Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs Newsletter - Vol. 2, Issue 1 (January - March 2010)

The Workings of the

MINISTRY OF CARRIACOU & PETITE MARTINIQUE AFFAIRS

Newsletter Volume 2, Issue 1 January - March 2010

“inside the beautiful twin isle parish”

Education

BISHOP'S COLLEGE AWARDS ITS OUTSTANDING PERFORMERS AND CONTRIBUTORS

One of Carriacou's secondary schools plans to introduce an inter-house competition this academic year to aid in improving students' performance in Mathematics.

The proposed Mathematics' competition at Bishop's College comes against the background of concerns expressed by the Ministry of Education at the belowaverage performance in math by the nation's students.

The average pass rate of students sitting the 2009 CXC Examinations in Mathematics was 33 percent.

Bishop's College Principal, Rholda Quamina, has announced that the school is taking the lead to arrest the math problem.

She made the disclosure at the College's annual Speech Day and Award Ceremony on Thursday, January 28.

In her principal's report, Ms. Quamina said the 20082009 school year was challenging but successful for Bishop's College.

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Its successes included a 100 percent pass rate in seven CXC subjects, she said.

For the first time also in the school's history, Ms. Quamina said, a food laboratory was established. She added that another new programme, in Wood Work, is now available to students.

Canon Christian Glasgow, who delivered the feature address, focused on the theme, “Promoting Excellence.”

He admonished students to seek to achieve “higher heights,'' but with God as the base.

Awards were presented to several students, including Texanne Gabriel, Shadel Peters, Reiza Patrice and Niem Cox. Among other award recipients were Earlyn Quashie, who was presented with a plaque for being the most helpful parent; and Simba Bristol and Lennox Corion for outstanding bus drivers.

The Workings of The Ministry of Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs

SCHOOLS IN CARRIACOU AWARDED FOR THEIR ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY INITIATIVES The Harvey Vale Government School has won two awards in the Environmentally Friendly Schools Initiative that was organised by the Grenada Solid Waste Management Authority (GSWMA).

Harvey Vale captured a special award for the best overall Solid Waste Project, as well as a gold award as schools in Carriacou played their part in efforts at environment protection and in the creation of a litter-free environment.

Minister Prime with Teacher-in-charge of Mt. Pleasant Pre-school Paulina Roberts

Some of the initiatives undertaken by the schools included the development of a composting unit using a damaged water tank, a playground done with drift wood and the use of recycled paper for teaching aids.

Students were rewarded for their efforts in a ceremony held at the Harvey Vale Government School on Thursday, February 11th.

GSWMA General Manager, Selby Dabreo, said the programme was geared to developing positive attitudes towards solid waste management at an early age and discourage wastage. It was also to encourage resourcefulness through recycling, reuse, waste reduction and composting, he added.

Congratulating the schools for taking such a leading role in keeping the environment clean was Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, Senator the Hon. George Prime, who challenged the authority to extend the programme to the wider community.

Minister Prime with Teacher at Harvey Vale Gov't Theria Mills

The Hillsborough Secondary School received the bronze award; Windward Pre-School along with Mt. Pleasant Government won silver awards, and Mt. Pleasant Pre-School and Harvey Vale Government gold awards.

The Workings of The Ministry of Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs

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LAND ISSUE IN CARRIACOU The Carriacou Land Settlement and Development Board has begun the process of regularizing the land issue on the island, with the settlement now of several land claims.

Upon assuming office in July 2008, the government of Prime Minister Hon. Tillman Thomas found that there were several irregularities with the way lands were distributed in Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

The new government, through the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, immediately committed to

a speedy resolution of the issue, and applied an existing law that called for the constituting of a Land Settlement and Development Board.

Benson Patrice, who has been Chairman of the Board since its establishment in October 2009, has now announced that Cabinet has given ownership approval to the 33 persons who already had been occupying government lands in Carriacou.

He made the announcement at a special meeting, at the Carriacou Multi-purpose Centre.

Many of the persons in attendance expressed their happiness, as they can now proceed with the development of their land.

Mr. Patrice said the mission of his Board is to advise government on the proper control and regulation of all crown lands in Carriacou, thus maximizing the benefits to all people.

LAND ISSUE CLOSER TO BEING RESOLVED Less than one month after Cabinet, through the Carriacou Land Settlement and Development Board, gave approval for 33 persons in Carriacou to proceed with land development; it is now working steadily to bring a speedy resolution to the issue.

The Board expects its work would lead to a situation where all people receive maximum land benefits.

In this light, Director of Lands & Survey, Venance Msacky, visited Carriacou for a firsthand look at the areas that were allocated for distribution. The areas included Harvey Vale, Dumfries, Belair and Lauriston.

Mr. Msacky, using information gathered during the visit, will make recommendations to the Carriacou Land Settlement and Development Board.

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Upon assuming office in July 2008, government appointed a Review Committee to examine the land distribution situation in Carriacou.

The Committee found that there were several irregularities with the way lands were parcelled out. In one instance, it was discovered that while Cabinet had agreed to the sale of land for 298 persons, a total of 333 received approval letters. Of the 333, 168 had made no application for land.

The mission of the Carriacou Land Settlement and Development Board, led by Benson Patrice is to advise government on the proper control and regulation of all crown lands in Carriacou.

The Workings of The Ministry of Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs

ACTING COORDINATOR OF NaDMA VISITED CARRIACOU The Carriacou Emergency Operating Centre located at Belair is now in a better position to respond to disasters with the receipt of a consignment of equipment.

During his stay, Mr. Walters met with Shaun Patrice, Community Programme Officer for NaDMA in Carriacou, as well as representatives of the District Disaster Management Committees throughout the island.

The supplies – useful in the case of a disaster – include generators, hurricane lanterns and chain saws.

The NaDMA boss also visited emergency shelters, and paid a courtesy call on the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, Bernadette Lendore-Sylvester.

The items were presented by Terrance Walters, Acting Coordinator of the National Disaster Management Agency (NaDMA), during a two-day visit to Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

HIGH COMMISSIONER OF INDIA VISITS CARRIACOU High Commissioner Mishra, who is based in Trinidad, also discussed the possibility of Indian assistance to Carriacou in Health and Information Technology.

His Excellency, on his first visit to Carriacou, was taken on a scenic tour of the 13-square-mile island. The tour included stops at the boat building village of Windward, Limlair Farm, the Belair Nursery and the Carriacou Multi-purpose Centre.

The High Commissioner, who was accompanied by his wife and ICT Advisor in the Prime Minister's Office, Dr. Anurag Sinha, thanked the Minister and staff of the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs for their hospitality.

He also expressed an interest to visit the 400 acres island of Petite Martinique on his next journey to our Tri-island Nation.

Grenada's plans for agriculture development in Carriacou could be receiving support from the Government of India.

Agriculture assistance was one of the issues discussed between His Excellency Malay Mishra, High Commissioner of India to Grenada, and Senator the Hon. George Prime, Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs. The two were joined in the talks by Dr. Everson Peters, Policy Advisor to Sen. Prime, who is also Leader of Government Business in the Upper House of Parliament.

The Workings of The Ministry of Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs

With a changing geopolitical landscape and international environment, the Government of Grenada is seeking to develop deeper levels of cooperation with countries all across the globe, including India, Brazil and Portugal.

The administration, led by Prime Minister Hon. Tillman Thomas, is aiming to secure new economic partnerships that are best suited to Grenada's developmental goals.

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IMPROVING THE SERVICES DELIVERED BY THE MINISTRY OF CARRIACOU AND PETITE MARTINIQUE AFFAIRS HIGH ON GOVERNMENT'S AGENDA The Grenada Government, which is engaged in a restructuring of the public service system, is proposing a plan that will involve the setting up of three main units to administer services at the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs.

The proposed plan was discussed with senior Managers of the Ministry during a recent visit to Carriacou by Cabinet Secretary Gemma Bain-Thomas, Permanent Secretary in the Department of Public Administration Nordica McIntyre, and Liaison Officer Rosemarie Welsh.

As part of the initiative for Carriacou and Petite Martinique, the Ministry will have an Administrative Section and also a Planning unit that will be responsible for projects, policies and programmes.

The restructuring of the Ministry is occurring within the context of government's thrust to set up a local government in Carriacou and Petite Martinique. It's in keeping with a pledge of the 20-month-old National Democratic Congress administration, which has given high priority to ensuring that services delivered to the people of the twin-island state are effective and efficient.

Meanwhile, Javan Williams has been appointed as acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs.

Williams was appointed to the position in place of Bernadette Lendore-Sylvester, who is on vacation.

He worked previously as a teacher at the Hillsborough Secondary School.

A third Unit for Technical Services will bring together various Divisions, such as Works and Community Development.

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The Workings of The Ministry of Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs

E H

I F L E S Y T H Y T L LE A

103 YEARS OF LIVING CELEBRATED Reaching 100 years and beyond no longer seems to be an oddity in Carriacou. In recent years, there have been celebrations for a few centenarians. The latest is Joseph Jerome of Top Hill. Family and friends joined him in rd celebrating his 103 birthday.

Born on February 18 t h , 1907, Jerome – affectionately called “Da Joe” has lived to see many developmental changes, including the transition from colonialism to the establishment of the Tri-island Nation which became independent in 1974.

At a birthday party held in his honour, “Da Joe'' was flanked by his children, as well as his grand and great-grand children.

The Division of Social Services within the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs also paid tribute to “Da Joe'' Jerome. Social Worker Susan Peters, presented a bouquet of flowers along with a basket of nutritional items to the centenarian.

Mr. Jerome, who was a keen church-goer in his younger years, still enjoys singing gospel hymns. His favourite is, “God be with you till we meet again.”

The Workings of The Ministry of Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs

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PLANS FOR CARRIACOU AND PETITE MARTINIQUE –

BUDGET 2010

The establishment of an Education Desk in Carriacou and formalisation of local government for the Sister Islands are among projects outlined for 2010 for Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

The projects, part of an overall policy of the Government of Grenada to ensure Carriacou and Petite Martinique are fully integrated into the mainstream of national life, were announced by Finance Minister, Hon. V. Nazim Burke, during his presentation of the 2010 budget.

The Education Desk, he said, is designed to improve the efficiency and quality of services provided to the People of Carriacou and Petite Martinique, particularly in education.

Setting up the Desk would bring greater equity to youths here in their quest for scholarships and training opportunities, the Finance Minister said.

He promised that local government will be finalised and formalised this year. Petite Martinique already has a functioning interim local government council.

Hon. Burke also revealed that investment will be made in infrastructural projects in Carriacou and Petite Martinique, as well as in ensuring the availability of an ongoing supply of portable water.

Among the infrastructural projects on which work is expected to be done are the completion of the Top Hill/Belair Road, the rehabilitation of the Belair to Belvedere Road and the construction of two major retaining walls at Belvedere and Windward. Work is also expected to commence on the construction of a new facility for the Top Hill Home for the Aged and the Bogles PreSchool.

Carriacou and Petite Martinique, battling a long and dry weather spell, are facing a major water crisis.

Government's plans for meeting the crisis include collaborating with the National Water & Sewerage Authority to use technology to make the water at the Beausejour Borehole lighter for human consumption.

PETITE MARTINIQUE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CENTRE OFFICIALLY OPEN With Information Technology playing a pivotal role in today's society, students and other residents of Petite Martinique now have a place that caters to their IT needs, as an Information Technology Centre has been constructed and officially opened there.

Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, Senator the Hon. George Prime, hails the Project which was funded by the Grenada Rural Enterprise Project (GREP).

With the establishment of the Centre, he said, Petite Martinique students attending secondary schools in Carriacou will no longer have to delay their travel and return home late on evenings because of IT Page 8

Projects that could only be completed in Carriacou.

The Information Technology Centre, located above the Petite Martinique R.C. School, is equipped with 12 computers and internet service, and was constructed by Roger Rock, a local contractor.

This is the fourth GREP Project in Carriacou & Petite Martinique. The others are a bathroom facility on Paradise Beach, a Human Resource Development Centre in Harvey Vale, and the laying of 2000 feet of farm road in Dumfries.

The four Projects cost in the tune of over EC$1 million.

The Workings of The Ministry of Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs

IMPRESSIVE INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATIONS IN PETITE MARTINIQUE The need for the spirit of love and togetherness to prevail in the Tri-island State was sounded during the staging of the parish independence celebrations on the Sister Isle of Petite Martinique.

Independence

Governor-General Sir Carlyle Glean emphasized the need in a message delivered at the Petite Martinique celebrations on Wednesday, February 3.

The event, at the Petite Martinique R. C. School, was also attended by Prime Minister Hon. Tillman Thomas; Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, Senator the Hon. George Prime; and MP for Carriacou and Petite Martinique, Hon. Elvin Nimrod.

The Governor General admonished parents to teach their children the real meaning of love from an early age, and get them actively involved in community and social groups.

Prime Minister Thomas, in his address, noted that true patriotism is not only displayed simply by the wearing of the national colours. It also involves respecting the national symbols and protecting the country's assets, Hon. Thomas said.

The celebrations commenced with staff and students of the Petite Martinique R. C. School, along with members of the community, beautifully dressed in the national colours and marching to music from the Royal Grenada Police Force Band.

The Petite Martinique Independence celebrations also included a thrilling performance by the Drum Corps and from members of the Blazers Youth Group from Carriacou, as well as the presentation of awards to students.

Among those recognized and awarded were Kiba Joseph as the most outstanding academic student; and Shahib Enoe for being the most outstanding male athlete.

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INDEPENDENCE MARCH PAST COMPETITION A SUCCESS

Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, Senator the Hon. George Prime, has applauded the Belair Progressive Youth Movement led by Shem Quamina for staging the firstever Independence March Past Competition.

The event, held at the Hillsborough Recreation Ground on Saturday, January 30th, was highlighted by the marching skills of students, who also displayed the true spirit of patriotism dressed in the national colours.

It was indeed a welcome sight to see the high level of enthusiasm displayed by the participants, Minister Prime said.

Competitors included students from three primary schools, Carriacou's two secondary schools and two community groups.

Mt. Pleasant Government School, marching to the rhythm of the Drum Corps, won the march past in the primary division. L'Esterre won the primary division's display competition, which involved groups forming the number 36, depicting the number of years the Tri-island State has been an independent nation.

Bishop's College reigned supreme, winning both the march past and display in the senior category which included Blazers, Hillsborough Secondary and Belair Progressive Youth Movement. The event which was sponsored by the Grenada Public Service Co-operative Credit Union was well supported by members of the public.

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The Workings of The Ministry of Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs

L'ESTERRE R.C & HILLSBOROUGH GOVERNMENT WINNERS OF THE 2010

The

talents of seven primary schools students in Carriacou were showcased as the Carriacou Independence Celebrations Committee staged another successful event, on Tuesday, February 2, was the 2010 Mr. & Ms. Independence Show to mark 36 years of Independence.

L'Esterre RC School student Benjamin Fraser was crowned the 2010 Mr. Independence. He won all three individual prizes in the male category: Best Talent, Evening Wear and Introduction. Stephon Browne, representing Hillsborough Government School, placed second and Harvey Vale Government student Thaddeus Alexis was third.

The female category was keenly contested with participation from four students. However, 11-year-old Sherika Paul, a

The Workings of The Ministry of Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs

student of the Hillsborough Government School, stole the hearts of the judges. She won the individual prize of Best Introduction and emerged as the overall winner in the female category.

Harvey Vale Government's Shiniah Andrews, who won the prize of Best Evening Wear, placed second, while Marie Claire Findlay of L'Esterre RC School finished third. Findlay also won for Best Talent. AnnRita Boatswain, representing Mt. Pleasant Government, placed fourth.

The Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, led

by Senator the Hon. George Prime, congratulates the winners and all the participants in the 2010 Mr. & Ms. Independence Show.

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INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATED INStyle IN CARRIACOU

The 36th anniversary of Grenada's independence was celebrated in style on Carriacou as people from throughout the 13-square-mile island converged at the Hillsborough Recreation Ground on Thursday, February 4, to mark the occasion.

Among the celebrants were Governor General Sir Carlyle Glean and Prime Minister Hon. Tillman Thomas, who were joined by other government officials, as well as staff and

“As citizens, it's our collective responsibility to ensure Grenada grows in a positive way,'' Hon. Thomas emphasised.

For his part, Sir Carlyle Glean said Grenadians must show appreciation to the country, recalling the story of a visitor who described Grenada as one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean.

students of primary and secondary schools, and members of the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF).

The celebrations included the singing of patriotic songs, presentation of awards and remarks from the Governor General, the Prime Minister, Minister for Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs Senator the Hon. George Prime and MP Hon. Elvin Nimrod.

In his remarks, Prime Minister Thomas called on citizens to rededicate their lives to help in the development of the Tri-island State.

Grenada attained its independence from Britain on February 7, 1974, with the late Sir Eric Gairy becoming the first Prime Minister of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

The theme for independence 2010 was, “Celebrating our Nation's Birth with Love and Togetherness.'

The celebrations ended with the RGPF band playing music in a march through the streets of Hillsborough.

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SPORTS BC athlete Dwana Cudjoe receiving championship trophy from LIME Carriacou Manager Dexter Lendore

BISHOP'S COLLEGE REIGN SUPREME IN INTER-SECONDARY SPORTS MEET The athletes of Bishop's College (BC) reigned supreme over the girls and boys of Hillsborough Secondary School (HSS) in the 2010 Carriacou Inter-secondary Sports Meet.

It was the first inter-secondary games in Carriacou in five years, following a controversy at the 2005 meet.

All BC Affair

Hillsborough Secondary – winners of the march past – lost the overall championship title to Bishop's College, which amassed a total games' score of 516 points. HSS trailed with 471 points.

Dressed in red and white and well supported by teachers, parents and past students, Bishop's College athletes took first position in a number of races, including the 200 meters junior boys' race and the 200 meters senior boys' race.

Javid Allen and Cudlyn Joseph were among the outstanding athletes at the games, which saw a number of records broken. Allen, a BC student, set a new record in the 200 meters sub-junior boys' race. He ran in a time of 25.15 seconds, compared to the old mark of 25.51 clocked in 1998 by Curtis Clouden.

Joseph, who also represented Bishop's College, outpaced all competitors in the 200 meters junior girls' race. She established a new record of 26.91 seconds. The old record was 28.20 seconds posted in 1999 by HSS athlete, Emma Gay. Other outstanding athletes were Bishop's College Sasha McKay, Deon Compton and Tyler Stafford; and Keon John and Joylyn Enoe of Hillsborough Secondary. The Victrix Ludorum was HSS Karitha Roseman and Victor Ludorum was Theo Bedeau of Bishop's College.

Another all BC Affair

Outstanding athletes Keon John, Deon Compton & Kadeem McGillivary

Divisional junior champ girls Joylyn Enoe, Record breaker Cudlyn Joseph, Kever Quashie

All HSS Affair

Karitha Roseman

The meet, held at the Lauriston mini-stadium, was supported by the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, with backing from several corporate sponsors. Among them were telecommunications' company, LIME, Gleneg, the Grenada Bottling Company and George F. Huggins.

The Workings of The Ministry of Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs

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INDEPENDENCE SCHOOLS ROAD RACE A SUCCESS

Students from the five primary and two secondary schools in Carriacou were out in their numbers on Friday, January 29th, in a show of patriotism as they participated in the 2010 Independence Schools Road Race.

Bernard McIntosh had to settle for third place. The secondary girls' division saw Bianca Joseph of Hillsborough finishing first followed by Sasha McKay of Bishop's College.

The race, which started in the south of the island and culminated at the Hillsborough Recreation Ground, saw a number of persons coming out to cheer on the students.

At the end of the race, L'Esterre R. C. School dominated the first three positions in the primary girls' division with Sahira Stewart 1st, Kelisha Samerson 2nd and Cora Peters 3rd. In the primary boys' division, L'Esterre R.C copped first position in the person of Dante Sylvester followed by Akim Compton of Dover Government.

It is one of dozens of activities being held across the tri-island nation to mark the 36th anniversary of Independence of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

In the secondary boys' division, Bishop's College captured the first two positions with Josh Phillip 1st and Kelly Quashie placing 2nd. Hillsborough Secondary student

Meanwhile, the Petite Martinique R. C. School held their independence road race where Moriah St. Bernard won the girls' division and Shahib Enoe the boys' division.

BISHOP'S COLLEGE HELD ITS ANNUAL INTER-HOUSE SPORTS MEET Under blazing mid-day sun on Friday, February 12th, athletes of Bishop's College took to the tracks at the Hillsborough Recreation Ground for the school's annual

sports meet. By the end of the day, the athletes of Stanisclaus (Green) House were the dominant force, emerging as the overall track and field winners.

The girls and boys in blue – Dickson House – were unable to maintain the winning streak they have established over the years. They had to settle for second place. Woodroffe or Red House – the march past winners – finished in third position.

The sports meet, which was a spirited but friendly rivalry among the athletes, witnessed the breaking of a number of track records. Among them was the 400 meter junior boys' race in which Kadeem McGilivray broke the old record of 55.92 second that was set by Keyron Roberts. McGilvary crossed the finishing line in a new record time of 55.72 seconds.

Theo Bedeau set a new record in the 100 meters boys' race with the new time being 12.00, three seconds less than the previous record holder Clinton Brown.

Other outstanding athletes at the event included Cudlyn Joseph, Dwana Cudjoe, Tyler Stafford and Deon Compton.

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The Workings of The Ministry of Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs

NEW VEHICLES FOR AGRICULTURE DIVISION The Agriculture Division of the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs is pressing ahead with the development of the islands' agricultural sector, despite battling to overcome certain obstacles this year. These have included what can be described as one of the longest dry spells in years.

The dry weather condition resulted in less crop production and the deaths of several animals.

Officials of the Division of Agriculture and Senator The Hon. George Prime, the Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, say they are not daunted and are redoubling their efforts at agricultural development.

They point to the recent acquisition of two new vehicles, a KIA 4WD truck and a Nissan four-door van.

Hon. Prime, who was on hand to witness the blessing of the vehicles by Roman Catholic priest, Father Augustine, said the truck and van will enhance the work of the Division of Agriculture, making officers more mobile as they travel throughout the twin-isle parish.

AGRICULTURE DIVISION BATTLES THE DRY WEATHER Farmers and officers of the Agriculture Division in Carriacou and Petite Martinique are defying the odds, producing crops in the midst of a long, dry weather spell affecting the islands.

The Agriculture Division of the Ministry of Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs recently produced a field of corn at the Belair Nursery. The corn, the second field produced within months, was made available for sale to the public.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, led by Senator the Hon. George Prime, is battling the water-shortage situation on the Sister Isles in a proactive and collaborative effort with the Ministry of Works and Public Utilities headed by Hon. Joseph Gilbert, and the National Water & Sewage Authority (NAWASA).

The joint approach started with a visit to Carriacou by a NAWASA and Ministry team that included Hon. Gilbert, who is also Communications Minister.

Less than a week after the visit, Carriacou received more than 90,000 gallons of water from Grenada.

The water was distributed to schools and public institutions such as Princess Royal, Carriacou's lone hospital.

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WATER SITUATION DISCUSSED WITH FARMERS IN CARRIACOU The cleaning of wells throughout Carriacou is now a top priority of agriculture officials of the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, in the latest effort to deal with a long dry weather spell affecting the island.

public support will be necessary to combat the continuing dry conditions, he said.

Carriacou's response to the dry spell has also led to the formulation of an agriculture water shortage mitigation plan.

The idea of cleaning the wells was discussed at a meeting at the Carriacou Multi-purpose Centre between farmers and officials of the Agriculture Division.

Agriculture Officer Norland Cox, in highlighting aspects of the plan, noted that there are twenty (20) wells spread throughout Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

Head of the Division, Benson Patrice, said he and his team are seeking to foster partnership with farmers, as well as looking at developing a programme to assist them with feed for their animals. As a whole, broad

However, only thirteen (13) are functional but they are in need of cleaning, Mr. Cox added. Water from the wells is used for both domestic and commercial purposes, such as construction.

ANOTHER POND CLEANED BY AGRICULTURE DIVISION IN CARRIACOU

The Brunswick Pond, which has been covered for many years with lilies, has been cleaned and is now restored to its primary use.

The cleaning of the pond by the Agriculture Division, led by Benson Patrice, comes at a critical time as Carriacou, Grenada and other Caribbean countries are in the midst of a severe water crisis.

Division embarked on cleaning wells throughout the island and called for broad public support in dealing with the water situation.

Officials are already working with farmers and recently held a meeting with them to discuss the Division's water shortage mitigation plan.

The Brunswick Pond is the second to be cleaned by the Division. The first was the Belair Pond.

With the work on the Brunswick Pond completed, the Agriculture

Pond before Page 16

The Workings of The Ministry of Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs

CARNIVAL MONDAY IN CARRIACOU FOR THE FIRST TIME DECLARED A BANK HOLIDAY In a move welcomed by the People of Carriacou, the government of Prime Minister Hon. Tillman Thomas has taken the bold and decisive step to declare Carnival Monday in Carriacou a bank holiday.

Unlike Grenada, which holds its carnival in August, Carriacou celebrates Carnival as a traditional pre-Lenten festival.

For the past 23 years, the People of Carriacou and Petite Martinique have been clamouring for Carnival Monday to be a public holiday in the Sister Islands.

Their appeal was taken to Cabinet by Senator the Hon. George Prime,

Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

Prime Minister Thomas and his Cabinet, in accordance with the Bank Holiday Act Cap. 25, acceded to the request of the People of Carriacou and Petite Martinique and granted them their wish.

Observers described the government's action as a fulfilment of a commitment the National Democratic Congress made on assuming office in July 2008. The NDC administration gave the assurance that the unique cultural heritage of Carriacou and Petite Martinique will be enhanced and preserved, taking several immediate steps such as reviving the steel band movement and boosting support for the Carriacou Parang Festival.

Launching of

“ZEMI” Carriacou's boat building tradition is traced back to 1833 when Benjamin Compton came from England and today his descendants are keeping the tradition alive in what has become known as the boat-building village of Windward.

The launching of a boat here is a major event and it was no different when “Zemi”, a boat built by well-known shipwright Alwin Enoe and sons was launched on Sunday, January 10th, 2010. The day before the launching a goat was killed and its blood was spilled as the elderly folks say to appease the gods.

On the day, the local Roman Catholic priest blessed the boat while the choir sang beautifully intertwined with rum and water and the cooking of saraca food (roll rice, coo-coo and meat).

The cutting down ceremony was a beautiful sight as the men hacked down the supports in unison, dropping the vessel abruptly on her port side.

This tradition has attracted people from throughout the island as well as visitors from other parts of the world as they flocked the Windward shoreline to witness this unique aspect of Carriacou's culture.

The Workings of The Ministry of Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs

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The Workings of The Ministry of Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs

WOMEN OF CARRIACOU ENCOURAGED TO BE GOOD ROLE MODELS The women of Carriacou have been encouraged to think of the way they do things, including their mode of dress and their behaviour in the private and public spheres.

The word of encouragement came from Alice VictorAlexander, Coordinator of Gender Affairs in the Ministry of Social Development of the Government of Grenada. She was speaking at a ladies' evening out organised by the Division of Gender and Family Affairs of the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs.

The event, held in recognition of the observance of International Women's Day 2010, was also addressed by

Vinishah Cudjoe, Gender Coordinator for Carriacou and Petite Martinique. She applauded the men who support the cause of women and who see women's improvement not as a threat, but as a compliment.

Various women's organisations in Carriacou were represented at the evening out, which was held at John's Unique Resort.

International Women's Day, which was inaugurated in 1911, celebrates the achievement of women and promotes their freedom and social and economic equality for them.

SKILLS TRAINING HELD BY GENDER & FAMILY AFFAIRS DIVISION REAPING SUCCESS A skills' training workshop in pastry a n d confectionarymaking, organised by the Division of Gender and Family Affairs, is reaping success with a business spin off.

Some of the workshop participants have formed a company called “Fitzra's Catering Service.''

They showcased their newly found catering skills at the recent ladies' evening-out, which was held in recognition of International Women's Day. Gender Coordinator for Carriacou and Petite Martinique, Vinishah Cudjoe, said she is happy and satisfied that the 2009 training workshop has had such a positive effect.

She said as part of efforts to improve the wellbeing of citizens, other training sessions are being planned. Among them will be training in dining and interview etiquette.

The Workings of The Ministry of Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs

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