ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada, May 7,CMC – The Grenada government says it is developing an ocean policy which will become a guiding document for the country’s ocean space and ocean economy.
This will be among the objectives of the recently established Ministry of the Blue Economy and Marine Affairs and which received its first official allocation of approximately seven million dollars (One EC dollar=US$0.37 cents) for both recurring expenditure and capital projects in the 2025 Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure which was approved by the Houses of Parliament in March 2025.
Speaking at a news conference on Wednesday, portfolio minister, Lennox Andrews , said the the mission of the ministry is to champion the sustainable development and responsible stewardship of Grenada’s marine resources, driving the growth of a thriving blue economy that enhances livelihoods, promoting environmental conservation, and positioning Grenada as a global leader in innovative ocean-based solutions.
He said the vision of the new ministry is to be the leading authority in sustainably harnessing and managing Grenada’s marine resources, fostering a thriving blue economy that enhances livelihoods, promotes environmental stewardship, and positions Grenada as a global leader in innovative and responsible ocean-based development.
“We have a draft ocean policy which was developed in 2019 through the OECS (Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States) and it has never been finalise, so our task this year, one of the low hanging fruits for us, is to finalise our national ocean policy which will be a guiding document for the development of our marine space, “ said Ambassador Jerry Enoe, Grenada’s Special Envoy for the Ocean.
He told reporters that one of the critical tasks is to revist existing laws and developing a
The OECS ocean policy focuses on fostering a sustainable and resilient blue economy by promoting good ocean governance and sustainable development of marine resources.
“This is achieved through securing access to resources, maintaining ecosystem integrity, and promoting social and economic development while adopting integrated coastal management and increasing ocean stewardship,” said the policy, which aims to ensure that OECS member states have secure access to marine resources, including fisheries and other marine assets, while promoting sustainable use.
A core principle of the policy is the protection and enhancement of marine ecosystems, including coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds, which are crucial for coastal protection and climate resilience.
In the area of Integrated Coastal Management, the policy emphasizes a holistic approach to managing coastal areas, integrating various sectors and stakeholders to achieve sustainable and equitable outcomes.
CMC/ls/ir/2025