About Us

Finding Inspiration in Nature

GFC implements projects and engages in advocacy efforts aimed at effecting changes that offer greater protection to endangered national and trans-boundary species. We also undertake projects at the school and community levels and provide logistical support for field work to external organisations working in Grenada.

Our Story

The Fund is supervised by a nine member Board of Advisors, of whom four are elected directors. These advisors have long been in the forefront of social development and transformation, and collectively bring over 100 years of experience to the Fund. Under their stewardship, GFC has attracted over US 600,000 in the years since its' inception. These funds were provided by over 25 regional and international donor organisations.

GFC's work to date has touched the lives of 1000's of beneficiaries in 100 hundreds of households across the nation leaving and indelible mark of Grenada's Conservation landscape.

Meet The Team

Yusuf Benn - President

Mr. Benn is currently employed as an IT consultant. He has been in the IT profession for over 15 years. He was involved in the Under Twenty Clubs of Grenada in the early 1990s where he was officially introduce to environmental work by Friends of the Earth Grenada (FOE).

From an early onset he has always had a passion for environmental and conservational work. From which his hobby of nature photography has developed. He is an active volunteer in the planting of mangroves along the cost of Grenada and involved in the mapping of the wet land bird migratory projects in Grenada.

Phil Saye - Vice President

Phil Saye has been a committed environmentalist since the 1970s when he served in Antarctica with the Royal Navy’s mission ensuring compliance with the ‘Antarctic Treaty’. The pristine environment of Antarctica made a huge impact on Phil’s life going forward.

In 2013 he set up the novel Grenada Artificial Reef Project (GARP). This project has involved local tradesmen and community members to build and install a series of underwater ‘Pyramids’ creating Grenada’s first artificial reef. The project is proving highly successful. At this time, a total of 80 Pyramids have been installed which are naturally recruiting corals, invertebrates, and marine life with over 30 species of fish identified.

Tyrone Buckmire - Executive Director

Mr. Buckmire was the Project Manager of Rare Enterprises, from October 2005 to December 2008, and was instrumental in coordinating all the activities that have led to the establishment of Grenada Essentials, Discover Grenada Turtle Tours and Grenada Fund for Conservation.

Buckmire has worked in the environmental conservation field since 1992, beginning with Friends of the Earth and subsequently doing projects with The Nature Conservancy, WSPA, IFAW, GEF-SGP, EIA and YWF-Kido Foundation, Inc. He was trained extensively at the regional and international level, undertaking internships in the US, UK, Canada and Europe, and served on various international youth expert panels within UN-specialised agencies, and in the International Planned Parenthood Federation.

Gerard McPhail - Director

Mr. McPhail was Chief Implementation Officer at the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Culture. Mr. McPhail had oversight of all the Tourist Attraction sites in Grenada and has worked with various Community Groups, NGOs and other Stakeholders in the development of the Tourism product. He has a Diploma in Business Continuity Management, a Certified Business Continuity Manager and a Certified Business Resilience Manager.

He has served with the National Disaster Management Agency (NaDMA) on several committees and has received training in Search and Rescue, Disaster Risk Reduction Management, Disaster Risk Mitigation, and Coastal Management Skills.

Sandra A. James - Director

Sandra A. James is a highly energetic and motivated professional with expertise in the areas of organizational administration, management, logistics, event planning & management, human resource management & training. Best known for her work with the Heritage Theatre Company.

Sandra’s interest in environmental protection began in 1998 when she participated in the development and production of ”Coconut Bay”,

She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Management Studies from the University of West Indies, Mona Campus and Masters’ degrees in Project Management and Entertainment Law from the Universities of Liverpool and London respectively.

Christy Lord - Secretary

Marine conservationist Christy Lord is passionate about restoring and maintaining healthy ecosystems.

As secretary of the board, she brings her expertise and dedication to supporting and promoting the vital conservation efforts of the Grenada Fund for Conservation.

Cymone Archer

Cymone Archer is an environmental enthusiast who studied at St. George's University. She's passionate about the environment and graduated with a BSc. degree in Marine, Wildlife and Conservation Biology.

She has many other interests including music, crafts, art, content creation, entrepreneurship and travelling.

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