SPECIAL REPORT INSIDE GRENADA WEDNESDAY August 22,2007 KINGSTOWN, ST.VINCENT- WINFA has embarked on a number of initiatives to seek assistance for the farmers of the Windward Islands, the Fair Trade farmers of Dominica and St.Lucia in particular, in light of their pressing needs following the devastation caused by hurricane Dean. Preliminary assessments so far indicate almost total destruction in Dominica, 75-80% damage in St.Lucia and a much smaller figure of about 10% in St.Vincent. WINFA hereby expresses its solidarity with all farmers affected, banana and non-banana alike and is working in conjunction with other stakeholders including the Governments of the Windward Islands to ensure a speedy revival of the banana industry and agriculture in general WINFA leaders and leaders of the Faai9r Trade organizations have already made assessment visits to the areas most affected in St.Lucia and Dominica. In St.Lucia these visits included representatives of the Fair Trade Labelling Organization (FLO) while in Dominica WINFA leaders, led by President Ms. Marcella Harris are hosting similar assessment visits by representatives of OXFAM. Meetings have also been held there with Prime Minister Hon. Roosevelt Skerritt who has pledged his government’s full support for the recovery efforts. WINFA Co-ordinator Renwick Rose is due to visit both islands later this week for further discussions. Renwick Rose - WINFA Co-ordinator Renwick Rose Latest Photos from Dominica courtesy WINFA and Marcella Harris are available by clicking on the Inside Grenada Button and going to the photos area.