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Grenada

Quick Facts

Population:	89,502
Land area:	344 square Km
Capital:	St. Georges
Language(s):	English
Local Currency:	East Caribbean dollar (XCD)
Exchange:	US$1.00 = EC$2.70
UNDP Human Development Rank:	82 of 177
Life Expectancy:	68.2
Adult Literacy rate:	96.0
Official Government website:	http://www.gov.gd/

Government

Governor General - Sir Daniel WILLIAMS
Prime Minister - Tillman Joseph THOMAS
Min. of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries - Michael D. LETT
Min. of Carriacou & Petit Martinique Affairs - George PRIME
Min. of Education and Human Resource Development - Senator Franca BERNADINE
Min. of Finance, Planning, Economy, Energy, & Co-operatives - Nazim BURKE
Min. of Foreign Affairs, the Environment, Foreign Trade and Export Development - I.J. Karl HOOD
Min. of Health - Ann PETERS
Min. of Housing, Lands & Community Development - Alleyne WALKER
Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Ecclesiastical Affairs - Glynis ROBERTS
Min. of Legal Affairs - Tillman THOMAS
Min. of Social Development - Sylvester QUARLESS
Min. of Tourism and Civil Aviation - Peter DAVID
Min. of Works, Physical Development, Public Utilities - Joseph GILBERT
Min. of Youth, Empowerment & Sports - Patrick SIMMONS
Min. of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Denneth M. MODESTE
Attorney General - Rohan A. PHILLIP
Permanent Representative to the UN, New York - Ambassador Dessima Williams
Public Holidays: New Year's Day (01 January); Independence Day (07 February); Good Friday; Easter Monday; Labour Day (01 May); Whit Monday; Corpus Christi (as decreed); Emancipation Day (04 August); Carnival (Second Monday and Tuesday in August); Thanksgiving Day (25 October); Christmas Day (25 December); Boxing Day (26 December)

Economic Development

Grenada Budget Statement 2010

Preliminary estimates reveal that economic activity in Grenada contracted by 7.7 per cent in 2009 compared to real growth of 2.2 per cent in 2008. This performance reflected declines in construction (52.4 percent), mining and quarrying (29.9 per cent), hotels and restaurants (20.8 per cent), wholesale and retail trade (17.9 percent), transport services (12.3 percent), manufacturing (11.8 per cent), government services (3.8 percent) and communications (2.0 percent). That said, there were some bright spots. Agriculture increased by 9.3 percent, Other Services which is dominated by St. George’s University increased by 8.0 percent and Banking and Insurance increased by 8.6 percent.

Agriculture
Mr. Speaker, the growth of Agriculture in Grenada is a consequence of the hard work of our farmers supported by Government. It demonstrates that the renewed focus on Agriculture by this Administration is already bearing fruit. Areas of support last year included the farm labour, planting material and fertilizer programmes.
In 2009, nutmeg production was 739,000 pounds an increase of 22.3 per cent, cocoa production was 996,000 pounds, an increase of 33 per cent. However, fish production of 4.15 million pounds showed little change from the previous year.

Tourists Arrivals
Between January to November 2009, stayover tourist arrivals declined by 12.8% with a total of 84,240 arrivals in comparison to 96,588 arrivals for the corresponding period of 2008. All the major source markets experienced declines: United States by 1.5%; United Kingdom by 23.2% and the Caribbean by 12.6%.
It is believed that the recession experienced in Grenada’s major source markets combined with the high cost of air travel contributed to the decline in the number of stay-over visitors.
For the period January to November 2009, Cruise Arrivals totalled 276,858 compared to 227,937 for the same period in 2008, an increase of 21.5%. Similarly, cruise calls also increased by 13.5% with a total of 202 calls compared to 178. That said, it is estimated that the average expenditure of these visitors fell reflecting the global economic situation.

Projections
The Grenadian economy is projected to grow by 0.8 percent compared with a projected contraction of 2.3 percent for the ECCU. I should note that Government’s projection is higher than the IMF and ECCB projections are a decline of 2.0% and 1.8% respectively but is based on our most recent information on the projects (public and private) which will commence this year.
source: Government of Grenada

Economic Survey of the Caribbean 2007-2008

According to the survey the economies of the ECCU continued to show positive growth for the sixth consecutive year. In 2007, preliminary data indicated that growth slowed to 5.2% from 6.3% in 2006 as many public and private construction activities geared towards the CWC were completed. In addition there was a significant contraction in the tourism sector, which actually declined by 0.6% in 2007 compared to 6% in 2006. Fuelled by hikes in oil and food prices, especially in the last quarter of 2007, the rate of inflation increased to 6.1% from 1.3% in 2006 and is expected to continue on an upward trend in 2008. Economic growth will continue to slow but remain positive in 2008, projected at 3.8%, mainly influenced by the slowdown in the United States economy and rising international oil, food and other commodity prices.

In 2007 growth was strongest in Anguilla (21%), St Vincent and the Grenadines (6.9%) and Antigua and Barbuda (6.9%) while Hurricane Dean, which struck in August 2007, negatively impacted on the growth rates of Saint Lucia (1.7% compared to 4.9% in 2006) and Dominica (1.8% compared to 3.8% in 2006). Despite the challenge of continuous volcanic activity in Montserrat, the economy grew by 2.8% compared to negative growth of 3.8% in 2006. Intermediate growth of 3% was recorded in both St Kitts and Nevis while growth in Grenada was 4.4%. The main impetus of growth continued to be the construction sector with spill over effects into mining and quarrying, transportation and communication, electricity and water and banks and insurance. Construction activity will remain robust in 2008 driven by the private sector and the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP).

Economic Performance for 2007-2008

Government of Grenada. 2008 Budget Presentation by Dr. Keith Mitchell, Prime Minister

The New Economy

Mr. Speaker, the “new economy” of Grenada experienced real growth at an average of almost 4.0 % in the three (3) years following on the ravages of hurricanes Ivan and Emily. For this year alone, the economy grew at an acceptable rate of 3.1%--slightly below the OECS average of 3.5%.

The outlook for 2008 is for projected real growth of 4.3%. This experience of growth in the economy is reflected in the 9,400 (approximately) new jobs that were created in the period January 2005 to September 2007, impacting primarily the lives of our young people. They continue, under this Administration, to find employment and improve their lives. In the 2008 Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure, job creation will continue to receive the highest priority. In the “new economy”, Mr. Speaker, all the major sectors in the production process have experienced growth in one form or the other.

Economic Outlook for 2007

source: Grenada: 2007 Article IV Consultation—Staff Report.

Grenada’s economy has rebounded after the devastating impact of Hurricanes Ivan and Emily, with the recovery centered on reconstruction and 2007 Cricket World Cup preparations. The economic outlook is favorable, as several major tourism investment projects get underway. Inflation has been subdued. Fiscal performance, however, has been much weaker than programmed in 2006−07, owing to capital expenditure overruns. Public debt reached 125 percent of GDP at end−2006, leaving little room for maneuver in the event of exogenous shocks

Economic Statistics

Grenada: Statistical Appendix October 30, 2008. source: IMF

Grenada: Statistical Appendix. September 2007. source: IMF

Social Development

Social Policy

Social Policies in Grenada by Patsy Lewis.
Grenada is a small state that has made impressive initial achievements in economic and human development since independence, especially in education and health.
However, continuing unemployment and poverty, the recent erosion of trade preferences, and the changing international donor aid environment have exposed structural weaknesses in its economic model. Patsy Lewis assesses developments in social policy approaches and delivery in the post-colonial period, including the economic strategies pursued and their effects on social policy, particularly in respect of children. She looks at the challenges faced by governments and presents a brief case study of Hurricane Ivan, as an instance for exploring community and national responses, resilience and innovation.
Source: Commonwealth Secretariat.

MSI+5

National Assessment Report Grenada: Small Island Developing States.
The Grenada National Assessment Report gives an update on Grenada's response to SIDS Mauritius Strategy of Implementation for vulnerabilities as drawn up in 2005. By James Finlay

Poverty Reduction

GRENADA: First Review Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility Arrangement.

Grenada’s economy has rebounded after the devastating impact of Hurricanes Ivan and Emily, driven by reconstruction, tourism, the 2007 Cricket World Cup, and the development of several major tourism projects.

While Grenada’s outlook remains favorable, economic growth is expected to slow somewhat in 2008—to 3.7 percent— in part due to the projected slowdown in the global eco (CWC), and expansion of an offshore university. Annual inflation is projected at 7.8 percent for 2008, reflecting rising world fuel and food prices.

Grenada: a gender impact assessment of Hurricane Ivan - making the invisible visible.
It has become clear from the Gender Impact Assessment of Hurricane Ivan undertaken in Grenada from 13–19 February 2005 that the existing gender inequities in the society rendered women and their dependent children uniquely vulnerable. Aspects of their susceptibility have become apparent in the emergency, rehabilitation and recovery, and reconstruction phases which were not as evident before the disaster.
Source:UNECLAC

2005 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices (Western Hemisphere)

All men and women desire and deserve to live in dignity and liberty. As President Bush said: "The advance of freedom is the great story of our time." Promoting human rights and democracy is a worldwide phenomenon and there is a growing global discussion of democracy and the universal values protected by democratic governance.

By defending and advancing human rights and democratic principles, we keep faith with our country’s most cherished values and lay the foundation for lasting peace. Fulfilling the promise of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and building vibrant democracies worldwide will take generations, but it is work of the utmost urgency that cannot be delayed.
Source:US Dept. of State

Education

The single greatest investment a Nation can make to its long term economic growth and prosperity is investment in its human resources. Our Government has made education and human resource development a top priority from day one of assuming office.

Information and Communication Technology

The Government plans to take a bold new attitude towards the expanded use of information and communication technology as they prepare youths for life in the national and global communities.

Teacher Education

It is a well established fact that an education system is as strong as its teachers. Mindful of this, The Government will increase access to teacher training at all levels including areas such as TVET, early childhood education, ICT and special and inclusive education.

Incentive for Students

As an incentive to students, The Government has decided to provide a full refund of external examination fees to all students who pass eight (8) or more subjects in their external examinations. This is another demonstration of the priority the Government places on the education of children in Grenada.
Source: Grenda Budget Statement 2010

Environment

Grenadian minister highlights negative impacts of climate change on small island states

Tuesday, May 11, 2010 -- Grenada's Minister for the Environment, Foreign Trade and Export Development, Michael Church was one of six ministers who addressed the International Cooperative Conference on Green Economy and Climate Change in Beijing, China on Saturday.
Source: Caribbean Net News

Disaster Risk Reduction in the Education Sector Among Selected Caribbean Small Island Developing States.

December 2009

This paper proposes that better integration of DRR in the education sector cannot be easily achieved if policymakers do not recognize the social nature of risk perception and acceptance in Caribbean SIDS, which necessitates that risk reduction be treated as a negotiated process which engages all stakeholders
source: ECLAC

Grenada: Dealing with the Aftermath of Hurricane Ivan

September 23, 2009 - On September 7, 2004, Hurricane Ivan, a category 3 storm, struck the Caribbean island of Grenada, causing widespread destruction. The financial cost of the disaster was estimated at more than US$900 million, more than twice the country's GDP. The hurricane damaged more than 80 percent of the country’s building structures, and only two of the 75 public schools remained undamaged.
Source: World Bank

A Global Report REDUCING DISASTER RISK: A CHALLENGE FOR DEVELOPMENT 2004
The Report addresses four key questions: - How are disaster risks and human vulnerability to natural hazards distributed globally between countries ? - What are the development factors and underlying processes that configure development? - H ow can appropriate development policy and practice contribute to the reduction of disaster risks? - How can disaster risk assessment be enhanced in order to inform development policy and practice?

The Disaster Risk Index (DRI),which is presented as the centrepiece of this Report, is a first step in addressing these questions.The DRI provides the first global assessment of disaster risk factors through a c o u n t ry - b y - c o u n t ry comparison of human vulnerability and exposure to three critical natural hazards :earthquake, tropical cycl ones and flooding, and the identification of development factors that contribute to risk. Volcanic eruption is important internationally, but lacks sufficient data for analysis at this time (see Technical Annex).

Similarly, the development of a drought DRI revealed a series of unresolved methodological and conceptual challenges, which imply that its results do not yet have the required degree of confidence. Nevertheless, the e x p l o ra t i on of these ch a llenges in itself prov i d e s important insights into drought risk and vulnerability and is presented in the Report as a work in progress. Reliance on internationally available data and the use of human deaths as a proxy for disaster losses meant that certain types of disasters were excluded from the model. An example of this is fire, which can cause widespread damage with few deaths.
Source:UNDP

Solid Waste Management

Health

GRENADA - NATIONAL STRATEGIC PLAN FOR HEALTH (2006-2010)- Concept Paper
October 2005.
The purpose of this paper is to provide some clarity on the concepts and process involved in strategic planning for health. It will first outline theoretical concepts in strategic planning for health. The papers will then discuss some interpretations of the concepts as found in Grenada and highlight key issues for consideration in the development of a National Strategic Plan for Health (2006-2010)
Source:Ministry of Health

GRENADA - NATIONAL STRATEGIC PLAN FOR HEALTH (2006-2010)- Situational Analysis
October 2005.
This analysis provides a descriptive assessment of specific country characteristics which have an effect on health. It also outlines details of the population’s health status, discusses the features of the health services and the systems which support the provision of health care in Grenada.

Source:Ministry of Finance

Legislation

Statistics

Selected statistics indicators for GRENADA
UN Statistics Division for GRENADA
Caribbean Social Statistics Database
Caribbean Trade Statistical Database

ICT Profile

POLICY STATEMENTS
Grenada’s Information Society Country Profile. ECLAC, November 2006
Three islands, Grenada, Carriacou and Petit Martinique, comprise the independent State of Grenada, member of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). Known as the spice island for its centuries-old spice plantations and the abundance of nutmeg trees, the country’s economy was completely devastated by Hurricane Ivan in 2004, causing damages estimated at US$815 million, more than 200% of the nation’s GDP. Grenada’s priority since has been to rebuild its production capacity and infrastructure through a Public Sector Investment Programme.

STRATEGIC PLAN
Information and Communication Technology: A Strategy and Action Plan for Grenada 2001 - 2005
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) offer a novel and effective tool to help advance sustainable development in Grenada. ICT is a new significant factor that can propel performance and growth of the Grenada economy. This Strategy and Action Plan represents Grenada's approach to capturing the potentials of these technologies and to utilizing them for sustainable development and the fight against poverty. Source:Government of Grenada

LEADING INSTITUTIONS

National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission

e-GOVERNMENT

ENABLING LEGISLATIONS

Telecommunications Act 2000

PUBLICATIONS/DOCUMENTS

NTRC Annual Report 2009
The Mission of the National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission is to regulate the liberalized telecommunications sector in Grenada so as to ensure fair competitive practices by telecommunications providers and to promote and maintain high quality Telecommunications services at fair and competitive prices for consumers.

Survey of ICT and Education in the Caribbean (Volume 2)

Grenada - Country Report
Use of ICT in schools in Grenada is not extensive. The primary and secondary schools are using ICT
on a pilot basis. Two secondary schools offer students access to computer labs to enable preparation
for the CXC ICT exams. However, the MOE has initiated two innovative programs: in the first,
expatriate Grenadian university students and others are invited to return to Grenada to assist with ICT
maintenance; the second, still in development, is television programming intended to strengthen
children’s decision-making abilities. Grenada has among the lowest rates of per capita GDP in the Caribbean. Resources for ICT in schools have historically been limited.

Overall, the use of ICT in schools and throughout the education system has not progressed at a rate
approaching that of larger neighbors Barbados or Trinidad and Tobago, or to the extent of some of the
smaller islands such as St. Lucia. Two secondary schools have labs at present, with computers used
for preparation for the CXC ICT exams and to reinforce math and science learning.
Source: INFODEV

ICT INDICATORS collected by Statistical Offices

More Information

Statement by an IMF Mission to Grenada
February 10, 2010
An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission led by Ms. Nita Thacker of the IMF’s Western Hemisphere Department visited Grenada during February 1-10 to conduct the fifth review of the government’s home-grown economic program supported by an IMF financial arrangement under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF, formerly called the PRGF) and to discuss a successor three-year arrangement. The mission met with Finance Minister Nazim Burke, Permanent Secretary Timothy Antoine, other senior government officials, representative of the Official Opposition, and representatives of the business and financial community and labor unions. The mission thanks the authorities for their warm hospitality and close cooperation it received during its stay in Grenada.

The Second Caribbean Dialogue on Caribbean Economic Expansion, Investment and Opportunities Arising From the Economic Partnership Agreement.
16-17 December 2009
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
The overall objective of this initiative is to explore ways and means of building in a structured manner, a sustained coalition between the Caribbean and the UK-EU Caribbean Civil Society/Diaspora; the Caribbean and ACP Member Countries, in particular countries from Eastern Africa and the Caribbean and Central America, so as to facilitate Caribbean Economic Expansion, Trade and Investment.

Grenada unemployment could reach 30 percent by year end, says minister.
February 9, 2009

Grenada: Finance Minister Nazim Burke expects that the rate of unemployment in Grenada could rise to 30 per cent by the end of year because of the global economic crisis.

Key Documents

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Grenada Budget Statement 2010
Disaster risk reduction in the education sector among selected Caribbean Small Island Developing States LC/CAR/L.235. December 2009
Grenada: Interim Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper
Survey of ICT and Education in the Caribbean:a summary report based on 16 country surveys. (Vol. 2)
Social Policies in Grenada by Patsy Lewis
ECCB. Financial Statistics Yearbook. 2005
Grenada: 2007 Article IV Consultation—Staff Report
The OECS Deepening and Strengthening Integration Through an Economic Union: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank 'Economic and Financial Review' March 2008
Toward a Caribbean Vision 2020: A Regional Perspective on Development Challenges, Opportunities and Strategies for
Grenada Budget Speech 2007
GRENADA: First Review Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility Arrangement
Health in the Americas 2007: country profile for Grenada
Information and Communication Technology: A Strategy and Action Plan for Grenada 2001 - 2005
Telecommunications Act of Grenada
Towards a Single Economy and a Single Development Vision
CARIBBEAN CONNECT: A HIGH LEVEL SYMPOSIUM ON THE CARICOM SINGLE MARKET 28 - 30 June, 2006, Sherbourne Conference Centre, Two Mile Hill, St. Michael, BarbadosND ECONOMY.
Trade Integration in the Americas
Overview of CARICOM's Trade with Canada
Background to Negotiations on CARICOM Canada Trading Arrangements