Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs Newsletter - Vol. 2, Issue 7 (April - June 2010)

The Workings of the

MINISTRY OF CARRIACOU & PETITE MARTINIQUE AFFAIRS

Newsletter Volume 2, Issue 2 April - June 2010

“inside the beautiful twin isle parish”

Education

DOVER GOVERNMENT SCHOOL STUDENT PLACES IN THE FIRST FIFTY IN COMMON ENTRANCE EXAMS The Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs under the leadership of Senator George Prime extends congratulations to Reon Patrice, a student of Dover Government School, on his performance in this year's Common Entrance Examinations.

Patrice scored123.6 marks to place 32nd in the State. He is the only child from Carriacou and Petite Martinique to have made it in the top 50.

Class teacher Terrence McLawrence, and Principal Corine McDonald, are elated at the student's achievement, saying that throughout his primary school life Patrice always excelled in all subject areas.

Patrice follows in the footsteps of his sister, Reiza, who placed 7th in the 2007 Common Entrance Exams. He will now be attending Bishop's College in September with aspirations of becoming a banker just like his father, Roger Patrice. Mr. Patrice is manager of Republic Bank, Carriacou Branch.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs has also offered congratulations to all the 1,760 students in the Triisland State who have gained a place at secondary school by passing the Common Entrance test.

Reon with his mother Lyn Patrice & class teacher Terrence McLawrence

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Reon with his mother and Principal Corine McDonald

The Workings of The Ministry of Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs

Workshop participants

PERSONS IN CARRIACOU & PETITE MARTINIQUE TRAINED IN MASS CASUALTY MANAGEMENT There is now a cadre of persons in Carriacou and Petite Martinique who can now adequately respond in the event of any disaster. A group of 27 has just participated in a six-day Ministry of Health workshop on mass casualty management.

The workshop, sponsored by the Pan American Health Organization, was facilitated by Jamaican Delwin Ferguson. He said he was happy to share his knowledge with the people of Carriacou and Petite Martinique, adding that he is now confident that if any problem should arise there will be appropriate response.

Ann Lendore presents gift to Mr. Ferguson

Mr. Ferguson noted that with the keen interest shown by the participants, there is the possibility of a number of them becoming trainers in mass casualty management.

Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, Senator George Prime, who attended the closing of the workshop, said it was a welcome intervention in efforts to improve the level of healthcare to citizens.

Support for the workshop was provided by Disaster Health Coordinator, Osbert Charles, and four other persons from Grenada.

Another gift presentation by June Paul

The Workings of The Ministry of Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs

Support Team from Grenada

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SPORTS

GREATER EFFORT BEING MADE TO UNIFY THE GRENADINE ISLANDS THROUGH SPORTS While member-countries of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States continue to press ahead with deepening their working and economic partnership, there is a similar but smaller version among Grenadine islands.

The Grenadine initiative was showcased when a delegation of athletes recently travelled to Union Island to participate in the first-ever Champion of Champions, Grenadines InterPrimary Schools' track and field meet. Athletes were drawn from Carriacou, Bequia, Mustique, Mayreau, Canouan and Union Island.

The event was put on by the Union Island Easterval Committee. Organiser Lesroy Noel said the main objective was to unify the neighbouring islands through sports and culture, and to deepen their long-established relationship.

crown, captured a number of individual titles. Carriacouians Kina Thomas was the Girls' Junior champion; Kanequa Stewart, Intermediate Girls' champ; and the Senior Boys' winner was Telvin Thomas.

The Carriacou team to the games was led by Kerwin Noel, President of Sports Committee of the Grenada Union of Teachers (GUT).

Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, Senator George Prime, has congratulated the athletes for their performance, saying he hopes that the track meet will become an annual event in seeking greater unity among the islands of the Grenadines.

Carriacou, while not securing the overall championship

DIANA GITTENS SELECTED FOR A SECOND TIME TO THE UNDER 23 NETBALL TEAM team should serve as an encouragement to other netballers in Carriacou and Petite Martinique, said Sen. Prime who is also Leader of Government Business in the Upper House of Parliament.

She was a top player while a student at the Hillsborough Secondary School. Last year, the school presented her with an award for her outstanding netball performance.

Minister for Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs, Senator the Hon. George Prime, is delighted with local netballer, Diana Gittens, complimenting her on her selection to the nation's under 23 netball team for a second time.

Minister Prime said that the people of the twin-island parish should be proud of the achievements of Gittens, who continues to excel in her sport. Her selection to the national Page 4

The Workings of The Ministry of Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs

MINISTER PRIME COMMENDS MT. ROYAL CRICKET TEAM Ken Mathurine

Mt. Royal Cricket Club

The Mt. Royal Cricket Team, captained by Michael Primus, has done it again. For yet another year the players have won the Republic Bank Carriacou United Cricket Board Domestic Cricket Tournament, and have been showered with praise from Sen. George Prime, Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs.

Minister Prime, in congratulating Mt. Royal on their eighth victory since the tournament started in 2001, said other teams should try and emulate them. He commended the Mt. Royal cricketers for their great level of committement and enthusiasm for the sport.

Mt. Royal defeated Harvey Vale in the final to win this year's championship. Batting first Mt. Royal scored a total of 235 runs, with Ken Mathurine hitting 84. He was eventually named Man of the Match.

In reply Harvey Vale was competitive but reached 207all out in 37.1 overs.

The Most Valuable Player of the tournament was Wendell Stafford of the Harvey Vale Cricket Team. He totalled 392 runs and took 18 wickets.

General Manager of Republic Bank hands over trophy to Mt. Royal Captain Michael Primus

Harvey Vale Cricket Club The Workings of The Ministry of Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs

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CARRIACOU & PETITE MARTINIQUE SPORTS COUNCIL LAUNCHED A Sports Council has been officially launched in Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

The launch, comes ahead of the formal establishment of a government-back National Sports Council, and was attended by Kenrick Fullerton, Policy Advisor in the Ministry of Youth Empowerment and Sports.

Mr. Fullerton said the National Sports Council will be launched later this year. One representative from the Carriacou and Petite Martinique Sports Council will be appointed to the Board of Directors of the National Council, which will be charged with executing a national sports policy.

It's in keeping with the vision of institutional strengthening of existing sporting organisations in Carriacou and Petite Martinique, and the creation of a body to govern sports on the islands.

Chairman of the Carriacou and Petite Martinique Sports Council is Anderson Matheson, with Walt Williams as vice-chairman, Beverly Bartholomew as secretary, Nigel Wilson is treasurer, and Bryan Prince is assistant secretary/treasurer.

Anderson Matheson

SPORTS PLAYING AN INTEGRAL ROLE IN STUDENTS' DEVELOPMENT IN CARRIACOU & PETITE MARTINIQUE

Harvey Vale Government School

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Left to right: Keishroy DeRoche, Cosnel McIntosh, Gertrude Niles & Javan Williams

Students at primary and secondary schools are the focus of the latest effort to further develop cricket in Carriacou and Petite Martinique as they participated in the Gilbert Brathwaite Schools' Cricket Tournament.

Affairs, declared the tournament open on Tuesday, May 25, by reiterating government's commitment to sports development on the sister islands. The start of the competition came only one week after the launch in Carriacou of a government-backed Sports Council.

The competition is named after Gilbert Brathwaite who was an avid player and lover of the sport from the village of Mt.Pleasant.

Mr. Williams also challenged the young players to be disciplined and to take seriously their cricket, which is one of the leading sports in the Caribbean.

The Division of Sports within the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs organised the competition with support from the Grenada Union of Teachers Carriacou Sports Branch.

The students were also addressed by Area Education Officer Gertrude Niles; tournament initiator Cosnel McIntosh; and Acting Sports Officer Keishroy DeRoche.

They all noted the importance of sports in the students' development process.

cricketers in action

The Workings of The Ministry of Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs

HIGH COMMENDATION FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL NETBALLERS ON THE SISTER ISLES The future of netball in Carriacou & Petite Martinique is in safe hands. Dozens of students, from as young as six, are participating in this year's inter-primary schools' netball competition.

Six-year-old Grace Niles, a student of the Mt. Pleasant Government School, is playing in the competition organised by the Division of Sports in the Ministry of Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs. She is the youngest player to ever participate in the competition since it started.

Grace Niles

Harvey Vale Government

Speaking at the competition's official opening ceremony, Minister for Carriacou

Mt. Pleasant Government

& Petite Martinique Affairs, Senator George Prime, praised Diana Gittens, a Kayak who has made it to the national under-23 netball team. He noted that sports play an integral role in the development process.

Also in attendance at the opening ceremony were Education Officer Gertrude Simon-Niles and Permanent Secretary Bernadette Lendore-Sylvester.

Both commended the efforts of the teachers, and especially the players themselves, for their participation in the tournament.

Hillsborough Government

Petite Martinique RC

DONATION OF CRICKET GEARS TO BISHOP'S COLLEGE He loved cricket with a passion and once represented Grenada on the Windward Islands Youth Cricket Team. Frank Carl Belmar continued playing cricket even after migrating to the United States and building a career in the US Navy.

Upon his passing in April 2009, Frank's family made a decision based on his deep love for cricket. They decided to donate all

his cricket gears to his alma mater, Bishop's College. His brother, Bernard Isaac – also a past student of Bishop's College – made the presentation on behalf of the family.

Bernard said that while Frank is missed so dearly, he is happy to make the donation to the school to assist with the development of cricket.

School Principal Rholda Quamina and students were present as teacher Gavin Moses accepted the donation, which included bats and pads.

Both Mr. Moses and Ms. Q u a m i n a e x p r e s s ed their appreciation to Frank Belmar's family for the donation of the cricket gears.

The Workings of The Ministry of Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs

Page 7

BRAZILAIN TECHINCAL TEAM VISITED TO ASSESS SITE FOR DEVELOPMENT OF FREE ZONE

Team lo

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at the

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Another step has been completed in plans for establishing a commercial free zone on the 13square-mile island of Carriacou. The latest move involves an assessment which has been conducted of the proposed project site in Dumfries.

The assessment was done by a Brazilian technical team which spent two days visiting Carriacou.

While on the island, they examined the landside and waterside capacities of the Dumfries area. If it is determined that the initial site is suitable for

development, the next step will be the formulation of a site master plan.

The visit came one month after the signing of the memorandum of understanding between the Government of Grenada and the Brazilian company, Urbaniza.

Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, Senator George Prime, is hopeful that plans will come to fruition as government seeks to improve the economy of Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

another view of the proposed site

part of the proposed Dumfries site

DYNAMIC INVESTMENT PARTNERS LIMITED TEAM CONDUCTED FACT FINDING MISSION AT LAURISTON AIRPORT

Dynamic Investment Partners General Manager Anthony Conrad with Lauriston Airport Manager David Andrew

Delegation inside of terminal building

Representatives of a company chosen by government for the refurbishing of Carriacou's Lauriston Airport have just completed a fact-finding mission of the facility.

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About one month ago, government confirmed that Dynamic Investment Partners Limited, a St.Maarten based company had received permission to conduct discussions for the planning and mobilising for the refurbishing and financing of the airport.

The project team on the factfinding mission included company chairman, Melvin Wo o d l e y, a n d G e n e r a l Manager Anthony Conrad.

The two, accompanied by Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, Senator George Prime, toured

the airport site, examining the facility, including the runway.

They are now expected to produce a project development plan for the airport which was last refurbished in 1994.

Minister Prime said the visit is important since enhancing the airport facility is critical in aiding in the economic development of Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

Government, in the 2010 budget, allocated $950,000 for refurbishing Lauriston Airport, which will be renamed after former Prime Minister Herbert Blaize.

present runway

Terminal building with SVG Air on tarmac

Only one airline, SVG Air, provides service to Carriacou.

However, with the planned refurbishment of the airport, it is hoped that more carriers will be flying to the island.

The Workings of The Ministry of Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs

WORK PROGRESSING STEADILY ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE TOP HILL/BELAIR ROAD The construction of the Top Hill/Belair Road is progressing steadily with over 800ft of concrete already used in getting the project completed. The road is more than 2900ft in length.

Senator George Prime, Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, has commended the two project contractors, Simon Lendore and Karl Benjamin, for the progress being made in finishing the road.

The road, which leads to the lone Princess Royal Hospital, can be dubbed as a hallmark of the Tillman Thomas-led administration. Previous governments had promised to fix the road but it was never fulfilled.

Meanwhile, government's road maintenance and debushing program is on stream in Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

part of the new concrete road

workers on the road project

Another section of road being prepared

FINAL BATCH OF CONCRETE POURED ON PHASE 1 OF THE TOP HILL/BELAIR ROAD PROJECT Phase one of the Top Hill/Belair Road project is completed.

Work is being done on the more than 2900ft of road and it's divided into two phase. This current phase of the project is being undertaken by contractor Simon Lendore. The second phase has been awarded to Karl Benjamin Construction Company.

The road, which leads to Carriacou's lone Princess Royal Hospital, can be considered a major

Contractor Simon Lendore

The Workings of The Ministry of Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs

accomplishment of the Tillman Thomas administration as previous governments never fulfilled their promise of reconstructing the road.

Meanwhile, another infrastructural project – financed under the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) of the Caribbean Development Bank – is expected to commence shortly. Bank official Samuel Maxwell, along with local BNTF representatives, recently visited the island to finalise plans for the reconstruction of the Top Hill Senior Citizens' Home.

laying the final batch of concrete

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Coastal Protection still a Top Priority The protection of the coastline of Carriacou and Petite Martinique remains a top priority for the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs led by Senator the Hon. George Prime.

In the latest move, Engineering Consultants Richard Flik and Rolando Rosano of the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, have conducted a coastal protection assessment with the view of making recommendations for improvement.

As part of their itinerary, the two visited Petite Martinique, where the island's only playing field is

tion Coastal protec

rapidly disappearing into the sea as a result of coastal erosion.

They also did a follow up on a feasibility study for the development of a new berthing terminal that was initially carried out by Professor Andrew Chadick. In their report on the visit, the consultants would make recommendations justifying the need for a new port and identifying a suitable location.

The team was accompanied by Crystal Narine, who conducted an environmental impact assessment of the Tyrrel Bay Marina in Harvey Vale.

retch

on Lauriston st

Engin Rolando eering Consulta n Rosano with PM ts Richard Flix & resident Dexter M iller

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Petite Ma

The Workings of The Ministry of Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs

BETTER IMPLEMENTATION OF GOVERNMENT'S PROJECTS IN CARRIACOU AND PETITE MARTINIQUE Standing left to right: John St.Louis, Anthony Appiah, Mahasewar Ramnarine, Minister Prime, Cecil Harris, & Dr. Everson Peters

The Ministry of Works is to play a deeper role in the design and supervision of government's capital projects on Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

Government intends to embark on a number of projects on the sister isles, but the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs has been without a civil engineer for the past few years.

The issue was discussed at a meeting held in Carriacou between Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs officials, including Senator George Prime, and a visiting team from the Ministry of Works in St. George's.

At Dover Hard Court

They agreed that greater Ministry of Works involvement in projects will ensure that work is done in a more systematic and efficient manner.

Sen. Prime, Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, noted that this is critical as government seeks to complete projects such as the refurbishment of the Top Hill Senior Citizens' Home, the construction of two retaining walls, and the repair of the Belair /Belvedere Road.

At the Hospital cistern site

The assistance in designing and supervision by the Ministry of Works will aid in government getting value for money, Sen. Prime said.

The Ministry of Works' team included Chief Technical Officer, Cecil Harris; Head of Building, Mahasewar Ramnarine; Head of Road Maintenance, John St. Louis; and Head of Road Projects, Anthony Appiah.

Top Hill Senior Citizens Home The Workings of The Ministry of Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs

During their stay in Carriacou and Petite Martinique, they visited sites that have been earmarked for infrastructural projects.

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Eroded area in Petite Martinique

UN TEAM VISITED CARRIACOU AND PETITE MARTINIQUE The twin-island parish of Carriacou and Petite Martinique could soon benefit from United Nations funding to deal with the effects of climate change and the prevailing drought conditions.

An assessment of drought-affected areas was recently conducted by a U.N. team headed by Dr. Ivan Vera, who was accompanied by colleagues Mark Bynoe and Gillian St. Bernard-James.

The visit included stops at two of the most affected sites – Tibeau and a section of Petite Martinique. Tibeau's problem is being caused by sand-mining, while a section of Petite Martinique has been experiencing constant erosion into the sea.

Tibeau area Page 12

During the two-day visit, the team also held discussions with Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, Senator George Prime, and PolicyAdvisor Dr. Everson Peters.

The two sides examined possible U.N. technical and financial assistance for coastal erosion projects, and for addressing the water shortage affecting Carriacou.

The visit to Carriacou, which came on the advice of Environment Minister Michael Church, is part of the institutional arrangement for the coordination of activities of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS).

Grenada, as chair of AOSIS, coordinated a major international environmental conference that was held last year in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Coastal Erosion at Grand-Bay Beach The Workings of The Ministry of Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs

CARRIACOU SET TO BENEFIT FROM GRENADA-INDIA RELATIONS A January visit to Carriacou by India's High Commissioner, Malay Mishra, is about to reap benefits for the 13-square-mile island.

Carriacou has a rich boat-building history, especially in the village of Windward. It is now reported that a joint venture in boat-building is being examined, as well as cooperation with Carriacou by “Yojaka'' – a company that provides services in areas such as marine and shipping.

Carriacou has also been experiencing a severe water crisis and one of the issues discussed by the High Commissioner and Senator George Prime, Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, was conducting a techno-economic feasibility study of water management. They also explored the setting up of a reverse osmosis plant, which would help ease the pressure on the water system.

Minister Prime with High Commissioner Mishra and his wife

Maritime Briefing in Carriacou & Petite Martinique Senator Gill, a maritime law specialist who was a member of the Grenada team on the Joint Boundary Commission that negotiated the treaty, says the choice of location for opening of the citizens' briefing sessions was not accidental.

He says the government decided to start in Petite Martinique because the island was very important in the negotiations with Trinidad.

Some of the residents in attendance

A Grenada government minister says Carriacou and Petite Martinique played a “significant'' role in determining the coastline in Grenada's concluding of the maritime agreement with Trinidad and Tobago.

Because of Petite Martinique, says the Senator, Grenada's coastal zone was extended by many miles, from the tip of Point Saline to the top edge of Petite Martinique.

Senator Gill added that without Carriacou and Petite Martinique, Grenada would have had considerably less coastline.

Continues on pg. 14

Senator Arley Gill, Minister of State with responsibility for Information and Culture, says that without Carriacou and Petite Martinique, Grenada would have been “mauled'' by Trinidad and Tobago.

He made the comment Tuesday, May 4, as government began a series of public sessions to brief citizens nationwide on details of the maritime treaty between Grenada and its oil-rich CARICOM neighbour.

The first citizens' briefing was Tuesday afternoon in Petite Martinique, with another later in the evening at the Hillsborough Government School in Carriacou.

The Workings of The Ministry of Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs

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Maritime Briefing in Carriacou & Petite Martinique Continued from pg. 13 Foreign Service Officer Alva Browne, who was an advisor on the Joint Boundary Commission, supported Sen. Gill in the Carriacou and Petite Martinique briefings with PowerPoint presentations that visually outlined the boundaries, the various negotiating positions, and the marine areas covered by the final agreement.

Both briefings were attended by Sen. George Prime, Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs; his Policy Advisor Dr. Everson Peters; and Javan Williams, Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs.

Sen. Prime says the briefings in Carriacou and Petite Martinique were another demonstration of the government's policy and practice of inclusion.

Sen. Gill, who was roundly applauded after his presentation at the Hillsborough Government School, says there are a “good chance,'' and the “possibilities'' exist, of finding oil and gas at the Carriacou and Petite Martinique end of the coastline.

He explained that the treaty also extends fishing opportunities for all local fishermen and women, including those of Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

Minister Prime & Junior Minister Gill

According to Sen. Gill, management of fisheries stock will be high on the agenda when Grenada opens maritime boundary talks with St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the “not-toodistant future.''

He says discussions will also be held with St. Vincent on a proposed “free zone for yachting,'' where vessels can move seamlessly across the borders of the two states.

Grenada also plans to start discussions with Venezuela shortly on reaching an agreement on their maritime boundaries.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIVISION EMPOWERING YOUNG PEOPLE The lone female trainee, Nordica Phillip, was given special commendation by Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, Senator George Prime, who said the NDC administration, understands that training of young people is an investment in the nation's future.

Participants with Ministry officials

The Community Development Division within the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique

has just been conducted for 30 young people.

One trainee Thomas Wilson has already set up a business, Wilson's Electrical.

Facilitators of the training program were Leslie Stewart, who conducted the electrical installation and telephone repairs aspect; while Maxsween Emmons did the training in auto mechanic repairs.

Community Development Officer Roxanne Cox

Affairs is empowering young people of the sister isles by providing them with skills training.

A 10-week training programme in electrical installation, telephone repairs and auto mechanic repairs Page 14

Nordica Phillip with Minister Prime

Community Development Officer, Roxanne Cox, said the students demonstrated a keen interest in the training and they are now looking forward to employment opportunities.

Thomas Wilson accepting certificate

The Workings of The Ministry of Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs

Fresh fish inside of new fish market

NEW FISH MARKET OFFICIALLY OPEN IN CARRIACOU Junior McDonald, Fisheries Officer in the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite M a r t i n i q u e A ff a i r s , h a s b e e n commended for his efforts that have led to the construction and official opening of a fish market in Carriacou.

The construction of the new fish market was started by the previous administration, and was said to be a dream of Mr. McDonald who has worked feverishly to improve the fishing industry on the island.

The market is annexed to the Carriacou Branch of the Marketing and National Importing Board. The official opening ceremony was attended by Works and Physical Development Minister Joseph Gilbert; Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, Senator

A section of the crowd in attendance

Father Jimmy of the Roman Catholic Faith blessing fish market with Minister Prime

George Prime; MP for Carriacou and Petite Martinique, Elvin Nimrod; and Fisheries Officer in the Grenada Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Johnson St. Louis.

Mr. St. Louis, noting the importance of the fishing sector to the national economy, said that in the past five years fishermen of Carriacou and Petite Martinique landed a total of 4,058, 775 pounds of fish. The local market value of the catch has been estimated at over $28m.

resources for the benefit of all citizens, he added.

The fish market, which allows fishermen and women to conveniently conduct business indoors, is equipped with an ice maker and storage facility.

Sen. Prime, in the featured address, said the administration of Prime Minister Tillman Thomas recognises the importance of the fishing industry to the nation. Government is committed to sustainably managing the fishing

Former fish market building

Fisheries Officer Junior McDonald

The Workings of The Ministry of Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs

Minister Prime, fisherman Johnathan Stanisclaus and Fisheries Officer Johnson St. Louis

Ice from the ice maker

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RELOCATION OF TOP HILL SENIOR CITIZENS HOME Residents and staff of the Top Hill Senior Citizens' Home have been relocated to the Nurses' Hostel, close to the Princess Royal Hospital in Belair. The move comes as a result of the deteriorating conditions at the home, the only functioning senior citizens' residence on the island.

plans for the start of the work was made during a recent visit to Carriacou by CDB official, Samuel Maxwell, and Grenada representatives of the BNTF.

Top Hill Senior Citizens' Home sustained major damage during the passage of Hurricane Ivan in 2004 and Hurricane Emily the following year.

Since then, no serious repairs have been done on the home.

However, government – through financing from the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) of the Caribbean Development Bank – is now making preparations for the reconstruction of the home. Finalisation of

Top Hill Senior Citizens Home

Nurses Hostel - new location of Top Hill Senior Citizens Home Page 16

The Workings of The Ministry of Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs

PREPARATIONS START FOR THE STAGING OF THE CARRIACOU REGATTA FESTIVAL Producing a festival of class is the aim of the organisers of the 45th annual Carriacou Regatta Festival.

The Carriacou Regatta Festival Committee, in its determination to meet its objective, has begun preparations for the 2010 activities, which will be held from July 25 – August 3.

Sen. George Prime, Minister for Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs, recently met with festival committee members in a show of government's support for the regatta.

He reiterated a government pledge to ensure the proper execution of the festival, which has brought significant economic benefits to the people of Carriacou and Petite Martinique over four decades.

The National Democratic Congress, which came to office nearly two years ago, promised in its 2008 election

The Workings of The Ministry of Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs

manifesto to “spare no effort to promote village maroon festivals, regatta, big drum and Shakespeare Mas,'' as well as to “address the development of string band music and promote Carriacou and Petite Martinique as entertainment centres by establishing a regional string band music festival.''

The Carriacou Regatta started in 1965 as a mere boat-racing event by yachtsman Linton Riggs, has grown to be one of the region's largest summer festivals.

The organising committee is inviting nationals, as well as tourists from throughout the region and the world, to visit Carriacou for this year's sailing and aquatic activities that will be entwined with several onshore events, such as donkey races, the greasy pole and the Ms. Aquaval Queen Show.

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SUCCESSFUL STAGING OF THE 2010 CARRIACOU MAROON FESTIVAL CCO Big

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Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, Senator George Prime, and Minister for Tourism Glynis Roberts, have hailed the Grenada Board of Tourism (GBT) for the successful execution of the 2010 Carriacou Maroon and String Band Music Festival.

They noted that the return of the maroon festival to the cultural calendar is important and timely, as it gives Carriacou and Petite Martinique another opportunity to showcase our rich culture and traditions to the world.

The three-day festival commenced on April 30 with a village maroon in Bogles. It culminated May 2 on the famous Paradise Beach with scores of visitors intermingling with locals to

enjoy a variety of cultural activities that was highlighted by string band music.

This year's festival incorporated the inclusion of regional cultural and string band groups, such as the Lashing Dogs of the British Virgin Islands, Pembroke Cultural Group from Tobago and the St. Lucia Cultural Youth Group. Their presence added to making the festival a success, with many visitors expressing interest in return visits to Carriacou.

During the election campaign of 2008, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) identified the development of string music band music as critical to the economy of Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

The NDC promised to promote the islands as entertainment centres of the nation and as government, the party has kept its pledge by throwing its support behind the regional string band festival, which was produced by the GBT. The ministers also commended the cadre of local volunteers who assisted the GBT with the festival's production.

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

Also in attendance at the festival was Minister for Culture Senator Arley Gill and Minister of Health SenatorAnn Peters.

Tobago Cultural Group Lashing Dogs-BVI

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St. Lucia Cultural Group

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Country Boys String Band

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Village

CARRIACOU REPRESENTED ON THE BOARD OF THE GRENADA CULTURAL FOUNDATION Fleary, a cultural icon of the 13-square-mile island, is leader of the Central Seranaders string band group, and has participated in Carriacou's Parang Festival for many years.

The Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs has said that he anxiously looks forward to the establishment of a Festival Commission for the islands, and welcomes their new representative on the Grenada Cultural Foundation (GCF).

Senator Hon. George Prime is pleased with the appointment of well known violinist, Harrison Fleary, as Carriacou and Petite Martinique's representative on the GCF Board of Directors. He replaces Christine David, who is unable to continue on the GCF due to family engagements.

Minister Prime said the inclusion of Carriacou and Petite Martinique on the GCF Board is a step that would aid in the setting up of the Carriacou and Petite Martinique Festival Commission.

It is anticipated that the Commission will ensure better planning and execution of the four major cultural festivals of Carriacou and Petite Martinique: Parang, Regatta, Carnival and the Maroon and String Band Festival.

A concept paper on the proposed Commission will soon be submitted to members of the various festival committees' to solicit their feedback.

THE ART OF PLAY WRITING TAUGHT TO TEACHERS IN CARRIACOU A just-concluded playwriting workshop in Hillsborough has been described as an attempt to reignite the love for drama and arts in schools across the Tri-island State of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

The Ministry of Culture workshop, for teachers of the six primary and two secondary schools in Carriacou and Petite Martinique, was conducted by well-known playwright, Francis Urias Peters. It covered various

Francis Urias Peters

elements of drama, including storytelling, creating plot and inciting action.

Christine Fortune, Culture Officer, said the workshop is the beginning of a series that is expected to lead to the formation of drama groups in all schools in the nation.

Government also hopes to formulate and implement a national cultural policy which would aid in the development of the arts, especially among young people.

Teachers participating

The Workings of The Ministry of Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs

Culture Officer Christine Fortune Page 19

LOCAL GOVERNMENT A Clear Path to Self Determination

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 prccou@live.com,, Website: www.gov.gd