From Plans to Progress: Grenada’s Infrastructure Renewal Under the NDC

The Government of Grenada, led by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and Prime Minister Hon. Dickon Mitchell, has placed infrastructure development at the heart of its national renewal strategy as the country enters 2026. With a strong focus on roads, bridges, coastal protection, schools, and public facilities, the Ministry of Infrastructure is actively reshaping the nation’s physical backbone to improve mobility, resilience, and quality of life for all Grenadians.

A Strategic Vision for National Growth

Rather than reacting to challenges as they arise, the NDC Administration has adopted a structured and forward-looking approach. Its infrastructure strategy is built around four pillars:

• Resilience: Strengthening roads and structures to stand up to climate and environmental pressures.
• Sustainability: Embedding green technology and efficient practices.
• Innovation: Using modern designs and smart planning.
• Connectivity: Enhancing transportation links within Grenada and with the wider Caribbean region.

These pillars reflect the government’s broader goal: to ensure that physical development is purposeful, cost-effective, and future-ready.

Progress on Major Road Projects

Road works have been a priority. Several key projects are underway or nearing completion:

• The Cliff Road Rehabilitation: Positioned as part of the broader Western Main Road improvements, work continues to upgrade this vital link — with revised completion expected early in 2026 following delays related to weather and equipment challenges.
• Clozier Retaining Wall and Road: This critical project, essential for safer travel in challenging terrain, is progressing with new design work and is expected to finish mid-2026.
• Willis Road Rehabilitation: Restarting this feeder road project remains a focus, with efforts underway to re-mobilize contractors.

In addition, strategic road designs for areas like Cliff Junction to Maurice Bishop Highway and coastal stretches from Cliff to Westerhall Point are moving forward, ensuring that key tourism and commercial corridors receive long-term improvements.

Bridges, Coastal Protection, and Community Infrastructure

Grenada’s waterways and coastlines require robust infrastructure too:

• Snell Hall Bridge is under construction with temporary access in place, aiming for completion soon.
• The Sauteurs Coastal Protection Project, funded in part by regional partners, is set to begin with shortlisted contractors and environmental engagement underway.

Beyond transportation, the Ministry is also overseeing upgrades to police stations, providing safer and more functional facilities in St. David, Victoria, Union, and Grenville.

Investing in Schools and Local Facilities

Community infrastructure shows equal momentum, with ongoing work at:

• Tivoli RC and Calliste Government Schools, progressing as planned.
• Florida Government School, where construction has begun to expand educational access.

Improving Road Maintenance and Capacity

Recognizing that long-term road quality requires consistent upkeep, the government is strengthening internal capacity within the Ministry to manage and supervise major projects more efficiently — reducing reliance on external consultants.

A new pothole patcher truck, equipped for asphalt work, is being brought into service to keep secondary roads safer and smoother throughout the year.

Challenges and Realistic Planning

The Administration has acknowledged unavoidable delays in some projects due to weather, supply issues, and contractor performance — and has responded by adjusting completion timelines and stepping up oversight.

At the same time, collaboration with private partners helps leverage financing and expertise for larger projects, reflecting a pragmatic approach to development amid global economic pressures.

What This Means for Grenadians

For citizens and communities, these infrastructure efforts bring:

• Better connectivity between towns and key economic zones.
• Greater safety on roads and bridges.
• Increased resilience against climate impacts.
• Improved social services through upgraded schools and facilities.

Ultimately, the NDC Government’s infrastructure strategy is not just about building pathways — it’s about building opportunities, economic growth, and a stronger, more united Grenada.

Decriminalization with Purpose: How the NDC Is Leading Grenada into a Smarter, Fairer Future

The decriminalization of marijuana under the National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration marks one of the most thoughtful and progressive policy shifts in Grenada’s modern legislative history. It is not a symbolic gesture, nor an imported trend. It is a deliberate, evidence-based reform rooted in justice, public health, and the lived realities of Grenadians.

For decades, minor marijuana offences disproportionately affected young people, the working poor, and otherwise law-abiding citizens—often saddling them with criminal records that closed doors to employment, education, travel, and economic mobility. The NDC recognized that this punitive approach neither reduced drug use nor strengthened our communities. Instead, it entrenched cycles of marginalization and stigma.

The decision to decriminalize marijuana represents a clear departure from outdated, one-size-fits-all policies. It reflects a modern understanding that not all drug-related issues belong in the criminal justice system. By shifting the state’s response from punishment to regulation, education, and rehabilitation, the NDC has chosen solutions that are humane, proportionate, and effective.

Importantly, this reform does not promote drug abuse. On the contrary, it strengthens Grenada’s ability to respond responsibly. Decriminalization allows law enforcement to focus on serious crime, while public institutions are better positioned to provide counselling, treatment, and support—particularly for young people who need guidance, not incarceration.

The NDC administration has also demonstrated moral courage by addressing the long-term consequences of past policies. Through expungement provisions and the discontinuance of minor cases, thousands of Grenadians are being given a second chance—free from the lifelong penalties of minor, non-violent offences. This is restorative justice in action: correcting injustice rather than pretending it never existed.

Globally, jurisdictions across the Caribbean and beyond are re-evaluating cannabis laws in light of new evidence, cultural realities, and economic opportunities. Grenada, under the NDC, has chosen to lead—not by imitation, but by adaptation. Our approach respects public order, safeguards health, and aligns with international best practices while remaining firmly grounded in Grenadian values.

Looking ahead, the NDC’s vision extends beyond decriminalization toward the careful development of a regulated cannabis industry that creates opportunity while maintaining strong safeguards. This vision prioritizes local participation, transparency, and public oversight—ensuring that any emerging cannabis economy benefits Grenadian farmers, entrepreneurs, researchers, and communities, rather than a privileged few.

The NDC sees potential in medical, therapeutic, and research-based cannabis applications, as well as in value-added products that can diversify the economy, support innovation, and generate new revenue streams. With clear rules, licensing frameworks, and compliance standards, Grenada can responsibly position itself within the global cannabis landscape without compromising public health, youth protection, or social stability.

The decriminalization of marijuana, therefore, marks not an endpoint, but a foundation. It reflects an administration willing to confront the past honestly, govern responsibly in the present, and plan the future strategically. Under the National Democratic Congress, Grenada is moving forward with confidence—building a modern, fair, and inclusive society where progress is intentional, opportunity is shared, and policy is guided by both principle and vision.

The End of the Imani Mindset and the Beginning of Greatness in Every Grenadian

Grenada is entering a new phase of national development, focusing on economic resilience, modern skills, and opportunities for young people through the implementation of the Centres of Excellence and the Youth Empowerment Agency. This shift marks a clear break from fragmented, short-term training programmes such as Imani and moves the country toward a strong, coordinated system of skills development. The goal is not just to prepare people for jobs, but to build leaders, innovators, and globally competitive citizens.

For many years, programmes like Imani provided basic training and temporary relief from unemployment. While well-intentioned, these efforts were never designed to address Grenada’s deeper structural challenges. As Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell has noted, today’s global economy demands advanced skills, adaptability, and innovation. Meeting this reality requires more than short-term programmes—it requires long-term institutions that create lasting value. This is a moment to change how we view youth, not as beneficiaries of programmes, but as drivers of national growth and transformation.

At the centre of this new approach is the Youth Empowerment Agency, designed to bring clarity, coordination, and purpose to youth development. Instead of scattered initiatives, the Agency will align education, skills training, entrepreneurship, and leadership development under one national vision. This ensures that young Grenadians are not only trained but are deliberately prepared to contribute to economic growth, innovation, and community leadership.

Working alongside this effort, the Centres of Excellence will serve as a key pillar of Grenada’s transformation agenda. These centres will focus on high-impact sectors that directly support national development and long-term sustainability. Guided by the Investment Advisory Council co-chaired by Aliko Dangote and Dominic Barton, the programme emphasizes practical, results-driven training that responds to both local priorities and global market needs.

The Centres of Excellence will target strategic areas critical to Grenada’s future, including digital transformation, sustainable energy, agribusiness, advanced manufacturing, and the blue economy. By building specialised expertise in these fields, Grenada aims to increase productivity, encourage innovation, and strengthen its position in regional and international markets.

Key focus areas include:

• Cybersecurity and Digital Innovation: AI, software development, coding, and data science
• Oil, Gas and Sustainable Energy: Skills for energy transition and offshore readiness
• Agritech and Food Processing: Smart farming and value-added food production
• Hospitality and the Blue Economy: Marine skills and sustainable tourism
• Furniture and Industrial Design: Craftsmanship and export-ready manufacturing

By moving from the Imani model to a structured network of Centres of Excellence, Grenada is doing more than upgrading its workforce—it is reshaping its development path. This approach supports a diversified economy, attracts investment, promotes export-ready industries, and encourages entrepreneurship.

This bold step signals a new national direction—one built on skills, strong institutions, and empowered people. It reflects a clear commitment to unlocking the potential of Grenadians and creating sustainable prosperity for generations to come.

Regularization of Public Officers Is Vital for Preserving Government Stability

Through deliberate leadership and principled action, this administration has taken bold steps to correct injustices, restore fairness, and rebuild a stable and professional Public Service.

To address decades of indiscriminate hiring outside of the Public Service Commission and to reduce the overreliance on contract labour, the 2024/2025 Regularization Process is already producing transformative results. Coupled with the Government’s prior achievement of settling outstanding retroactive pension payments and introducing a new contributory pension scheme for officers outside the establishment, Grenada is witnessing a pragmatic and people-centred approach to resolving disparities in job security, tenure, and compensation.

The progress is substantial and undeniable:

• 618 officers have been confirmed in their positions, bringing long-awaited stability and dignity to their roles.
• 311 unestablished employees have been appointed to the establishment, strengthening continuity and professionalism across ministries.
• 1,049 new positions have been created to facilitate additional appointments and modernize the structure of the Public Service.
• Over 300 employees have received salary adjustments to eliminate long-standing disparities and ensure equal pay for equal work.
• As of December 2024, 32 long-serving employees in truly vacant positions have been appointed, making them newly eligible for the defined-benefit pension they rightfully deserve.

These actions reaffirm the values that the National Democratic Congress stands for: fairness, transparency, equity, and respect for workers. They signal a new era where public officers no longer live in limbo, where service to the country is honoured with the security, benefits, and recognition it deserves.

In moving decisively to regularize the Public Service, the Government is building a stronger, more stable, and more just Grenada where workers are empowered, families are uplifted, and national development is grounded in fairness and good governance. This is the kind of progressive leadership that puts people first and moves our nation forward with confidence.

Grenada Unveils Ambitious 2025 Budget Aimed at Resilience and Recovery

On Friday, 7th March, Hon. Denis Cornwall, Minister of Finance and MP for St. Patrick East, presented a comprehensive budget for the fiscal year 2025, themed “Towards Vision 75: Grenada – Resilient and Rising,” highlighting a strategic focus on resilience and recovery following the devastation of Hurricane Beryl in July 2024 and the acceleration of the government’s transformation agenda.

Total Budget Overview

Hon. Dennis Cornwall announced a total expenditure plan of EC$1.9 billion, which includes recurrent revenue of EC$1.2 billion and grants amounting to EC$72.5 million. Key figures from the budget include recurrent expenditure estimated at EC$1.1 billion and capital expenditure of EC$496.5 million.

This budget reflects a commitment to fiscal responsibility, with a current account surplus of EC$86.5 million, albeit facing an overall deficit of EC$337.4 million.

Focus on Post-Disaster Recovery

In the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, which caused damages totaling EC$630 million, the budget emphasizes rebuilding efforts aimed at restoring infrastructure and livelihoods. Minister Cornwall detailed that over EC$100 million has been allocated to distribute cash grants, provide building materials, and support business reactivation.

The government will also continue to utilize funds from the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF) to facilitate immediate post-disaster repairs and ongoing recovery initiatives.

Investments in Key Sectors

The budget sets ambitious targets for transformative agendas across multiple sectors, including healthcare, education, housing, and renewable energy. Notable initiatives include:

• Project Polaris: The establishment of a new state-of-the-art hospital with a Phase 1 allocation of EC$23.6 million aimed at enhancing healthcare services in the nation.
• Education: An unprecedented allocation of EC$183.4 million to revamp educational infrastructure, ensure free tuition up to the tertiary level, along with a continuation of the Free Hot Meals Programme costing EC$5 million.
• Housing Solutions: The budget addresses the housing deficit exacerbated by Hurricane Beryl, with plans for the construction of 500 new homes through Project 500, reinforced by EC$10 million in the budget.
• Renewable Energy Transition: Significant investments are being made in solar, geothermal, and wind energy projects to diversify the energy mix and enhance sustainability goals.

Social Interventions and Community Development

With a strong focus on social welfare, the government allocated EC$85.1 million toward social and community development, emphasizing support for vulnerable populations.

Initiatives such as the continuation of the SEED Programme and the provision of comprehensive public transportation subsidies are also set to alleviate the cost-of-living pressures faced by Grenadians.

Economic Outlook and Future Projections

The 2025 economic outlook appears optimistic with a projected real GDP growth rate of 4.1%, buoyed by the recovery of the tourism sector and reconstruction efforts. The budget maintains fiscal discipline, with plans for prudent economic management and maintaining a wage bill ceiling of 13% of GDP.

In his concluding remarks, Minister Cornwall reaffirmed the government’s commitment to serving the people of Grenada and fostering a vision of resilience and inclusive growth.

“Let us unite. Let us build. Let us rise!” he urged, inspiring hope for the future of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

As stakeholders and citizens look forward to the implementation of this comprehensive budget, the focus remains on a resilient and rising Grenada, committed to overcoming challenges and capitalizing on opportunities for development.

The NDC-led Government of Grenada today announced in a release that it will be making good on the NDC’s pre-election promise to deliver retroactive pension and gratuity payments to public servants by November 30, 2022.

As of Tuesday, November 15, the first batch of payments was made to over three hundred (300) retirees, totaling $44.1 million.

As stated in the official release, “The payment of these long overdue benefits symbolises Government’s dedication to its transformation agenda that seeks to empower its people, make good on commitments to citizens and be transparent in its governance of the country.”

This gesture on the part of the NDC-led Administration demonstrates how serious the nation’s new Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Hon. Dickon Mitchell, along with his Cabinet, are about demonstrating their capable leadership and our ability as a nation, to address our challenges.

As the release puts it, we can satisfactorily do so, despite the difficulties, “once we set clear goals and work towards achieving them.”

On behalf of the Government, PM Hon. Dickon Mitchell, expressed “profound appreciation to the employees at the Ministry of Finance, including the Accountant General’s Department; Ms. Tonia Adams and her team at the Pension Secretariat; and the Audit Department for their stellar work in ensuring that the deadline for payment of the pension and gratuity was met.”

According to the release, the Pension Secretariat will be continuing to work assiduously to ensure that all eligible applicants are processed on or before November 30, 2022.

The Secretariat is also urging all approved applicants, who have not yet submitted their Life Certificates and banking information, to do so promptly, so that timely payment of benefits can be made.

The Ministry of Finance anticipates a payout of $75 million to 525 eligible retirees, in total.

It is expected that the infusion of this substantial amount of money into the local economy, would stimulate and drive increased economic activity through new business investment initiatives in the productive sectors, loan repayments, new home construction, funding of further education, etcetera. All of this would result in the creation of more jobs, a higher quality of life for many, and numerous positive spin-offs in every strata of the economy in Petite Martinique, Carriacou and Grenada.

The statement closed with the following words of good advice: “Government wishes to counsel all recipients of the pension and gratuity to ensure that the funds are used wisely to their benefit.”

By way of a reminder, the public is informed that the Pension Secretariat can be reached at 473-424-4962 or via email at pensionsecretariat@gov.gd.

The NDC Election Campaign has strengthened its legal enforcement team amidst significant ongoing inaccuracies on the final electoral list.

The Campaign has secured the services of legal election experts from the region for the fast-approaching June 23, 2022 election. The legal experts arrived in Grenada on Sunday, June 19 and will complement the NDC’s locally based legal team. This enhanced legal team is led by NDC’s Treasurer, Ms. Andrea St. Bernard, who is an attorney-of-law by profession. 

The NDC found this reinforcement prudent following countless inaccuracies spotted on the recently published final electoral list. Despite numerous legitimate objections raised by the NDC during the time prescribed by the constitution, the final list remains bloated and significantly suspect.

NDC raised several factual and legitimate objections and requested the removal of ineligible names from the electoral list. These include the names of Grenadians who have passed away over four years ago; people who are unknown in the villages, where it is verified that no such person lives; males who are registered as females; and many other valid objections. Moreover, hundreds of voters have not yet been issued their voter registration cards.

Only two (2) days before the elections, these legitimate objections accepted by the Parliamentary Elections Office (PEO) have not been corrected in the final list. 

Additionally, the NDC Election Campaign has received firsthand reports of ongoing efforts to disenfranchise citizens of their right to vote through voter intimidation, suppression, and other unsavory tactics. This is being conducted by misguided NNP field workers, who have been employed by the NNP team in order to steal the election.

The NDC Election Campaign has also informed international election observer organizations, which include the United Nations (UN), the Carter Foundation, and others, on its concerns and the dishonest attempts occurring on island only days away from elections.

The NDC continues to be vigilant and proactive on behalf of all Grenadian patriots, to ensure a free and fair General Election. The NDC calls on all law-abiding citizens to be vigilant over the next few days and to help ensure that the General Election is fair and free from fear, intimidation and dishonesty on June 23, 2022.

Judy Williams-Modeste, or sister Judy as many affectionately call her, was even more than an inspiration to many. Through her work with Pope Paul’s Camp and then GRENCODA, Judy Williams served the Grenadian community with distinction and represented the best of Grenada. From the farmers on  Chambaud Estate, to the Students’ Assistance Programme, to the beneficiaries of computer classes in the early days and community Day Care services for young mothers in the Gouyave community. Judy was a visionary who helped to empower many young boys and girls, men and women. 

For all her great accomplishments as a community leader and servant of the people, perhaps her greatest achievement through GRENCODA was the establishment of the Legal Aid and Counselling Clinic. Recognizing a void that should be filled by the state, Judy spare-headed the establishment of the Legal Aid Clinic, ensuring thousands of vulnerable Grenadians received quality legal representation.   

Judy was also the instigator of the grouping of social partners in 2015, that helped steer Grenada through the structural adjustment program and the development of the National Sustainable Development Plan 2030. For Judy, it was always Grenada first. The NDC always respected and admired her for the fierce patriot that she was. 

For her outstanding contribution to national development, the NDC salutes, Sister Judy Williams!

The Party Leader and members, extend heartfelt condolences to Sister Judy’s husband James, her family and friends.