Search Results

Over 50 Government leaders, regional institutions, youth representatives, development partners and United Nations agencies yesterday convened in Saint Lucia for a Sub-Regional Consultation on the Joint Programme for Prevention of Youth Crime and Violence in the Eastern Caribbean, hosted by the United Nations Barbados and Eastern Caribbean Multi-Country Office (MCO). The one-day consultation bought together a wide cross section of stakeholders and youth advocates from beneficiary countries - Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, and SaintVincent and the Grenadines - to advance a joint, prevention-focused response to rising levels of youth crime and violence across the sub-region. The meeting focused on validating the Joint Programme’s design, results framework, and governance arrangements to ensure it is ready for implementation. Simon Springett, UN Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, in his virtual opening remarks to the forum, made a call for a whole-of-society approach to tacking the issue of youth crime and violence. The UN Head told the youth present they were preparing to shape a world marked by profound complexity—climate change, conflict, and the rise of crime and violence – which collectively threatened social cohesion, citizen security, economic resilience, and sustainable development. “In very real terms, your future is under pressure. This is why as a United Nations we remain committed to working with Governments and partners to advance peace and security across the region,” he added, noting that ultimately, theprogramme’s success will not be measured by frameworks or strategies, but by whether young people across the region feel safer, more supported, and more hopeful about their futures. Young people, particularly boys and young men, are disproportionately affected by crime and violence as both victims and perpetrators — a challenge linked to structural inequality, socio-economic exclusion, weak protective environments and unmet psychosocial needs. The Joint Programme for Prevention of Youth Crime and Violence adopts a public health and socio‑ecological approach, delivering a coordinated package of primary, secondary and tertiary prevention interventions for adolescents and young people aged 10 to 29. It places strong emphasis on youth rights, gender equality, positive masculinities, resilience-building and meaningful youth participation. Saint Lucia’s Minister with responsibility for Home Affairs and Crime Prevention, the Hon. Jeremiah Norbert in welcoming the initiative told the forum : “Today we gather around a simple but powerful truth: the future of Saint Lucia depends on the choices , opportunities and pathways available to our young people… If we are serious about preventing youth crime , then we must be equally serious about restoring dignity and hope among young people. Let us choose prevention over reaction , opportunity over exclusion, and hope over despair, for in doing so, we do not just change outcomes we change lives.” Meanwhile, Minister of State in the Ministry of Culture, Youth , Sport and Community Development, for the Commonwealth of Dominica, the Hon. Oscar George lauded organizers for prioritizing and investing in the important consultation. “Getting all of us here this morning speaks volumes on the importance placed on the issue of youth crime. So, I want to really commend the UN team for this. We are here for an important exercise, and the reality is, in our small islands across the region, our greatest resource, is our vibrant youth. If we want to attain sustainable growth, productivity and improved standards of living, that we all strive for, we must pay a lot more emphasis on positive youth outcomes or the lack there of,” Minister George underlined. Also participating in the forum was Abebech Assefa, Counsellor (Development) and Head of Cooperation, Eastern Caribbean, High Commission of Canada. She told the meeting: “Canada welcomes the Joint Programme’s emphasis on prevention, youth participation, genderresponsive approaches, and strong and accountable institutions. These priorities closely align with Canada’s broader engagement in the Caribbean and our belief that shared security and respect for human rights must go hand in hand.” Youth and youth advocates, including country representatives of the UN Youth Advisory Group, were also well represented and actively helping to co-create the new Joint Programme. Don Lucien, a Spoken Word Artist and Youth Rehabilitation Advocate from Saint Lucia, used the forum to warn of the pitfalls facing youth which can unwittingly lead them down a path of incarceration as was his fate. He, however, used his craft to share his redemption storyachieved through faith and giving back. During the consultation, participants sought to validate a shared Theory of Change, agreeing on priority interventions tailored to national contexts, and defining governance and coordination mechanisms to guide implementation. The process also reinforces the importance of data-driven decision-making, safeguarding and strong national and regional systems that can identify and support youth most at risk. Following the consultation, stakeholders are expected to endorse a regionally aligned and country-responsive Joint Programme framework that will contribute to reduced youth involvement in crime and violence, improved well-being, and stronger, more cohesive communities across the Eastern Caribbean Caribbean.

Over 50 Government leaders, regional institutions, youth representatives, development partners and United Nations agencies yesterday convened in Saint Lucia for a Sub-Regional Consultation on the Joint Programme for Prevention of Youth Crime and Violence in the Eastern Caribbean, hosted by the United Nations Barbados and Eastern Caribbean Multi-Country Office (MCO). The one-day consultation bought together a wide cross section of stakeholders and youth advocates from beneficiary countries - Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, and SaintVincent and the Grenadines - to advance a joint, prevention-focused response to rising levels of youth crime and violence across the sub-region. The meeting focused on validating the Joint Programme’s design, results framework, and governance arrangements to ensure it is ready for implementation. Simon Springett, UN Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, in his virtual opening remarks to the forum, made a call for a whole-of-society approach to tacking the issue of youth crime and violence. The UN Head told the youth present they were preparing to shape a world marked by profound complexity—climate change, conflict, and the rise of crime and violence – which collectively threatened social cohesion, citizen security, economic resilience, and sustainable development. “In very real terms, your future is under pressure. This is why as a United Nations we remain committed to working with Governments and partners to advance peace and security across the region,” he added, noting that ultimately, the programme’s success will not be measured by frameworks or strategies, but by whether young people across the region feel safer, more supported, and more hopeful about their futures. Young people, particularly boys and young men, are disproportionately affected by crime and violence as both victims and perpetrators — a challenge linked to structural inequality, socio-economic exclusion, weak protective environments and unmet psychosocial needs. The Joint Programme for Prevention of Youth Crime and Violence adopts a public health and socio‑ecological approach, delivering a coordinated package of primary, secondary and tertiary prevention interventions for adolescents and young people aged 10 to 29. It places strong emphasis on youth rights, gender equality, positive masculinities, resilience-building and meaningful youth participation. Saint Lucia’s Minister with responsibility for Home Affairs and Crime Prevention, the Hon. Jeremiah Norbert in welcoming the initiative told the forum : “Today we gather around a simple but powerful truth: the future of Saint Lucia depends on the choices , opportunities and pathways available to our young people… If we are serious about preventing youth crime , then we must be equally serious about restoring dignity and hope among young people. Let us choose prevention over reaction , opportunity over exclusion, and hope over despair, for in doing so, we do not just change outcomes we change lives.” Meanwhile, Minister of State in the Ministry of Culture, Youth , Sport and Community Development, for the Commonwealth of Dominica, the Hon. Oscar George lauded organizers for prioritizing and investing in the important consultation. “Getting all of us here this morning speaks volumes on the importance placed on the issue of youth crime. So, I want to really commend the UN team for this. We are here for an important exercise, and the reality is, in our small islands across the region, our greatest resource, is our vibrant youth. If we want to attain sustainable growth, productivity and improved standards of living, that we all strive for, we must pay a lot more emphasis on positive youth outcomes or the lack there of,” Minister George underlined. Also participating in the forum was Abebech Assefa, Counsellor (Development) and Head of Cooperation, Eastern Caribbean, High Commission of Canada. She told the meeting: “Canada welcomes the Joint Programme’s emphasis on prevention, youth participation, genderresponsive approaches, and strong and accountable institutions. These priorities closely align with Canada’s broader engagement in the Caribbean and our belief that shared security and respect for human rights must go hand in hand.” Youth and youth advocates, including country representatives of the UN Youth Advisory Group, were also well represented and actively helping to co-create the new Joint Programme. Don Lucien, a Spoken Word Artist and Youth Rehabilitation Advocate from Saint Lucia, used the forum to warn of the pitfalls facing youth which can unwittingly lead them down a path of incarceration as was his fate. He, however, used his craft to share his redemption storyachieved through faith and giving back. During the consultation, participants sought to validate a shared Theory of Change, agreeing on priority interventions tailored to national contexts, and defining governance and coordination mechanisms to guide implementation. The process also reinforces the importance of data-driven decision-making, safeguarding and strong national and regional systems that can identify and support youth most at risk. Following the consultation, stakeholders are expected to endorse a regionally aligned and country-responsive Joint Programme framework that will contribute to reduced youth involvement in crime and violence, improved well-being, and stronger, more cohesive communities across the Eastern Caribbean. Caribbean.

Beneficiaries of the Petite Savanne Resettlement at Bellevue Chopin have begun signing the final documents to secure ownership of their homes. The Agreement of Transfer and the Memorandum of Encumbrance transfer ownership of the property and outline conditions attached to the land, clearing the way for Certificates of Title to be issued. This follows Cabinet’s approval of a policy to grant full ownership of Government- constructed homes at no cost to beneficiaries. The policy outlines the criteria for ownership of the home and provides that Government will also cover the cost of registering the titles. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has identified twenty-two standalone homes at Bellevue Chopin as the first phase of implementation. Consultations were held with residents on the terms and conditions of the transfer, giving them the opportunity to seek clarity before receiving full ownership. “This initiative reflects our commitment to the long-term security of our beneficiaries. By removing the financial burden and transferring ownership, we are giving families a solid foundation on which to build their future. We remain committed to advancing this process until every eligible family is secured,” said Minister for Housing, Hon. Melissa Poponne-Skerrit. Documentation for the first set of transfers has been submitted to the Land Registry, paving the way for the official issuance of Certificates of Title.

The Government of Dominica has accorded an Official Funeral to the former Government Minister Ian Pinard who passed away on April 17, 2026. The funeral service will be held at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette in Pointe Michel on Friday, May 8, 2026. The late Ian Pinard gave many years of service to the people of Dominica, including as Parliamentary Representative for the Soufriere Constituency, after being elected to Parliament in 2005 and again in 2014. He was Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Education and later Minister for Public Works and Ports. He was actively engaged in national development, serving in senior executive roles at Petro Caribe Dominica and at the Dominica Air and Sea Ports Authority (DASPA), where he most recently held the position of Chief Executive Officer. The Government acknowledges his contribution to public service and national development, and joins the nation in reflecting on his legacy and service to country. Friday, May 8, the day of the funeral, has been declared a Day of National Mourning, and all flags will be flown at half-staff. Public viewing will take place from 2:00 p.m. and the funeral service will begin at 3:00 p.m., followed by interment at the Pointe Michel Catholic Cemetery. The Government of Dominica extends its deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and the people of the Soufriere Constituency.

Perky’s Pizza 767 Young Ballers delivered a strong and composed performance to defeat the Convenience Plus Mahaut Gators 70–64 in an exciting matchup at the Massacre Indoor Sports Facility on Thursday evening. The game tipped off at 7:08 PM with both teams showing early intent. The Young Ballers edged ahead in the first quarter, taking a narrow 23–21 lead. The Convenience Plus Mahaut Gators responded in the second quarter with improved defensive pressure and execution, outscoring their opponents 14–11 to keep the contest tight heading into halftime. Coming out of the break, Perky’s Pizza 767 Young Ballers found their rhythm offensively, putting together a strong 19-point third quarter to regain control of the game. Despite a determined effort from the Gators in the final period, the Young Ballers maintained their composure down the stretch, closing out the game with a 17–14 fourth quarter to seal the victory. The win highlights the Young Ballers’ ability to execute in key moments, particularly in the second half, while the Convenience Plus Mahaut Gators showed resilience and competitiveness throughout the contest. Quarter Scores: Q1: Young Ballers 23 – Gators 21 Q2: Gators 14 – Young Ballers 11 Q3: Young Ballers 19 – Gators 15 Q4: Young Ballers 17 – Gators 14 Final Score: Perky’s Pizza 767 Young Ballers 70Mahaut Gators 64 Perky’s Pizza 767 Young Ballers now look to build on this momentum as the competition continues, while the Convenience Plus Mahaut Gators will regroup and aim to bounce back in their next outing.

– The Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA), and key industry stakeholders, has advanced its cruise sector strategy through targeted participation in two major industry events, Seatrade Cruise Global and CLIA Cruise360. At Seatrade Cruise Global, the cruise industry’s leading international conference, Grenada’s delegation engaged directly with senior cruise line executives and partners to reinforce relationships, communicate destination developments, and support long-term sector growth. Led by GTA Chairman Randall Dolland, the delegation brought together key public and private sector partners, including Nautical Development Manager Shanai St Bernard, General Manager of the Grenada Port Authority Frank Redhead, GPA representative Gail Ann Newton and private sector representatives Anya Chow Chung and Sheldon Alexander of Huggins & Company Ltd. Discussions focused on enhancing Grenada’s competitiveness within the regional cruise landscape, with updates provided on key destination developments, including planned enhancements at Fort George and anticipated improvements at Grand Etang National Park. “The cruise sector remains a critical pillar of Grenada’s tourism industry, and our engagement at Seatrade reflects a deliberate and collaborative approach to strengthening our relationships with cruise partners,” said Randall Dolland, Chairman of the Grenada Tourism Authority. “Our focus is on ensuring that Grenada continues to deliver a high-quality visitor experience while positioning the destination for sustainable, long-term growth within an increasingly competitive market.” The delegation also engaged with major cruise stakeholders, including Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) partners, where discussions highlighted the continued importance of service excellence, training and the delivery of authentic local experiences in maintaining competitiveness within the Caribbean cruise market. Complementing these high-level engagements, GTA’s nautical team further expanded destination visibility at CLIA Cruise360, the Cruise Lines International Association’s flagship trade show, which brought together more than 1,000 travel advisors from across the United States. The team engaged directly with travel advisors, positioning Grenada not only as a cruise destination but as a broader, experience-rich option for travellers. Interest from advisors extended beyond cruise itineraries to include destination stays, reinforcing growing demand for culturally immersive and multi-dimensional Caribbean experiences. “Engagement at Cruise360 allows us to connect directly with travel advisors who are shaping how visitors experience destinations like Grenada,” said Shanai St Bernard, Nautical Development Manager at the Grenada Tourism Authority. “There is a growing interest in destinations that offer a genuine sense of connection, and Grenada’s strength lies in its people, its culture and the authenticity of the experiences we offer both on and beyond the shore.” Together, these engagements underscore Grenada’s continued focus on strengthening industry partnerships, expanding market reach and ensuring that the destination remains competitive, relevant and aligned with evolving traveller expectations.

High in the lush hills of Laudat, where mist drapes the mountains, one man is quietly reshaping the image of modern expertise. By day, Dr. Curlson George practices medicine. By dawn and dusk, he leads agricultural production at Mountain Fresh Farm, one of Dominica’s leading poultry operations—proving that farming is as much about knowledge, precision, and innovation as any other field. His story is not just one of balance. It’s one of vision, resilience, and a compelling invitation to a new generation. “I’m a medical doctor by profession, but a farmer by passion,” George says simply. That passion has grown into Mountain Fresh Farm, a business he started in 2015. Today, it stands as one of Dominica’s largest producers of broiler chickens, supplying the local market with fresh poultry processed on-site. But the farm is more than chickens. It’s a living ecosystem, goats grazing in open pasture, rabbits in enclosures, layers producing eggs, and small crop operations complementing the livestock. Still, poultry remains the heartbeat of the operation. A typical day starts early. By 7 a.m., feeding begins, first the layers, then the broilers, all on precise schedules to ensure optimal production. Goats are led out to pasture. Maintenance follows: cleaning, cage management, transferring birds, preparing for the next batch. Twice a week, the farm transforms into a high-output processing hub. Hundreds of birds are slaughtered, cleaned, packaged, and prepared for market, all within tight timelines. “It’s not just farming,” George explains. “It’s a full production system.” What makes George’s story remarkable is not just what he does, but how he does it. While medicine and agriculture are often seen as worlds apart, he navigates both seamlessly. And in doing so, he challenges a deeply rooted perception, that farming is a fallback, rather than a viable, profitable, and even innovative career.“If tomorrow I wasn’t a doctor anymore,” he says, “I could live a proper life from farming.”That statement alone reframes the narrative. Despite his success, George is candid about the biggest obstacle facing his farm, and the wider agricultural sector: labour. “We have the demand. We have the systems. But finding workers? That’s the real problem.” On slaughter days, his team expands from just two full-time workers to as many as fourteen. Yet even then, operations can stall. “There are times you have to postpone slaughter because you just don’t have enough hands,” he explains. “And when that happens, you can’t meet market demand.” The irony? Much of the labour sustaining the farm doesn’t come from locals. “Migrant workers, Haitians and Cubans, play a huge role,” George says. “They are consistent. They show up. They are dedicated.” He believes migrant labour isn’t just filling a gap, it’s sustaining the sector. Looking ahead, as his farm expands, he knows informal solutions won’t be enough. Structured systems to recruit and retain migrant workers will be essential. Labour shortages are only part of the issue. There’s also a shortage of skills. While much of farm work can be learned on the job, certain areas—like butchery—require trained professionals. And those skills are scarce. “We don’t have that kind of training readily available on the island,” George notes. But rather than seeing this as a dead end, he sees opportunity, especially for young people. “If you’re willing to learn, there’s space here,” he says. “Real space.” Ask George why more young Dominicans aren’t entering agriculture, and his answer is immediate: “They see it as hard labour. Just work in the sun.” But that perception, he argues, is outdated. Across the world, agriculture is evolving, driven by technology, efficiency, and innovation. Climate-controlled greenhouses, automated feeding systems, mechanized harvesting, these are not distant concepts. They are realities in modern farming. “We’re still farming like our grandparents,” he says. “Cutlass, fork, digging soil.” That has to change. “If we modernize, if we introduce technology, agriculture becomes something else entirely. Something appealing.” He paints a vivid picture: greenhouses glowing at night, automated systems humming, farms run with precision and professionalism. “You could literally go to work in a white coat,” he says with a smile. For George, modernization isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. Take goat farming, for example. Demand is high. The market is ready. But scaling production requires mechanization; tractors, feed systems, proper infrastructure. “You can manage ten goats the old way,” he explains. “But not fifty. Not a hundred.” The same applies across the sector. Without investment in technology and systems, growth will remain limited. With Dominica’s international airport on the horizon, George sees greater opportunities across the agricultural value chain. More visitors will mean greater demand for food; hotels, restaurants, and services will all need reliable supply. Agriculture stands to benefit. But only if it’s ready. “The airport is coming, but our production feels like it’s declining,” he warns. “We should have been scaling up already.” He believes targeted investment in serious, committed farmers could make the difference, helping them expand production and, in turn, lifting the entire sector. At its core, George’s story is about possibility. It’s about showing that agriculture is not a step backward, but a path forward. That it can generate real income, independence, and impact. When the sun rises over the hills of Laudat, he is at work - not in a health centre, but in a chicken house, counting birds and checking feed lines with the same rigor he applies to diagnoses. He has built something lucrative. But his real work now is convincing others that farming is not a refuge for the desperate, but a frontier for the ambitious. In the hills of Laudat, he is at work - not in a health centre, but in a chicken house, counting birds and checking feed lines with the same rigour he applies to diagnoses. He has built something lucrative. But his real work now is convincing others that farming is not a refuge for the desperate, but a frontier for the ambitious.

The Ministry of Education announces the reopening of schools on Apr 30th in the areas affected by the trough system last Sunday. On that day, all schools will participate in the Return to Happiness Programme, a psychosocial support initiative designed to help students and staff transition back to the school environment after the impact of disaster. The programme will run for approximately three hours and will be supported by counsellors, education officers and other Ministry personnel. The following primary schools will host the programme at their respective sites: • Wesley Primary • Temple SDA • Wills Strathmore Stevens Primary • Sineku Primary • Salybia Primary • Castle Bruce Primary • San Sauveur Primary Students of Atkinson Primary and Lighthouse Christian Academy will participate in the programme at the Atkinson Catholic Church. Parents are encouraged to attend and support this important initiative. North East Comprehensive School (NECS) and Castle Bruce Secondary School (CBSS) will operate as usual from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Thereafter, NECS and CBSS will continue normal school from Friday, May 1. Primary schools, with the exception of Atkinson Primary and Lighthouse Christian Academy, will resume normal classes on Tuesday, May 5th. The Ministry of Education is awaiting guidance from engineers within the Ministry of Public Works regarding the reopening of Atkinson Primary and Lighthouse Christian Academy and will provide further updates as necessary.

Roosevelt Skerrit Bombers FC is proud to announce that standout player Davonne George has officially been selected to participate in an elite European showcase tour in Poland this July—a major milestone for both the player and the club's growing international pathway. Following an extensive scouting process and detailed internal evaluations by PitchPlay's recruitment team, George earned his place among a select group of players chosen for this high-level opportunity. A Platform for International Exposure The two-week tour, scheduled from July 13 to July 26, will see George competing against professional and semi-professional teams across Poland. Matches will be attended by scouts representing clubs from across Europe, providing a valuable platform for players to showcase their talent on an international stage. In addition to competitive fixtures, George will benefit from: Structured training sessions led by UEFA-licensed coaches High-performance preparation for each match Continuous evaluation and development opportunities throughout the tour A Proud Moment for Bombers FC This selection is another testament to the development pathway being built at Roosevelt Skerrit Portsmouth Bombers FC—a club committed to nurturing talent from grassroots to the international level. George's achievement reflects: The strength of Bombers FC's player development system The club's commitment to creating real opportunities abroad The growing recognition of Dominican football talent on the global stage Special Acknowledgements Bombers FC extends sincere gratitude to Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit, Hon. Fenella Wenham Sheppard, and Island Travel for their invaluable support in making Davonne George's trial opportunity possible. Their collective contributions played a critical role in opening this pathway to international exposure and advancing opportunities for young footballer in Portsmouth. Pathway to Greater Opportunities This opportunity not only represents personal growth for George but also serves as inspiration for young footballers in Portsmouth, demonstrating that with dedication, discipline, and the right platform, international doors can open. Looking Ahead As Davonne George prepares for this exciting journey, the entire Bombers FC family and wider Portsmouth community stand behind him with pride and support. From Possie to Poland—this is what opportunity looks like.

FEATURE STORY Inside a small greenhouse on a family farm in southern Grenada, lettuce grows without soil, powered by the sun. The Benjamins (Roger, 41, and Josanne, who goes by Candy, 38) stand inside this shaded structure, watching the flow of water through a network of narrow pipes. The lettuce above looks familiar—bright, green, neatly spaced—but it grows with its roots suspended in a steady stream of nutrient-rich water instead of soil. They did not set out to build something unique. They were trying to solve a problem. Rainfall arrived in bursts or went absent for weeks, and, because of climate change, each season carried more uncertainty than the last. Like many small farmers, they were working within tight margins, where a single failed crop could erase months of effort. They began by teaching themselves. Roger spent evenings watching online videos and reading about how hydroponics might work in their conditions. What they built at first was simple— a shade house, a set of pipes and a basic monitoring system, adjusting as they learned. The opportunity to enhance the system came through a readiness project implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF). This was one of a series of project pilots designed to deliver evidence for adaptation planning in Grenada. The couple received an improved system including a greenhouse, a robust hydroponic system, a solar pump, panel and batteries, as well as training on their use. This increased their production from about 500 heads of lettuce to roughly 1 300. The growth was significant (160 percent increase), but it also required a deeper understanding of how the more complex system functioned. Compared with conventional cultivation, hydroponics uses up to 90 percent less water. As a climate adaptation technology, it also reduces exposure to soil-borne pests and allows more efficient use of space, inputs and labour. Crops such as lettuce, kale, spinach, herbs, peppers and tomatoes—fast-growing and high-value—are well suited to this method and can be harvested more frequently. However, hydroponics depends on precision. The Benjamins use a method in which a thin layer of nutrient-rich water flows continuously through the pipes, feeding the plants as it passes. Getting that flow right proved to be one of the most difficult parts of the process. If the gradient of the pipes is too steep, the flow is too fast and the roots do not receive enough nutrients; if it is too flat, it slows down and pools, meaning roots might not get sufficient oxygen. Learning how to design that balance took time, as did adjusting to the use of fertilizers designed specifically for hydroponic systems, which are more expensive than conventional inputs but last longer. For the Benjamins, growing lettuce is only part of the equation. Finding a place in the market has been just as important. There is steady demand, but also strong competition from established growers. The farm now sells most of its lettuce to supermarkets, while also using social media channels to reach customers directly. Customers often return, Candy says, because they notice the consistency and freshness. The couple is already thinking about diversifying. They would like to grow crops such as tomatoes, cabbage and cauliflower, but that requires adapting the hydroponics, including installing larger pipes to accommodate larger root varieties. What the system offers, above all, is stability. In Grenada, climate extremes, including periods of heavy rainfall, can destroy crops through rot and fungus, while heat can dry out soils and reduce yields. Inside the covered structure, those pressures are reduced. The metal frame and ventilated design allow hot air to escape while protecting plants from excessive rain, creating a controlled environment where production can continue even under difficult conditions. Running a hydroponic system does come with constraints. Electricity is one of them, since the pumps must operate continuously to maintain the flow of water, air and nutrients. To address this, the project provided solar panels, a solar pump and batteries, which have high initial capital cost but allow to keep operating costs manageable. This solution helps reduce emissions and expand farmer incomes. Maintenance is relatively low, and monitoring the system takes about 30 minutes a day. The nature of the work has also shifted, requiring less physical strain than traditional farming, as there is no need to till soil or bend over for long periods. The changes have drawn attention from the surrounding community. Other farmers have begun experimenting with hydroponics, and the Benjamins have shared what they have learned, helping several of them build similar systems and offering visits to their farm. Looking ahead, Roger and Candy talk about a farm-to-table model, where customers can buy crops directly from their farm. They also want to continue sharing their experience more widely, drawing on what they learned through trial and error. At the Benjamin’s family farm, the greenhouse and hydroponic system now run independently of the weather, preventing nutrients from being diluted and pests from proliferating. For the Benjamins, this shift has not only changed how they grow food, but how they think about what is possible on their land. In addition to the climate-resilient pilots, FAO assisted the Government of Grenada by improving their data generation and management capacity for adaptation planning through a number of tools and instruments, namely, a knowledge management portal, a Climate Risk Atlas, a Standard Precipitation Index, a National Food Security Index and a Food and Nutrition Policy and Action Plan.

Relay-style experience to combine sports and culinary arts while supporting education, agriculture, tourism, health and sports initiatives – The Tasty Treasures Heritage Relay was officially launched on Sunday, April 12, in Delices, introducing a new relay-style experience set for August 1, 2026. The event blends running and baking while supporting initiatives in education, agriculture, tourism, health and sports. The relay will open with the White River Leg in Delices, where teams will follow a structured route anchored along the White River. Coordinated food experiences will be integrated throughout the course to enhance the overall experience. Participation is open to individuals and teams from across Dominica and the wider Caribbean. “This initiative is intended to generate opportunities, particularly in the South East, by engaging a wide cross-section of business personnel, including shopkeepers, roadside vendors, farmers, fishermen, tour guides and hoteliers, alongside runners on the route. It brings people together through activity and cuisine while supporting youth and community development,” said Founder Shirlyn James Graham. Teams of nine will compete for EC$6,000 in prizes, including awards for Fastest Runner, Most Creative Team and Most Disciplined Team. Each registered team will receive breakfast and branded T-shirts. Patrons can also purchase a Creole breakfast for EC$30, with other traditional delicacies available for sale. Raffle tickets, priced at EC$10, offer a chance to win EC$1,000 in catering services from Tasty Treasures. Registration is now open at a promotional rate of EC$700 per team until June 15, 2026, increasing to EC$900 after that date. Registration forms are available at Tan Tofi Store, located at 10 Marlborough Street in Roseau, opposite the Discover Dominica Authority. Proceeds from the initiative will support House of Hope in Delices, Chances in Jimmit and St. Martin Secondary School. The relay follows the completion of an essay competition in March and forms part of a broader effort to engage participants through both creative and physical expression. Organizers are encouraging early registration as preparations continue for the August 1 event in Delices. For registration and additional information, interested persons can contact the organizers.

The Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) has successfully concluded a high-impact Canadian market mission in Toronto reinforcing the destination’s presence within one of its key source markets through targeted trade, media and airline engagements. Led by Chief Executive Officer Stacey Liburd, alongside Director of Sales (Canada) Sekou Stroude and Marketing Executive Melinda Telesford, the mission focused on deepening strategic partnerships, expanding airlift opportunities and strengthening Grenada’s positioning within the Canadian luxury and leisure travel segments. A key outcome of the mission was strategic dialogue with WestJet, exploring the extension of Grenada’s direct seasonal service from a December–April window to a broader November–May schedule, enhancing accessibility for Canadian travellers. Engagement with WestJet Vacations also advanced opportunities to expand packaged offerings, increasing visibility and conversion across the market. “Our presence in Toronto reflects a deliberate and focused approach to strengthening Grenada’s position within the Canadian market,” said Stacey Liburd, Chief Executive Officer of the Grenada Tourism Authority. “Through strategic airline discussions, trade engagement and media outreach, we are expanding awareness while creating clear pathways for increased visitation and sustained growth.” Grenada’s luxury positioning was further elevated through participation in Virtuoso On Tour Toronto 2026, where the delegation engaged more than 80 top-tier travel advisors. Destination visibility was amplified through a Grenada sponsored dinner which featured a brief destination presentation and remarks by CEO Liburd, curated experiences and a prize giveaway courtesy of stakeholder partners Calabash Grenada, Six Senses La Sagesse and Silversands Grenada. A targeted media engagement connected the destination with 20 leading journalists and influencers, generating immediate coverage, including a feature in Travelweek, with additional national exposure anticipated. A live television appearance by the CEO on CHCH Morning Live further extended Grenada’s reach to a broad consumer audience across Ontario. “Engagement across trade, media and airline partners continues to reinforce strong demand for Grenada within the Canadian market,” said Sekou Stroude, Director of Sales (Canada). “The relationships strengthened during this mission position us to drive both immediate bookings and long-term market growth, particularly within the luxury and experience-driven segments.” The mission also included a high-impact travel advisor dinner engagement with key agencies including Flight Centre, U Travel and Maritime Travel. There were also strategic partnership discussions with Sandals Resorts to support upcoming joint activations across Canada. The GTA’s collaboration with its in-market representation partner, VOX International, further confirmed strong campaign performance, with high engagement and conversion metrics across ongoing initiatives. The mission concluded with diplomatic engagement at the Grenada Consulate in Toronto, reinforcing alignment between tourism promotion and foreign service efforts as Grenada continues to expand its global reach.