Grenada’s tourism chiefs are keen to recruit skilled workers to help rebuild the island when it re-opens to holidaymakers.
The island was devastated by hurricane Ivan, with around 50 per cent of properties destroyed and 80 per cent of the remainder damaged. Operators have cancelled trips to Grenada for the foreseeable future.
But when the island is ready to accept tourists again, carpenters, electricians and others with practical skills will be offered discounted hotel accommodation on condition they help with the rebuilding work.
“We need people with those practical skills which can help rebuild the island,” said a spokeswoman for the Grenada tourism board.
“We will give them discounted hotel accommodation in return for them spending part of their time helping to restore services.
“We think this may appeal to early retirees who have the skills we are looking for and are passionate about doing something to help. I suppose it will be a bit like a grown up Voluntary Service Overseas.”
Some hotels, which suffered minor damage, are expected to re-open within weeks. But tour operators have said they are keen to see evidence of the infrastructure being rebuilt before they can send holidaymakers to the island.
