The Fidel Castro regime in Cuba is to assist Grenada in the development of an Early Warning System (EWS) to help the country better prepare to deal with disasters.

This was disclosed by National Security Minister Senator Einstein Louison while speaking to reporters Monday at a press conference held at the Ministry of Tourism Conference Room in the Botanical Gardens.

Sen. Louison has just returned home from Havana after leading a delegation there on a three-day visit. Grenada's emergency operation broke down during the passage of hurricane Ivan last year that left about 30 persons dead.

There are reports that Cuba is the only country in the region with the necessary structures in place to manage disasters both man-made and natural. Sen. Louison announced that a Specialist from Cuba is scheduled to visit Grenada shortly to look at the island's EWS and to come up with a plan that is best suited for the country.He said the system to be put in place will function in such a way that it will be operational before, during and after a disaster.

According to Sen. Louison, his visit to Havana was successful on the grounds that several protocols were signed including one that deals with the completion of Phase 2 of the General Hospital, a requirement for the staging of Cricket World Cup 2007 in Grenada. The National Security Minister said that discussions also focused on exploring new grounds for education that entail the launch of an effective adult literacy programme.

Sen. Louison pointed out that both sides have agreed to the establishment of a teacher exchange programme involving the Ministries of Education in both countries. He added that Grenada is also looking towards Cuba for assistance in improving its education curriculum and programmes.

He pointed out that the Castro Regime will assist in the production and development of new literatures that are relevant to Grenada's own environment and experiences. Sen. Louison stated that assistance will also be given in the resuscitation of the Agriculture sector.

He spoke of Cuban technicians coming to Grenada to assist in the construction of several green houses as well as the revitalisation of the nutmeg industry, irrigation, pork production as well as cultural exchanges and sports.

Sen. Louison was accompanied on the trip by Glenna Knights, Senior Administrative Officer in the Ministry of Health, Pauleen Finlay, Senior Education Officer, Planning and Development, Ministry of Education and Cyrilla Steele, Foreign Service Officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.