Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs Newsletter - Vol. 1, Issue 4 (July - Sept 2009)

The Workings of the

MINISTRY OF CARRIACOU & PETITE MARTINIQUE AFFAIRS

Newsletter Volume 1, Issue 4 July - September 2009

“inside the beautiful twin isle parish”

VAT LAUNCHED IN CARRIACOU & PETITE MARTINIQUE Minister for Finance Hon. V. Nazim Burke, in his remarks, noted that it is the government's intention to use VAT as “a catalysis� in restructuring the entire tax system to make it more responsive to economic development, simply to administer and create a new culture of voluntary tax compliance.

VAT Consultant, Curlan Gilchrist highlighted the way the system will work.

The team also traveled to Petite Martinique to introduce the new tax system to residents.

As the Government of Grenada embarks on an economic and fiscal reform programme aimed at restoring growth, achieving fiscal balance, poverty alleviation and other critical issues of social development, the Ministry of Finance launched the Value Added Tax (VAT) in Carriacou.

VAT is now the tax system of choice in several CARICOM countries, including Dominica, Belize, Guyana, St.Vincent and the Grenadines and Antigua - Barbuda.

In addressing a cross section of residents, including business owners, at SeaWave Upper Level Conference Room, Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs Sen. George Prime said his Ministry has a critical role to play in the coordination process. He said the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs must ensure that VAT works for the interest of the people.

HEALTH WORKERS IN CARRIACOU RECEIVED TRAINING The types of cleaning products which should be used at health institutions, basic life skills training and customer service were topics covered at a training workshop for health workers in Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

Quality Improvement Officer within the Ministry of Health, Nurse Ruth Penny, conducted the training at the nurses' hostel of the Princess Royal Hospital; she said she was satisfied with the response from the workers.

The training was sponsored by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and it is hoped that this would lead to an improvement in the services provided by the health workers.

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Education

Advisor to the Ministry of Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs contributes to Education Development

Students of Carriacou & Petite Martinique who were successful in the 2009 Common Entrance Examinations are the beneficiaries of educational assistance from a prominent Carriacou-born educator.

Dr. Everson Peters, who hails from Dover, has donated notebooks, pens and geometry sets to all the students who are entering secondary schools in Carriacou. He issued strong words of advice to the 26 Grade 6 students of the Dover Government School.

An advisor to the Ministry of Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs, Dr. Peters is also a Lecturer at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad.

UP O R G SE D A B K R TO S O E ENT Y T M U P W O B I L NE ONTR L DEVE the School of Arts & Sciences, Dr. Dunbar Steele; and A C IONA Director of the Six Roads Campus, Fleur Patrice. partnership T A established last year C U between representatives of the T.A. Senator Prime expressed appreciation to Carriacou & D E Marryshow Community College (TAMCC) and the New York-based Carriacou & Petite Martinique 2000 is bearing tangible benefits for students in the Sister Islands.

In the latest gesture, Carriacou & Petite Martinique 2000 has provided scholarships for a group of ten (10) students to embark on tertiary education studies at TAMCC's Six Roads Campus in Carriacou. In the CAPE 2009 exams, students at the Six Roads Campus performed exceptionally well when compared to those at TAMCC's main Tanteen Campus in St. George's.

Among those who attended the presentation of the scholarships were Senator George Prime, Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs; Dr. Nigel Gravesande, Registrar at TAMCC; Dean of

Petite Martinique 2000 for the role it's playing in educational development. He noted that the 13-month-old government views education as a major tool for the advancement of the nation.

The government, as a whole, wants to build social and economic partnerships with all stakeholders, Senator Prime added.

Dr. Gravesande said it was on the 12th of April 2008 that the college approached the New York Group seeking assistance. Help was forthcoming within six months, with the group responding positively by October of last year.

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Minister of Education concludes one week visit to Carriacou and Petite Martinique Education Minister, Senator the Hon. Franka Alexis-Bernadine has reiterated the government's determination to move education to a higher level throughout Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

The Minister has appealed to teachers in Carriacou and Petite Martinique to join the efforts of the government which has made education a top priority since assuming office in July 2008.

Senator Bernadine, who is also Human Resources Minister, said the vision of a modernized and updated education system would not be realized without teacher involvement.

Her comments to teachers were made during a just-ended one-week visit to Carriacou and Petite Martinique by Mrs. Bernadine as head of a team of senior Ministry of Education Officials, who included new Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Elizabeth Henry-Greenidge.

It was the first time such a highpowered delegation from the Education Ministry visited the Sister Islands. As part of the visit, Minister Bernadine attended a graduation ceremony of 58 students of Bishop's College where she delivered a motivational speech.

The delegation's itinerary also took them to six primary and two secondary schools. At each stop, the Education Minister encouraged students to continue in their quest to thrive for excellence. “Knowledge is the key to success,'' she reminded them.

Senator Bernadine and her team also held audiences with teachers who voiced concern about work-related issues, with the Minister committing to trying to find solutions to those issues.

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NATIONAL INSURANCE SCHEMES CONTINUES TO PLAY ITS PART IN EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT The National Insurance Scheme (NIS) is continuing its drive to assist the nation's students, including those from Carriacou and Petite Martinique, in their educational pursuit. On the eve of the reopening of the new school year, NIS officials held a retreat for seven (7) Carriacou and Petite Martinique students who are beneficiaries of the scholarship programme sponsored by the National Insurance Scheme.

Janice Francis, NIS Human Resource Manager, expressed satisfaction with the students' performance. They averaged better than 60 percent.

Ms. Francis made special mention of Shadell Peters and Shian Ollivierre, students of Bishop's College, who attained averages of over 90 percent. In encouraging all the youngsters, she urged them to “keep up the good work and embrace with both hands the opportunity'' they have been given.

The students and their parents were also addressed by Anderson Matheson, Personal Assistant to Senator George Prime, Minister for Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs.

Mr. Matheson, while offering motivational words to the students, also admonished their parents, emphasizing that mothers and fathers

have a pivotal role to play in their children's educational journey.

Ronel Allen, speaking on behalf of the scholarship recipients, thanked the NIS and conveyed the appreciation of his peers. Allen graduated from Bishop's College with eight CXC passes.

The NIS, a statutory body of the Government of Grenada, established its scholarship programme in 1995. Since then, 124 students have benefited from the programme. Of that number, 46 are currently enrolled in postsecondary career courses.

MEET ONE OF CARRIACOU'S BRIGHT STARS Jamiah John, a Grade 3 student of the Hillsborough Government School has proudly represented Carriacou at the staging of International Literacy Day.

UNESCO on November 17, 1965. It was first celebrated in 1966. Its aim is to highlight the importance of literacy to individuals, communities and societies. On International Literacy Day each year, UNESCO reminds the international community of the status of literacy September 8 was proclaimed International Literacy Day by and adult learning globally.

Celebrations take place around the world.

Some 776 million adults lack minimum literacy skills; one in five adults is still not literate and twothirds of them are women; 75 million children are out-of-school and many more attend irregularly or drop out.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN CARRIACOU CONTINUE As students settle into the classrooms after the summer vacation, Kayaks living overseas continue to play a pivotal role in the educational developmental of the 13-square-mile island. The latest gesture in support of education has come from the descendants of Helen Cox, who forged a partnership with the Ministry of Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs.

The family – led by Coleen and Nick Cox – assisted with outfitting and providing school supplies for seven students entering secondary school, for the first time. They also provided help to a Form 2 student of Bishop's College.

In a speech on behalf of the Cox family, Mrs. Judith Cox Hopkin expressed how delighted they were to contribute to the development of Carriacou.

In her address at a ceremony marking the presentation of the supplies, she also advised the students to give of their best and strive for excellence.

Minister for Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs, Senator the Hon. George Prime, who attended the ceremony, said he was heartened by the kind contribution of the Cox family. He noted that the government of Prime Minister, Tillman Thomas is seeking to develop partnerships for the continued development of the Tri-island State.

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Courts/Ministry of Education OECS

ADING COMPETI TI ON REKICKS OFF IN CARRIACOU Hillsborough, Carriacou, September 30th, 2009 - Two Roman Catholic School students are the representatives of Carriacou and Petite Martinique in the national leg of a regional reading competition. They are Roshaun Lendore of L'Esterre RC School and Mekisha Gregg of the Petite Martinique RC School.

Grenada is among countries of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) participating in the competition, which is sponsored by Courts Limited and supported by the Ministry of Education.

Lendore and Gregg were chosen to represent the Sister Islands after a preliminary round of competition involving five primary schools here. Among those who witnessed the preliminaries were the Marketing Manager of Courts Grenada Ltd. Dillion Walters, and the Literacy Specialist in the Ministry of Education, Denise Brathwaite.

Young Lendore and Gregg will now battle with students from 13 other primary schools nationwide to determine the 2009 Champion of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique in the Courts OECS Reading Competition.

Michelle Coy, Reading Specialist for Carriacou and Petite Martinique, welcomed the islands' participation in this firstever OECS reading competition to be held in the Tri-island State.

“It is good for Carriacou as the fruits of the literacy programme taught throughout the schools here will now be reaped,'' she said.

Good readers, Ms. Coy noted, are able to correct themselves when they make a mistake, anticipate what is coming up in the text and gain meaning from what they read.

Area Education Officer Gertrude Simon-Niles expressed appreciation for the work done in Carriacou and Petite Martinique by Ms. Coy. “She has been doing a tremendous job in ensuring the children are excellent readers – even from the pre-primary level,'' Ms. Simon-Niles said.

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Sports CARRIACOU BOXING ASSOCIATION RECEIVED MUCH NEEDED GEARS An American couple living in Carriacou is assisting with the development of the sport of boxing on the 13-square-mile island.

Joe and Helen Delap recently donated some much-needed boxing gear to the Carriacou Boxing Association (CBA).

The Delaps, who solicited the gear from a boxing team in the U.S., made the presentation to the CBA at a ceremony attended by outstanding boxer and Coach, Sebastian Stiell and Sports Officer in the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, Joel Lendore.

The couple indicated that members of donor team are interested in visiting Carriacou to stage a tournament with boxers on the island.

For his part, Mr. Stiell expressed appreciation for the gear, saying it will aid in Carriacou further developing its boxing talent.

Boxing is becoming a major attraction for young persons in Carriacou, with some already making their mark in the nation's boxing sporting arena.

POLICE ATHLETIC LEAGUE LAUNCHED IN CARRIACOU Developing the sporting talents of youth is one of the aims of a Police Athletic League that has been established in Carriacou.

The league, to create what organizers describe as “well-rounded young men and women,'' has had its launch at the island's two high schools, Bishop's College and Hillsborough Secondary, where a presentation of training uniforms was made to students.

The uniforms were solicited from a concerned citizen residing in the United

States. The presentation was attended by Sports Officer Joel Lendore and Superintendent Trevor Modeste, Officer in Charge of the Carriacou Police Station.

Superintendent Modeste, a former national track and field athlete, was one of the driving forces and initiators of the Police Athletic League.

Students were told that the objective of the league is to better prepare them as athletes for participation in national and regional sporting events. It is also hoped that the league would lead to enhanced police-community relations.

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Ministers of Government Participated in

HASHING Two government Ministers were among several persons who participated in the 2009 Carriacou leg of the Grenada Hash House Harriers' activity.

The two were Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister, Hon. Glynis Roberts and Senator George Prime, Minister for Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs who is also the Leader of Government Business in the Upper House of Parliament.

The hashing took them and the other 70 participants – including Tourism Development Officer for Carriacou & Petite Martinique Allison Caton – through the eastern villages of Mt. Pleasant, Grand Bay, Mt. Royal and Top Hill. Using two trails, one for walkers and the other for runners, the hashers ended at a familiar site, Snagg's Bar on the waterfront in Hillsborough.

VAT

EDUCATION CORNER

The Ministers' involvement in the Hash House Harriers' activity comes against the background of government's plans to develop nature trails as a means of enhancing Carriacou's tourism product.

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What is Value Added Tax (VAT)?

Value Added Tax is a tax on consumer spending collected in stages, at the point of importation and on business transactions when goods change hands or services are performed.

How does VAT work?

Any registered person who makes taxable supplies of goods and services of $120,000.00 per annum or more or any person that has been carrying out a business for less than 12 months and the average monthly value of taxable supplies was $10,000 monthly or more, is required to register for VAT. Only registered persons can charge VAT on their supplies as output tax and claim credit on their purchases of supplies as input tax.

Zero-rated GOODS (a) Milk: fresh milk not concentrated or sweetened, milk in powder form or granules, sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk; (b) Rice: brown, white and broken rice imported in bulk for repackaging; (c) Flour: wheat flour; (d) Sugar: cane sugar; (e) Infant Preparation: preparation for infant use and milk base preparation, put up for retail sale; (f) Petroleum products: gasoline, diesel, illuminating kerosene and propane cooking gas; (g) Postage Stamps.

SANDY ISLAND/OYSTER BED CONSULTATIONS Residents from the five zones throughout Carriacou & Petite Martinique heard all about the implementation of the Sandy Island/Oyster Bed Marine Protected Area and gave their input as to the way forward.

OECS, MPA Officer Roland Baldeo said this will bring about significant benefits to the island through the protection of the natural heritage and a source for revenue generation.

While the work for declaring the 787 hectares park an MPA started in 1988, it was only recently government declared the area.

Baldeo was accompanied by Jerry Mitchell who outlined the stages that lead to the declaration.

In highlighting the importance of the area as a secure place for boats and a significant nursery for fish in the

Support was provided by Fisheries Officer, Junior Mc Donald.

GENDER & FAMILY AFFAIRS SKILLS TRAINING PROGRAMMES RECEIVE RAVING REVIEWS The Minister for Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs has commended the participants and organizers of two recently concluded skills training workshops.

The training, in floral arrangement and pastry and confectionary making, was organized by the Division of Gender & Family Affairs within the Ministry of Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs. The Coordinator of the Division is Vinishah Cudjoe, who is assisted by Gloria Fortune.

The training ended with an exhibition in the yard of the Tourism Welcome Centre, which was attended by Senator the Hon. George Prime.

Senator Prime, after viewing the exhibits, complimented the participants for doing an excellent job.

Visitors to the exhibition also commended the Gender & Family Affairs Division for hosting such programmes. In fact, a tourist visiting the island by yacht purchased some of the pastries for the captain's birthday party.

The floral arrangement training was conducted by Roma Finlay, while Beverly Bartholomew was responsible for the pastry and confectionary training.

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STRINGED INSTRUMENT WORKSHOP HOSTED BY DIVISION OF CULTURE IN CARRIACOU Carriacou hosted a one-week music workshop focusing on guitar and violin training as part of a government thrust to develop indigenous string music in Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

The workshop which was organized by the Division of Culture in Grenada in collaboration with the Ministry of Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs was conducted by cultural officers Aixa Miguen and Kenneth Mark.

Ms. Miguen, who is originally from Cuba, said the focus of the workshop was to teach participants the fundamentals of fingering and playing, and on holding the violin and bow. There were both technical and theoretical sessions.

She said she was impressed with the response of the participants, and is very optimistic about greater improvements in the musical talents of the people of Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

To ensure continuous practice, some of the musical instruments used in the training were left for use by the people. In addition, the cultural officers will be visiting Carriacou once per month to do training.

It is the hope of the government through the Grenada Board of Tourism to host a Regional String Band Festival starting from next year.

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Regatta 2k9

WELL SUPPORTED BY ALL

With the perfect weather for sailing and outstanding crowd support, the 44th annual Carriacou Regatta Festival can be dubbed a success. People from Grenada, Carriacou, Petite Martinique, and the rest of the Grenadines, as well as other regional and international visitors, converged on the 13 square mile island for four days of sailing and onshore activities.

This year, according to the regatta committee, has seen the greatest participation in terms of boats, including five new boats that were built and competed for the first time.

The new organizing committee, headed by Duane Williams, was commended by Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, Senator the Hon. George Prime, for staging a successful festival.

Minister Prime, in delivering remarks at the prize-giving ceremony, noted that the culture of any nation is the glue that binds people together. Therefore, he said, recognition must be paid to the persons who ensure the island's cultural heritage remains.

For a second straight year, Prime Minister Hon. Tillman Thomas attended the Regatta Festival.

He told the organizers and festival participants that it is important to protect and preserve our cultural heritage. The Prime Minister added that the support of the festival is evidence that people view the Regatta as important. However, locals need to claim ownership in order that it grows from strength to strength.

Also in attendance at the regatta were Senator the Hon. Arley Gill, Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Ministry with responsibility for Information and Culture and Dexter Mitchell, Chief Executive Officer of the Grenada Cultural Foundation.

Emancipation Day

CELEBRATED IN CARRIACOU

O

n August 1st, 1834 British abolitionists and resistant fighters on Caribbean plantations triumphed in their efforts to end centuries of the enslavement of Africans on sugar estates. In commemoration of the 1834 victory and the horrors of the slave trade and slavery, residents of the eastern villages of Mt. Pleasant and Grand-Bay dressed in African clothes and flowers, celebrated Emancipation Day by singing Negro Spiritual, beating drums and doing a walk through the villages.

The event, organized by the Mt. Pleasant & Grand-Bay Community Development Organization, also paid tribute to a former resident who was known as Tan Cot. It is said that on August 1st each year, Tan Cot used to dress up with the flowers of the corn plant and walk through the village in celebration of the abolition of slavery. Meanwhile, the Carriacou Carib Organization held its annual Emancipation Day celebrations. Dressed in African outfit and with torches in hand, members marched through the town of Hillsborough chanting songs and beating drums.

Minister for Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs Senator the Hon. George Prime, together with Senator Arley Gill and Chief Executive Officer of the Grenada Cultural Foundation, Dexter Mitchell were also part of the celebrations.

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Co

m mu

n i t y Dev elopmen t

BBH HUMAN RESOURCE CENTRE OFFICIALLY OPENED It's another demonstration of a commitment by the Government of Grenada to deliver more tangible services to the people of Carriacou and Petite Martinique as a Human Resource Development Centre, built through funds provided by the Grenada Rural Enterprise Project (GREP) was officially opened on Saturday, July 4th, 2009.

ribbon to declare the Centre open, said that it will bring direct benefits to the communities. He added that while government will be responsible for its upkeep, the community will be part of the management of the Centre.

Other speakers included Donessa Joseph, Community Development Officer of GREP. She noted that Human Resource

The centre will host a variety of activities, especially for the people of the tri-villages of Belle Vue South, Belmont and Harvey Vale.

Construction from Carriacou, cost approximately US$204, 351.

The opening of the Centre follows other recent moves to help the people of Carriacou and Petite Martinique, such as eliminating the need to travel to Grenada to obtain drivers' licences.

Another project that was funded by the Grenada Rural Enterprise Project (GREP) and is now available for public use is a toilet and bathroom facility on the famous Paradise Beach.

Development Centre is the framework for helping individuals to develop their personal and organizational skills.

Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, Senator the Hon. George Prime, who cut the

The Human Resource Development Centre, which was conceptualized by BBH Youths on the Move was built by Uncle T's

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YACHTING COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTES TO EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT he yachting community in Carriacou has raised over EC $100,000 for the Carriacou Children Education Fund which provides assistance to children on the island.

T

The island of Carriacou attracts yachtsmen and women from all around the world and every year during the Regatta Festival, a great number of them anchor out at the famous Tyrrel Bay in Harvey Vale.

The money was raised through an auction, on the grounds of the Carriacou Yacht Club. Minister for Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs, Sen. the Hon. George Prime attended the event and expressed his appreciation to the yachties for their contribution.

While enjoying the scenery and culture of the 13 square miles island, the “yachties”, led by John and Melody Pompa have been providing assistance for the educational development of children in Carriacou.

“This administration wholeheartedly supports this kind of initiative. We are conscious of the fact that government is unable to do everything, and so partnerships with other sectors are most appreciated,” Minister Prime said.

The Carriacou Children Education Fund had its beginning in 1997 when a group of cruisers in Tyrrel Bay during the Regatta Festival gathered for a “potluck” prior to the start of the Festival.

SUCCESSFUL CONSULTATION HELD ON MARINE NAVIGATIONAL LIGHTS INSTALLED IN WINDWARD BAY “A positive move by government”, that is how residents of the fishing village of Windward described the move by the Ministry of Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs through funds provided by the Grenada Rural Enterprise Project (GREP) to install navigational lights in the area.

In keeping with the government's commitment to let the people's voices be heard, a critical component in development, the residents had an opportunity to give their input as to where the lights should be located.

Jerry Stewart, a businessman, has installed the lights at no cost to government.

Minister for Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs, Senator George Prime expressed appreciation to Mr. Stewart for such “valuable contribution” as government moves to make the area safer for all users.

The Windward Bay area is surrounded by many reefs and sand banks, which sometimes creates problem for regular boat traffic and for yachts passing through the area.

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PLANS ON STREAM FOR REGIONAL STRING BAND FESTIVAL IN CARRIACOU

Tourism

Plans are well underway for the staging of the 2010 Regional String Band & Maroon Music Festival of Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

The event, which replaces the Carriacou Maroon Music Festival, will be one with a difference, promises Allison Caton, Tourism Development Officer for Carriacou and Petite Martinique. She said next year's Festival will be held the last weekend in April, starting with a “Village Maroon''.

Critical to the Festival, and one of the central event sites, is the Belair Heritage Park. Organizers are therefore working feverishly to complete the beautification of the park, saying the aim is to have it depict all aspect of Carriacou's culture.

The current Tillman Thomas-led government has publicly stated its intention to establish a policy linking culture and tourism, which will include greater marketing of Carriacou and Petite Martinique as a centre of indigenous music.

It is hoped that the development of the Regional String Band & Maroon Music Festival will be an element in the enhancement of Carriacou's tourism product.

CARRIACOU MARKETED OVERSEAS

Carriacou and Petite Martinique, which the National Democratic Congress administration has promised will be integrated “fully into the mainstream of national life.” A representative on a Grenada Board of Tourism delegation travelled to the United Kingdom from September 14th on a marketing promotion tour.

A l l i s o n C a t o n , To u r i s m Development Officer for Carriacou and Petite Martinique, was part of the “Rhythm of the Spice” U.K. trip as well as the Country Boys String Band.

“The islands of Carriacou & Petite Martinique display a range of assets

which together make them an interesting tourism destination,” Caton said.

On taking office in July 2008, the government of Prime Minister Hon. Tillman Thomas had pledged that its tourism efforts will include assistance for “national cultural events on Grenada and Carriacou to ensure the highest quality cultural products.”

Only recently, new Minister for Tourism Hon. Glynis Roberts held discussions with members of the Grenada Board of Tourism with the view of enhancing Carriacou's tourism product.

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GRENADA BOARD OF TOURISM LAUNCHED ITS DOMESTIC MARKETING PROGRAMME IN CARRIACOU The Domestic Marketing Programme was launched following a GBT nationwide survey that was conducted in early 2009.

The survey sought to determine people's knowledge, perception and attitudes regarding tourism.

Mr. Joseph said the Domestic Marketing Programme is heavily informed by the survey's findings.

The programme is intended to utilize the skills and talents of persons involved in communications, art, photography, playwriting, comedy and jingles production.

The Grenada Board of Tourism (GBT), which recently launched its Domestic Marketing Programme on the mainland, has briefed persons in Carriacou & Petite Martinique on how they can participate in the programme.

Tourism Director, William Joseph who visited Carriacou along with GBT Public Relations Officer Edwin Frank, said that the programme is to develop and promote a sustainable and competitive tourism industry that delivers prosperity to the people of Grenada. It is also to provide value and satisfaction to visitors.

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH OFFICER PARTICIPATED IN TRAINING IN CHINA The focus of the training was on rainwater catchment and utilization. Mr. Guadeloupe viewed this training as significant since Carriacou's main source of water comes from rain.

He was excited to be a participant and promised to share with others the knowledge he received in China.

Environmental Health Officer for Carriacou and Petite Martinique, William Guadeloupe, attended a training course in the month of July in the People's Republic of China.

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The training is part of a series of short-term seminars and courses offered to Grenadian nationals by the People's Republic of China.

SUCCESSFUL LAUNCH OF GOAT REARING PROJECT The time is now to improve our agriculture industry especially as the world experiences a financial crisis, Senator the Hon. George Prime has said.

The Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, and Leader of Government Business in the Senate, made the comments at the Department of Agriculture's successful launch of the goat-rearing project on Carlyle Patrice Farm in Limlair.

The Senator noted, however, that if the goat-rearing project is to be successful, there must be a partnership between the Agriculture Department and the farmers of the 13 square mile-island of Carriacou.

The Caribbean Agriculture Research Institute (CARDI) and IICA funded the project to a tune of US$40,000. CARDI Director Reginald Andall, in remarks at the launch of the project, highly commended Livestock Officer Norland Cox, who ensured the goat-rearing programme came to fruition.

Each year, Grenada produces 18,000 pounds of goat meat and imports 12,000 pounds.

President of the Carriacou Farmers Association, Harrison Fleary, hailed the project as one that will bring significant benefits to livestock farmers. Also present at the launching was Livestock Consultant Pweil Mwasha, who was a key player in the establishment of the programme.

Minister Prime said the project will not only lead to a reduction in the importation of goat meat but also help strengthen the nation's food security programme.

The project calls for the construction of two goat demonstration pens. One has already been built, and a second is being constructed in the south of the island.

MINISTRY OF CARRIACOU & PETITE MARTINIQUE AFFAIRS ESTABLISHES HOTLINE TO DEAL WITH STRAY ANIMALS A hotline has been established in Carriacou and Petite Martinique as government officials here attempt to curb the problem of stray animals.

For many years, stray and roaming animals have been a source of concern, especially for crop farmers during the planting season.

The Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs wants persons facing problems with stray animals in their area to report the matter by calling 443-7420. The hotline is open 24 hours each day of the week.

Meanwhile, the stray animal situation has forced the Agriculture Division in Carriacou to adopt a zero tolerance policy that includes fining livestock farmers and other animal owners.

The Division has announced that for all

large animals impounded, there will be a maximum penalty of $1000.00 plus any other costs incurred. Owners of smaller animals will be charged a maximum of $100.00 per head in addition to any costs incurred.

The Division of Agriculture is appealing for the cooperation of animal owners, advising them to do whatever is necessary to keep all animals under strict control.

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UPCOMING EVENTS CORN SOLD AT BELAIR NURSERY Despite a long dry spell during this planting season, the Belair Nursery has been able to produce a field of corn which was available for sale to the public at a cost of $1.50 per head.

According to Forestry Officer, Benson Patrice this is all part of the Ministry of Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs Agro-forestry Project and will help to lessen on the importation of this crop.

Meanwhile, in keeping with government's thrust to stimulate the agriculture industry, the workers at the nursery will be engaged in the planting of bananas, on lands located on the outskirts of the nursery.

The government's agricultural policy is geared towards bringing hope to the thousands of farmers and their families, attracting young persons into agriculture and stimulating the rural economy.

WORLD

FOOD Day

TH

October 16 , 2009: HILLSBOROUGH VENDORS MARKET:

display of fruits, vegetables and locally prepared dishes Theme: Achieving Food Security in Times of Crisis

AGRICULTURE DIVISION WITHIN THE MINISTRY OF CARRIACOU & PETITE MARTINIQUE AFFAIRS MEETS 2009 BUDGET OBJECTIVES The Agriculture Division of the Ministry of Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs is reporting success in meeting the three core objectives that it set itself and were outlined by Finance Minister Hon. Nazim Burke last December during the presentation of the 2009 National Budget.

Among the main objective of the Division, was the continued improvement and general productivity of livestock in Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Livestock Officer, Norland Cox says work done with the farmers through the staging of training sessions helped achieve this goal.

He also pointed to the project entitled, “Declaring Carriacou as the Centre of Excellence for Small Ruminants' Production.'' Under this project, funded

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to the tune of US$40,000 by the Caribbean Agriculture Research Institute and IICA, three model goat pens were constructed.

Another of the Division's objectives was to ensure improved livestock control by enforcement of the Stock Trespass Act. To assist with this measure, a telephone hotline was established in the Ministry of Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs for persons to call and lodge complaints about stray and roaming animals.

16days

OF ACTIVISM Division of Gender & Family Affairs,

highlighting the consequences of domestic violence

Meanwhile, under the Food Security Programme, over 100 families were assisted through the provision of broilers, pigs and seeds.

Preparatory work on the 2010 budget has begun and economic development in Carriacou & Petite Martinique is again expected to be featured prominently in the Finance Minister's final package.

NOVEMBER 25THDECEMBER 10TH, 2009:

MINISTRY OF CARRIACOU & PETITE MARTINIQUE AFFAIRS NEWSLETTER NOW

Nationals overseas, particularly those originally from Carriacou & Petite Martinique, can access local news via an additional new web source.

A Ministry of Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs newsletter, formerly only available in hard copy, is now accessible online at www.issuu.com/grenada or www.gov.gd/documents.html.

The newsletter, produced quarterly by Public Relations Officer, Deanna Isaac highlights the work of the various divisions within the Ministry of Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs. “Making the newsletter available online is in keeping with government's thrust to keep nationals at home and abroad informed on what's happening throughout the nation,'' Isaac said. “I enjoy producing the newsletter; it's a key component of my public relations work.''

The availability of the newsletter online would not have been possible without the assistance of government's webmaster, Hugh Whyte.

INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT ON STREAM IN CARRIACOU Preparatory work has begun on the 2890 ft of road with the expected cost close to EC one million dollars ($1m). The reconstruction of the road is divided into two phases with Karl Benjamin Construction Firm and Simon Lendore to undertake work on the project.

After many years of neglect, the Top Hill Road, which leads to Carriacou's lone hospital, is being reconstructed.

described the undertaking as a major achievement for the NDC Administration, since all previous governments have only made promises to reconstruct the road.

Minister for Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs, Senator the Hon. George Prime said it is important for the people of Carriacou and Petite Martinique to have proper access to the Princess Royal Hospital. He

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Carriacou Parang Festival December 18 - 20, 2009

Ministry of Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs Contact: Deanna Isaac PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER Phone: 1-473-443-6026, Fax: 1-473-443-6040 Email: prccou@live.com, Website: www.gov.gd Government Printery