PDA Launches Training Initiative To Strengthen Structural Safety And Building Compliance

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PR – The Planning and Development Authority (PDA) has announced the implementation of a new application requirement under the Regional Building  Code, known as the “Check Consultant Clause.” This initiative marks a major step toward  improving structural integrity and ensuring that all construction projects in Grenada meet  international standards of safety, resilience, and sustainability.

The Check Consultant framework introduces an independent third-party technical review  mechanism for complex or large-scale developments. This system ensures that every critical  design stage is reviewed by a qualified engineer or architect, thereby minimising the risks of  structural and foundational failures that have recently affected projects both locally and regionally.

Speaking at the recent press conference, the Chairman of the PDA, Mr. Kenrick Fullerton,  emphasised the Authority’s responsibility to promote safe and sustainable development:

“This measure is not just about compliance—it’s about protecting lives, safeguarding investments,  and building public confidence in the integrity of our construction practices. It aligns Grenada’s  building oversight with international best practices while supporting our national resilience  agenda.”

To support the roll-out of the initiative, the PDA is partnering with Hon. Tony Gibbs, CHB  FREng, the distinguished regional engineer and author of the implementation guidelines for the  Check Consultant process. Mr. Gibbs will lead a series of technical training sessions and  stakeholder seminars in collaboration with the Architectural Society, the Grenada Institute of  Professional Engineers (GIPE), and local financial institutions.

The training sessions will provide a comprehensive overview of Grenada’s multi-hazard  environment—covering wind, earthquake, and structural safety—and guide professionals on  integrating the Check Consultant process into project design, financing, and approval workflows.

Training Schedule 

Date: Tuesday, 18th November 2025

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Venue: To be announced (virtual option available)

Sessions will include:

  • Technical briefings on multi-hazard design principles 
  • Guidance on the Check Consultant procedure 
  • Q&A segment for professionals and financial institutions

Participation in this training will be mandatory for engineers and architects seeking to qualify  as Check Consultants under the PDA’s regulatory framework. Financial institutions are also  strongly encouraged to attend, as the process may influence construction financing, risk  assessment, and project timelines.

This initiative is part of a broader modernisation agenda by the PDA, which includes the adoption  of the national Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) procedures and the Fast-Track  Review Policy aimed at improving efficiency, transparency, and public accountability in  Grenada’s development sector.

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