by Linda Straker
- Sargassum task force will collaborate with Ministry of the Environment
- Grenada has ambitious national commitment to process 10,000 tonnes of sargassum by 2026
- National expression of interest resulted in 31 innovative proposals; of these, 13 companies shortlisted
The Cabinet of Ministers in Grenada has approved a task force to deal with sargassum management. It will be spearheaded by Permanent Secretary Javan Williams of the recently established Ministry of the Blue Economy and Marine Affairs.
This was disclosed by Jerry Enoe, Grenada’s Special Envoy for Oceans, during a news conference where the management of sargassum, which is currently affecting beaches in Grenada and the Caribbean, was the topic of discussion. He said that the sargassum task force will be working in collaboration with the Ministry of the Environment to manage the sargassum.
“The sargassum is not just a Grenada problem; it’s a regional problem. That is why we are working with the OECS and the European Union, which have a special interest in this,” he said while explaining that the EU has a special interest because there are Caribbean islands which are under the administration of EU members.
A recent release from the Government Information Service (GIS) said that Grenada has firmly established itself as a regional leader in sargassum response. A standout moment came when the country proudly hosted the 2nd Caribbean-EU Global Gateway Conference on Sargassum from 1–2 October 2024. “The landmark event brought together regional governments, scientists, entrepreneurs, and development partners to accelerate innovation, strengthen collaboration, and unlock sustainable investment opportunities,” said the release, which pointed out that Grenada has an ambitious national commitment to process 10,000 tonnes of sargassum by 2026.
Grenada is hoping to collect 10 thousand tons of sargassum seaweed in 2026 in order to feed into a productive value chain which can contribute to the environmental sustainability, social well-being, and economic growth of Grenada, and ultimately the region. This collection is anticipated to be the outcome of a project developed after the island hosted the 2nd EU-Global Gateway Conference on Sargassum in October 2024 and the 1st Grenada-EU Task Force on Sargassum on 4 December 2024.
A notice published on the Government’s procurement website states that the Government of Grenada is looking for companies to submit comprehensive and cost proposals outlining innovative and practical strategies to build a sustainable value chain for the sargassum seaweed.
In a strong show of private sector engagement, the national expression of interest resulted in 31 innovative proposals. Of these, 13 companies have been shortlisted and are currently undergoing detailed technical and financial evaluation.
The purpose of the Expression of Interest Notice is to gather preliminary ideas and information on potential solutions and strategies for sargassum seaweed, which has been affecting the county more and more since 2014.