by Curlan Campbell
- Grenada to spearhead Caribbean SIDS Ocean Literacy Programme: The Ocean and Me
- Ongoing discussions with CXC to include more ocean science in regional curricula
- St Rose Modern Secondary School and St John Secondary School are pilot Blue Schools
Grenada is making great strides in fostering an ocean-literate society and has taken steps to integrate ocean literacy programmes within the formal school system. This initiative aligns with the island’s efforts to spearhead the implementation of the Caribbean SIDS Ocean Literacy Programme: The Ocean and Me.
This programme, developed in partnership with UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC/UNESCO) and IOCARIBE, is an essential element of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.
It was officially launched on Monday, 27 May at the United Nations 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) held in Antigua and Barbuda from under the theme “Charting the course toward resilient prosperity.”
Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell led a delegation to the UN SIDS4 comprising Minister for Climate Resilience, the Environment, and Renewable Energy; Kerryne James, former Ambassador to the United Nations and President of the Senate; Dessima Williams and Minister for Social Development, Gloria Thomas — all of whom attended the launch with the exception of Minister for Social Development, Gloria Thomas.
Minister for Climate Resilience, the Environment, and Renewable Energy; Kerryne James was tasked to address officials at the launch. “This initiative marks a significant milestone in our commitment to fostering a sustainable and resilient blue economy, particularly within our Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Grenada has long recognized the intrinsic value of marine resources and their critical role in our economic and social well-being.”
Under the directorship of the Ministry of Education, St Rose Modern Secondary School and St John Secondary School, will act as the pilot institutions for this programme. “We have consulted with stakeholders across the government, supported by IOCARIBE, to establish the first Blue/Fisheries School in Grenada,” Minister James said. “This school will serve as a model for integrating ocean knowledge into our educational system, ensuring that future generations are well-equipped to steward our precious marine resources.”
Calling on other OECS territories to come on board, Minister James informed that discussions are ongoing with the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) to include more ocean science in regional curricula. She stated, “This further solidifies our commitment to ocean literacy.”
Due to his early departure from the meeting, Prime Minister Mitchell’s address was delivered by Ambassador Peter Thomson, who serves as the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Ocean.
Ambassador Thomson reiterated Grenada’s commitment to implementing all 3 elements of the programme, focusing on 2 important economic sectors: fisheries and tourism. “Grenada gives its commitment today to advance this issue of ocean literacy for all at the meeting of Caribbean Heads of Government to be held in Grenada in the first week of July. We invite representatives from the OECS to partner with Grenada in building this key initiative for our economic and social advancement.”
The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO is creating a global network of “Blue Schools” and is also ensuring that these educational materials are available in key languages. Additionally, IOCARIBE is working on establishing an Ocean Literacy task team for the region.
Grenada’s move to strengthen the capacity of its citizens to respond effectively to issues surrounding the marine environment comes after the publication of The Global Ocean Science Report 2020: Charting Capacity for Ocean Sustainability, published by UNESCO, which highlights 4 additional areas of interest for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) at regional and global levels. These areas include the contribution of ocean science to sustainable development, blue patent applications, extended gender analysis, and capacity development in ocean science.
