girls of grenada 2016
Following the successful “For the Girls of Grenada” Charity fund raiser held in August 2016, I was fortunate to travel to the remote Island of Grenada. Grenada is known as the Island of Spice and comprises one of the Caribbean Islands.
The island is small in size having a current population of approximately 110,000. A contrast of beauty and wealth and poverty and despair. Grenada falls within the Commonwealth and shares some similarities with Australia. The official language spoken is English, however the dialect and speed at which it is spoken would make you believe that the locals are speaking a foreign language. Grenada is surrounded by some of the world’s best beaches and sands. The natural beauty of this island would make any travel enthusiast smile from ear to ear. The citizens of Grenada are very accommodating and kind hearted in nature.
This beauty does however mask a more unfavourable practice of sexual assault inflicted upon young ladies by direct family members. Although not widely practiced or accepted, this practice continues today particularly in the less affluent and remote areas of the island. Authorities at all levels are being more proactive in addressing this issue. Currently, Grenada is ranked 10th in the world for the prevalence of rape, and this often begins at early ages.
“Sexual coercion begins at an early age for Caribbean children, the first sexual experience of young girls is often forced; studies have shown that this was the case for 42.8% of girls below the age of 12.”
- World Health Organisation 2002 report on the Caribbean.
The purpose of my visit was to meet a special group of young ladies who have been disadvantaged by life changing events which were out of their control. Skybridge Capital utilised the proceeds raised from Charity to purchase and distribute the most basic necessities. This trip allowed me to experience the real Grenada.
Within the first 24 hours of arriving in Grenada, our friend and guide, Ms Lotten Haagman arranged a meeting with the Minister of Social Development Programs. Throughout the course of this meeting I was given a true insight into the needs and social problems faced by the girls of Grenada. Grenada has little trade and very little manufacturing on the island. Industry has relocated to the larger neighbouring islands (such as Trinidad), taking along with it the majority of the islands skilled work force aged between 21-40. As such Grenada has a substantially large unemployment rate. The lack of industry, job prospects and career paths has put an enormous strain on the countries social programs and payments. The government system cannot be expected to feed the large level of unemployed seeking food and shelter. There is a strong overwhelming need for continual charity assistance. The island can only benefit from the introduction of social programs and charitable food, training and shelter programs.
During my time in Grenada, I was introduced to a number of special people running charitable and government assisted programs. One of my visits was to a school housing, feeding and training Adolescent mothers and their newborn babies. These schools are understaffed and have limited resources. The fixtures and improvements are of last priority given these limited resources. As such, the condition of the buildings for the most part is below acceptable Australian Standards. Although still functional, the walls have not been painted for many years, the doors and woodwork are aged and each room is bare of basic necessities. Grenada is hot most of the year round. These older style buildings capture and retain the outside heat, raising room temperatures in excess of 40 degrees. This level of discomfort is experienced daily by the young mothers and their infant children.
Our hearts sank when we were introduced to a group of 10 young ladies between the ages of 13-17 seeking counselling for a range of social problems and injustices. Hearing their life story was heart wrenching. These young ladies have a bright future ahead of them however their spark for life was very dim. Circumstances would prevent them from progressing to higher education. After hearing their stories, Skybridge Capital provided these young ladies with ongoing sponsorship to fund their college fees. There are 2 ladies graduating in 2017, with a further 5 ladies graduating in 2018. I will be travelling back to Grenada in August and September 2017 to attend the first day of college for these 2 young ladies.
As a goodwill gesture and an attempt to improve morale, Skybridge Capital arranged for the local Spa House to give each of these 10 ladies a manicure and pedicure. This was a first experience for every young lady.
Skybridge Capital provided aid to 4 families with young infant children, by purchasing bulk food from a local supermarket. Ms Lotten Haagman arranged for her loyal driver Mark to drive us to the homes of these 4 families to personally deliver these food items. In all these cases, food was scarce or non existent. The young infants were clearly suffering from malnutrition. The food purchased should be sufficient to feed each family member for up to 3 months. In one instance, we were introduced to a young lady who was the mother of 4 boys, the youngest one being only 15 months old. The infants father left the household some time ago and to date has not contributed to the upkeep of his family. I was taken back when I walked into the infants room to see his face flushed, with tears streaming down his innocent face. His body was riddled with bites from bed bugs and other insects. I noticed his stomach was extremely swollen with skin almost jaundice like. Upon questioning his mother, I was later shown a foam mattress that her young infant was eating to satisfy his hunger pains.
My time in Grenada stirred mixed feelings. A feeling of blessing and gratitude as I walked along this beautiful island surrounded by golden beaches and beautiful scenery and frustration and sorrow when confronted by the stark reality of poverty, injustice and desperation. Nevertheless, the spirit of the people of Grenada is upbeat and always accommodating.
Future Projects and Undertakings:
Having experienced the true Grenada, I have now directed all my charity efforts to assist the growing number of families in need of basic supplies. As such, I will be personally visiting Grenada in August and September each year. Skybridge Capital has undertaken to fund the following commitments within the next 12 months from revenues it generates from trading and from the kind generous efforts of the general public from charity raising efforts:
College Education costs for 10 young ladies throughout the next 3 years
50% of a ducted air condition unit to be installed into a local primary school educating approximately 300 students. The remaining cost will be funded by the parents of the children.
School supplies (such as books, pencils etc) for a larger number of primary students
Young Children’s clothing, including school clothing.
Personal hygeine products including sanitary Napkins for young ladies.
A continual supply of food (to be distributed on a quarterly basis) to as many families as possible.
Donations are being accepted and greatly appreciated from members of the public, should you feel compelled to support us in this greater cause.
Our bank account details are as follows:
Bank Name: Commonwealth Bank of Australia
Name of Account: Skybridge Capital Charity
BSB (Bank No): 062 000
Account Number: 16426563
