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Hunger in Grenada

hunger in grenadaGrenada is a small cluster of Caribbean islands, with the largest one being home to the country’s capital, St. George’s. Grenada has a population of about 112,500 people, making it one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world. Although Grenada is considered a middle-income country, 38% of its residents live below the poverty line, meaning that the number of people living in hunger is also a serious issue. Read on to learn about the past and present history of hunger in Grenada.

A Turbulent Past

After President Ronald Reagan ordered the 1983 U.S. invasion of Grenada, invading forces murdered Grenada’s leader along with 208 residents of the islands. Although those involved in the invasion were punished, the country’s difficult history continues. Grenada was one of the countries hit hardest by hurricanes Ivan (2004) and Emily (2005). Nearly 95% of all Grenada’s buildings were affected, which decimated the country’s annual GDP, thus putting Grenadians in a vulnerable situation. The impact of the hurricanes forced the government to shift its attention to rebuilding the country rather than tending to widespread hunger in Grenada.

By 2008, Grenada’s average growth rate had reached impressive levels considering the destruction it had endured. The country even began to see the emergence of a middle class. Despite these movements in the right direction, Grenada was one of the countries most likely to go into massive debt in 2012, mainly due to loan disputes with Thailand concerning the tourism industry.

Sustainable Development Goals

One of the most effective ways to evaluate hunger in Grenada is through the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Of the 17 goals, Grenada is only struggling with two. Although it is important to recognize the progress Grenada has made toward the 15 other goals, Grenada has made little progress toward completely eliminating hunger. The second goal, “Zero Hunger,” is in the worst shape out of all 17 goals currently. Without adequate funding or direction to help this goal, much of the country will continue to live in hunger.

Grenada’s struggles with goal 15, “Life on Land,” also contribute to its hunger problems. This goal deals with the degradation of habitats and biodiversity, which leads to an increased level of widespread hunger. Such intense degradation impacts the hunger situation because the destruction of habitats destroys fertile farmland as well. This inhibits Grenadians’ access to adequate food sources.

Combating the Issue

One promising United Nations initiative, the “Zero Hunger Challenge Initiative,” works toward the second Sustainable Development Goal. The Ministry of Agriculture, Land, Forestry, Fisheries and Environment began this initiative in 2013. By 2015, the Food and Agriculture Organization had given $11,308,00 to significantly diminish hunger in Grenada. The Zero Hunger Challenge Initiative worked to improve economic diversification across the workforce, implement school feeding programs and collaborate with neighboring islands to accomplish a mutually beneficial outcome. Although this program helped hunger in Grenada, it ended in 2019, and the U.N. has collected almost no data since the end of the program to determine how successful it was. Hunger in Grenada therefore likely remains a problem.

– Natalie Tarbox
Photo: Flickr

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9 Facts about Life Expectancy in Grenada

Life expectancy in Grenada
Grenada is a country in the Caribbean composed of seven islands. This former British colony attained its independence in 1974, making Grenada one of the smallest independent nations in the western hemisphere. Nicknamed historically as the “spice isle,” Grenada’s traditional exports included sugar, chocolate and nutmeg. From 1979 to 1983, Grenada went through a period of political upheaval, which ended when a U.S.-led coalition invaded the island. Today, Grenada is a democratic nation that is working to ensure the health and well-being of its citizens. Here are nine facts about life expectancy in Grenada.

9 Facts About Life Expectancy in Grenada

  1. The World Bank’s data showed that, as of 2017, life expectancy in Grenada was 72.39 years. While there was a rapid increase in life expectancy from 1960 to 2006, life expectancy decreased from 2007 to 2017.  However, the CIA estimates that this metric will increase to 75.2 years in 2020.
  2. Non-communicable diseases constitute the leading cause of death in Grenada. According to 2016 WHO data, non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes constituted the majority of premature death in Grenada. Cardiovascular diseases, which constituted 32 percent of all premature deaths, were the leading cause of death in 2016.
  3. Grenada’s infant mortality rate stands at 8.9 deaths per 1,000 live births. This is a significant improvement from 21.2 infant deaths out of 1,000 in 1985 and 13.7 deaths out of 1,000 in 2018.
  4. Grenada has universal health care. Health care in Grenada is run by the Ministry of Health (MoH). Through the MoH, the Grenadan government helps finance medical care in public institutions. Furthermore, if an individual wishes to purchase private health insurance, there are several options to choose from.
  5. Around 98 percent of people in Grenada have access to improved drinking water. However, water scarcity still plagues many people in Grenada due to erratic rainfall, climate change and limited water storage. To remedy this, Grenada launched a $42 million project in 2019 with the goal of expanding its water infrastructure. This includes plans to retrofit existing systems.
  6. Hurricanes and cyclones pose a threat to life expectancy in Grenada. While in recent years Grenada has not been significantly affected by a hurricane, Grenadians still remember the devastation caused by Hurricane Ivan (2004) and Hurricane Emily (2005). Hurricane Ivan caused an estimated $800 million worth of damage. In the following year, Hurricane Emily caused an additional $110 million damage. On top of 30 deaths caused by these natural disasters, the damage they inflicted on Grenada’s infrastructure and agriculture can have further harmful ramifications for the people of Grenada.
  7. The Grenadian government is taking measures to improve the country’s disaster risk
    management (DRM). With the help of organizations such as the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR), Grenada is recovering from the devastation of 2004 and 2005. In 2010, for example, GFDRR conducted a risk management analysis which helped the preparation of a $26.2 million public infrastructure investment project by the World Bank in Grenada.
  8. The Grenadian government’s 2016-2025 health plan aims to strengthen life expectancy in Grenada. One of the top priorities of this framework is to ensure that health services are available, accessible and affordable to all citizens. Another goal surrounds addressing challenges for the most vulnerable groups in society such as the elderly, children and women.
  9. Grenada received a vaccination award from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). In November of 2014, PAHO awarded Grenada the Henry C. Smith Award for Immunization, which is presented to the country that has made the most improvement in their immunization programs. PAHO attributed this success to Community Nursing Health teams and four private Pediatricians in Grenada.

The Grenadian government is committed to providing the best quality of life for its citizens. However, there is still room for improvement. The prevalence of premature death caused by cardiovascular diseases suggests that Grenada needs to promote healthier life choices for its citizens. With the continued support and observation by the Grenadian government, many hope that life expectancy in Grenada will increase in the future.

– YongJin Yi
Photo: Flickr

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Funding and Support Key to Fighting Hunger in Grenada

Funding and Support Key to Fighting Hunger in GrenadaThe Caribbean Island of Grenada, also known as the Spice Island, is one of the smallest independent countries in the Western Hemisphere. As its name suggests, it is the world’s second-largest producer of nutmeg and also a significant producer of mace, cinnamon, ginger and cloves.

Hunger in Grenada is a very real issue, with the depth of hunger being reported at 250 in 2008, measured in kilocalories per person per day. In addition to this, the Food and Nutrition Security (FNS) has reported that approximately 26 percent of the population in Grenada is undernourished. The FNS also provided information in the form of FNS Need Index Scores, which has more severe problems earning higher scores. They ranked access to food to be at 75, compared to the regional average of 43. The agricultural production gap ranked 44, compared to a regional average of 50 and vulnerability was ranked 59, compared to the regional average of 45.

Despite these figures being somewhat disconcerting, there are already means being undertaken to end hunger in Grenada. This is highlighted by the Hunger-Free Initiative in Grenada by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the U.N. (FAO). The project is a follow-up to the aforementioned FNS report and its goal is to develop and implement a Zero Hunger Challenge program. They aim to accomplish this by ensuring synergies and partnerships with stakeholders, governmental institutions and donors and by facilitating coordination with other projects, programs and activities from the FAO, the government and other partner agencies.

Another way to help is by increasing funding for the FNS and other relief groups. The amount that is publicly invested into FNS aid equates to $80 per rural capita, with the national average being $134. The sources of funding come completely in the form of public investment, with none being the result of private investors.

By supporting relief organizations like the FAO and the FNS, as well as increasing funding, we can help end the fight against hunger in Grenada. The changes have already led to Ghana becoming the first Sub-Saharan African country to cut the number of people who suffer from hunger in half, which provides a successful model for making the same changes in Grenada.

– Drew Fox

Photo: Flickr

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The Grenada Poverty Rate Is the Country’s Biggest Challenge

Grenada Poverty RateGrenada prime minister Keith Mitchell said that the greatest challenge he faced was bringing down the Grenada poverty rate. This is with good reason. Although the government has implemented many developmental programs, Grenada remains poor. However, with the right determination and effort, Grenada may have hope.

Currently, the Grenada poverty rate stands at 32 percent. The country also has the highest extreme poverty rate in the eastern Caribbean, with a rate of 13 percent. It has one of the highest unemployment rates in the Caribbean as well. About 15 percent of people are out of work in Grenada.

The economic situation in Grenada is fragile. Agriculture and tourism are very important economically. Approximately 90 percent of the farms in Grenada are less than 2 hectares. This has caused the Grenada economy to fluctuate over the past couple of years. For example, in 2008 the economy grew by 2 percent, only to shrink by 8 percent in 2009.

In response to lower agricultural production, the Grenada government has implemented the Cocoa Revitalization Program. The goal of this program is to commercialize over 1,000 acres of land. The government is also planning on launching the Climate-Smart Agriculture and Rural Enterprise Programme in 2018. The goal of the program is to increase agricultural productivity through better information about climate change. The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) also implemented the Grenada Rural Enterprise Project to combat Grenada’s rural problems.

The government also has several economic development programs underway. The government received $10.8 million from the IMF under the Emergency Assistance Program, which they invested into the Bridges and Roads Investment Project.

If the Grenada government continues to be dedicated to ending poverty, the Grenada poverty rate will go down. As Prime Minister Mitchell said, “The future is promising but challenging. However, together with the CDB and our non-borrowing members, we are assured that we can achieve the future we want for the people.”

– Bruce Edwin Ayres Truax

Photo: Flickr

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Water Quality in Grenada is Improving

Water Quality in Grenada
Grenada is a developing island nation that resides in the southeastern Caribbean Sea. The country is made up of six smaller islands in addition to the main island of Grenada. The country depends heavily on the agricultural sector to maintain its economy. It is well known for its nutmeg and mace crops, which are sold all throughout the world. However, limited access to drinking water has made the water quality in Grenada see a decline in recent years.

The Issue of Water Access In Grenada

Growing periods of dry spells and overuse of water in Grenada has led to dropping groundwater levels. This has allowed the salt water surrounding Grenada to permeate the water layers on the island. The effect of this has been the reduction of the water quality in Grenada. Consequently, this pollution from seawater has made much of the water in the nation unusable for agriculture.

In addition to the continued pollution of the nation’s water supply, rising sea levels have resulted in an erosion of the coasts. Worse yet, hurricanes passing through the region disrupt the agricultural sector and destroy critical infrastructure that the country needs to survive.

Because Grenada depends on tourism and agriculture to maintain its economy, polluted water supply has continued to create negative economic consequences.

Possible Solutions

In conjunction with Germany’s Federal Development Agency (GiZ) and the International Climate Initiative (IKI), the water quality in Grenada has begun to improve. These organizations have partnered up with the government of Grenada to teach locals how to deepen wells and construct more sophisticated irrigation systems to ensure they will have water for the future. All of this work happens alongside education of the locals about preserving water in the water-intensive industry of tourism.

Looking Towards The Future

Although pollution continues to impact many around the world, water quality in Grenada should improve in coming years. With the help of the GiZ and IKI, the government of Grenada has a clear path to address the issue of declining levels of water in their nation. As long as they continue the plan they have created, Grenada is sure to get past this matter they are addressing.

– Nick Beauchamp

Photo: Flickr

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10 Facts About Grenada Refugees

Grenada RefugeesGrenada is part of a small collection of islands in the Caribbean Sea near Venezuela. Due to the country’s small size, Grenada refugees do not face many formal regulations and protections. The following 10 facts about Grenada refugees explain how Grenada handles its refugees, the improvements the government is making for refugees and the future of refugees in Grenada.

  1. Grenada is not a party to the 1951 Refugee Convention. This convention served as the major legal framework for refugees as it defined the term refugee, outlined refugees’ rights and determined the legal obligations of states to protect refugees. The core principle is non-refoulement, which means that a refugee will not be returned to their country of origin if they are facing serious threats to their life or their freedom.
  2. The government of Grenada has no formal policy for recognizing refugees. There is an open policy towards migrants which allows them to remain in the country without attaining refugee status. Additionally, the Grenada constitution provides for freedom of movement within the country, foreign travel and emigration.
  3. Grenada is a popular point for migrants because it allows for easy access to its neighboring islands and to South America.
  4. Most refugees to Grenada come from other islands in the Caribbean. Grenada does not receive many asylum-seekers, and as a result of the lack of formal policy regarding refugees, most asylum seekers are not documented.
  5. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) determined that the only durable solutions for refugees in Grenada were voluntary repatriation or resettlement in a third country.
  6. Grenada’s economy and conditions are not ideal for mass migration. Grenada was formerly an agriculture-dependent economy that, in the last 40 years, has become a service-oriented economy. Additionally, Grenada is very vulnerable to climate change and natural disasters, specifically hurricanes.
  7. Grenada has historically complied with refugees and has not violated the non-refoulement principle. In 2010 the government of Grenada agreed not to deport a family that was recognized by the UNHCR as refugees. This family was eventually resettled to a third country.
  8. Similarly in 2011, Grenada recognized a refugee family that was also resettled to a third country.
  9. In 2013 Grenada participated in a conference in conjunction with the UNHCR and other Caribbean countries called the “Regional Conference on the Protection of Vulnerable Persons in the Mixed Migration Flow.” This conference provided an open dialogue regarding migration in the Caribbean region.
  10. The UNHCR predicted in 2014 that Grenada will soon see a surge in the number of asylum-seekers.

Since Grenada is small, its migrant flow has not been overwhelming, which has allowed the Grenadian government to cooperate with migrants. As Grenada may soon expect an increase in asylum-seekers, it is imperative that the Grenadian government begins to address the rights of Grenada refugees and the country’s ability to host a refugee population.

– Christiana Lano

Photo: Pixabay

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Common Diseases in Grenada

Common Diseases in GrenadaA tiny island in the Caribbean, Grenada is roughly twice the size of Washington, D.C. and has a population of only 111,219 individuals. Today, the country’s economy heavily relies on tourism along with agriculture. After Hurricane Ivan, the nation struggled to rebuild and now faces enormous public debt, inhibiting further public spending. This, of course, has a negative effect on the quality of healthcare, and slows the progress of reducing the prevalence of certain diseases. Here are the most common diseases in Grenada:

Ischemic Heart Disease
A condition characterized by constricted heart arteries, causing reduced blood flow to the heart, ischemic heart disease can ultimately result in untimely heart attack. Also known as coronary artery disease, ischemic heart disease was assessed to be the most fatal of the common diseases in Grenada in 2005. By 2015, it was still the most fatal, but the prevalence of deaths by the disease had actually decreased by 5.9 percent.

Cerebrovascular Disease
Cerebrovascular disease refers to any disorder affecting blood flow to the brain. Such disorders often result in aneurysms, carotid stenosis, intracranial stenosis, vertebral stenosis, stroke and vascular malformations. In 2015, cerebrovascular disease was the second most fatal common disease in Grenada, and had been for the past decade. However, the disease had fortunately decreased in prevalence by 4.4 percent within those 10 years.

Diabetes
A disease that occurs when blood glucose is too high, diabetes can cause a myriad of other health problems, and can even lead to death. In Grenada, diabetes was the third most common cause of death, consistently from 2005 to 2015. Unfortunately, in contrast to the reduction  in prevalence of ischemic heart disease and cerebrovascular disease, diabetes became 4.5 percent more common within the decade.

In October of 2015, the government of Grenada stated that the “Grenada Diabetes Association and the Ministry of Health continue to strengthen their relationship as both entities collaborate to promote good health and wellness among the population.” In regards to heart disease, the Grenada Heart Project studies “the clinical, biological, and psychosocial determinants of the cardiovascular health in Grenada in order to develop and implement a nationwide cardiovascular health promotion program.” Clearly, the nation is dedicated to domestically addressing the most common diseases in Grenada, and hopefully this dedication will lead to more progress.

– Shannon Golden

Photo: Flickr

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Noncommunicable Illnesses Top List of Major Diseases in Grenada


When working to eliminate poverty, understanding public health concerns in regions such as Grenada is critical. Communicable diseases such as measles, polio and smallpox on this Caribbean island are less common today than they once were as a result of vaccinations and other public health strategies. Noncommunicable and preventative diseases, however, have been of more concern to health workers and government officials in the country.

The World Health Organization (WHO), the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) have found that the most prevalent diseases in Grenada are, in no particular order:

  • Cancer is a leading cause of death in Grenada. Roughly three percent of Grenadians die from this disease yearly. Prostate cancer is especially deadly, accounting for about 17 percent of those deaths. Local doctors and organizations have strived to raise awareness and money for the Grenada Cancer Society. The annual Walk for the Cure, for example, is hosted by the First Caribbean International Bank and helps give assistance to cancer patients in need.
  • Respiratory diseases and infections are also among the leading causes of death and disability in Grenada. During a 2010 PAHO study of discharge data at St. George’s General Hospital, respiratory illnesses made up 4.9 percent of visits. About 1.5 percent of the population dies yearly from lower respiratory infections, a rate that is significantly higher than that of similar countries. Risk factors include air pollution and tobacco smoke.
  • Cardiovascular diseases are very common in Grenada, and ischemic heart disease is the most common form found in the country. IHME estimates that 2.4 percent of people die yearly from this form of heart disease. And, although fewer people die from it annually, ischemic heart disease still remains a leading cause of death. Those with poor diet or physical inactivity are more at risk of cardiovascular disease. The Grenada Heart Project is critical in raising awareness and helping the sick.
  • Hypertension is among the diseases in Grenada that adults are most commonly diagnosed with. The morbidity rate of hypertension for adults ages 20 to 59 is 7.25 percent and for the elderly is 48.7 percent. In the PAHO hospital study mentioned above, this health problem led to 12.9 percent of hospital visits. Poor diet and physical inactivity are risk factors for hypertension. To reduce the risk of hypertension, the Grenada Food and Nutrition Council recommends better lifestyle choices such as eating healthier, being more physically active and quitting smoking. The Grenada Heart Project also focuses on this issue.
  • Diabetes is another disease that adults are most commonly diagnosed with. Diabetes affects about 9.4 percent of adults ages 20 to 59 and 27 percent of the elderly. About 1.7 percent of Grenadians die from this disease yearly, which is significantly higher than that of similar countries. The PAHO hospital study found that diabetes accounted for 27 percent of doctor’s visits. The risk of this disease has been seen to increase with age and if previously diagnosed in the family. Again, poor diet and physical inactivity are risk factors for diabetes. The Grenada Diabetes Association is a key decision-maker working to decrease the death rates and prevalence of diabetes in the country.
  • Cerebrovascular disease is another leading cause of death and disability in Grenada. Roughly two percent of the population dies every year from this illness, another mortality rate that is significantly higher than that of similar countries. As with many of the above diseases, poor dietary choices and physical inactivity increase chances of cerebrovascular disease.

Many health workers hope that, by addressing obesity, a preventative condition that has become more widespread in the country, they can decrease the prevalence of noncommunicable diseases in Grenada such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and cerebrovascular disease. One way to combat these health problems is to focus on eating habits and physical activity, both critical factors that affect obesity.

Fighting these diseases in Grenada and around the world has not and will not be easy, but people and organizations are continuing to work together to raise awareness for prevention, treatments and cures.

– Francesca Montalto

Photo: Flickr

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10 Facts About Education in Grenada

Education in Grenada
In the southeastern Caribbean, amidst a sea of exotic spices, luscious hills, idyllic waters and pristine sand is the enchanting “Spice Isle.” Grenada’s balmy breezes, scenic treasures and historical troves are easily discoverable from the surface. What is not so apparent are the following 10 facts about education in Grenada:

  1. The nation has a traditional academic pathway for its students: primary, middle, secondary and tertiary. The government requires students to attend school from ages five to 14. According to the latest Grenada Statistical Digest, as of the 2012-2013 school year, there were 105 preschool centers, three special education centers, 56 public primary schools, 19 private primary schools, 21 public secondary schools, three private secondary schools and one training center.
  2. Primary school lasts for six years. At the end of sixth grade students are required to take a secondary school exam. In 2012, Grenada launched the Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA) to replace its Common Entrance Examination (CEE).
  3. Middle school is the first phase of lower secondary education in Grenada and lasts for three years (grades 7-9). Students may earn a school-leaving certificate at the end of their studies if they are reluctant to pursue advanced studies. In 2012, Grenada achieved universal secondary education and established two new schools during the 2012-2013 year.
  4. The upper secondary school phase lasts for two years. Since Grenada is a member of the Caribbean Examinations Council, students sit for the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC). Typically, five CSECs are needed for higher levels of study; there are 33 subjects for students to choose from, ranging from arts to sciences. If students obtain this credential (and decide to move forward with their studies) they may take the Caribbean Advanced Placement Exam (CAPE).
  5. With respect to higher education in Grenada, T.A. Marryshow Community College (TAMCC) is the primary tertiary provider. It is the result of an eight-institute merger of teaching, vocational training, medical and agricultural institutions. St. George’s University (SGU) is a private school which offers graduate education in medicine and business. Additionally, the University of the West Indies (UWI) Open Campus offers distance learning programs for students.
  6. Teachers are commonly trained at TAMCC through UWI’s Teacher Education Program. They receive most of their support from the Grenada Union of Teachers (GUT). Workshops, regional initiatives and higher education pathways are available for administrators and principals. A major goal is capacity building, in terms of retaining and recruiting leaders and teachers. Support is also a key objective concerning continuing professional development, clearly defined professional standards, early teacher identification programs and outcome-based curricula reforms.
  7. The 2012-2021 Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) outlines the region’s future educational improvements in its Education Sector Strategy (OESS). Ministries of Education for Dominica, St. Lucia, Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines participated in the development of this strategic framework.
  8. New Life Organization Training Center (NEWLO) is the primary vocational entity in Grenada. In recent years, strides have been made to expand Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to other academic levels through the OESS and other government initiatives. For example, the OESS has a provision to improve and expand TVET experiences for students at the primary level. Moreover, one objective is to generate a qualification framework which could allow students to transition easily between vocational and academic credentials. This requires improved linkages with the Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) framework.
  9. Last year, the Global Partnership for Education earmarked $2 million for a three-year national education sector improvement program for the OECS, which includes Grenada. The money will be used for improving learning outcomes and teacher education.
  10. The Grenada Statistical Digest presented a projected public expenditure figure for primary and secondary education in 2015-2016: $28 million and $10 million respectively. The system is heavily dependent on public funds.

Although more work is needed to achieve the 2012-2021 OESS goals, progress continues to be made. For example, in July, the 2017 Association of Caribbean Higher Education Administrators (ACHEA) Conference will be held in Barbados. The event allows educational professionals to discuss governance and reform issues with colleagues from across the region. With added legislative measures, clear goals, strengthened communications and increased investments, education in Grenada is expected to improve.

– JG Federman

Photo: Flickr

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Poverty in Grenada

Poverty in Grenada
Although commonly recognized as a vacation destination, Grenada is a country suffering from poverty in its rural regions. Poverty in Grenada has been a struggle for decades due to the island’s small size, vulnerability to natural disasters and lack of skilled laborers within its rural population.

According to the World Bank, 32% of Grenada’s 107,000 people are considered poor, and 13% are considered extremely poor.

Poverty in Grenada is most visible in rural areas because small, rural communities don’t have access to Grenada’s mainstream economy, which relies heavily on international trade for growth. In rural areas, farming is the most common profession, especially among older individuals. The average age among farmers is 54 for women and 48 for men.

Workers in the agriculture industry are greatly impacted by tropical storms and hurricanes. When storms hit, agriculture-based businesses such as farms and fisheries may suffer severe damages. This vulnerability makes it nearly impossible for agricultural workers to overcome poverty.

Increasing numbers of Grenada’s youth are staying away from the agriculture industry because of its perceived instability. Within Grenadian agricultural industries, wages are so low that “workers can do hardly more than survive,” according to a Grenada Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy document.

While Grenada’s younger populations generally prefer careers in the successful tourism industry, many lack the professional skills they need. Many young people find it difficult to enter an industry other than farming because of illiteracy or lack of access to education.

Unemployment is a major factor contributing to ongoing rural poverty in Grenada. The country has one of the highest unemployment rates in the Caribbean.

According to the Rural Poverty Portal, the unemployment rate decreased from 24.4 % in 2008 to about 15%. Since the global financial crisis in 2008, several steps have been taken to alleviate poverty in Grenada.

 

International Aid Fighting Poverty in Grenada

 

In 2011, the U.N. rural development agency signed an agreement to “co-finance a $7.5 million project” to aid 12,000 impoverished people in Grenada.

As part of the agreement, the U.N. International Fund for Agricultural Development loaned $3 million to the six-year Market Access and Rural Enterprise Development Programme. U.N. contributions have created jobs, improved market access and supported rural micro-enterprise projects in 50 Grenadian communities.

In November 2015, the World Bank approved a $15 million loan to aid Grenada. The loan will be used to improve natural disaster resilience, public resource management, the banking sector and private investment sustainability. Stronger ties between tourism and agriculture will also be established in order to distribute more wealth to rural areas.

At the 46th Annual Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) board of governors meeting in May 2016, Grenadian Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell praised the CDB for providing major financial assistance over the last decade in support of social and financial programs.

Looking to the future, Mitchell stated that progress can continue to be made with the CDB’s help to alleviate rural poverty in Grenada as well as in every Caribbean nation.

– Alex Fidler

Photo: Flickr