Throne Speech delivered to the Houses of Parliament by Her Excellency Dame Cécile La Grenade, Governor-General, on the occasion of the 4th Session of the 11th Parliament, Grenada Parliament Building, Mt Wheldale, St George, 12 September 2025 at 10 am.
Introduction
Madame President, Mr Speaker, Members of Parliament,
As we open this new session of Parliament, I am once again reminded of the matchless grace and mercies of our Almighty God, whose hand has guided and preserved our beautiful Nation over the years, as well as the enduring strength and resilience of our people, who, time and time again, have risen from setbacks and challenges with courage and determination.
I am further reminded of the spirit of community that binds us together as Grenadians. Whether in moments of triumph, or in times of trial, we stand shoulder to shoulder, proving that no obstacle is greater than the will of a united people.
Madame President, Mr Speaker, Members of Parliament,
Just over 3 years ago, the wonderful citizens of our nation entrusted my Government with a strong mandate.
It was not just a mandate to govern.
It was a mandate to transform.
A mandate to heal what was broken, to restore what was neglected, and to build a society that works better for the people of Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique.
The mandate was clear: Move Grenada Forward.
Today, I stand before this Honourable House with a simple truth — my Government is delivering.
We have laid a solid foundation to accelerate our transformative agenda in healthcare, education and skills development, youth empowerment, housing and renewable energy. We have maintained macroeconomic stability and invested heavily in key productive sectors, such as agriculture and the blue economy, tourism and the creative and cultural industries, ensuring robust, inclusive, and sustained growth. We pursued a people-centric approach to development, ensuring that no one is left behind.
Since assuming Office, our economy has grown by an average of 5.1% annually, with the economy on track to expand further by 4.2% this year. This strong growth performance has translated into real opportunities for our people, with the unemployment rate falling from 13.9% in the second quarter of 2022 to a historic low of 9.8% by the first quarter of 2025. Meanwhile, through prudent fiscal management, our public finances have remained in good shape.
Added to this, our financial sector remains well-capitalised and liquid, contributing to business and investor confidence.
These achievements were realised, despite major setbacks, most notably, the passage of Hurricane Beryl on 1 July 2024. Hurricane Beryl, a category 4 storm, tested our resilience and demanded of us not just fortitude, but unity. Yet, it has also reaffirmed a deeper truth — that Grenadians do not stand still in the face of adversity. We rise. We rebuild. We advance.
Post-Beryl recovery — Building back better
Madame President, Mr Speaker, Members of Parliament,
Hurricane Beryl changed the landscape of our country — literally and figuratively. It devastated homes, infrastructure, livelihoods, and lives. Carriacou, Petite Martinique, and northern Grenada were especially hard hit. But in the face of this catastrophe, the people of this nation have demonstrated unshakable courage, grace, and determination.
In just over a year, as a nation, we have made substantial progress in not only restoring what was lost but in building back better. That notwithstanding, there are those who are still hurting. My Government empathises with all our citizens who continue to be affected by the impact of Beryl and renews its commitment to providing support to help restore lives and livelihoods, and rebuild the economy of Carriacou, Petite Martinique and northern Grenada.
A Fiscal Strategy for Recovery, Resilience, and Transformation
Madame President, Mr Speaker,
My Government’s fiscal policy for the medium term will reflect both the urgent needs of today and the bold ambitions for tomorrow.
Guided by the Fiscal Resilience Act (2023) and the 2026–2028 Medium-Term Fiscal Framework, my Government will adopt a counter-cyclical fiscal strategy. This approach allows for a temporary accommodative stance in 2026, recognising that reconstruction efforts will extend well into that year. From 2027 onward, a more disciplined and restrictive fiscal path will be implemented to safeguard our hard-earned gains and ensure long-term fiscal and debt sustainability.
This strategy will ensure that while we are supporting post-disaster recovery, we are also preserving our capacity to invest in economic transformation, social equity, and national resilience.
Theme for the 2025 Parliamentary Session
Madame President, Mr Speaker, Members of Parliament,
The theme for this new session of Parliament is “Delivering a Better Future Together.”
This theme embodies my Government’s steadfast commitment to honour the trust placed in us by the people of Grenada. It reflects our responsibility to deliver meaningful results today, while building on the solid foundation we have laid for a future shaped by our shared vision.
Our focus remains fixed on our long-term national vision — “Vision 2035” — and now, Vision 75, which seeks to make Grenada a model of inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous development.
Strategic Priorities for the New Session of Parliament
Madame President, Mr Speaker, Members of Parliament,
Completion of Hurricane Beryl Recovery is a top priority for my Government. Key initiatives will include:
- Completion of the Windward Jetty
- New construction or completion of Build Back Better houses in Carriacou and Petite Martinique and on mainland Grenada
- The extension of tax relief on building materials for reconstruction
- The continuation of the Business Reactivation Fund Programme at the Grenada Development Bank
- The rehabilitation of roads and bridges; and,
- The rebuilding of the Dover Government School
Madame President, Mr Speaker, Members of Parliament,
My Government is making solid progress in advancing its transformative agenda. In the new Parliamentary Session, my Government will redouble its efforts to accelerate the implementation of key policies, projects, and programmes under the 4 main pillars, namely, (i) education, skills development and youth empowerment, (ii) health care, (iii) affordable housing, and (iv) renewable energy transition.
Education
Madame President, Mr Speaker, Members of Parliament,
In the area of education, skills development and youth empowerment, my Government has made remarkable progress. Of note is the ongoing work on reforming the curriculum, aimed at making education more relevant, practical and responsive to the current and future needs of a thriving Grenadian society.
Other key achievements include expanding scholarship opportunities, upgrading schools’ infrastructure, introducing the Free Hot Meals Programme for primary and secondary schools, and the Free Tuition Programme for students attending the TAMCC and NEWLO.
Legislative priorities included amendments to the Education Act to increase the age of school leaving to 18.
In this new session of Parliament, my Government will continue its focus on upgrading schools’ infrastructure, curriculum reform, integrating ICT into the education system, and improving the overall access and quality of teaching and learning. My Government has approved a new Digital Devices and eBook Management Policy which sees the Government investing in the purchase of military grade laptops for all — approximately 6,000 — Forms 1 and 2 secondary school students — each laptop costs $1,793, amounting to a total cost of EC$10.6 Million. This is a comprehensive initiative to equip the students with eBooks and laptops, creating a foundation for digital literacy and educational advancement across Grenada.
My Government is also engaged in extensive consultations with stakeholders to produce a new and comprehensive National Scholarship Strategy. This is aimed at ensuring further and significant investment in our human capital and in particular our youth, but also to allow adults the opportunity to re-educate, retool and reskill, given the competitive work environment. It will focus on ensuring that our scholarship opportunities are aligned with our national development priorities, particularly in the areas of healthcare, technical and vocational skills training, hospitality and tourism, agriculture, food security, culture, and the creative and digital economies.
My Government has already set up a Delivery Unit with a dedicated Permanent Secretary on assignment to focus on establishing centres of excellence to address the significant absence of technical and vocational education in Grenada. The team is tasked with, amongst other deliverables, establishing a Marine Centre of Excellence and a Hospitality Centre of Excellence.
My Government will therefore begin the process of aligning its budgetary allocation to education to reflect greater emphasis on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), as currently only 3% of its budgetary allocation is spent on TVET. The Government will set a target that ensures by 2030, 50% of its budgetary allocation is split between traditional academic education and TVET, including culture, the creative and digital education space.
Regarding the upgrading of schools’ infrastructure, several new schools will be built with others undergoing major rehabilitation, including the Grenada Christian Academy, the St David’s Catholic Secondary School, the St Andrew’s Anglican Primary School and the Florida Government School, among others.
Legislative priorities for the new Parliamentary Session include a further amendment to the Education Act to incorporate provisions for school safety and climate resilience.
Youth Empowerment and Sports
Madame President, Mr Speaker, Members of Parliament,
The Ministry of Youth and Sports marked a successful 2024–2025, beginning with the refurbishment of the National Cricket Stadium. This upgrade enabled Grenada to host the Australia–West Indies Test Match and preparations are now underway for a landmark addition — the Grenada National Aquatic Centre at Queen’s Park — to further elevate Grenada’s sporting infrastructure.
In October, the ministry will launch a new Physical Education and Coaching Programme in all primary schools. This 2-year initiative aims to develop sports and promote health and wellness among our youth.
We proudly salute our national athletes — Sir Kirani James, Anderson Peters, Lindon Victor, Kelsie Murrell-Ross, and others — currently preparing for the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. The outstanding performances of our athletes on regional and international stages continue to inspire the nation and reflect the ministry’s commitment to sporting excellence.
Looking ahead to 2026, several transformative projects are in progress:
- Lighting of Progress Park to international standards for night games and community events
- Upgraded lighting at the National Cricket Stadium to host night cricket during the 2026 West Indies Tour
- Refurbishment of La Sagesse Playing Field, including lighting for training and hosting competitions
- Upgrade of the Tanteen Netball Court, which successfully hosted the 2025 ECCB Netball Tournament
The implementation of the National Policy on Sports and Physical Activity has led to the full activation of Parish Sports Councils, each with a leadership team delivering community programmes.
These councils are vital to the ministry’s Grassroots Development Programme, a key focus for 2025–2026. Regular engagement with council directors will ensure alignment, accountability, and shared purpose.
The ministry remains committed to advancing sports nationwide — through strong leadership, community dedication, and a collective drive to nurture talent and promote healthy lifestyles.
Healthcare
Madame President, Mr Speaker, Members of Parliament,
In the area of healthcare, my Government remains firmly committed to transforming the Grenadian healthcare system into a first-class model for the benefit of all Grenadians.
Over the past three years, we have taken significant steps to address the current challenges in the system, while keeping in sharp focus our long-term vision to make Grenada the healthcare capital of the Eastern Caribbean. Our quality improvement programme, at the General Hospital, in collaboration with the Mount Sinai Hospital, is progressing smoothly.
We are actively addressing human resource challenges and our inventory system to reduce wastage and ensure a reliable supply of pharmaceuticals and medicines. We are also making significant progress in upgrading our healthcare infrastructure to support delivery at the primary healthcare level. Focus will also remain on improving the capacity of our health care professionals, both in terms of number of doctors, nurses, and support staff.
The Government has given clear policy directives to fast-track the regularisation of our hundreds of nurses who have been left demoralised by the unfair and unequal labour and employment practices meted out to them by the past Government.
Madame President, Mr Speaker, I wish to assure our hard-working nurses that your Government will not leave you behind, as it has not left our teachers, police officers, prison officers, and other Government employees behind.
Madame President, Mr Speaker, as recently as two weeks ago, the Cabinet gave directives for 33 graduate nurses to be given a 6-month internship, and to be paid while doing the internship, ensuring they receive essential hands-on training before being fully commissioned as registered nurses. The days of employing our nurses through GRENCASE, Madame President, Mr Speaker, will soon come to an end.
Madame President, Mr Speaker, as we continue to focus on improving human resource capacity and retention in the health care sector. We will realign our scholarship policy to significantly increase opportunities across all areas of the healthcare sector. This medium-term strategy aims to address current capacity gaps and strengthen the sector’s future workforce.
Further, Madame President, Mr Speaker, if we are to improve on the quality of care, the efficiency of service, and the mandate for accountability and transparency in the delivery of health care in Grenada, the existing institutional framework through which health care is delivered must be transformed. There is no other option, Madame President, Mr Speaker. To that end, the Government approved the establishment of the Statutorisation Transition Team (STT), which became operational in April 2025.
The STT is tasked with implementing the provisions of the Hospitals Authority Act of the Revised Laws of Grenada 2010, thereby seamlessly transitioning the operations of 3 existing hospitals: the General Hospital, Princess Alice Hospital, and Princess Royal Hospital, from the Ministry of Health, to the Grenada Hospitals Authority (GHA), within 12 months. It is anticipated that when Project Polaris is commissioned, it will also operate under the auspices of the GHA.
The work of the STT has commenced in earnest with several activities being undertaken, including consultations with the Trade Unions that represent workers employed by the Government of Grenada who work at these hospitals and ancillary facilities.
Madame President, Mr Speaker, we wish to assure our workers and their representative Trade Unions that the transition to a statutory body will be in the best interest of not only the workers, but also in the nation’s interest, as the current institutional framework is simply incapable of delivering the kind of quality healthcare that our nation deserves. The working conditions and terms of employment will leave our workers gratified and well compensated. We therefore call upon the Trade Unions to actively take part in the consultations and the process of the statutorisation as it is in the best interest of the workers.
Significant strides have been made by the Project Polaris Team in concluding negotiations for the financing of the construction of our new SMART teaching Hospital. We expect these negotiations to conclude before the end of the year. The financing will be via a combination of very concessional debt financing, equity, grants and donations, Government of Grenada contribution, and the Ministry for Finance has already set aside US$25 million as its initial equity contribution to the project.
Madame President, Mr Speaker, the Government will also encourage national and diaspora philanthropy towards Project Polaris by opening a special bank account at the Ministry of Finance into which citizens and well-wishers of Grenada can donate towards the construction of the hospital.
Madame President, Mr Speaker, I have been asked by the Prime Minister and his Cabinet, to convey to you, that the Prime Minister and his Cabinet will lead by example and start this process by donating 1 month’s salary before the end of 2025 and thereafter 1 month’s salary in each calendar year, until Project Polaris is commissioned, towards the cost of construction of Project Polaris. This is being done both as a symbolic and substantive show of our personal and national commitment towards this transformative project and also to encourage our citizens, friends and well-wishers at home and abroad to own our hospital and health care industry. We encourage all our citizens, friends and well-wishers to contribute whatever you can towards this initiative. Madame President, Mr Speaker, we will ask the designers of the hospital to include a dedicated space—digital or physical—to honour all donors contributing to this transformative initiative.
The preparatory works towards the start of construction of Project Polaris is on schedule. A master site planner has already been retained to do the site planning for the entire 83 Acres, as we will develop the site into a world-class medical city. In this new session of Parliament, my Government looks forward to the commencement of construction works on Project Polaris in 2026, including mobilisation, and site preparation.
Of Particular importance, Honourable Members, is the implementation of the National Health Insurance plan to ensure that every Grenadian can access quality health care services.
Madame President, Mr Speaker, Members of Parliament my Government has taken bold steps to expand access to mental health services, reduce social stigma, and integrate mental wellness into our primary healthcare framework. A major milestone in this effort is the commencement of construction work on the Mirabeau Rehabilitation Centre, a modern, patient-centred facility that will provide high-quality care for individuals facing mental health challenges.
At the same time, we are advancing new Mental Health Legislation, supported by national consultations, to modernise our framework, protect the dignity of our citizens, and reduce stigma.
Affordable Housing
Madame President, Mr Speaker, Members of Parliament,
Affordable housing remains a top priority of my Government. Under Phase I of Project 500, the pilot project at Dunfermline is well advanced, targeting the construction of 17 model homes. I am pleased to report that construction is approximately 80% complete, supported by major infrastructure upgrades, including roadways, sidewalks, drainage systems, and utility connections. Preparations for Phase II are also well underway, with site clearing and development designs finalised. This phase will move forward upon the assessment of the pilot’s outcomes. To date, an investment of EC$13.1 million has been committed across both phases.
Looking ahead, Project 500 will continue in the new session of parliament, as we expand our efforts to ensure that even more of our citizens can have access to safe, modern, and affordable housing.
Renewable Energy Madame President, Mr Speaker, Members of Parliament,
Over the past year, my Government has taken bold and deliberate steps to accelerate Grenada’s transition to a sustainable and climate-resilient future. We have mobilised hundreds of millions of dollars in grants and concessional financing, laying the foundation for transformative renewable energy projects. We have strengthened our legislative and institutional frameworks to ensure longterm resilience, and we are building a future where clean energy powers development, protects our environment, and enhances the quality of life our people.
In 2025, Grenada secured an additional £10 million in grant financing from the United Kingdom to support geothermal exploration, alongside approval from the World Bank for two major initiatives focused on green buildings and renewable energy infrastructure.
The ministry launched the Solar for All Initiative to expand access to clean energy, resumed work on the Large-Scale Photovoltaic Project in Carriacou, and advanced national energy planning through Investment Grade Audits.
Capacity building was central: over 60 refrigerant importers were trained, sustainable cooling technologies were introduced, and Grenadians received training in electric vehicle maintenance and sustainability management. We finalised Grenada’s Cooling Roadmap, reformed the National Climate Change Network, and established a National Sargassum Task Force.
Significant policy work included updating the National Adaptation Plan, progressing the Environment Management Bill, and preparing for implementation of the Escazú Agreement.
Looking ahead to 2026, the Ministry will accelerate geothermal development, expand the Solar for All Initiative, implement the Climate Change Policy, and update our Biodiversity Strategy and Ecosystem Assessment.
An ambitious legislative agenda will also be brought forward, including:
- The Environment Bill;
- The Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Bills; and,
- Updated regulations under the Montreal Protocol.
These actions will strengthen Grenada’s environmental governance, build resilience, and secure a sustainable future for all.
Enhancing Key Productive Sectors
Madame President, Mr Speaker, Members of Parliament,
My Government will continue to invest heavily to expand the key productive sectors to further boost growth and employment opportunities.
Agriculture, Forestry and the Blue Economy
Madame President, Mr Speaker, Members of Parliament,
My Government remains steadfast in its commitment to strengthening and expanding the contribution of the agriculture, forestry, and blue economy sectors to national development. Despite the severe challenges posed by Hurricane Beryl, we have made important strides in safeguarding rural livelihoods, stabilising production, and supporting our farmers, fisherfolk, and agro-processors. Emergency relief measures, including cash grants, were swiftly deployed, seedlings and inputs were distributed, and targeted interventions were undertaken to protect critical forest reserves and marine resources. These achievements underscore our determination to ensure that these sectors remain central to economic recovery, sustainable growth, and rural development.
Looking ahead, my Government will intensify efforts to accelerate recovery and unlock the full potential of these productive sectors. We will prioritise research and innovation, the replanting of our world-renowned spices, the strengthening of livestock production, land tenure regularisation and the expansion of agro-processing industries. Focus will also be placed on enhancing resilience through climate-smart practices, reforestation, and sustainable management of our marine resources. By pursuing these strategies, we will secure food and nutrition security, generate new jobs, and position Grenada as a leader in sustainable agriculture, forestry, and the blue economy.
Legislative priorities for the 2025/2026 period include the repeal and replacement of the Fisheries Act, and amendments to the Forestry Act to include inter alia Climate Change considerations.
Most importantly, my Government will take decisive steps to address legal and other deficiencies regarding the US seafood export restrictions that face our nation and other countries early next year.
Tourism, the Creative Economy and Culture
Madame President, Mr Speaker, Members of Parliament,
My government recognises these sectors as key drivers of job creation, entrepreneurship, heritage preservation, and foreign exchange earnings.
In the past year, we supported thirteen community tourism initiatives, fostering rural economic diversification and empowering local livelihoods. We also launched the Grand Etang Shoreline Trail Project, designed to enhance visitor safety and enrich the eco-tourism experience. Meanwhile, the Grenada Tourism Authority, in close collaboration with the Airlift Committee, has worked assiduously to promote our distinctive tourism brand and expand both regional and international connectivity—ensuring that Grenada remains accessible, attractive, and authentically Caribbean.
In the creative economy, five new subsector associations were established, the historic Priory Building was acquired for the future National Art Gallery, and financing programmes, including grants and business support, were expanded. The first national Creative Registry and the National Cultural and Creative Industries Strategy were launched, alongside training initiatives like the Music Producers Masterclass. The Division of Culture showcased Grenadian creativity internationally, strengthened cultural education and community programmes, and advanced preliminary works for the National Heroes Park.
In the new session of Parliament, priorities include expanding sustainable tourism, launching the TAMCC Associate Degree in Cultural and Creative Industries, advancing policy and legislative reforms and completing the Priory Building renovation on Church Street, St George’s.
Legislative priorities for this parliamentary cycle include introducing Creative and Cultural Industries legislation to strengthen sector governance; and streamlining the Acts governing cultural entities such as the Cultural Foundation, Spicemas, and the National Museum.
Building a Digital Economy
Madame President, Mr Speaker, Members of Parliament,
My Government reaffirms its unwavering commitment to transforming Grenada into a modern digital economy, one that harnesses the power of technology to not only improve efficiency, transparency, and service delivery, but, also, as a driver of economic growth and jobs.
In the past year, significant progress has been made in enhancing digital skills and capacity across the public sector and wider society. To date, over 540 individuals have been trained, including more than 200 citizens who completed the Basic Digital Literacy Programme. Public officers have been upskilled in tools such as Microsoft Excel, and educators have been introduced to the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the classroom. Further, a contract is underway to train
Data Protection Officers across 4 key ministries — reinforcing the Government’s commitment to responsible data governance and public sector readiness.
The private sector is also being actively supported to adapt and grow in the digital age. Training programmes and digital content development are empowering small business owners with essential tools, while more than 40 entrepreneurs have received grant funding to build their digital capabilities. In the vital area of cybersecurity, my Government has launched Grenada’s Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign and is making steady progress toward establishing the Cyber Security Agency Facility at Morne Jaloux, with construction expected to begin before the end of 2025. Added to that, the first cohort of trainees under our Digital Workforce Programme has completed their training and have graduated and will begin to receive job placements in the coming months.
In this new session of parliament, my Government will continue to advance policies and initiatives that expand digital infrastructure, strengthen cybersecurity, and empower citizens with the skills needed to thrive in a knowledge-based society. From e-government services and digital payments to innovation in education, health, and commerce, the digital agenda will drive greater productivity and opportunity for all Grenadians.
Resilient Physical Infrastructure, Transportation, and Public Utilities
Madame President, Mr Speaker, Members of Parliament,
Grenada’s roads and bridges are the backbone of our economy. Years of underinvestment have left many roads in poor condition and bridges limited to single lanes.
To address this, my Government is launching a major Roads and Bridges Development, Rehabilitation, and Maintenance Programme. Key projects that will be targeted in this new session of Parliament include: the Point Salines to Woodlands Road upgrade, The Cliff to Egmont Junction Road rehabilitation, Tempe to Mt Cuma Road improvement, the Mabouya road reconstruction, and major bridges including Marquis, Madeys, Morne Fendue, and Mt Rich. A strengthened maintenance programme will keep our roads safe, resilient, and reliable. In addition, a key reform in the coming year will be the introduction of a Risk-Based Asset Management System (RBAMS). This system will enable the creation of a reliable registry of public buildings and critical infrastructure, supporting systematic assessments, timely maintenance, and better-informed investment decisions.
In the area of transportation, my Government is committed to modernising public transport, improving service, safety, and connectivity for all Grenadians.
Madame President, Mr Speaker, Members of Parliament,
In the area of public utilities, my Government will implement new Self-Generation Regulations to support renewable energy, enabling households and businesses to produce, use, and sell clean electricity, advancing Grenada’s energy independence and climate commitments. Furthermore, my Government will operationalise the Water Resource Management Unit to support the production and distribution of safe, and reliable drinking water.
Investing in Carriacou and Petite Martinique
Madame President, Mr Speaker, Members of Parliament,
My Government has made significant strides in the recovery of Carriacou and Petite Martinique after the devastating impact of Hurricane Beryl, restoring homes, schools, clinics, and critical infrastructure, while supporting farmers, fisherfolk, small businesses, and preserving our cultural heritage. Progress has also been made on the long-awaited Night Landing Facility at Lauriston Airport, which will strengthen connectivity, emergency response, and tourism.
In the year ahead, we will advance climate-resilient housing, expand social protection for the most vulnerable, and continue the rehabilitation of roads, ports, and public facilities. Priority will also be given to sea defences and the promotion of climate-smart agriculture, ensuring stronger livelihoods, enhanced food security, and greater resilience for our sister isles.
Investing in critical areas
Mobilisation, Implementation and Transformation
Madame President, Mr Speaker, Members of Parliament,
The Ministry of Mobilisation, Implementation and Transformation advanced my Government’s transformative agenda in the past 12 months through housing recovery and support, with over 120 homes under construction or repair post-Hurricane Beryl, and 90 units delivered under the Special Housing Programme. Key infrastructure achievements included 41 new roads, nationwide installation of 938 solar streetlights, removal of over 270 derelict vehicles, and progress on landmark projects such as the Kirani James Boulevard and the restoration of Fort George. The ministry also spearheaded critical World Bank-supported initiatives, strengthening Grenada’s resilience, advancing the blue economy, enhancing data-driven decision-making, promoting digital transformation, and improving health system capacity. Public engagement was prioritised through town halls, and support to budget consultations.
In this new session of Parliament, the ministry will continue to drive these transformative efforts by focusing on community infrastructure, including rehabilitation of medical stations, small roads, sporting facilities, solar lighting, and community centres. Implementation of World Bank projects will remain central, with key components including coastal protection and flood mitigation under the Grenada Resilience Improvement Project; support for fisheries, agriculture, and coastal asset management under the Unleashing the Blue Economy Project; enhanced statistical capacity through the Data for Decision-Making Project; digital skills development, cybersecurity, and private-sector digital adoption through the Caribbean Digital Transformation Project; and health system strengthening and emergency preparedness under the OECS Regional Health Project.
These efforts will ensure a more resilient, connected, and sustainable Grenada for all.
Sustainable Development and Planning
Madame President, Mr Speaker, Members of Parliament,
Over the past year, my Government has strengthened its commitment to sustainable economic growth, social resilience, and financial stability. Strategic initiatives have been implemented to enhance public sector capacity, advance climate resilience and social protection projects totalling US$38 million and ensure efficient management of the Public Sector Investment Programme.
Significant community development under the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) Cycle 10 was achieved, including the completion of the Bonair Bridge, ongoing works on the refurbishment of
St Dominic’s RC School Block 5, and the expansion of the Victoria School for Special Education. Building on this progress, BNTF Cycle 11 has been approved with a US$5.4 million grant to continue supporting community-led development initiatives.
The Climate Smart Agriculture and Rural Enterprise Programme (SAEP) reached over 4,500 beneficiaries, providing vocational training, business development support, climate-smart agricultural practices, and grants to strengthen livelihoods and resilience.
Looking ahead to the new parliamentary session, my Government will implement the Resilience Integration Programme for Environmental Sustainability (RIPES)—a bold initiative to support rural enterprise, cooperatives, climate-smart practices, and resilience-building across our communities. The rollout of BNTF Cycle 11, alongside continued investment in climate-smart agriculture, fisheries, and rural development, will further reinforce our commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth across Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique.
Advancing Public Service Excellence Through Performance Management and Regularisation
Madame President, Mr Speaker, Members of Parliament,
My Government remains steadfast in its commitment to transformation, modernisation, and excellence in governance, with the Public Service at the heart of national development. Guided by the principles of responsiveness, ethics, professionalism, and citizen focus, we are advancing a bold transformation agenda through the Department of Public Administration.
Key Achievements in the Past Year:
We have made significant progress in the regularisation exercise, addressing disparities in job security, compensation, and professional mobility. Hundreds of officers have been confirmed in positions, with salary adjustments exceeding $18 million paid.
We have operationalised the Integrated Performance Management System (IPMS), aligning employee work plans with national priorities, promoting continuous engagement, reinforcing professionalism, applying the SMART framework, and introducing recognition for excellence.
We have led the introduction of the new Defined Contribution Pension Plan for government employees who previously did not qualify for a government pension.
We have also completed the long-outstanding Pay and Grade Adjustment Exercise for our hardworking and dedicated Police Officers.
Looking Ahead in the New Parliamentary Session, my Government will:
- Complete the regularisation exercise, fostering equity, stability, and morale across the Public Service
- Institutionalise the IPMS across all levels, embedding a culture of accountability and excellence
- Support the administration of the new Defined Contribution Pension Plan
- Revise and modernise human resource policies, Staff Orders, and the Public Service Reform Strategy
- Operationalise the Employee Assistance Programme to enhance worker wellbeing
Madame President, Mr Speaker, Members of Parliament,
In the year ahead, my Government will strengthen results-driven leadership, expand digital services, and scale national cybersecurity training. Central to this effort will be the Digital Transformation Agency Bill, which will modernise governance, safeguard our systems, and ensure faster, more efficient services — making government more transparent, resilient, and focused on improving the lives of every Grenadian.
Madame President, Mr Speaker, Members of Parliament,
Through these reforms, the Public Service will continue to be modern, accountable, and people-centred, serving as a trusted partner in building a sustainable, equitable, and prosperous Grenada.
Strengthening Social Protection and Advancing Gender Equity
Madame President, Mr Speaker, Members of Parliament
My Government remains steadfast in its commitment to strengthening social protection and ensuring that no citizen is left behind. Over the past 3 years, my Government has acted decisively to cushion our people from the negative impacts of global shocks that continue to affect the price of goods and services in our domestic economy.
Through a combination of strategic interventions, my Government has protected household welfare while safeguarding national stability. These include the adjustment to minimum wage, which was left untouched for more than a decade, the completion of wage negotiations and settlement of a 13% salary increase for Government workers, a 36% reduction in the Petrol Tax and introduction of a $10 electricity subsidy for over 20,000 households, the removal of value-added tax on more than 20 basic food items and other essential commodities, as well as a transport subsidy to keep the cost of public transportation down.
These measures have played an important role in tempering the effects of domestic inflationary pressures by putting more monies in the hands of ordinary Grenadian families.
At the same time, my Government continues to ensure that the benefits of national progress are shared equitably. Gender equity is now a guiding principle in all projects and programmes, ensuring that women, men, and vulnerable groups are empowered and supported in equal measure. This approach strengthens the fabric of our society, deepens fairness, and expands opportunity for all.
Ensuring Citizen Safety and Public Order
Madame President, Mr Speaker, Members of Parliament,
The safety of our people remains a cornerstone of national development. Over the past year, my Government has strengthened the pillars of national security — enhancing the capacity of our police force, improving prison management, and modernising our immigration systems. These efforts have contributed to keeping crime levels low and ensuring that Grenadians can live and work in peace.
My Government has also begun to address long-standing occupational safety and health challenges in our police facilities. Several police stations have been rebuilt, including securing a new headquarters for the Royal Grenada Police Force, giving our officers safer and more modern environments in which to serve. At the level of our prisons, my Government has prioritised training and rehabilitation programmes aimed at preparing inmates for reintegration into society, with a focus on reducing reoffending.
Looking ahead, the Cabinet has already approved the purchase of a new Coast Guard vessel at an estimated cost of US$20 million, to strengthen our maritime security and border protection. My
Government will also continue its work to rehabilitate and repair police stations across the length and breadth of Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique, while deepening community policing, expanding prison rehabilitation, and applying new technologies to enhance security operations.
Our objective is clear: to safeguard Grenada’s low crime status, to maintain peace and order, and to guarantee that every citizen and visitor enjoys the protection and tranquillity that our nation deserves.
More details on the strategic priorities and expected outcomes for 2026 will be provided during the 2026 Budget Presentation.
Foreign Affairs and Trade
Madame President, Mr Speaker, Members of Parliament,
My Government will continue to pursue a principled foreign policy that strengthens regional and international partnerships through the OECS, CARICOM, CELAC, the ACS, and the wider Commonwealth, while deepening cooperation with traditional allies and forging new ties across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and beyond. We will champion urgent climate action, fairer trade and finance, and use economic diplomacy to expand export markets, modernise trade facilitation, and secure greater opportunities for Grenadian goods, services, and people to thrive globally.
In this effort, we reaffirm our enduring commitment to the Grenadian diaspora, whose skills, investments, and cultural contributions remain vital to our national development.
Other Legislative Priorities
Madame President, Mr Speaker, Members of Parliament,
Before I conclude, allow me to briefly highlight a few additional legislative priorities that will shape our national agenda in the coming months.
- Amendments to the Banking Act to, inter alia, promote responsible financial conduct and enhance consumer protection, including regulation of fees and charges
- Age of Civil Legal Responsibility (Amendment) Act Liberties Amendment
- Modernise the Labour code to better support industrial peace and harmony, and to safeguard workers’ rights, including elevating occupational safety and health standards
Conclusion
Madame President, Mr Speaker, Members of Parliament,
As we chart the course for the year ahead, my Government reaffirms its unwavering commitment to responsible leadership, strategic vision, and inclusive governance.
The decisions we make today — the policies we advance and the sacrifices we make — must be rooted in a deep and enduring love for this nation and its people.
Let us rebuild not only the structures damaged by disaster but the systems, institutions, and values that define our core values and development path.
Let this new session be one of continued progress, courage, and unity. May we serve our people with compassion, competence, and vision.
It is therefore my distinct honour to declare the 4th Session of the 11th Parliament of Grenada open.
May God continue to bless and protect our nation.
GIS
