Regional organisations pledge more help for Grenada

Wednesday, November 3, 2004

ST GEORGE ‘S, Grenada: The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) have both pledged to increase their assistance to Grenada to help the country recover from the devastation caused by Hurricane Ivan.

The CDB has pledged to make representation for US$20 million in financial support, on Grenada’s behalf, to the International Development Bank (IDB). 

The money would be used mainly for the construction of low-income housing and a credit facility for the private sector.

In a meeting Tuesday with Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell, CDB President Dr. Compton Bourne, says top priority would also be given to Grenada at the Donors’ Conference on November 19.

Prime Minister Mitchell welcomed CDB President Bourne as well as Vice President Desmond Brunton, indicating that their physical presence provides a moral boost for Grenada, which is absolutely needed at this time. 

The Prime Minister also expressed appreciation to the CDB representatives for what he described as tremendous support under difficult circumstances.

Already CDB has made available some US$27 million for ongoing and new projects, as well as a waiver of counterpart financing and has agreed to the payment of debt-servicing of US$8.1 million until December 2005.

Dr. Mitchell indicated that pledges for scholarships must be translated into actual funds to individual students in relevant schools in order to ease the financial burden on families at this time. 

The CDB President says the Bank continues to seek developmental opportunities, in which it can offer more assistance to member countries in times of need.

The Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) is redoubling efforts to assist Grenada following the devastation caused by Hurricane Ivan on September 7.

This was among matters discussed when Director of PAHO, Dr. Mirta Roses, met with Prime Minister Keith Mitchell on Tuesday.

Dr. Roses informed the Prime Minister that PAHO will establish a local office, to work along with the Ministry of Health, to jump-start the re-development process.

The PAHO will conduct a number of activities geared towards re-vitalizing the health sector in the shortest possible time.

Prime Minister Mitchell said there is a mood of confidence in the country at this time, along with tremendous opportunities for the re-development of health and other sectors. 

The Prime Minister regards health as one of strongest pillars for rebuilding the nation, adding that good health provides the power to re-build.

Dr. Roses said PAHO will launch a health sector analysis to examine the infrastructure and technical needs of the sector in order to formulate a master plan for investment to be presented at the upcoming Donors’ Conference.

PAHO will also continue to assist in the formulation of a long-term health sector development plan for Grenada. 

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