GOING GREEN

Governor General, Dame Cecile La Grenade.

By Linda Straker

Grenada’s New Economy, which is of top priority to the Government, will be a green economy and the key ingredients are economic growth and jobs, social equity and environment sustainability.

That was disclosed by Governor General, Dame Cecile La Grenade, when she opened the Second Session of the Ninth Parliament by delivering the traditional Throne Speech last Friday. She said that in order to achieve that objective, the Government will promote green lifestyles through incentives for investments in renewable energy technologies and national renewable energy and energy efficiency targets.

“Government is actively seeking grant financing to reduce the carbon footprint of major Government buildings such as the Ministerial Complex, the Financial Complex and the Ministry of Education Complex,” she said.

Dame Cecile said that Grenada’s New Economy will provide jobs for those who wish to work; business opportunities for those who choose to invest; opportunity for wealth creation and prosperity for those prepared to sacrifice and play by the rules; and social justice for all who believe in equality and human rights.

It was further explained that a fundamental pillar of the New Economy is fiscal and debt sustainability and as a consequence, Government has embarked on a comprehensive programme of fiscal and structural reforms.

“To this end, my Government will pursue a home-grown programme of fiscal adjustment and structural reforms with the support of the International Monetary Fund and other development partners such as the World Bank, European Union, the Caribbean Development Bank and the Department of International Development, Canada and the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank,” she said.

The Governor General told the packed Trade Centre – which is the temporary home of Parliament since the passage of Hurricane Ivan in 2004 – that the main objective of the home-grown programme is to create conditions for higher economic growth that is both sustainable and job creating.

“This programme demands strong policy actions and will require all citizens to make some sacrifices. In doing so, we must be mindful of the sacrifices being asked of Grenada’s creditors at this time, and the financial and technical support of development partners,” she said.