent Floyd Dragon

New Commissioner Mr. James Clarkson was also present at the ceremony. In his remarks he said that under his watch the public could expect a police force that will recognize the rights of citizens and one that is clear of corruption. Commissioner Clarkson said that he will not be a leader who will tell the officers under his watch what to do, they will have autonomy to make decisions but, remember they are responsible to the people.

the police can rarely solve public safety problems alone. He encouraged interactive partnership between the police and the public.

Reverend Father Canon Glasgow of the Anglican Church blessed the building following the short ceremony. The Carriacou Magistrate Court is also housed upstairs the police station.

Commissioner of Police James Clarkson & Rev. Fr Canon Glasgow

Commissioner Clarkson & Minister of Carriacou & PM Affairs

Minister of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs Senator George Prime along with Commissioner Clarkson cut the ribbon to officially open the police station. Delivering the feature address Minister Prime said credit must be given to the former NNP administration for getting the work done. He elaborated the need for community policing, recognizing that

Meanwhile, after serving here for more than ten (10) years Superintendent Floyd Dragon was transferred to the Western Division and forensic specialist Superintendent Trevor Modeste took over.

Superintendent Trevor Modeste sitting directly behind Canon Glasgow

5

E H

I F L E S Y T H Y T L LE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE Tip

What Junk Food Does to Your Brain “You are what you eat” is probably never more apparent than soon after you eat a convenient, good-tasting junk-food meal. Most of the time you begin to feel tired, your mood sinks, your brain feels foggy, and you may even feel hungry again, not to mention all the guilt you have for putting things into your body that you know will move you toward sickness and disease.

FOOD BASED DIETARY GUIDELINES LAUNCHED IN THE TWIN ISLE CONSTITUENCY The Grenada Food and Nutrition Council (GFNC) introduced eight (8) simple lifestyle adjustment steps known as the food based dietary guidelines to the people of Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

At the launch, which took place at the market grounds in Hillsborough, Executive Secretary of the GFNC Mrs. Betty Finlay gave a brief history of how

6

The guidelines are important messages designed to assist and encourage the population to practice good nutrition and engage in other healthy lifestyle practices. They include, eat larger amount of fruits and vegetables, use less salt, salty foods, salty seasonings and snacks, drink more water, it's the healthier choice and be more physically active, get moving.

the guidelines were developed; she said they were conceptualized from information gathered from the people of the tri-state.

the Hon. George Prime. Minister Prime in his address said that with the occurrence of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure, which are linked directly to the food we eat, persons need to take a

Executive Secretary of GFNC Betty Finlay

Delivering the feature address at the launching was Minister of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, Senator

Parliamentary Representative for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Hon. Elvin Nimrod was also present at the launch he was high in praise for nutrition officer Mrs. Jennifer AshbyDuncan who work closely with the schools and health institutions to ensure persons consume healthy foods.

serious look at the foods they consume, change their habits and use the guidelines where necessary.

100

YEARS OF LIFE CELEBRATED

Lillian Fortune affectionately called Tan Lilith now joins the list of world centurions; she was born on November 21st, 1908. To celebrate this momentous occasion family and friends travelled from different parts of the world to host a birthday party in her honour.

mom. She expressed gratitude to the Matron of the Top Hill Senior Citizens Home, Mrs. Lyburn Phillip and her staff as her mom had been a resident of the home for the past fourteen (14) years.

Mrs. Fortune who is originally from Six Roads is not the island's only centurion, Joseph Jerome who is one hundred and one (101) years lives just a few yards away from the Senior Citizens Home.

Minister of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, Senator the Hon. George Prime also shared the day with Mrs. Fortune. He said, for him it was a special day as he recalled his paternal grandmother lived for one hundred (100) years.

Tan Lilith's, only surviving child, daughter Sheila thanked everyone for coming to celebrate the day with her

7

SPORTS

YOUNG SWIMMERS FROM CARRIACOU & PETITE MARTINIQUE EXCELLING Although the swimmers of the Carriacou and Petite Martinique Snappers Swim Club do not have a swimming pool in which to conduct swimming sessions and they use the sea for practice sessions, the young swimmers are excelling.

From September 26th-28th, 2008, they participated in the GRENFIN Swim Club meet in Grenada at Good Hope, St. Paul's and performed exceptionally well. The club won eleven medals, four (4) gold medals in the 11 and over 7.8 relay, four (4) bronze in the free style relay 11 and over.

In the individual category, Ria Benjamin won silver in the kick beard and Nygiel Decoteau silver in the freestyle and bronze in the individual medley, which comprised of all the strokes.

Both swimmers are from Petite Martinique.

Some of the outstanding swimmers

According to Sports Officer in the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs Joel Lendore, credit must go the swimmers from Petite Martinique for their outstanding

performance, Mrs. Rachael Modeste from Grenada for her service in coaching and the Ministry for providing the meals and tickets.

STUDENTS OF THE PRIMARY SCHOOLS PARTICIPATE IN TWO SPORTING DISCIPLINES: FOOTBALL AND NETBALL IN THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER After weeks of keen rivalry, the Dover Government School emerged victorious in the 2008 inter-primary netball competition with a total of sixty-

School placed third, Harvey Vale Government took the fourth position with Petite Martinique R.C placing fifth.

received the prize for best defender and Mt. Pleasant Government School was the most disciplined team during the competition.

I n t h e i n t e r- p r i m a r y f o o t b a l l competition, the Hillsborough Government School took the first p o s i t i o n w h i l e H a r v e y Va l e

one (61) points. Mt. Pleasant Government placed second as they won four (4) of the five (5) matches they played, Hillsborough Government

8

Shadae Phillips of the Dover Government School was awarded the prize for the best shooter, while Akina George of Hillsborough Government

Charles from the Mt.Pleasant Government School; she was recognized for her bravery. This is the second time that a female student is participating in the annual interprimary schools football competition.

Area Education Officer Gertrude Simon-Niles said that the competition should serve as a catalyst for the teams that were not victorious to strive to do better.

Government placed second and Dover Government third. Kiston Sylvester of the Dover Government School scored the most goals, five (5) and Kevin Cudjoe of the Harvey Vale Government School was the best defender.

This year's competition also saw one female among all the boys, Shernique

enthusiasm displayed by the schools during the competition and noted that this speaks well for the future of the game. Personal Assistant to the Minister of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs Anderson Matheson congratulated the teachers for taking the time off to prepare the students for sporting activities.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Sports Officer Joel Lendore said that he was impressed with the level of

The competitions were organized by the Division of Sports within the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs.

PRIVATE SECTOR PARTNERS WITH DIVISION OF SPORTS TO REINTRODUCE TABLE TENNIS IN CARRIACOU The sport of table tennis is being reintroduced in Carriacou. A number of

different sporting disciplines.

Special commendation was given to former table tennis player Dennis Thomas who was quite instrumental in getting citizens to donate the tennis boards and accessories.

corporate citizens both from Carriacou and Grenada have contributed financially towards the purchasing of seven (7) table tennis boards and accessories.

The boards, which will be placed at schools and community centres

throughout the island, were officially handed over to the schools and community representatives on Friday November 14th, 2008 at the Hillsborough Community Centre.

Minister of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, Senator the Hon. George Prime who was present at the ceremony said it is good when the private sector can collaborate with government in improving the wellbeing of citizens. He further stated that sports play a critical role in maintaining a healthy life.

Minister Prime was high in praise for Sports Officer Joel Lendore who has been working steadfastly to ensure the young people of the two islands are actively involved in participating in

Some of the sponsors of the table tennis boards include Christopher Mills, Kent Joseph: the Managing Director of Excel Plaza, John “Barba” Gabriel, John “Oscar” Blair, Bobbys' Tyre Mart and Jerome McQuilkin of Carriacou Development Corporation.

Free transportation of the tennis boards and accessories from Trinidad to Carriacou was contributed by Stephen “Scarper” Gay via the boat Mary C.

9

The beautiful 13 square miles island by air

FACTS ABOUT CARRI Carriacou is the largest of the Grenadines in Grenada territory. It is seven miles long and three miles wide at the broadest point. The island is irregular in shape with a ridge running the length of it averaging 750 feet in height with the highest point, a hill at the northern end called High North, reaching 850 feet above sea level.

In the past century, Carriacou produced limes as the principal crop. Today, sugar is no longer grown and the lime industry is intermittent. Throughout the island one finds ruins of old houses and windmill towers, which were used, in

ACOU

Beautiful view of the town of Hillsborough from the Ministry building, Christ the King Anglican Church in the distance.

The Old Sugar Mill in Belair

grinding cane. Some of these features will be protected as cultural landmarks.

OUR NATIONAL DANCE:

BIG DRUM 40th Night Celebrations, Parents Plate or Saraca, Stone Feast or Bomennaire (erection of a head stone), Maroons, Thanksgivings and on Camboulay Nights where a stick dance is usually performed to the Big Drum. The spectators usually form a circle around the drummers, singers and dancers.

10

The Big Drum is an African drum dance that is included in all major festivities such as Weddings, 9th and

The Famous Sugar Adams

The dance begins with what is called the “Opening of the Ring” at which the host family performs the ritual of “Wetting of the Ground” to the Big Drum beat. The musicians are usually 3 or more drummers (head or cut drum, and 2 bulla drums) and 6 or more singers most of whom are women. Most of the songs are sung in an African dialect but a few are sung in English, as well as French Patois.

Youth

MONTH HSS Team

The month of October in Grenada is designated as youth month and every year a series of activities are held to engage the young people of the tri- island state in meaningful activities. In Carriacou one of the activities that was done during the month was a Youth Quiz between the two secondary schools Bishop's College and Hillsborough Secondary School and for a second consecutive year Bishop's College defeated Hillsborough Secondary.

The winning Bishop's College team

The quiz included questions in Language Arts, Mathematics, History and Current Affairs and at the end Bishop's College amassed a total of 290 points and Hillsborough Secondary 155 points.

Fun Page Do you recognize this building?

Meet the Staff of the MINISTRY OF YOUTH EMPOWERMENT, SPORTS & CULTURE

Culture Officer Felix Mendes

RIDDLES

(a) What gets wetter and wetter the more it dries? (b)You throw away the outside and cook the inside. Then you eat the outside and throw away the inside.

What did you eat?

Youth Project Co-ordinator Linton Lendore

(c) What goes up and down the stairs without moving?

Picture taken in 1986

(d) The man who invented it does not want it. The man who bought it does not need it. The man who needs it doesn't know it. What is it?

Sports Officer Joel Lendore

11

D Y E V T I E N L O U P M M M ENT O C DIGICEL PARTNERS WITH MINISTRY OF CARRIACOU & PETITE MARTINIQUE AFFAIRS TO REPAIR GAZEBOS storing of the building materials and the Department of Works for transporting the materials and cleaning the area after the project was completed.

Digicel employees hard at work painting one of the refurbished gazebos

Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s p r o v i d e r DIGICEL collaborated with the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique to repair two gazebos on the Esplanade in the town of Hillsborough. The gazebos not only provide shade for users of the beach but also for persons waiting for their bus.

Community Development Officer Kybian Joseph

The approximate cost of the project was six thousand EC dollars ($6000.00) with contractors Mr. Alston Edwards and Mr. Wesley Lewis doing the work.

However, staff of Digicel together with Community Development Officer Mr. Kybian Joseph did the painting.

Special thanks go to Mr. Wayne Bullen for the usage of his electricity and the

The approximate cost of the project was six thousand EC dollars ($6000.00) with contractors Mr. Alston Edwards and Mr. Wesley Lewis doing the work.

However, staff of Digicel together with Community Development Officer Mr. Kybian Joseph did the painting.

Digicel logo

COMMUNITY SPIRIT ALIVE IN CARRIACOU AND PETITE MARTINIQUE Their hard work did not go unnoticed as some persons contributed drinks to the group. A special thank you from the group goes out to Mr. Peter Benjamin, a Carriacounian living in New York who contributed significantly to the work.

Similar clean-up exercise was done in other villages in Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

Every Sunday during the months of October and November, a group of villagers in L'Esterre embarked on the cleaning up of their community and they must be commended for taking time to ensure their village is clean.

The cleaning of the village encompassed more than just the roadways as they also cleaned the yard of the L'Esterre Roman Catholic Church.

12

GREP

STARTS FOUR PROJECTS

The people in the communities of Bellevue South, Belmont and Harvey Vale will soon have a building that will aid in the tri-village development. Through the Grenada Rural Enterprise Project (GREP) a Human Resource Development Centre is being built close to the Harvey Vale Hard Court.

To signal the start of construction Minister of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, Senator the Hon. George Prime turned the sod and presented the cheque to contractor Mr. Theophilus Bedeau.

Work will also start on a Bathroom and Toilet Facility at the famous Paradise Beach in L'Esterre, this facility is necessary, as it is one of the most

area and to signal the start of construction, Minister of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, Senator the Hon. George Prime turned the sod on Friday, November 21st, 2008.

Farmers who cultivate lands there, residents and businesses operating in that area are now breathing a sigh of relief, because after many years of walking and driving on dirt road, they will soon have a concrete road.

The 400 arcres island of Petite Martinique was not left out as work is moving steadfastly on the building of an information technology centre.

The four projects cost in the tune of over one million Eastern Caribbean dollars ($1m)

scenic beaches on the island that is frequently visited by tourists. Mr. Simon Lendore will lead the construction of this needed facility.

GREP is also focusing on road development as over 2000ft of road is being constructed in the Dumfries

13

U L C T I U R R G E A FOOD DAY 2008 A SUCCESS D L R WO

The ability of the people of Carriacou to be able to feed themselves was showcased during the staging of the 2008 World Food Day Celebrations at the Hillsborough Vendors Market on Thursday, October 16th, 2008.

Members of the Carriacou Farmers Association had on display a wide variety

of locally produced fruits and vegetables such as watermelons, squash, avocados and pigeon peas.

Delivering the feature address Minister of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs Senator, the Hon George Prime focused on the theme: "World Food Security: the Challenges of Climate Change and Bio-

email from a potential investor who is interested in setting up an agribusiness and marine propulsion business in Carriacou.

Minister Prime said they will be embarking on developing the production of staples, onions and other food crops, the reorganizing the livestock industry by introducing new breeds and the use of artificial insemination and construction of an abattoir system for the production of high quality meat such as beef and mutton etc.

Phillip Polson and Gladwin Simon for contribution to fishing and four (4)

year old Karnel Emmons of Hillsborough Government School who was given a special prize for being the youngest

Outstanding Farmer Charles Clouden

student to participate in the art competition among the primary schools.

During the celebrations, a number of persons were recognized for their contribution to the agriculture sector.

They included Charles Clouden- best crop energy�. He said that the challenges of climate change to sustainable development globally require creative thinking and holistic ideas, innovative solutions and development of new technologies.

He further stated that one of the main goals of this new administration is to revive the agriculture sector in a meaningful and productive way. He went on to say that, he had recently received an

14

farmer, Junior Williams and Shane Benjamin-most improved crop farmers,

However, Petite Martinique was unable to participate in this year's World Food Day celebrations due to the rough seas, which plagued our coastline for the entire day.

PLANT PROPAGATION TRAINING More plants will soon be available to the farmers of Carriacou and Petite Martinique as two persons Cindy Teka and

which would sharpen their skills to enable them to undertake the relevant tasks required to recommence a nursery in Carriacou.

Wilford Allard are presently on assignment at the Mirabeau Agricultural Station.

They are being exposed to all aspects of plant propagation,

attention. The Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs has taken this very seriously, therefore every effort is being made to ensure that a wide variety of seedlings are available to farmers and the general public at the commencement of the planting season in June 2009.

The propagating of adequate quantities of seedlings for utilization by the farming community has been identified as one area needing immediate

HONEY PRODUCTION AT LIMLAIR FARM Honey and wax are important commodities, honey is used for the treatment of various diseases especially baby stomach pain and because of its antiseptic properties to heal wounds. The product is also used a sweetner instead of sugar.

Ms. Monica Joseph all dressed in protective gear to enter the Bee Hive

Do you know, that honey is produced right here in Carriacou? Yes, it is produced at

The Bee Hive

Attending to the Bees

the Limlair Farm under the guidance of Mr. Edwin Duncan and Ms. Monica Joseph.

Honey is a sweet and viscous fluid produced by honeybees and derived from the nectar of flowers, bees lay down honey as a food source. Its colour and flavour are determined by the various plant species visited by the bees.

Therefore, you can now purchase locally produced honey from the Limlair Farm for only $10.00 a bottle.

The bees that produce the sweet tasting honey

15

EDUCATION

PRESENTATION OF EDUCATIONAL GAMES AND BOOKS TO THE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN CARRIACOU AND PETITE MARTINIQUE Carriacounians living overseas, continue to play a pivotal role in the development of Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

Students of Hillsborough Government School

on education, as they believe that an educated nation is necessary for development and growth.

Recently the New York based organization Carriacou and Petite Martinique 2000 sent a set of educational games to the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs for distribution to the primary and secondary schools. On Thursday October 16 t h , 2008 Minister of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs

The Carriacou & Petite Martinique 2000 organization Inc. (CPM 2000) says it is committed to increasing the

Students of Mt. Pleasant Government School

Accepting on behalf of the school Mr. Stiell said that they are very grateful for the donation, as it will go a long way in the development of the children's education.

Minister Prime hands over to Principal of Hillsborough Government School Mr. Henry Stiell

Senator the Hon. George Prime along with his Personal Assistant Mr. Anderson Matheson went to all the primary schools to deliver the games.

16

The first stop was at the Hillsborough Government School where the Minister presented to the principal Mr. Henry Stiell, in his remarks Senator Prime said, that he is happy to make the presentation on behalf of the New York based group who for a very long time has been contributing to the 13 square miles island. He said that his administration places a lot of emphasis

T.A. Marryshow Community College (TAMCC) in Six Roads Carriacou, at an estimated annual cost of $3,500 US. The scholarships will be based on the needs of the students.

Presentations were also made to Mt.Pleasant Government, Dover Government, L'Esterre R.C. and Harvey Vale Government School, where all principals expressed their gratitude to the group for the gesture.

The supplies comprise Brain Quest, Monopoly, Picture Dictionary, Bingo, Scrabble and Chess.

quality of life in Grenada, Carriacou & Petite Martinique. They are also the sponsor for the annual Spelling B competition among the primary schools.

Also forming part of the presentation was some books that were sent from

In addition the group, will award ten full scholarships to eligible students at the

another set of residents overseas. The two (2) secondary schools Bishop's College and Hillsborough also received their share of educational games and books.

DENTAL HEALTH QUIZ CARRIACOU The students of the Harvey Vale Government School won the 2008 Primary Schools Dental Health Quiz.

The school was represented by Leron

Gabriel and Peterson Alexander who amassed one hundred and thirty points (130); five points more than second place winner Dover Government School who was represented by Ria Compton and Naila St.Hillaire.

L'Esterre R.C School placed third with eighty-five (85) points, Hillsborough Government was fourth with eighty (80) points and Mt.Pleasant Government placed fifth with seventy (70) points.

theme: “Healthy Gums for Healthy Teeth”.

Personal Assistant to the Minister of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs Mr. Anderson Matheson was present at the quiz and gave brief remarks. He said “like a strong foundation is needed for a house so is taking care of ones gum an important foundation for our teeth, therefore taking care of ones gum is important in preventing periodontal diseases such as gingivitis”.

Ms. Lisa Hamlet, dental health nurse for Carriacou and Petite Martinique said she was impressed with the level of participation by the schools.

The dental health quiz is part of activities held every year during Dental Health Week and it was held under the

The Grenada Dental Association in conjunction with the Ministry of Health organizes Dental Health Week yearly.

CARRIACOU GOT FIRST CRUISE SHIP FOR THE WINTER SEASON It was a welcome sight on Sunday, November 2nd, 2008 as the first cruise ship in a long time docked at Hillsborough Bay. Carrying five hundred and eighty four (584) passengers the German cruise liner “The M.V Amadea”, made Carriacou one of its destinations.

The coming of this cruise liner has raised hope among persons in the tourism industry here as last year saw the withdrawal of the Windjammer Lines, which caused concern about the future of the cruise ship business for the thirteen square miles island.

Parang, which is held the weekend before Christmas, Carnival in February, Maroon Music Festival the last weekend in April and Regatta in August.

The 13 square miles island of Carriacou is rich in cultural traditions namely big drum dancing, quadrille and has four major festivals throughout the year:

Some of the places that can be visited during a tourist's visit to the island include Belair, Sandy Island and the boatbuilding village of Windward.

17

Culture

2008 FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS CHORAL SPEAKING COMPETITION CARRIACOU

The Harvey Vale Government School emerged top in the 2008 Festival of the Arts Choral Speaking competition and

energy in preparing the students, she said they need to help the children focus when they are on stage and work was needed on their diction.

Acting Cultural Officer Thomas Matthew was also present at the competition. He promised that they will be back in 2010 as the competition is held every two years but in the meantime they will be working on the introduction of steel pan and other cultural packages for Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

although they tied with L'Esterre R.C School for first (1st) place in the 7-10 age group, they placed first (1st) in the 11-14 age group with 468 points.

POETRY BY A KAYAK LONELINESS (The Fight) Sitting on the sand close to the sea shore wondering around with no place to go I began to see the light.

Then with no questions in my mind I cried out “where is the creator that made the sun, the star, the moon for the day and night?”

Dover Government School placed 3rd in the 7-10 age group with 457 points, L'Esterre R.C School was second in the 11-14 age group with Hillsborough Government School taking the third position with 425 points.

God I am so angry inside; I can just hear a voice as I sat pondering, “you've got to fight, fight. You have the right.

Bishop's College was the only secondary school in Carriacou that participated in the 11-14 age group for secondary schools; therefore they received a certificate of participation.

One of the adjudicators of the competition was Elsie Ferguson and while congratulating the teachers for their effort and

18

By Keisha McFarlane

SAND MINING The issue of sand mining continues to be a ticklish one in Carriacou and Petite Martinique as while government is seeking to protect our beaches, some truckers and contractors say they are concerned about their livelihood.

However, on a visit to Carriacou Minister responsible for the Environment Hon. Joseph Gilbert says there must be an immediate stop to sand mining in the state.

Following a cabinet directive to address the problem of sand mining in Carriacou, the Minister led a delegation during the month of September to the sister isle to get a firsthand look at the situation here where he visited three of the worst affected areas Grand Bay, Mt Pleasant and Tibeau.

Carriacou to enlighten them on the need to use quarry sand.

The Minister also called for the assistance of the community to report any incidence of sand mining on our beaches. Minister for Carriacou and Petit Martinique Affairs Sen. George Prime, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of the Environment Veda

With the destruction of mangroves and wetlands in Mt. Pleasant, the washing away of artifacts in Grand Bay and the degradation of a cemetery in Tibeau the Environment Minister noted that it is the opportune time for Grenadians to “understand the severity of this matter and be more conscious of their environment.�

He wants buyers of sand to take a second look at the alternative that is available. The Minister said, it would be a challenge for persons who are in the process of building, to pay a little extra but it would be worthwhile.

Gravel and Concrete Manager Frederick Antoine, who also accompanied the Minister to Carriacou, said that he hopes to meet with truckers in Grenada and

Bruno-Victor, Engineer John St Louis and General Manager of Gravel Concrete and Emulsion Production Corporation Frederick Antoine and Head of the Concrete Division of the Corporation, Henry Marryshow accompanied him.

Answer to Riddles (a) a towel (b) an ear of corn (c) a rug (d) a coffin

19

Happy

INDEPENDENCE From the Minister, Permanent Secretary and Staff of the Ministry of Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs

Government Printery