December 18, 2018 – Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Right Honourable Keith Mitchell has commended the alliance forged between Silversands Grenada and farmers affiliated to the Grenada Network of Rural Women Producers (GRENROP). 

In a bid to provide guests with high quality local produce, the newly opened luxury hotel has partnered with GRENROP to upgrade farming practices, improve pest and disease management, provide planting materials and improve packaging and presentation. 

Speaking on Sunday at the luncheon hosted by Silversands Grenada in honour of GRENROP’s 18th anniversary, Dr. Mitchell said, “This is revolutionary. In all my years in government, I have never seen, a property at that level, opening its doors to farmers. This means we are heading in the right direction.” 

According to the Prime Minister, the alliance is a good example of the type of marriage that needs to be created between the tourism and agriculture industries. “What we hope is that other hoteliers in the country will take a page from this book and institute a cooperative effort between the farming community and the hotels.” 

Dr. Mitchell also underscored the importance of youth being involved in agriculture. “Agriculture is an important pillar of Grenada’s economic development and we must have young people attracted to farming to ensure continuity of the industry.” 

He noted too that farming can provide a lucrative lifestyle, but the approach must be changed. 

The Prime Minister commended GRENROP President, Ms. Theresa Marryshow for her leadership of the organisation and her initiative in forging the partnership with Silversands and committing to provide a consistent supply of fresh produce to the hotel. 

Dr. Mitchell also commended Culinary Director at Silversands Grenada, Jean-Louis Brocardi who announced that an office will be established in St. Mark next year, to foster closer engagement with the farmers.