ST. GEORGE’S GRENADA – MOEPRU – FRIDAY OCTOBER 9TH 2009 – Grenada’s Education Minister Senator Franka Alexis-Bernardine has been highlighting the plight of the region in the global economic crisis at the 35th session of the UNESCO General Conference.
Senator Bernardine spoke about the devastating effects which the global economic crisis and climate change are having on Small Island Developing States like Grenada and called on UNESCO member states to consider giving more priority to these countries.
“This coupled with the effects of global warming and climate change has significantly eroded the main pillars of our economy.”
In the case of Grenada she says our natural resource base of agriculture and tourism contribute more than 40% of the gross domestic product and both are extremely vulnerable to the negative impact of climate change induced storms, hurricanes and other economically disruptive events.
“The gap in the climate change reality between member states already impacted and all others need to be urgently bridged.”
Senator Bernardine – in her presentation – made reference to an address by Prime Minister Tillman Thomas at the closing of the secretary general summit at the UN two weeks ago where he spoke on behalf of the most vulnerable states. In his address the Prime Minister indicated that even a 2 degree Celsius rise in temperature will risk the safety and survival of the regions population.
“For eighty or more poor islands or landlocked states this is unacceptable.”
The minister is urging the continued support of UNESCO to the region in its areas of competence and said she would like to see further concessions being granted to small island developing states given their particular vulnerabilities.
She made special mention of Malaysia for what she called “its commitment” to assisting the small island developing states and thanked the government and people of Malaysia for their support.
Grenada has co-sponsored a draft resolution on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) which will be presented at the conference. According to Senator Bernardine it is the belief of her government that SIDS should be considered by UNESCO as a priority group in a way similar to priority Africa.
She recognized the importance of the regional program on youth poverty alleviation through tourism and heritage and said she would like to see its continuation.
Also among priority areas for the minister was assistance for Grenada in the areas of Curriculum Reform, Upgrading of Educational Facilities, Teacher Training and Certification, Youth education, enhancement and training, Technical and Vocational Education Training, Science and Technology, Upgrading of Library Facilities and many other areas that fall under UNESCO fields of competence.
She appealed to member states to share their expertise, resources and knowledge so as to avoid duplication of efforts.
The Education Minister was high in praise for outgoing Director General Mr. Koichiro Matsuura and thanked him for his ten years of service to the organization and visit to Grenada in January 2009. “Our country wishes to thank him for his visit and for sharing with us his perspectives which were enlightening and supportive of our national development efforts in education, culture and heritage, in the environment and indeed, many other perspectives.”
She said that she looked forward to the possibility of a woman (Director General elect, Ms. Irina Bokova of Bulgaria) being at the helm of the organization for the first time in 64 years!
Senator Bernardine also reminded delegates of Grenada’s intention to run for a seat on the upcoming Executive Board of UNESCO.
The Minister is accompanied on her trip to France by Secretary General of the National Commission for UNESCO Mr. Eugene Gittens.