A meeting was held on December 29, 1999 at the Grenada seaside home of Americans Dodie and John Helgerson. In attendance were the Honorable Mrs. Brenda Hood, Minister of Tourism for Grenada, Eileen and John Palmer of the Canadian Foundation for World Development and American consultant Donna J. Gillroy, whose specialty is the non profit sector. The objective of the meeting was to access the need and feasibility of launching Boaters for Books in Grenada.

Speaking on behalf of government and the children of Grenada, Mrs. Brenda Hood enthusiastically endorsed the project. She was careful, however, to point out the need to coordinate the "Boaters for Books" effort with the Chief Education Officer, Michael Pierre. It is important that the books selected are "appropriate" for the reading pleasure of the children. At this time Grenada does not need any text books or culturally sensitive materials. It was Mrs. Hood's recommendation that the core of the project be coordinated through the library in St. George's.

Dodie Helgerson graciously accepted the position of Grenada Chairperson for Boaters for Books. Dodie is from Columbus, Ohio and has lived in Grenada for ten years. She is a respected member of the local community, with close ties to political, literary and economic resources. We are extremely grateful to Dodie Helgerson for her expertise and generous spirit.