Beausejour, Carriacou, January 24, 2014- A call is being made by Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs Hon. Elvin Nimrod for educators to educate students on climate change issues.

He was at the time speaking at the completion ceremony for Phase 1 of the Sanchez Restoration and Rehabilitation Project; Minister Nimrod said it is important to raise awareness on climate change adaptation and resilience.

He said the project which focused on land reclamation and placement of a revetment; has now laid the foundation for the Government; to erect a sporting facility on the 586 acres island.

The works was funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) climate project and implemented by the OECS Secretariat; while Virgin Beach Development Ltd headed by Edwin DeCaul was the contracting firm.

US Charge d’ Affaires Louis Crishock noted that the US government is proud of the contribution it is making toward climate change issues in the region; and said the Sanchez project represents genuine cooperation between the United States and Grenada.

Mickell O’Mealey, Eastern Caribbean Climate Change Advisor said the project is a key part of President Obama’s Global Assistance Climate Change Program and can be considered a shining example; as to how communities can work collaboratively to address climate change.

Director of the Social and Sustainable Division, OECS Secretariat Bentley Browne said the Rallying the Region to Action on Climate Change (RRACC) project which commenced in 2012 is funded to the tune of US$10.5 million. He applauded the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs for their efforts, the twin isle parish has benefited from the RRACC project in excess of EC$1.75 million.

Part of the funds were used for the development of a Coastal Restoration and Rehabilitation Plan, along with a land policy, Mr. Browne said this has prepared the way for the Government of Grenada to seek further support for implementation of other required actions.

The coastal restoration works in Sanchez, Petite Martinique is the first of 11 examples of change adaptation interventions in the region to be completed.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION please contact: The Public Relations Department, Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs