The Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) has commenced implementation of its 7th cycle of sub-projects.The sub-projects aim to reduce poverty and vulnerability by enhancing access to basic social and economic infrastructures and human resource development services.BNTF completed a Poverty Reduction Action Plan BNTF staff from other member countries also participated in the regional workshop. PRAP) in 2014 which established where and how re-sources, totaling USD $2,981,105.00 (ECD $8,033,779.87), would be targeted. BNTF is jointly funded by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the Government of Grenada. BNTF 7 focuses on three key sectors: Education and Human Resource Development, Basic Community  Access   and Drainage  Improvement; and Water and Sanitation Systems Enhancement.

Nine (9) sub-projects will be undertaken in Education and Human Resource Development, six (6) sub-projects in Water and Sanitation and three (3) sub-projects in Community Access and Drainage Enhancement. These projects are expected to be completed by December, 2016.

BNTF Staff Participate in the Caribbean Development Bank’s Environmental Due Diligence Workshop

The local BNTF staff have improved their capacity in environmental due diligence for implementation of sub-projects. BNTF’s Project Manager, Community Liaison Officer and Building Technologist participated in Caribbean Development Bank’s Environmental Due Diligence Workshop which was held in Barbados from 16-18 March, 2015. Environmental screening, infrastructure integrity, gender and social impact assessments were key areas of focus in the Work-shop. Several tools were introduced for use in assessing and managing sub-projects. BNTF staff from other member countries also participated in the regional workshop.

The local BNTF staff have improved their capacity in environmental due diligence for implementation of sub-projects.BNTF’s Project Manager, Community Liaison Officer and Building Technologist participated in Caribbean Development Bank’s Environmental Due Diligence Workshop which was held in Barbados from 16-18 March, 2015. Environmental screening, infrastructure integrity, gender and social impact assessments were key areas of focus in the Work-shop. Several tools were introduced for use in assessing and managing sub-projects. BNTF staff from other member countries also participated in the regional workshop. 

Mr. Bhagwan, known by most people as Baggies, is the Project Manager in the BNTF Implementing Agency (IA). The Manager is responsible for ensuring day to day operations run smoothly at the office and that staff are performing their duties in the most efficient and effective manner. The Project Manager also ensures that the Project adheres to the signed Grant Agreement between Caribbean Development Bank and the Government of Grenada, procurement guidelines and other local and regional standards.

Ms. Stephenson, the Administrative Assistant, supports all work in the office, including keeping records and maintaining an orderly filing system. She is also the front desk person that answers calls and directs visitors to the relevant officers.

Mr. Britton, is the Assistant Community Liaison Officer. Community Liaison Officers are the “legs” of BNTF, responsible for supporting community groups to identify and prepare documents for sub-projects, conducting assessments and supporting community organizations and other institutions’ development.

QUESTIONS AND FACTS

1. What is BNTF’s purpose?

1.            Increase the productivity and  income  of  the  unemployed  and underemployed.

2.            Improve the standard of living of poor people

3.            Expand and conserve the stock of economic and social infrastructure essential to national growth.

4.            Strengthen community organizations to be able to initiate and manage change.

2. What sub-projects can be fund-ed by BNTF?

Water and Sanitation

- Development, extension and repair of water treatment plants, public toilets/bathrooms.

Educational Facilities & Human Re-source Development 

-  Building, renovation, refurbishment of education, special needs, ICT, school feeding and resource centre facilities.      

- Skills training/capacity building.

Health Facilities          

- Construction, renovation upgrade of health facilities.

Access

- Construction of roads, drainage and footpaths, bridges, retaining walls.

Vulnerable groups

- Residential accommodation and care for children, victims of gender-based violence, counselling and referral centres, people living with HIV/AIDS, the aged, infirm and homeless, youth at risk.

Day Care Centres

- Construction, renovation or extension of day care centers

3.  Who can apply for funding?

-  Community Groups             

-  Non- Government Organizations (NGOs)

-  Government Organizations or Agencies

-   Community Based Organizations (CBOs)

-   Community Members

-  Parliamentary Representatives on the advice of communities

4.  What is the application process?

1.     Fill in and submit a Sub-project Request Form.

2.     Fill in and submit a Sub-project Proposal Form.

The Community Liaison Officer is available to assist applicants to fill in the forms. Forms are available at the BNTF office.

One Woman’s Story

“When the people came here, theywere like, “wow, look at the floor! You all have tiles now, look at the lattice to allow more ventilation and the redesign!”

From how it was before, people could not have imagined that it could be like that today. And they would boast of the lockers and even the toilet facilities, even our sick bay where we have a bed so that the children can rest comfortably…and we can boast that now, it is child friendly.

For instance, we have 3 (child appropriate) toilet facilities and sink basinsfor the children. The teachers now have theirown toilet facility. And now we have a ceiling fan to keep the area cool….

One Man’s Story

1.            What is the primary objective of BNTF?

2.            Which regional organization funds BNTF?

3.            In what year was BNTF started in Grenada?

4.            In which cycle is the BNTF programme now?

5.            What is the name of the local body that has responsibility for coordination and guidance of                           BNTF implementations?

6.            Where is the BNTF Office located in Grenada?

7.            Under which Ministry does the BNTF Office operate?

BNTF REACHING YOU

During the first quarter of this year, BNTF developed its Public Relations and Social Marketing Plan. 

The purpose of the Plan is to guide public relations to improve aware-ness about BNTF and to establish an approach to engaged stakeholders to participate in and take owner-ship of BNTF projects.

The Plan identifies what activities will be undertaken, when and through what medium.

So far, BNTF has already undertaken three main activities highlighted in the Plan:

1.   Production and release of a video, celebrating Grenada's 41 year of independence and high-lighting BNTF’s                 contributions to national development. 

2.  Facilitation of 3 Preimplementation Briefing and Consultation sessions to provide details about sub-projects and to

receive feed-back from key stakeholders. Information was also shared on the work of other organizations and areas for collaborations were identified. Over 45 per-sons attended the sessions.

3.  Production of a video, highlighting beneficiaries’ responses on the impact of BNTF’s work on their lives. This video will be released during the second quarter of this year. BNTF intention is to increase and improve its public relations and communications to encourage participation, buy-in and ownership of the sub- projects.

“Quotable Quotes”

“Every life deserves a certain amount of dignity, no matter how poor or damaged the shell that carries it.”

― Rick Bragg

How to Contact Us

NAWASA Headquarters Building

The Carenage

St. George’s

Grenada

Tel: + (473) 435-6802/6803

Fax: + (473) 435-6804