Press Release

Grenada and the United Nations sign new five-year Regional Cooperation Framework

27 January 2022

Caption: UN Resident Coordinator, Didier Trebucq and Prime Minister of Grenada, Dr. The Rt. Hon Keith Mitchell, display the new Cooperation Framework shortly after signing the Agreement at UN House in Barbados and the Cabinet Room in Grenada.

Photo: © United Nations/Office of the Prime Minister

Bridgetown, Barbados - 27 January 2022 – The Government of Grenada today joined the British Virgin Islands, Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, and St. Lucia to become a signatory to a new United Nations Multi-country Sustainable Development Framework (MSDCF) for the Caribbean for the years 2022 to 2026.

The Framework, which will align with individual Country Implementation Plans, will govern UN collaboration in the region for the next five years, to support countries to recover and rebuild from the COVID-19 pandemic, climate shocks and other vulnerabilities in a sustainable way, that leaves no one behind.

The new cooperation framework was signed by Dr. The Rt. Hon Keith Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada and Didier Trebucq, UN Resident Coordinator during a hybrid ceremony between UN House in Barbados and Grenada’s Cabinet Office, via zoom.

Mr. Trebucq was joined by several members of the UN Sub-regional Team in commending the Government of Grenada for its substantive contribution to the Cooperation Framework and for its strengthened partnership with the UN Sub-regional Team.

In delivering opening remarks, Mr. Trebucq stated that “the MSDCF represents the beginning of a new era of cooperation for the UN and the Caribbean” in terms of reflecting the challenges and priorities of the Region and its approach to implementing initiatives to address same.

The Resident Coordinator, further, reaffirmed the committed support of the UN to the Government of Grenada in “charting the course to ensure that the process to achieve national priorities is consultative, engages all facets of society and facilitates removal of all barriers”.

Prime Minister Mitchell, while acknowledging the support of the UN agencies over the years, referred to their reassuring presence and contributions relevant to the socio-economic impact of COVID-19, conveyed his pledge of support “to work collaboratively with the UN in the implementation of Multi-country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (MSDCF) 2022-2026 [and other ensuing implementation plans].”

Members of the UN sub-regional team from UNDP, UN Women, FAO, UNOPS, WFP, UNESCO, UNICEF, and UNEP also participated in the signing ceremony, and offered congratulations to the Government, while giving assurances of their continued support.

The MSDCF identifies four key priorities for achieving resilient sustainable development in the region: increased support to the economic resilience agenda; intensified efforts to ensure realization of human rights for all; strong commitment to enhancing inclusive disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation; and scaled up support to ensure that Caribbean societies remain peaceful and just societies.

--Ends--

Caption: Prime Minister Dr. The Rt. Hon Keith Mitchell (head of table) is joined by (L-R): Ms. Merina Jessamy, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security, Public Administration, Home Affairs, Information & Communications Technology; Ms. Ruth Elizabeth Rouse, Secretary to the Cabinet; Ms. Philomena Robertson, Prime Minister’s Press Secretary; and Mr. Adrian Joseph, Chief of Protocol, who were also present at the Signing Ceremony.

Photo: © United Nations/Office of the Prime Minister

Carol A. Gaskin

RCO

Programme Communications and Advocacy Officer

carol-ann.gaskin@un.org +1 (246) 467 6110

Carol Gaskin is a seasoned international development professional and strategic communicator, serving as the United Nations Development Coordination Officer for Programme Communications and Advocacy. With a background in journalism and creative writing, Carol brings a diverse skill set to her role.

In her capacity, she leads communication and advocacy efforts for the UN Resident Coordinator's Office, overseeing operations in 10 Eastern Caribbean countries. Additionally, she chairs the UN Communications Group, fostering collaboration among communicators from 18 agencies.

Carol's expertise lies in developing communication strategies aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda. She excels in storytelling, utilizing various channels to amplify the UN's message effectively.

Her achievements include coordinating impactful events such as the "UN in the City" SDG exhibition and spearheading initiatives like the introduction of the Caribbean's first SDG-branded electric bus. Notably, Carol has received recognition for her outstanding work, including the Best Annual Results Report for Latin America and the Caribbean in 2023.

Her work extends to humanitarian efforts, notably providing coverage during natural disasters like the La Soufriere eruption.

With a proven track record of success and dedication to advancing global priorities, Carol A. Gaskin is a respected figure in the field of international development and strategic communication.