(CARICOM Secretariat, Georgetown, Guyana) The Caribbean Knowledge and Learning Network (CKLN) which was officially switched on at the July 2004 Regular Meeting of The Conference of Heads of Government in Grenada, is slated to receive funding from the World Bank, the Canadian Government and E-Links, a United States based company. The full-scale operation of the e-learning network system will however require an additional US$9M, Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada disclosed yesterday.

Prime Minister Mitchell, the lead Head of Government with responsibility for science and technology in the CARICOM quasi-cabinet, was briefing reporters at the Torarica Hotel in Paramaribo, Suriname, on the progress of the Network since its implementation. He expressed the hope that the move to source the additional funding would receive broad support. Dr. Mitchell said once the project is financed, connectivity between E-Links and the CKLN would begin to function for the benefit of the Caribbean people.

The Regional network was launched with the aim of informing the Region's people about evolving Regional and international issues and is intended as a tool for the transfer of knowledge through distance education via satellite.

Giving an update on the ongoing rebuilding in his homeland which was devastated by hurricane Ivan last September, Prime Minister Mitchell said, "Grenada is on the mend, " adding that the country is steadily progressing and is in the reconstruction phase. He pointed out that much of the available resources are being channeled towards the reconstruction of schools and rebuilding of Grenada's agriculture sector. In addition, residents are receiving assistance through a special committee set up to coordinate the reconstruction of houses.

Touching briefly on Grenada's preparations for Cricket World Cup 2007, Dr. Mitchell disclosed that a team of Chinese engineers is due to visit his country soon to look at the reconstruction of stadium facilities. He said that a Chinese firm would also provide the expertise to undertake construction of some 200 low-income houses that will be made available to citizens through a loan scheme.  Dr. Mitchell observed that a significant level of confidence has been restored among Grenadians, who exhibited much pride during the country's independence celebrations on 7th February 2005.