Hillsborough, Carriacou - With the Government of Grenada forging ahead to fulfil the constitutional rights of the people of Carriacou and Petite Martinique through the implementation of local government, the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs is set to benefit from a regional local government project named “Caribbean Local Economic Development Program.’’

This as a result of the participation of a three-member delegation, led by Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, Senator George Prime, in a consultation on the development of a regional policy and cooperation framework on local governance in the Caribbean. The consultation took place in Jamaica in December 2008.

Jamaica is project leader for the “Caribbean Local Economic Development Program,’’ which is being funded to the tune of Canadian $23.3 million by the Canadian International Development Agency.


As part of the project initiative, Hon. Robert Montague – Minister of State with responsibility for Local Government in the Office of the Jamaican Prime Minister – paid a one-day visit to Carriacou, where he met with Minister Prime. Also attending the meeting was Permanent Secretary with responsibility for the implementation of Local Government, Bernadette Lendore-Sylvester.

Min. Montague said the project will provide assistance to local authorities, national associations of local government and national governments in 14 member-states of CARICOM. He noted that it will also contribute to increased sustainable economic growth benefiting men, women and youth in the Caribbean region through the strengthening of local level governance for economic development.

Minister Montague was accompanied on the visit by Keith Miller, Senior Consultant of the Jamaica Local Government Reform Unit. He said he was impressed with progress being made here for the implementation of local government, pointing to the series public consultation already held, as well as the appointment of a Cabinet-approved interim body to lead the process.


By Deanna Isaac
Carriacou