VZCZCXRO1364
RR RUEHGR
DE RUEHGR #0045 1421857
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 221857Z MAY 09
FM AMEMBASSY GRENADA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 0564
INFO RUCNCOM/EC CARICOM COLLECTIVE
RUEHGR/AMEMBASSY GRENADA 0656 UNCLAS GRENADA 000045 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS:      
SUBJECT: GRENADA WEEKLY ACTIVITY REPORT FOR MAY 3 - 9, 2009 
 
 1. Embassy Grenada's weekly report (GWAR) provides a little 
detail about events of interest that do not merit longer 
reporting at this time. 
 
 2. Begin text: 
 
a. Taiwan Demands Immediate Repayment of Loans 
Taiwan has demanded that the Grenada government repay four 
multi-million dollar loans it gave for a number of projects 
dating back to 1990. The Export Import Bank of the Republic of 
China on Taiwan wrote the Minister for Finance warning that the 
Asian nation intends to pursue all legal avenues to recover the 
US$25. The loans were used for the building of the Ministerial 
Complex, sports development, and agriculture. Two years ago, the 
GOG was ordered to repay the loan by a U.S. court. 
 
Grenada severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan in January 2005 in 
favor of the People's Republic of China, which reportedly gave 
the government US$250 million at the time. 
 
b. Grenada Tops Cruise 2008 Destination Survey 
Grenada topped the list in three categories in Dream World 
Cruise Destination magazine survey of 231 ports for 2008. 
Grenada was number one as the most improved terminal facilities, 
most improved tourism destination and most efficient terminal 
operator, the only Caribbean destination recognized in those 
categories. The most improved destination is described as 
improvement to the tourism product and infrastructure assessing 
improvement in the town centre, landscaping traffic flow, 
provision of transport, access to tourism information, and 
creating new attractions and experiences. Grenada tied for the 
top spot with Germany and Gibraltar in the category of most 
efficiently operated terminal. 
 
c. PM Thomas addressed Media Conference 
Prime Minister Tillman Thomas last week supported calls for the 
development of a Caribbean media policy, while pointing to what 
he said was glaring evidence of sensationalism and bias on the 
part of the Grenada media. Addressing the start of the Caribbean 
Media and Communications Conference, the Prime Minister, who had 
earlier indicated that a new Freedom of Information Act and new 
media policy were in the cards for Grenada, urged all 
stakeholders to understand their roles and responsibilities. 
 
Over 30 media professionals from around the region participated 
in the two-day conference, which was held under the theme "Media 
and Dialogue". 
 
End text. 
 
MCISAAC