UNESCO has provided additional assistance for Grenada, as preparations continue to have Forts George, Frederick and Matthew, as well as the Historic District of the capital of St. George’s included on the World Heritage List. UNESCO consultant David Lesterhuis has spent the past two week examining the damages caused by Hurricane Ivan to these sites and presented his findings to Acting Prime Minister Gregory Bowen on Tuesday, December 14. Mr. Lesterhuis informed that UNESCO would be providing $30,000 (US) in Emergency Assistance for repairs to Forts George and Matthew, as well as the National Museum. The funds will be used to clear debris, repair the roof of the Museum and conduct other renovations. Having spent June and July in Grenada compiling data on the Forts and the Historic District, Mr. Lesterhuis returned in November to determine the damages caused by Ivan. Acting Prime Minister Bowen said it is important that the data is forwarded to the Agency for Reconstruction and Development (ARD) to ensure that the information is used in coordination with the overall recovery plans. Senior Planning Officer Cecil Frederick from the Ministry of Finance, Planning Division, noted that it is the intention of the Division to conduct public meetings in the New Year to ensure citizens are familiar with the protected areas surrounding the Forts and the capital of St. George. Source: Office of the Prime Minister