The Grenada Government announced Tuesday that it is making plans to host the Grenada Secondary School Games in March this year to ensure that students are not deprived of an opportunity to showcase their talents. 

Government’s decision is in response to the cancellation of the INTERCOL Games by the Grenada Association of Principals of Secondary Schools. 

Making the announcement at this week’s Post Cabinet Press Briefing, Minister for Education, Honourable Emmalin Pierre said the staging of national school games should not be dependent on the industrial climate. 

“Government does not have full control over the industrial climate in the country. However, we will take every precaution to ensure that students have the opportunity to participate in sporting activities regardless of the industrial climate in the country,” Minister Pierre stated. She added, “We do not believe as responsible citizens and as a responsible Government, that the children of the nation should be held hostage in this regard or should pay the price for what is happening between the Government and the unions.” 

According to Minister Pierre, athletics and other sporting disciplines provide significant opportunities for students to develop academically and advance professionally. 

She said, “INTERCOL has been an excellent opportunity for students to showcase their talent at the national level. Scouts from various parts of the world have visited during the games to witness the performance of the students. Many of our students have had the opportunity to attend colleges and universities overseas because of their athletic ability.” 

Minister Pierre further stated that, “Many of these students may not have had the opportunity, if they had to compete for scholarships with others, on a strictly academic basis. This means that sports would have been integral to their academic achievements and the opportunities they would have received. Not providing those students with that opportunity is denying ordinary, poor children of our society, the opportunity to take their families out of poverty, denying them an opportunity to lift themselves up and indeed, denying them an opportunity to have a chance to succeed in life. We as a Government, cannot allow that to happen.” 

The Education Minister is confident that Government has the means and structure to make the March games a reality. 

Further details of the Grenada Secondary School Games will be disclosed during an upcoming press conference, the date for which will be announced. 

Notwithstanding the cancellation of INTERCOL 2019, Minister Pierre congratulated the principals association for its excellent work over the years to ensure the growth and development of the annual games.