by Linda Straker
- Grenada and China signed Belt and Road Initiative MoU in September 2018
- MBIA upgrading and expansion project financed under BRI framework
- US$67 million project was launched in October 2020
Foreign Affairs Minister Joseph Andall said that in the coming months, Grenada will be seeking more assistance from China under its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Grenada and China signed a Memorandum of Understanding on jointly building the Belt and Road in September 2018. The Maurice Bishop International Airport (MBIA) upgrading and expansion project is financed by the Export-Import Bank of China under the BRI framework.
The US$67 million project, which was launched in October 2020, includes
- resurfacing of the existing runway and pavement of runway shoulders
- construction of an aircraft turning bay, apron and taxiway expansion
- upgrading of the airfield lighting system
- construction of 2-way apron service lane
- installation of 2 passenger boarding bridges and all relating pier works
- remodelling the airside arrival area to accommodate the boarding bridges and the installation of elevators, escalators and/or stairs
- remodelling of the forecourt roads outside the terminal
- construction of the Emergency Office Centre
The 5 priority areas for international cooperation through the initiative are policy coordination, facilities connectivity, unimpeded trade, financial integration and people-to-people bond.
“The BRI is one that seeks to bring the world closer together. It’s part of China’s policy on South-South cooperation. We have been able to benefit from that collaboration through the improvement of our infrastructure, expansion and modernisation of our airport and road network,” Minister Andall said in an interview with the Global Times on 5 September while on State business in China.
“It is quite significant as countries of the Global South seek to develop and improve their physical and material well-being. For example, our international airport is being upgraded in terms of technology and physical infrastructure. We also have our road network, which is also benefiting from the input of the BRI. We are also looking at other areas in the coming months and years from which Grenada can also draw some benefits,” he added.
Minister Andall told the publication that what is significant about the BRI is that China is sharing its experiences and resources with other countries of the Global South.
If Grenada studies Chinese history and thinking they would not allow them selves to be bought so cheaply by the Chinese. The Grenadian PM obviously does not get the advise he should be getting. China uses monetary and infrastructure building to swallow up countries that fit its greater plans.
All of this world isn’t Christianity
Most of the 2.3b Chinese are quite happy with their civilization I will charge most of what comes out here against China is mostly from brain washing I know you don’t know anything about China other than what you have been told by the former colonial masters and the neo colonial masters. We are in the information age check out the Chinese you might be shocked.
Marty. I am not saying that but they are not to be trusted. Your country is going to bed with the devil. Mark my words your country will be taking over Grenada. It’s not about racism it’s what that country does wrong
things to its own citizens they are a nanny state see what happen 60s 70s and 80s and 90s and now the 2000s the human rights is not very good China is a nanny state do you want your country in bed with them.
All I am saying Grenada be careful.
Yes Grenada please be careful!
Let’s not be naive here.
China’s near-term goal is to buy our support for their “One China” policy (i.e. take overTawian, by invasion if necessary). Longer term, the Belts and Roads program is designed to extend China’s global influence by indebting developing countries, saddling these countries with massive debt they can never repay. When the inevitable default occurs, they will take over the infrastructure “collateral” through foreclosure, and extract other concessions (fishing or drilling rights?). This is exactly what they have done in a number of developing countries in Africa, Central America (notably Honduras) and elsewhere. How can we possibly generate enough revenue repay the USD $ 62 million (EC $168 Million) for the AIrport? Where did the $’s come from for the Grenlec buyout? What other loans are out there. Mt. Hartman? China is notorious for disguising these loans as “private” (until they come due), and then aggressively foreclosing on those loans.
This arrangement suits our politicians, who proudly tout the infrastructure achievements, but don’t plan to be around when the bill comes due. Make no mistake–we are selling our nation and our future to the Chinese, we are just doing it slowly. The Belts and Roads initiative is not our lifeline–it is a noose around our neck.
J Don’t worry man China has never been a colonial power, China has never had any African slaves
Thank you China
Marty, I see your point of view I feel your pain. But because the didn’t have slaves doesn’t mean they can be trusted. I am not necessarily agreeing with J. The fact that they never had slaves is just a matter of timing/historical materialism.
The trees voted for the axe saying that it is one of them because it is made of wood.
They may be looking to own slaves in the future. Nothing wrong with being careful.
Marty , time to do some serious studying in the library . Focus !
Be careful Grenada China cannot be trusted and just look at their human rights so be careful