Civil Society National Reference Group (CS-NRG) for Grenada Spotlight welcomes six new members

This brought the total number of members to 10,  who serves in an advisory capacity to the joint EU – UN initiative

This group works closely with the Spotlight Programme Implementing Unit in Grenada, to provide technical advice and inform programming on addressing violence against women and girls (VAWG), including the most marginalized groups facing multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination.

In welcoming the inductees, UN Resident Coordinator, Didier Trebucq, underlined the significant value the expanded support will add to the work of the Country Programme.

“Your experience, and your role in providing guidance and serving as an advocate , will redound to the benefit of the many individuals served by this flagship programme of UN Reform, and support our collective efforts to “deliver as one,” he explained.

The CRS-NRG is an institutional mechanism that incorporates civil society participation and expertise. The group plays a key role in the achievement of Spotlight visibility by partnering on high-level advocacy and communications and supporting the dissemination of messages of the Spotlight Initiative on eliminating VAWG.

At its inception in September 2020, the CS-NRG comprised of only four members. Though small in numbers, the four-member team brought a melting pot of experience and expertise in areas ranging from gender justice to sexual and reproductive health rights and youth and women’s rights. The four  initial members who serve in their individual capacities are as follows:

• Shakey Cornwall – Consulting Psychologist & Gender Justice Advocate (Chair)
• Kerlin Charles - Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights and LGBTQI Advocate
• Cassandra Mitchell – Entrepreneur and Youth Advocate
• Bernadette “Molly” Bartholomew – Educator & Women Rights’ Advocate

Following a second call for nominations late last year, to boost the capacity of the CS-NRG, the new volunteer members of the advisory group are:

• Dr. Lauren Orlando – Educator and Human Rights Advocate
• Ms. Kizzy Ann Abraham – Monitoring & Evaluation Officer & Marginalized Group Advocate
• Mr. Roger Williams – Educator & Gender Advocate
• Ms. Meschida Phillip – Filmmaker & Diversity & Equality Advocate
• Ms. Hilary Gabriel – Human Rights Advocate
• Ms. Jenella Edwards – Educator & Youth Advocate

 As part of the induction ceremony, new members were briefed on their  roles and responsibilities as well as expected code of conduct including the need to act with integrity, professionalism, accountability, and mutual respect.  They were also provided with an overview of the Project’s Annual Work Plan by representatives from the four participating UN Agencies (UNICEF, UNDP, UN Women, PAHO). This surrounded six guiding pillars -  legislative and policy frameworks, institutional strengthening, prevention and social norms, delivery of quality essential services, data availability and supporting the women's movements.

In addressing the meeting, Spotlight Programme Coordinator ,Elaine Henry-Mcqueen, gave an overview of the programme, highlighting its past and expected future impact. She explained: “the goal is to move money meaningfully so the results can be felt throughout the community”.

The Grenada Spotlight Initiative is designed to focus attention, coordinate human effort, and strategically apply resources to the implementation of a well-conceived, comprehensive, national programme for ending family violence, and all forms of VAWG,  in Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

With a total financial commitment of €500 million by the European Union, the global Spotlight Initiative is being implemented in all continents. The Caribbean  received €50 million for implementation of a Caribbean Regional Programme as well as a number of country-level programmes . Grenada is one of six countries selected in the Caribbean, together with Belize, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago that will benefit from a specific country allocation to respond to family violence.