Remapping of Grenada
Saturday November 4, 2006
Friday, November 3rd was a historic day at the Agency for Reconstruction and Development (ARD). A Press Briefing was conducted at which members of the media were updated on the Grenada LIDAR Remapping Project.
In his introductory remarks, ARD Chief Executive Officer Richardson Andrews referred to the occasion as a “high mark’ for the legacy of the ARD, explaining that the remapping of Grenada lays the foundations for opening a host of developmental activities for the next decade.
The ARD contracted TechMap of Georgia, USA to conduct the aerial survey aspect of the Project, which utilises a technique called LIDAR – Light Detection And Ranging. The TechMap team is headed by Dan Burke, Global Positioning System (GPS) Technician; and includes Matt Boone, Aerial Survey Pilot; and Jason Ellard, Senior Camera Operator. The LIDAR survey is scheduled to commence on Monday, November 6. Depending on the weather, the aerial and ground works are expected to take about two weeks
During the Press Briefing, Mr. Burke explained that the twin engine Sesna 401, which is blue and white, will be flying over Grenada, Carriacou and Petit Martinique at a range of 2,000 to 7,000 metres.
The Project involves ground work to set up survey equipment at elevated points throughout the Country. The equipment will be temporarily placed, so members of the public are asked to cooperate with Mr. Burke when he seeks permission from land owners in this regard.
The ARD began developing the Grenada LIDAR Remapping Project* *early* *in 2005, in conjunction with the Physical Planning Unit of the Ministry of Finance. The principal objective is to support the Government of Grenada in its efforts to improve the quality of physical development and hazard mitigation, based on accurate, comprehensive and current mapping information.
The first part of the Project focused on training. In January 2006 the ARD, with support from the United Nations Development Programme, facilitated training for Public Officers on the use of the Geographical Information System (GIS) through satellite technology. The GIS is a data base of all the essential attributes of the land.
The second part involves the aerial survey and ground works. In preparation for this, the ARD had the maps from the Valuation Division scanned, which enabled geo-referencing and digitizing of maps for the Land Use Division. However, the last time Grenada was aerial surveyed was in the 1970s. Therefore, even though some Ministries are using GIS, it based on digitized versions of old maps.
The ARD also held meetings in October with representatives of the National Water and Sewerage Authority, Cable and Wireless, Digicel, Grenada Electricity Services Ltd., National Disaster Management Agency, the Royal Grenada Police Force and the Grenada Ports Authority to update these agencies and companies about the Project and determine what actions they need to take in order to maximize the benefits from the exercise.
Total costs for the Project are approximately $400,000 (US). This includes the application of aerial photography that will yield a wide range of technical details in digital form; additional hardware and software for Government agencies that will use the data, as well as more training for Public Officers.
This major initiative by the ARD will modernize geographical information and provide the base for the establishment of a National Cadastre, which is the official register and record of the ownership, area, land use and value of each parcel of land in the Country.
The Remapping Project is one of the most significant undertakings by Grenada. It will have a substantial impact on the positive development of the Country. The benefits include:
1. Land use guidelines;
2. Urban development;
3. Environmental management;
4. Accurate assessment of risks and potential hazards;
5. Disaster preparation and management;
6. Forestry management;
7. Mapping of all existing roads;
8. Ability to assess areas for development and cultivation;
9. Revenue generation for Government through the sale of maps;
10. Site selection for human settlements, recreational and other
facilities;
11. Lay the basis for Grenada’s Human Settlement Policy for the next 10 years.
GRENADA PLEASED WITH ITS PARTICIPATION IN FCCA CONFERENCE
Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Dr. Keith Mitchell completed attendance of his first ever FCCA conference as he attended the Thirteenth Annual Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Conference and Trade Show in Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands from October 31st to November 2nd, 2006.
During his historic participation, the Prime Minister met with the Presidents and Chief Executive Officers (CEO's) of Carnival Cruise Line, Corporation and PLC, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Lines as well as Celebrity and Royal Caribbean International. Accompanying the Prime Minster at those high level meetings were Minister of Tourism Senator the Hon. Brenda Hood and Mr. Danny Donelan - Cruise & Yachting Development Officer of the Grenada Board of Tourism.
Included within the agenda of the Prime Minister's meetings were matters relating to increasing the number of cruise ship calls to Grenada during the summer months, the creation of greater linkages between the agricultural sector and the cruise lines for the provisioning purposes, increased training and human resource development opportunities for Grenadians, as well as the augmenting of employment opportunities on cruise ships for Grenadians.
During the conference, the Prime Minister embraced the opportunity to express gratitude to the various cruise line executives and principals for the speed with which they returned to Grenada in the aftermath of the devastation that was caused during the onslaught of Hurricane Ivan. He stressed that this timely return of the ships was a major contributor to the resuscitation of the Grenadian economy.
The Cruise executives on their part emphasized that in planning their itineraries three critical elements are considered. These include the market value of the destination, guests’ satisfaction and operational cost. They further indicated that guests’ satisfaction was the most important of the three, and that the friendliness of the destination's people was the main factor determining guests’ satisfaction.
In meetings with the President of the Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), The Prime Minister negotiated to have that line employ additional Grenadians for the upcoming years. It is to be noted that last year, thirty-one (31) Grenadians were hired by NCL.
Prime Minister Mitchell also spoke with the President and CEO of Carnival Corporation and PLC about the possibility of having Carnival Cruise Line return to Grenada on a year-round basis. Talks in this regard will continue, since Carnival Corporation assured the Prime Minster that they are indeed looking at Grenada very seriously. All of the other Presidents and CEO's congratulated the Prime Minister and the people of Grenada for a job well done in their rebuilding efforts.
Emerging from the conference is a clear indication that the outlook for the Cruise industry looks very promising as the sector prepares to welcome twenty-five (25) new ships by the year 2010. In this regard, Grenada and other islands of the southern Caribbean are destined to benefit as itinerary planners for these new ships continue to look for new and exciting destinations.
During the conference it was clear that the Caribbean is still and will continue to be the most popular winter cruise ship destination in the world. Conversely, in the summer months when North America's climate is warm, residents of that region have shown an interest in cruising in Alaska and the Mediterranean instead. Islands as far south as Grenada are therefore not included in the itineraries simply because the cost of fuel can not be offset by the revenues generated at this time of year.
Generally, consumers are continuously drawn to the cruise industry as the ships are forever changing to meet the needs of the dynamic consumers. Recent innovations on board the ships include bowling alleys, outdoor theatres and surf pools. In emphasizing the significance of the changing preferences among consumers, the executives stressed that islands too must also change and create innovative tours that meet the demands of the new consumer.
As the only prime minister that attended the conference, it is evident that his presence definitely showcased Grenada's commitment to the cruise industry and went a long way into improving relationships with the cruise executives.
Clearly Grenada can certainly expect the continued support of the FCCA and its member lines for many years to come.
SPORT: Cross Country Final Saturday 4/11/06
This Saturday is the final race of the Ministry of Sports Secondary School Cross Country at River Sallee, St. Patrick's starting at 3PM.
The route takes the athletes from River Sallee Playing Field, through Bathway, Rose Hill, Plains, La Taste and back to River Sallee Playing Field.
BOYS
The boys event over the last three weeks featured Neilon Joseph, MDC; Chad Isaac, GSS and Ron Pierre, GSS finishing within 20 seconds in that order. Neilon Josehn is automatically the favourite going into this race and is the defending champion. However, I believe there is chance for an upset by Chad Isaac if he can get a 100m-200m lead over Neilon going into the final 400m. In general I expect the race will be keenly contested from start to finish.
BOYS TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP
Defending champion GSS has put on a tremendous team to successfully defend their title. GSS has won the previous three cross country and is confident that they can defend there title. Challenging GSS is SDCSS. However, MDC who is at home can make a strong showing at the final once their 5th and 6th runner shows up strong.
GIRLS
The winner of the first two cross country Lisha Williams, SAASS has been upseted in the last Saturday's cross country by Britney Scears, HHSS. This sets up a battle in the championship race once both girls are on their game. Looking from the outside is Antonia Wilson, SDCSS who finish third in the last two cross country run. Antonia won the St.David's event last year and is determined to put a win under her belt; what better time to put a great run together than in the final. Expect a tostle to the finish to the girls finals.
GIRLS TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP
SDCSS is ready for the challenge to defend their title with former WHS athlete Antonia Wilson leading the run. No team came close to SDCSS girls in the previous three cross country, so it seems as though the battle is for second place. SAASS, SJC-SA and HHSS I believe are the top chasers behind SDCSS.
The top six athletes score for their school in the team event.
RESULTS FROM GCIC/GNA INTERSECTORS NETBALL PLAYED ON THURSDAY 02/11/06
1.) BRYDENS & MINORS VS MIN. OF SPORTS
BRYDENS SCORED 15 GOALS
MIN. OF SPORTS SCORED 46 GOALS – WINNER
2.) SCHOOL OF NURSING VS REPUBLIC MAGICS
SCHOOL OF NURSING SCORED 18 GOALS
REPUBLIC MAGICS SCORED 33 GOALS- WINNER
3.) CLICO LEGENDS VS RBTT ALL STARS- GAME POSTPONED
RBTT ALL STARS- WINNER
4.) PAR LEGAL VS GUT
PAR LEGAL SCORED 23 GOALS
GUT SCORED 37 GOALS- WINNER