This marks the final stop for Phase One of the Caravan, which began in the Parish of St. David in April and has since visited every parish on the mainland.

One of the main features of the Caravan is the Information Fair, which brings together a variety of agencies involved in the reconstruction process. Based on a wellness theme, the Information Fair provides timely and useful information for citizens in rebuilding their lives following the devastation caused by Hurricane Ivan.

Not only has the Fair assisted citizens, it has provided some valuable information for the participating agencies. The Grenada Development Bank (GDB) joined the Caravan in St. David’s and has been an important partner with the ARD at every Caravan.

GDB Small Enterprise Development Officer Elsa Baptiste says the Caravan Information Fair is helping the Bank to enhance awareness among the population about its services.

“We have been able to explain to people how the Bank differs from commercial banks. It has given us an opportunity to market ourselves,” Ms. Baptiste said.

Thanks to the ARD Caravan Information Fair, the GDB has identified potential new clients for student loans, she said.

“We also realise from speaking with people that some businesses need training in customer service, so this is another area we are developing,” she added.

A new feature to the Caravan in Carriacou will be the Ministry of Social Development Children’s Cheer programme, which will distribute books and other items to the children of Carriacou and Petit Martinique.

Other newcomers to the Caravan include the Grenada Red Cross and Sun Flavour Spices of Petit Martinique.

The ARD Play Back Theatre and workshops will be held at the Hillsborough Community Centre on Friday evening from 7:30 p.m. The Community Centre will also be the venue for the Information Fair, which takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday.

The Play Back Theatre group will travel to Petit Martinique on Saturday for a session at Melodies Guesthouse from 11:30 a.m. Brochures and other items from the participating agencies at the Fair will also be distributed to residents in Petit Martinique.

The following groups and agencies have been confirmed to participate in the Information Fair:

1. Grenada Solid Waste Management Authority
2. Royal Grenada Police Force
3. Grenada Red Cross
4. National Disaster Management Agency
5. Ministry of Social Development Children’s Cheer
6. Grenada Development Bank
7. Ministry of Carriacou and Petit Martinique Affairs Department of Youth Development
8. Grenada Rural Enterprise Project
9. Sun Flavour Spices
10. Drug Control Secretariat
11. Ministry of Carriacou and Petit Martinique Affairs Department of Agriculture
12. Ministry of Health, Grenada Nursing Services
13. Food and Agricultural Organisation
14. National Insurance Scheme
15. Housing Authority of Grenada
16. Wellness Programme
17. United Nations Development Programme
18. Agency for Reconstruction and Development
19. ARD Children’s Booth