Government Information Service Newsletter - Vol. 1, Issue 9 - 2020

NEWSLETTER GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICE

MONDAY, 07TH SEPTEMBER, 2020

ISSUE NO. 09

COMMERCIAL COMPLEX ON THE WAY FOR GRENVILLE

Details on page 02

INSIDE PAGE 03

PAGE 04

SHORT GUIDE TO SCHOOLS MICHAELMAS TERM REOPENING

PAGE STAR INTERVENTION PROGRAM 07 LAUNCHED

PAGE 14

NO ENCROACHMENT

ON RAMSAR SITE AT LEVERA

$1.6M HAPPY HILL BYPASS ROAD

AND MUCH MORE...

COMMERCIAL COMPLEX ON THE WAY FOR GRENVILLE Government is moving forward with plans to construct a commercial complex in St. Andrew, which will house all Government revenue offices and departments.

normal rent. We do have a portion of land that will be utilized for all of these things, so that will be factored into the rent that they will pay.”

The Grenville Commercial Complex will also house small businesses, as office spaces will be available for rent. During the Government’s weekly Post Cabinet Briefing, Infrastructure Development Minister, Hon. Gregory Bowen, explained more about this project.

Vendors are currently occupying the area that is designated for the complex. According to Minister Bowen, consideration is being given to relocating the small business owners and vendors.

He said, “It’s where we’re putting the building in Grenville that will house all Government’s revenue offices on a particular floor and we’ll be renting a floor out. There is an anchor tenant already for that floor, so we hope that within 20 years – let us even put 30 years – that we’ll recover most of the monies from rental and we will get our own use of it, because if you look at the district revenue offices in St. Andrew, in Grenville, it’s really in a deplorable state. We could have the Postal Corporation coming in and use something as a statutory body, but in good business they will pay their

“We are looking for a location to put the small businesses,” he said. “ We’re certainly looking at working with them to replace them, for the time being. Whether or not the compound will facilitate them after in a beautiful way, yes, that is being looked at, in the design. Some of them though, when you’re discussing with them the cost, they will now have to pay a rent and that may be outside of their financial capacity, with the small businesses that they’re doing. So, a small area must be made for them and that is given due consideration,” the Minister explained.

Infrastructure Development Minister Hon. Gregory Bowen

More than 50 jobs are expected to be created during the construction phase.

Minister Bowen has confirmed that the tendering process is currently underway, once completed the cost and duration of the project will be announced.

UPDATE ON GRENVILLE BUS TERMINUS PHASE II The Ministry of Infrastructure Development, Public Utilities, Energy, Transport and Implementation hereby informs the public that Phase II of the Grenville Bus Terminus is ongoing. This project will address the drainage and lighting issues at the Terminal.

The Hon. Gregory Bowen, Minister; the Permanent Secretary for Transport, Ms. Anna Brizan and other officials of the Ministry, along with members of the RGPF, met with the Zonal Presidents of Bus Associations on Aug. 13, 2020 and, among other matters, provided an update on the improvement work scheduled for the Grenville Bus Terminus. It was indicated that the safety and well-being of all users of the facility are paramount.

The engineering team of the Ministry completed the required site visit and the design is being finalized.

The project will create at least 30 jobs and the start date is scheduled for November 2020.

The Ministry anticipates the cooperation of all stakeholders and commits to give regular updates on the implementation of this project.

For further information, please contact: ● Ms. Anna Brizan, Permanent Secretary for Transport at 440-2771 or via email at ps@trans-

port.gov.gd ● Mrs. Merina Jessamy, Permanent Secretary, Permanent Secretary for Infrastructure Development and Implementation at 440-

2271 or via email at ps@moiid.gov.gd; ● Ms. Najar Andall, Chief Technical Officer at 440-2271 or via email at cto@moiid.gov.gd.

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NO ENCROACHMENT ON RAMSAR SITE AT LEVERA

Government is aware that eighty-six acres of wetlands lie within the four hundred and sixty acres of land being developed by Singapore Heng Sheng Grenada Development Limited, for the Grenada Levera Nature and Beach Resort, under the Citizenship by Investment Program.

The U.S. $2 billion investment involves construction of a five hundred room hotel.

Following a recent Zoom meeting with interest groups, which raised concerns over the possible impact on the wetlands, the Parliamentary Representative for St. Patrick East, Hon. Pamela Moses; Parliamentary Representative for St. Patrick West, Hon. Anthony Boatswain; CEO of the Planning Development Authority, Carlton Frederick, and Edward Niles, of Niles and Associates, held a walk-about on Sept. 3, on a section of the property, to share the preliminary plans for the project. Niles noted that after Thursday’s walkabout, they now need to focus on ensuring a good product is developed.

Frederick said Grenada was a signatory to the Ramsar Convention since 2012, agreeing to protect the environment and

that the Physical Development Authority is not ignorant to what should and should not happen there, when any development comes to that site. He explained that the Ramsar Site is for the general public and has its specific purpose for wildlife and for the community. He said that right will not be taken away from the residents of St. Patrick.

Niles of Niles and Associates, which will undertake the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), said that they are still at the consultation stage of the process. One public consultation was already held in St. Patrick with the heads of the different organizations and groups.

He said the objective of the EIA is to get people’s opinion on any important issues and to give suggestions and recommendations.

Environmental or social issues of credence or relevance will be addressed. When this is completed, the recommendations will be made to the developer and they will make the necessary adjustments, before submitting plans to the physical planning department for approval.

Hon. Moses said the Government of Grenada is extremely conscious of the importance of the wetlands and the agreement that was signed in 2012.

She said, “We have the interest of the environment at heart along with the concerns of the people.”

Minister Moses said this

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development will mean the generation of more than 1000 jobs for the parish of St. Patrick and additional stimulation of the economy.

She said, “We know that people have to leave Sauteurs and travel to Grand Anse. Some have to take three buses to get to the job. The coming on stream of the project will address that issue of rural/urban migration, as some of the residents end up renting apartments to be able to get to the job on time and, at the end, find it extremely difficult to save for a rainy day, due to commitments.”

The St. Patrick East Parliamentary Representative said consultations are not over and for the next one the developers will be invited to make a presentation to show the public that the development will in no way encroach on the Lake and the Ramsar site.

SHORT GUIDE TO SCHOOLS MICHAELMAS TERM REOPENING

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The Ministry of Education, Human Resource Development, Religious Affairs and Information has disseminated a guide for the reopening and functioning of ALL public schools, within the state of Grenada, on Sept. 7, 2020, during the era of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Ministry informs the public of the following important timelines:

1. September 7 – 11: Orientation and Needs Assessment Week: Each year group of students is to attend school for one day for psychosocial support and morale boosters and to be orientated to the protocols for movement and interaction on the schools’ compound. (9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon). Students are expected to return all books loaned from the School Book Programme, during the previous academic year.

SCHEDULE FOR GRADE AND FORM MEETINGS SPECIAL NEEDS SCHOOLS Victoria School for Special Education Monday, September 7, 2020 Parent conference – morning shift Tuesday, September 8, 2020 Orientation morning shift student Wednesday, September 9, 2020 Parent conference for afternoon shift students Thursday, September 10, 2020 Orientation for afternoon shift Friday September 11, 2020 Postmortem for all parents Other Special Education Schools Monday, September 7, 2020 Tuesday, September 8, 2020 Wednesday, September 9, 2020 Thursday, September 10, 2020 Friday, September 11, 2020

Parent Conference for levels 5, 6 and 7 Orientation for students for 5, 6 and 7 Parent Conference for levels 2, 3 and 4 Orientation for students 2, 3 and 4 Orientation and parent conference for lowest functioning students

Pre-schools Monday, September 7, 2020 Tuesday, September 8, 2020 Wednesday, September 9, 2020 Thursday, September 10, 2020

Parent -Teachers Conference for 4+ Return of 4+ Students Parent Teachers Conference for 3+ Return of 3+ Students

Primary schools Monday, September 7, 2020 Tuesday, September 8, 2020 Wednesday, September 9, 2020 Thursday, September 10, 2020 Friday, September 11, 2020

Grades 6 Grades 5 Grade 4 Grades K and 3 Grades 1 -2

Secondary schools Monday, September 7, 2020 Tuesday, September 8, 2020 Wednesday, September 9, 2020 Thursday, September 10, 2020 Friday, September 11, 2020

Form 5 Form 4 Form 3 Form 2 Form 1

2.

September 21 to 25: Commencement of classes: students will return to commence classes, according to their school’s school-specific plan. Parents and students will be informed accordingly of the details, to include the school operating hours. During this time, e-learning devices will be distributed to parents in batches.

Parents are expected to adhere to the following guidelines:

a. observe social distancing while picking up or dropping off children.

b. ensure that their child is wearing protective gears e.g. face mask or face shield.

c. provide their child with a personal kit to be used for maintaining personal hygiene e.g. hand sanitizer, disposable disinfectant wipes and tissues.

d. partner with school staff to ensure that safety measures are implemented and maintained.

e. keep children who are sick at home.

The guidelines and protocol are in keeping with the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 Pandemic protocol and are subject to the Emergency Powers (COVID-19) Regulations, 2020 which are in effect. It is expected that the recommended measures will be used for the safety of ALL students and staff returning to school, during the 2020-2021 academic year. The Ministry is grateful for the cooperation of all stakeholders involved, during the reopening of our schools.

DISTRIBUTION OF SCHOOL UNIFORM VOUCHERS

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Approximately 12,000 students in Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique will benefit from the Government’s School Uniform Voucher Programme this year.

More than $1.1 million will be spent on the programme that aims to lessen the financial burdens that families face.

Government has placed considerable effort in providing assistance in the form of school uniform supplies, despite a significant reduction in revenue due to COVID-19.

The following is a breakdown of the allocation per child and household: • Pre-School Student $50 • Primary School Student $100 • Secondary School Student $150 • Maximum per Family (per household) $450 Four thousand, five hundred and sixty-six (4, 566) applicants were processed online.

The program started more than two months late, due to COVID-19, and a School App was developed and launched to help fast-track the program.

Ten of the 15 constituencies received vouchers on Sept. 3 and 4. St. David received half and the rest will be delivered on Sept. 5. The other five constituencies, that will also receive vouchers on Sept. 5, are: St. Andrew North East, St. George North East, Town of St. George, South St. George, and St. Andrews South West.

All constituency offices receiving vouchers will be open on Sept. 5 to complete the distribution.

NEW SANITARY BLOCK COMPLETED AT ST. DOMINICS R.C. SCHOOL Work is now completed on the new sanitary block at the St. Dominic’s RC School at a cost of EC $196, 800.

The project was carried out under the supervision of the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF), a division of the Rural Development Unit. Acting Principal of the St. Dominic’s R.C. School, Patricia Thomas, said they welcome the completion of the sanitary block, as they are now preparing to reopen the school, in keeping with the COVID-19 protocols.

Thomas said, “This is one of the happiest days for me at St. Dominic’s. This toilet has been here since the school started in the late 1960s, so that is what was being used in my time and before me. So, we’re very, very happy that we now have these brand new facilities and this is even more joyful, because of the COVID situation, where we have to be careful with sanitizing and the safety of our students and so on.

From next week we will be having orientation of the students and so we’ll be discussing with them the proper use of the washroom facilities and make sure they keep their social distancing and so on.”

Work began in November 2019 with a completion date of March 2020, but delays due to COVID-19 and the limited state of emergency pushed the completion date to May 2020.

Stephenson Gordon, contractor with STEGO Construction Ltd., explained the scope of work.

“What we did here is we demolished all the internal/external walls and we put in we put in a new concrete block wall to the inside and outside.

The roof and its frame remained intact. We did new toilets. We installed twelve toilets, two showers and two drinking troughs,” he said. “We did plumbing and electrical throughout, because the building was more or less constructed with some metal fiber material, which was done since

the early construction, so we had to demolish all the frames; discard them and then put up new block wall.”

Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at the BNTF, Kizzy-Ann Abraham, said the St. Dominic’s Sanitary Block is one of a number of projects on the BNTF’s education portfolio.

“We are very satisfied with the quality, in terms of keeping the project within budget; within time frame,” she said. “We’re also pleased with the quality of the reengineering that has been done, in terms of the toilet facilities that have been installed for the students. These are all child friendly installments, so it’s not adult toilets. These are children-sized facilities - a facility that they can feel comfortable in, that is safe, secure and fosters the sort of safe hygiene that we want students to practice.”

The St. Dominic’s R.C. School has a student population of 247.

NUMEROUS SCHOOL REFURBISHMENT AND REBUILDING PROJECTS IN PROGRESS In an effort to create and sustain a conducive learning and teaching environment for teachers and students, the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, Public Utilities, Energy, Transport & Implementation continues to work collaboratively with the Ministry of Education, Human Resource Development, Religious Affairs and Information in assurance of this reality.

School refurbishment, for the period 2020, is funded through three main sources, which are the Government of Grenada (local fund), Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) through programmes of the Grenada Education Enhancement Project (GEEP) and the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF).

In 2019, the Ministry of Infrastructure Development secured EC $14 million additional financing from the Regional Disaster Vulnerability Reduction Project (RDVR) for forty-seven (47) high priority schools, in need of refurbishment. These projects are in the process of bidding and refurbishment is expected to commence in the last quarter of 2020 and end in the first quarter of 2021.

While the procurement process for each of these projects differs, one stipulation of the Procurement Board for Maintenance of Schools, or any project required to be funded under the local budgetary line ‘Government of Grenada: projects that exceed EC $15,000’, is that it must be tendered.

The process involves bidding from contractors and undertaking an evaluation of the contactors’ experience and qualifications, before a contract can be awarded.

The U.S. $15 million signed agreement between the Government of Grenada and the Caribbean Development Bank, under the Grenada Enhancement Project (GEEP), has secured funding for nine (9) schools to date. The first phase of the project entails expansion and rehabilitation work in six (6) schools, in Grenada. Presently, final designs and costings are in progress for two (2) secondary schools, which will be relocated, along with one (1) primary school, to be built in the same location. Under BNTF, construction, expansion and rehabilitation for three (3) pre-primary schools continues at an estimated cost of EC $5 million.

General school maintenance is ongoing. In the academic year 2019, EC $1.2 million was spent on day-to-day major and minor repairs in schools throughout Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Both Ministries involve remain committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for the nation’s teachers and students.

The following is a breakdown on the status on the school rehabilitation projects, under the Regional Disaster Vulnerability Reduction Project (RDVR):

SCHOOL REHABILITATION PROJECTS WORLD BANK REGIONAL DISASTER VULNERABILITY REDUCTION PROJECT STATUS - TO BE TENDERED

1. St. Matthew’s R.C. School 2. St. Michael’s R.C. School 3. Holy Innocents Anglican School 4. St. Joseph’s Convent, St. Andrew 5. Grenville Secondary School 6. Telescope Primary School 7. Paraclete Government School 8. Westerhall Secondary School 9. Westerhall Pre-School 10. St. Theresa’s R.C. School 11. Windsor Forest Pre-School 12. Mt. Rose SDA Primary School 13. St. Patrick’s Anglican School 14. St. Patrick’s R.C. Primary School 15. Mc Donald College 16. St. Mark’s Secondary School 17. Wesley College 7.

St. Joseph Convent Retaining Wall, St. 18. Park View Pre-School Georges 19. Boca Secondary School 20. Anglican High School 21. Springs Pre-School 22. Boca Secondary School 23. Holy Innocent Anglican 24. Happy Hill Primary School 25. Boca Pre-School

SCHOOL PROJECTS BASIC NEEDS TRUST FUND (BNTF)

26. Constantine Methodist School 27. Presentation Brothers College Main Building 28. St. Joseph’s Convent, St. George 29. Bonair Government School 30. St. Peter Roman Catholic School 31. Tivoli Sacred Heart R.C. Primary School 32. Victoria School for Special Education 33. Corinth Government School 34. Ford Pre-School 35. St. George’s SDA Primary School 36. St. Michael’s RC School 37. St. George’s Methodist School 38. St. George’s Anglican Junior School 39. St. George’s Anglican Senior School Design Phase Construction to 40. Grenada Boy’s Secondary School commence in 2020 41. Calliste Government School 42. St. Louis R.C Girl’s School 43. Samaritan Presbyterian School 44. St. John Christian Secondary School 45. St. Patrick Anglican Primary School 46. St. Patrick RC Primary School 47. St. Rose Convent

Item

School

Status

End date

1.

Paradise Pre-Primary

On schedule

December 31st

2.

Brizan/Happy Hill

On schedule

December 31st

3.

St. Dominic’s R.C

Completed

-

SCHOOL PROJECTS GRENADA EDUCATION ENHANCEMENT PROJECT (GEEP) ITEM

1.

2.

NAME OF SCHOOL

ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN

STATUS

1.

Pre -Primary

Hillsborough

General Repairs

Ongoing

2.

Pre - Primary

L’Esterre Rosary

General Repairs

Ongoing

3.

Pre-Primary

Windward

General Repairs

Ongoing

3.

4.

5.

One year - 2021

Grenada Seventh Day Adventist

Construction Phase –

16 Months - 2021

Comprehensive School - Multi-Science

Temporary Building ongoing

Bishops College, Refurbishment & Multi-

Pre-Construction Phase,

Science Block

Contract Awarded

Grenada Christian Academy - New

Design Phase

6.

Design Phase

St. David’s Catholic Secondary School

Land Negotiation

St. Joseph Convent Retaining Wall, St.

Design Phase

St. Andrew Methodist

General Repairs

Ongoing

12.

Primary

Woburn R.C

General Repairs

Ongoing

13.

Primary

Woburn Methodist

General Repairs

Ongoing

14.

Primary

St. Mary’s Catholic La Fillette

Electrical Work

Completed

15.

Primary

Blessed Sacrament

General Repairs

Ongoing

Primary

5.

Pre-Primary

River View

General Repairs

Ongoing

17.

Primary ITEM

7.

Primary

Petite Martinique

General Repairs

Ongoing

8.

Primary

Dover

General Repairs

Ongoing

9.

Primary

Holy Spirit Catholic Chantimelle

General Repairs

Ongoing

River Sallee Government

General Repairs

Ongoing

Construction to

SCHOOL MAINTENANCE PROJECTS 16.

Ongoing

Construction to

commence in 2020

Primary

Ongoing

General Repairs

Construction to commence in 2021

11.

General Repairs

Petite Martinique

Construction to

commence in 2021

Mt. Rich

Pre-Primary

18 Months 2021

commence in 2021

St. Andrews Anglican School - New Facility

Pre-Primary

6.

COMPLETION DATE

Construction Phase

Facility

4.

Primary

Presentation Brothers College – Multi-

Georges

LOCAL GOVERNMENT FUNDED

10.

STATUS

Block

SCHOOL MAINTENANCE PROJECTS

LEVEL

SCHOOL

Science Block and Retaining Wall

7.

ITEM

6

Mt. Pleasant

1.

18.

Primary

19.

Secondary

20.

21.

Special

2.

3.

4.

St. Joseph’s Catholic (Pomme General Repairs LEVEL NAME OF SCHOOL Rose)

Pre -Primary

T.B.A

Hillsborough

Ongoing ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN

STATUS

General Repairs

Ongoing

St. David’s Catholic Primary

General Repairs

General Repairs

Ongoing

JW Fletcher Catholic Secondary

Refurbishment of Science Ongoing General Repairs Lab and Building Technology Lab

Ongoing

General Repairs

Ongoing

Pre - Primary

L’Esterre Rosary

Ongoing

Pre-Primary

Windward

Pre-Primary

Mt. Rich

River View

General Repairs

Ongoing

General Repairs Petite Martinique

GeneralOngoing Repairs

Ongoing

School

St. Andrew’s Handicraft Center

Education

5.

Pre-Primary

Special

6.

School for the Deaf Pre-Primary

Education

General Repairs

LOCAL GOVERNMENT FUNDED

General Repairs

T.B.A

7.

Primary

Petite Martinique

General Repairs

Ongoing

8.

Primary

Dover

General Repairs

Ongoing

9.

Primary

Holy Spirit Catholic Chantimelle

General Repairs

Ongoing

River Sallee Government

General Repairs

Ongoing

10.

Primary

STAR INTERVENTION PROGRAMME LAUNCHED

The Ministry of Education launched its STAR Intervention Programme on Sept. 3, 2020, at the Grenville Secondary School.

Fourteen male students from that school are now the first participants in the pilot of this remedial programme, which engages students who are at-risk of not completing school, due to behavioural, academic and psychological issues.

STAR means study, try, aim and reach. The programme aims to have students achieve the goals that they set for themselves. Speaking at the launch, Permanent Secretary, Kevin Andall, emphasized the importance of supporting young people and the rewards to be gained later down the road.

He said, “Every single one of you young men here have somebody sitting by your side, saying to you that ‘I am here,’ – like my Grandmother – “to ensure that you travel down the right pathway, to success’.”

Permanent Secretary Kevin Andall

STAR is a 6-month programme that consists of a three-week live in camp, followed by academic, physical and psychological support away from the school plant, for four days per week. On day five students will return to the school. The programme provides support not just for students, but also parents, the community and the school.

Kathy Ann James, District 3 Education Officer, explained that the programme will be supported

by various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Social Development, Housing and Community Development, the Ministry of Youth development, Sports, Culture and the Arts and the Royal Grenada Police Force.

James said, “The students will be well taken care of. What is required from parents is that they ensure that the children attend the programme and they provide the support for the programme.”

Education Minister, Hon. Emmalin Pierre says programmes like these are her favourite, given their capacity to change lives.

She was pleased with the favourable response from her Government colleagues, who supported the programme, once presented.

Education Minister Hon. Emmalin Pierre

“At that time, it was not just students of this school. There were students from another schools included, but we decided, based on COVID-19; based on some financial challenges that we have, we are going to restrict the pilot to one school, at this time. So, this first six months will be one school. Immediately after, we are going to be expanding,” she said. “This school is indeed fortunate – that you are going to be leading this initiative, which I am confident, without a shadow of a doubt, this morning, that

it will be a success,” Minister Pierre said.

Coordinator of the STAR Intervention Programme, Dr. Neals Chitan, is a Grenadian who has lived and worked in Canada for many years in the area of motivational speaking, as the owner and president of Motiv-8 for Change International. He is an international crime reduction consultant, with a doctorate in social and behavioural sciences.

“All we want to do is re-brand your son,” Chitan said. “I look forward to seeing you; the team is looking forward to seeing you – next week, as we start the process of rebranding.”

Chitan anticipates positive behaviour change.

Principal of the Grenville Secondary School, Ronald Ettienne, expressed his appreciation for the STAR Programme, its goal of helping at-risk youth and thanked the stakeholders involved.

Ettienne said, “It is my heartfelt belief that this programme will be a massive, massive success.”

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HANDOVER CEREMONY OF $2 MILLION ‘RESCUE FOUR’ FIRE TRUCK

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The Grenada Airport Authority has added a new fire truck to its fleet.

In 2018, the board received approval to purchase a new fire truck, Rescue 4, which is in keeping with regional and international standards. In November 2019, the unit was fully paid for and is valued at EC $2 million.

Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Hon. Clarice Modeste-Curwen presented the keys for the Panther 6 x 6 unit to ASP Glenroy Corion, Officer in Charge of the Fire Department at the RGPF. The storage capacity of Rescue 4 is 3,170 gallons of water; 422 gallons dry foam; 500 lbs. dry chemical and the foam discharge is 2,100 gallons per minute.

Chairman of the board of directors at the Grenada Airport Authority, Anya Chow Chung, described the purchase of the Rescue 4 as timely.

She said, “The commissioning of Rescue 4 brings us one step closer to our readiness and full preparedness of our return, in earnest, of major international airlines and the return, in earnest, of visitors to our shores,” she said. “As the world surmounts the prevailing pandemic, travel will return. It is with this prognosis, that we, at the MBIA, must stand ready and poised to manage our inward and outward bound passengers, our guests. Essentially, we have to be ready to manage our customers.

Looking to the future, we are on the cusp of embarking on two major expansion projects and I assure all that our extremely vital operation, at Lauriston Airport in Carriacou will certainly not be excluded from these plans.”

While commending the Grenada Airport Authority for their commitment during the COVID-19 period and the gradual reopening of the country, Minister for Tour-

ism and Civil Aviation, Clarice Modeste Curwen, expressed that maintaining regional and international standards of the airport is vital.

“So, we have to meet ECCAA standards, which is the regional standards body that controls what we do, or manages us, and we have to meet international standards,” She said. “We’ve got to meet it, just as everybody else, in the whole global village, and we have done that and maybe a little more.”

The Minister looks forward to the revival of the tourism industry, but meanwhile is excited about upcoming projects.

She said, “I really look forward to the implementation of the two projects that were mentioned by our chairman that would enhance this whole airport facility and perhaps bring more airlines to this wonderful ground here and perhaps you might be saying, ‘Well not a lot of planes coming in, so why bother?’, but if we do not prepare now, we will not reap the harvest.”

A two-week training will commence on Sept. 7 for maintenance of the rescue unit. The training will comprise of firemen and volunteers, among other personnel.

REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION SECTOR STUDY TO BE UNDERTAKEN Minister for Transport and Implementation, Hon. Gregory Bowen, said there are plans to conduct a major study on the transportation sector in Grenada and the region.

The intention is to determine how public transportation can be sustained, during a health emergency and after a disaster.

Minister for Transport and Implementation Hon. Gregory Bowen

Hon. Bowen said, “If you look at those countries with public transportation, what happened? They came out. They had to be there, so that at least the public can get transportation. We’re not saying the construct should be public/private. It could be a limited amount of public vehicles plying along, so that at least, after a pandemic – a health crisis - you can have something.

I’m just saying public, but it could be a private person undertaking that as well, but who will not say, or who cannot say in the agreement that ‘I will not operate’ - who must operate in a pandemic, obviously with the help of the Ministry of Health and the protective equipment, so they can function.

That study will be undertaken and also everything – the rates and so forth – all the things that the bus operators are asking for now and, we have told them so, will be considered in that study.”

AGRICULTURE CORNER

15 FARMERS TO PRACTICE PROTECTIVE AGRICULTURE THANKS TO THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

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One week after the People’s Republic of China donated two semi-automated greenhouses to the Ministry of Agriculture, its generosity was extended to 15 farmers from different constituencies throughout the island, as the Government of Grenada, through the Ministry of Agriculture, encourages Protective Agriculture Technology in farming, to combat the effects of Climate Change.

The farmers received the greenhouses at a short handover ceremony at the Youth Centre on Aug. 28, 2020. The Minister for Agriculture, Hon. Yolande Bain Horsford, was present for the handover, along with the Minister for Youth, Hon. Kate Lewis; Minister for Social Development and Housing, Hon. Delma Thomas; Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Peter David and Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Tobias Clement.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China, Dr. Zhao Yongchen, said the assistance is in keeping with Government’s efforts to modernise agriculture.

“As we all know, agriculture is one of the pillar industries of Grenada. The sustainable development of agriculture relates to the economic recovery, food security, and farmers’ livelihood. Under the leadership of Prime Minister, Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell, the Grenadian Government has adopted a stimulus package to reopen the economy and revitalize agricultural production,” he said. “This donation of 15 greenhouses, donated by our embassy, this time, covers every constituency of Grenada and goes in line with the Grenadian Government’s efforts to modernize the agriculture sector, enhance climate resilience, and improve farmers’ livelihood,” Ambassador Zhao stated.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Minister Bain Horsford, said that growing food in a protective structure is needed in repressing the effects of climate change and the donation of greenhouses fits nicely with the Min-

istry’s plan of increasing the use of protective agriculture structures for food production.

“It is incredibly fortuitous that these gifts are being given to us at this time as we deal with the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on our food and nutrition security. The Ministry has ensured that the beneficiaries of these greenhouses were selected based on objective and just criteria, ensuring that they will be used effectively,” she said.

“This Government is always looking at ways of meeting the needs and addressing the challenges of the agriculture community as it contributes so significantly to the socio-economic wellbeing of this country. One key strategy in the effort to overcome the challenges that face the sector is that collaboration and partnership. The People’s Republic of China has been collaborating and partnering with us in many of our interventions - this making the task a little bit easier.”

During the last 15 years, seven phases of the Agricultural Technical Cooperation between the Ministry of Agriculture and the People’s Republic of China, have been executed. Under the Agricultural Techni-

cal Cooperation Agreement, the Ministry has received approximately EC $15 million in material support (tools, equipment, vehicles, seeds, etc.). Currently, the Ministry and the Chinese Agricultural Mission are having discussions on the eight phases of that agreement.

Ministry of Agriculture… ensuring food and nutrition security for all.

AGRICULTURE CORNER

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE REFUTES CLAIMS THAT FARM MACHINERY EQUIPMENT IS KEPT AWAY FROM FARMERS

The Ministry of Agriculture and Lands wishes to reiterate that the farm machinery pool, received as part of the 7th Technical Cooperation Agreement between the Government of Grenada and The People’s Republic of China, is used exclusively to increase production in the Agricultural Sector throughout the tri-island State of Grenada.

During the opening ceremony of the 2020 Plant Distribution Season on July 14, 2020, the Hon. Yolande Bain-Horsford handed over the keys for one of the tractors to the sister isles of Carriacou and Petit Martinique, through the Ministry of Carriacou and Petit Martinique Affairs and Local Government and another tractor will be handed over to Her Majesty Prisons in the coming week.

discontinued its Farm Mechanization Service at Mirabeau, St. Andrew, after years of complaints from our farmers of not being able to receive adequate tractor or ploughing service. Prior to terminating operations at Mirabeau, the Ministry engaged several private service providers, who welcome the opportunity to provide the service to the farmers. To date, there are six private operators serving the nation’s farmers.

Prior to this, the Ministry donated some of the implements at Mirabeau to Carriacou and Petit Martinique, to improve the farm mechanization services there. On the mainland, the tractors will be used exclusively to service the propagation stations, estates, the La Sagesse Demonstration Farm and CARDI.

As part of the Ministry’s thrust to improve food and nutrition security, the decision was taken to donate the tillers to farmers in clusters, with six farmers benefitting from each cluster.

These farmers are into the production of staple food crops. The selection of the beneficiaries is complete, and the distribution of the tillers commenced on June 25, 2020, with the first recipient being The Rastafari Organisation for Centralization, in St. Mark. Subsequently, it was discovered that a part was missing, which was as a result of an error in the shipment.

Therefore, the distribution was placed on hold in anticipation of the arrival of the part, which will be on the island in the coming weeks.

More than a year ago, the Ministry

The Ministry views the claims as rather

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Agriculture Minister Hon. Yolande Bain-Horsford

unfortunate, given its commitment to working with private service providers in providing tractor or ploughing services under the restructured Farm Labour Programme.

Presently, beneficiaries of the labour programme, who are devoted to staple food crops production, are being assessed and this phase of the Farm Labour Programme will commence shortly.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Lands wishes to reiterate its commitment to the full implementation of the National Food Security Mitigation and Response Plan.

UPPER HOUSE RESPONDS TO SENATOR CAMPBELL’S RESIGNATION President of the Senate, Chester Humphrey, and Senators on paid tribute to farming and fishing Representative Dr. Dunstan Campbell, on Sept. 4, 2020, following the announcement of his resignation.

in the Senate. He, as a policy formulator, found the experience very rewarding.”

Leader of Government Business, Senator Simon Stiell, and Senator Terry Noel joined in recognizing the outgoing Senator. They Dr. Campbell resigned as a result of health believe his contributions were construccomplications, which have made him un- tive and the Senate has suffered a great able to perform and represent as efficient- loss as a result of his departure. ly as he would like.

Senator Stiell said, “We certainly wish him Senator Humphrey describes Dr. Camp- the best of health, moving forward, and bell’s contributions to the senate sittings what struck me about his contribution as rewarding. here was certainly his humbleness; his commitment to serving Grenada – not just He said, “Dr. Campbell’s contributions in the constituency that he represented, our the Senate were profound. He is of a mild farmers and our fishers, but his interest – demeanour, quiet, but indeed thorough. passion – for the development of our naHe indicated to me and he has allowed tion and always with an objective and conme to indicate to you that his resigna- structive perspective.” tion has come in the face of some medical challenges that he has been experiencing Noel said, “I believe it will be a great loss and that he has resigned after significant to St. John as well. I think that is where he’s thought and contemplation. He wants me from, because I think he might be the only to convey to you that he enjoyed being person here, in the Upper House, who is

Dr. Dunstan Campbell

from the area. I think Senator Katisha Williams has some connection there as well, but it will be a great loss for St. John and it will be a great loss for the agricultural sector.”

ANOTHER BATCH OF GRENADIANS DEPART FOR WORK ON CANADA FARMS

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Thirty-one Grenadian men left the island via an Air Canada flight on Aug. 31, 2020 to take up employment on the Verger Thomson Farm in Quebec, Canada.

The opportunity comes as part of the Canada Caribbean Seasonal Agricultural Program, facilitated by the Ministry of Labor. The group consists of first time workers to the program as well as those who have been recalled as a result of their excellent work skills and attitude.

Labor Minister, Hon. Peter David, said the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic slowed the process somewhat, but he is happy to see an increase in the number of men who will be employed in Canada.

He said, “It has been difficult since COVID, because with the onset of COVID the Canadians have had to pull back. Remember the program in Canada is dependent on the farmers in Canada coming to Grenada and choosing the workers off of a list that we have at the Ministry.

There have been some difficulties since COVID, but happily for us and happily for the persons who are engaged in the programme, the farm-

ers have restarted the programme and some left today and I want to wish them well. We met with them – the Ministry met with them – and hopefully this program will pick back up the kind of pace it had in the past and provide employment and training to many of our young people.”

Joseph Max Edwards of River Sallee, Marks, said the journey is his third and he believes that young men should make use of this financially rewarding opportunity.

“The program involves betterment for your future as a young man and if you have a family, to increase the betterment to come in more properly for you, you understand? And the opportunity I get, I wish everybody could get it and focus in whatever they coming to do. Make it a progressive thing for them and for the family,” he said.

First timer to the Canada Caribbean Seasonal Agricul-

ture Program, George Dennis, is prepared for the challenge ahead.

Dennis said, “This is my first time travelling to Canada on this farm work project. You know?

Well, I heard about it through a friend. He signed me up, which I did not know about – that is ASP Earl Dunbar and when he called me and tell me “Look, Dennis I had signed up for you for a contract,’ I was like...He said, ‘Yes, you’re going on a farm work project in Canada and I want you to give me my best’. He said, ‘I know you is a guy you hardworking and you give me your best’. I said, ‘Well, boss, it’s only the best is good enough for me, you know?’ and I going out there to give them my best shot – make Grenada proud at the end of the day. I have a set of guys with me. I am going to inspire them, because I’m a motivator and I’m going to motivate them and see that we hold the flag of Grenada flying high and do what we have to do and do it to the best of our ability.”

MINISTRY OF HEALTH COMMENCES FOGGING EXERCISE

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HEALTH MATTERS The Environmental Health

Department in the Ministry of Health, kicked-started its annual fogging campaign, as part of broader national efforts to suppress increasing cases of Dengue and reduce the Aedes aegypti mosquito population, on Sept. 1, 2020.

Fogging teams from the Ministry’s Vector Control Department, throughout the island, will be deployed in various communities targeting areas of suspected and confirmed dengue, while at the same time complementing the ongoing entomological surveillance of the Aedes aegypti mosquito.

The Ministry of Health is therefore kindly urging the public to take the necessary measures to ensure the success of these operations, by cooperating with the fogging teams and opening up their homes to allow the fog to enter, so that it can kill the mosquitoes.

CARPHA DONATES COVID-19 MEDICAL SUPPLIES TO MINISTRY OF HEALTH GRENADA Over three dozen of (COVID-19) medical supplies (surgical masks, surgical gloves, swabs and test kits); were delivered to the Ministry of Health by the Regional Security System (RSS) on behalf of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), during a recent stopover in Grenada.

The items were received by acting Permanent Secretary Dr. Francis Martin and acting Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Shawn Charles.

Martin, thanked the RSS flight crew for making the delivery possible and CARPHA for their unwavering support to public health excellence.

CARPHA, which is the lead public health agency in the Caribbean, has been working very closely with member states since the start of the novel coronavirus outbreak in China in 2019.

CARPHA also played a critical role in helping countries to diagnose the COVID-19 virus in the very early stages of the pandemic, by providing access to testing for a number of countries including Grenada.

Persons with respiratory difficulties such as asthma, are encouraged to stay away from the fog or inform the fogging team of their respiratory conditions.

Beekeepers are also asked to inform the team of any bee keeping activities, in the area to be fogged.

The public is also reminded of the existence of the Mosquito Destruction Act of 1952, which states that they are required to keep their premises free of the breeding of mosquito larvae, and that failure to do so can result in them being found guilty of an offense. The penalty for this is a fine $250.00 on summary

conviction in the first instance and $500.00 for subsequent violations. (Please be guided accordingly) For more information please contact the Vector Control Department by calling 440-2095.

CARRIACOU CORNER

CARRIACOU’S CASADA BAY RESORT LIMITED TO OPEN ITS DOORS IN 2021

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With phase one of the Casada Bay Resort Project inching closer to completion, the accommodation sector on the sister island of Carriacou will soon receive a significant room-stock increase.

In its first phase, the Casada Bay Resort involves the construction of two three-bedroom units, together with a restaurant and bar and is earmarked to be completed by April 2021.

In an interview, Project Manager of the Casada Bay Resort Limited, Sterlin Hennesey, stated that while COVID-19 has impacted the construction work negatively, plans are well in place for the completion of phase one of the project, guided by Government’s set protocol, upon the reopening

of construction work after the lockdown.

He added that the Casada Bay Resort Limited will target both long term and short-term visitors locally, regionally and internationally, offering top quality and upscale accommodations to all.

The resort will also target the cruising and yachting sector, with the incorporation of a mooring field for liveaboard yachters and cruisers, a proposal which has been presented to the Government of Grenada and awaits approval, Hennesey noted.

The second phase of the project entails the construction of 15 twobedroom units, which will come onstream in mid-2021 and will generate additional employment in Carriacou.

AGRICULTURAL DIVISION IN CARRIACOU BOASTS INCREASED CROP PRODUCTION Despite the global slowdown in various sectors, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Agricultural Division in the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs & Local Government is boasting increased crop production at the Government-operated farms and Carriacou on a whole, for the year 2020.

More than 15 acres of land have been cultivated at the three Government-operated Benson Patrice farms, on the island: the Belair Plant Nursery, Senior Agricultural Officer Dumfries Propagation Center and the LimCarriacou & Petite Martinique lair Livestock Station.

Senior Agricultural Officer in the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs & Local Government, Benson Patrice, said that upon Government’s call to the nation, amidst COVID-19, to place more emphasis on backyard gardening as a means of food security, the Agricultural Division, being the lead agency on the island, saw it fitting to lead by example. Consequently, there is now a high level of production at all Government-operated farms on the island.

For the year thus far, more than 12,000 vegetable seedlings have been produced in a wide variety and sold to farmers, while more than 170 gardens on the island received Government’s plow service.

Patrice added that the data is already record-breaking in comparison to past years and speaks volumes to the strength of the Agricultural sector

in Carriacou.

Despite being unable to render the plow service of the Agricultural Division in Petite Martinique this year, the island made use of a small rototiller and is also producing successful crops. Patrice announced that this will soon be something of the past, as the division has secured a new plow tractor for the island, from a generous contribution made by the People’s Republic of China.

He also noted that, as a means of promoting and encouraging youth to get involved in the sector, the Agricultural Division continues to run its 4-H programme throughout most schools on the island, focusing on practical agriculture and life skills, as well as providing incentive support under its Food Security Initiative Program.

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$I.6 MILLION HAPPY HILL BYPASS ROAD The Happy Hill Bypass Road Project is being undertaken by the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) and the contract has been awarded to Gilbert and Partners, at an estimated cost of EC $1.6 million, to connect two existing roads on completion.

Jason Williams, Project Engineer with the BNTF, a division of the Rural Development Unit, said the overall objective of the project is to create access for residents who live and farm in the area.

Williams said, “Upon completion we will have approximately one thousand three hundred and fifty-five feet of reinforced concrete pavement, which will also include box drains on one side and sleeper drains on the other.”

He notes that there is going to be a retaining structure, such as reinforced concrete retaining walls and in some areas the rocks that are found in the area will be used to create an embankment. In mitigating some

of the challenges posed by the rocky area, Williams said the contractor will ensure the rocks are pinned, which will benefit residents in terms of disaster mitigation.

The BNTF’s Project Engineer said GRENLEC has partnered with them to remove and relocate the electrical poles, in a timely manner, so that the work can proceed.

Parliamentary Representative for the area, Dr. the Rt. Hon Keith Mitchell, said the construction of the access road is long overdue and will open up opportunities for residents in the area.

Dr. Mitchell said the opening of the road will make access much easier, in the case of

emergencies, and can also serve as a detour, should an incident occur on a certain section of the road, between the Happy Hill Secondary School and the North West Constituency Office.

Once the utility poles have been removed and replanted and work fully resumes, Williams said the Happy Hill bypass road is projected to be completed by January 2021.

DIALOGUE BETWEEN MINISTRY OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT AND NAWASA ON PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGEMENTS The Ministry of Infrastructure Development, Public Utilities, Energy, Transport and Implementation is pleased to announce that protocols have been established with the National Water and Sewerage Authority (NAWASA), on the implementation of roads projects.

A meeting was held with the management of NAWASA on Aug. 21, 2020 to discuss the implementation arrangement of the Grenada Agriculture Feeder Roads Project and other strategic projects.

The value of the Feeder Roads project is EC $46.8 million and 11 roads will be re-constructed on mainland Grenada. The contract was awarded on August 5, 2020. It is expected that 250 jobs will be created. The road to be constructed in Carriacou was identified and the contract will be awarded in a separate project allotment.

The meeting with NAWASA was necessary to ensure synergy between the implementation schedule of the Ministry and NAWASA. This will minimize complaints of users of the roads who are concerned that in some instances, when the Ministry completes a section of a road, NAWASA will commence utility work or vice versa.

The General Manager of NAWASA, Christopher Husbands, expressed full support of the implementation schedule. The Ministry, through the office of the Permanent Secretary, Merina Jessamy, will arrange for the signing of memorandums of understanding (MOUs) to facilitate smooth implementation of the various projects.

The MOUs will explain the specific roles of NAWASA and the Ministry with respect to utility requirements and timelines, as well as the technical officers who will be supporting mobilization. The Ministry commits to providing regular updates on the implementation. The support and cooperation of the general public is anticipated.

For further information, please contact: • Mrs. Merina Jessamy, Permanent Secretary for Infrastructure Develop-

ment and Implementation at 440-2271 or via email at ps@moiid.gov. gd; • Ms. Najar Andall, Chief Technical Officer at 440-2271 or via email at cto@moiid.gov.gd.

Annex 1: Roads to be re-constructed - Grenada Agriculture Feeder Roads Project 1) Bailles Bacolet to La Pastora Road, St. David 2) Claboney Road, St, Andrew 3) Munich to Bacolet Bridge, St. Andrew 4) Morne Delice to Old Westerhall Road, St. David 5) La Borie Road, St. George 6) Willis to Constantine including 2 bridges, St. George 7) St. George’s Estate Road, St. George 8) Concord Road, St. John 9) Brothers to Mt. Cenis Road, St. John 10) Red Mud Road, St, Mark/St. Patrick