New Programme Manager for MAREP

AS of September 16, 2013, Byron Campbell will be the new Programme Manager for the Market Access and Rural Enterprise Development Programme (MAREP).

Mr. Campbell brings a wealth of experience to the position, having previously worked in management and in areas of rural, social and agricultural development for many years at the Agency for Rural Transformation and recently served as General Manager of the Grenada Building and Loans Association.

As Programme Manager, Mr. Campbell is charged with leading and expediting the implementation of MAREP so that this important project can deliver tangible benefits to citizens, especially in the rural communities, said a news release from the Ministry of Finance.

During the month of July 2013, a team from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) expressed their deep concern over the major delays in MAREP’s implementation since it began 2011.

However, the team was pleased to receive assurances from Government, that MAREP is a top priority and of Government’s commitment to fully turn around this important project so that it can deliver tangible benefits to the people, especially in rural communities.

The Market Access and Rural Enterprise Development Programme (MAREP) is a six-year Programme (2011-2017) funded by the Government of Grenada, with loan financing from IFAD, CDB and in-kind contributions from beneficiaries at an overall estimated cost of US$8.5 million.

MAREP’s goal is to reduce rural poverty through a number of approaches, particularly through training/human capacity building and enterprise development in agricultural and non-agricultural programmes and activities. MAREP’s main objective is to increase the income of rural young unemployed or self-employed men and women in 50 rural communities in Grenada and Carriacou. (LS)