by Linda Straker
- Ministry of The Blue Economy and Marine Affairs allocated EC$36.9 million
- Key pillars include Sustainable Marine Resource Management; Fisheries Transformation; Blue Economy Diversification; Coastal Community Empowerment, and Governance and Institutional strengthening
- Blue Economy Diversification aims to attract $100 million in investments by 2030
Government has established a new ministerial portfolio with an allocation of EC$36.9 million in the 2025 budget or Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure, hoping to bring a minimum of EC$100 million in investment to the country by 2030.
This was announced by Finance Minister Dennis Cornwall when he presented the 2025 budget statement on 7 March. “Grenada’s marine and coastal resources offer significant opportunities for economic growth, environmental conservation, and community resilience. To harness these assets sustainably, the Government has established the Ministry of The Blue Economy and Marine Affairs to drive an inclusive and transformative agenda,” he told Members of the Lower House. He explained that Government aims to position Grenada as a regional and global leader in sustainable ocean-based development, leveraging strategic investments, sound policies, and strong partnerships to promote economic diversification, climate resilience, and innovation while enhancing livelihoods.
Minister Lennox Andrews will head the Ministry of The Blue Economy and Marine Affairs. Its mission is “championing the sustainable development and responsible stewardship of Grenada’s marine resources, driving the growth of a thriving blue economy that enhances livelihoods, promoting environmental conservation, and positioning Grenada as a global leader in innovative ocean-based solutions.” The ministry’s vision is “To be the leading authority in sustainably harnessing and managing Grenada’s marine resources, fostering a thriving blue economy that enhances livelihoods, promotes environmental stewardship, and positions Grenada as a global leader in innovative and responsible ocean-based development.”
Currently having 35 vacancies, Government has allocated EC$255,505 for Contracts Outsourcing and Other Services. Key pillars of the new ministry, which is an addition to Agriculture, Land, Economic Development and Cooperative, include Sustainable Marine Resource Management, Fisheries Transformation, Blue Economy Diversification, Coastal Community Empowerment and Governance and Institutional strengthening.
Cornwall told Parliament that community empowerment will see Government engaging in initiatives that will strengthen community participation in marine management to boost coastal incomes by 30%, reduce food insecurity by 20% by 2030, and enhance disaster resilience.
He further explained that through the new ministry, Government will be expanding Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to cover 30% of coastal ecosystems by 2030, reducing illegal fishing by 50% by 2027, and integrating climate adaptation into marine governance.
He told the House, “Fisheries Transformation, mean increasing fish production and exports by 20% by 2028, ensuring 80% of fishing households adopt climate-smart practices by 2030, and improving market access for fishers” and explained that the Blue Economy Diversification aim is to develop marine biotechnology, renewable ocean energy, and sustainable maritime tourism, attracting $100 million in investments by 2030, and supporting 20 blue economy startups by 2027.
The government seems to use and employ lots buzz words. At the same time the status quo continues.
If governments past and present are serious they will remove the monopoly on boat engines. Boat engines are one of most significant investment poor fish folks will make. A handful of businesses rakes in millions on the backs of fish folks.
There should be more than one distributors of boat engines on the island.
To add, there should be little or no duties on boat engines.
Past and present governments just do lip service without addressing the real issues. It’s no secret that the businesses that holds and control most economic activities makes significant financial donations to the political parties. So, whoever wins the status quo continues.
What is the need for this ministry when it just duplicating the work of other ministries, such as, the ministry of environment, Fisheries, etc?
This is total waste of our tax dollars. We really need to wake up on this island!