Eight North Leeward residents receive grants to build sustainable livelihoods 

By S.Browne. Updated 5:26 p.m., Tuesday, September 29, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

Eight North Leeward residents have received micro-grants ranging from EC$1,000 to EC$1,500 to support small businesses and community-based activities aimed at generating sustainable income.

The grants were presented during Hand2Earth’s Project Achievement Event in Troumaca on September 22, 2026. The funding was provided by the Sandals Foundation and co-financed by Hand2Earth.

The recipients are using the grants for activities including agro-processing, livestock, farm produce and seedling production. Hand2Earth said the initiative is intended to stimulate micro-enterprise, generate sustainable income and strengthen tourism offerings in North Leeward.

The micro-grants form part of Hand2Earth’s wider training and community development work. The organisation said recipients are North Leeward residents who have completed at least one of its training programmes, which include Vetiver Systems Technology, vetiver grass craft and tour guiding.

Hand2Earth said its training provides practical knowledge that can be applied to sustainable land management and entrepreneurship. The organisation said the grants allow participants to apply that knowledge through new or existing micro-enterprises.

The organisation also said its wider community network can create opportunities for grant recipients to develop markets for their products and services. Its agri-heritage tourism activities, for instance, can connect agro-processors, caterers, craft producers and tour guides with visitors and other customers.

For livestock-related activities, Hand2Earth said Vetiver Systems Technology training supports sustainable land management, including the use of vetiver in land management, animal bedding and natural manure.

Hand2Earth said the grant recipients will also receive additional training in business, entrepreneurship, hygiene and cooperative governance. The recipients are expected to take part in a group exhibition of their initiatives in February 2027.

The organisation said its training programmes have reached more than 100 participants since 2022. Its wider work in North Leeward includes training 77 farmers in Vetiver Systems Technology across seven villages, establishing 63 farm sites with Vetiver Systems and installing 15 vetiver nurseries.

At the September 22, 2026 event, 19 participants also received Certificates of Achievement for completing training in areas including Vetiver Systems Technology, vetiver craft and heritage tour guiding.

Hand2Earth has been working in North Leeward since 2022, with a focus on using Vetiver Systems Technology to address land erosion, restore agricultural land and support sustainable farming. The organisation has also developed a Vetiver Agri-Heritage Coastal Trail in Troumaca as part of its efforts to link conservation, cultural heritage, tourism and local economic opportunities.

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