Communities in Carriacou & PM to benefit from Poverty Reduction Project

Hillsborough, Carriacou, June 14th, 2012- Young people in Carriacou and Petite Martinique have another opportunity to improve themselves.

This as the Grenada Market Access and Rural Enterprise Development Programme (MAREP) has been launched on the island.

Giving an overview of the programme, Programme Manager Learrie Barry said it is a six year programme funded by the Government of Grenada; with loan financing by the International Fund for Agriculture and the Caribbean Development Bank.

The goal of MAREP is to reduce rural poverty and vulnerability of rural young unemployed or self employed men and women, in 50 communities in the tri- island state.

Barry said they will be focusing on strengthening rural organizations, producer groups, youth groups among others, through organizational development and improving access to markets and market opportunities.

Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs Senator George Prime said this is an opportunity for Carriacou and Petite Martinique to access funds and training that will aid in the sustainability of the island’s economy.

Minister Prime noted that the introduction of MAREP here is coming at a time when government is working to further develop our communities.