Government Information Service Newsletter - Vol. 1, Issue 10 - 2020

NEWSLETTER GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICE

ISSUE NO. 10

Monday, Sept. 7, 2020

Hon. Kindra Maturine-Stewart Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, Local Government and Legal Affairs

Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell

Hon. Kate Skeeter Lewis

Minister in the Prime Ministers Ministry with special responsibilty for Youth Development

Hon. Dr. Clarice Modeste-Curwen

Hon. Peter David

Minister for Civil Aviation, Tourism, Climate Resilience and the Enviroment

Hon. Gregory Bowen

Minister of State in the Ministry of Civil Avaition, Tourism, Climate Resilence, and the Enviroment with special responsibilty for Climate Resilience and the Enviroment

Minister for Agriculture, Forestry, Lands and Labour

Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs, Department of Public Administration, National Security, Youth Development, ICT and Disaster Management

Hon. Delma Thomas

Minister for Housing, Community Development, Social Services and Hospital Affairs

Hon. Pamela Moses

Minister in the Prime Ministers Ministry with Special Responsibility for Needy Assistance, Uniform Allowance, Special Projects and ICT

Hon. Yolande Bain-Horsford Minister for Sports, Culture & the Arts, Cooperatives and Fisheries

Minister for Finance, Public Utilities, Energy, Physical Development and Economic Development

Hon. Oliver Joseph

Sen. Hon. Dr. Winston Garraway

Sen. Simon Steil

Hon. Nickolas Steele

Minister for Health and Social Security

PRIME MINISTER ANNOUNCES

Hon. Emmalin Pierre

Minister for Education, Human Resource Development, Religious Affairs and Information

Hon. Alvin Dabreo

Minister for Trade, Industry and Consumer Affairs

Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Business and CARICOM Affairs

Minister of State in the Prime Ministers Ministry with special responsibility for Disaster Preparedness

Sen. Norland Cox

Minister for Infrastructural Development, Transport and Implementation

MINISTERIAL PORTFOLIO CHANGES INSIDE PAGE DISTRIBUTION OF E-LEARNING 04 DEVICES CONTINUES PAGE CHINESE HOUSING UNIT CRITERIA 08

ST. GEORGE’S MARKET OPENS Details on page 03

IN PHASED APPROACH

AND MUCH MORE...

NATIONAL ADDRESS BY DR. THE RT HON. KEITH MITCHELL PRIME MINISTER, GRENADA, CARRIACOU AND PETITE MARTINIQUE

Fellow Grenadians, all, I greet you this evening to bring news of the muchanticipated changes to the composition of the Cabinet of our country.

This change is more about facilitating Prime Minister, Dr. the personal growth and Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell development, and allowing Ministers to become more versatile, by managing different portfolios and most importantly, enabling Government to become more efficient in handling the affairs of the state.

Those who have closely monitored and followed my style of leadership would know that in the middle of any term of office, my usual approach is to give Ministers an opportunity to develop their skills in managing different areas of Government, especially if they have served in one Ministry for an extended period of time.

The portfolio changes are intended to give my Cabinet colleagues an opportunity to broaden their experience, and to bring a new outlook to another area of Government service. This Cabinet reshuffle entails a mix of changes. In addition to re-assigning Ministers to different ministries/ portfolios; in some instances, I have separated the portfolios included in some ministerial assignments and placed them with others.

Therefore, some Ministers will have additional responsibilities and/or, new areas of responsibilities. This Cabinet reshuffle will enhance our performance by allowing us to build on the progress made, and to solidify our achievements to date, while creating a springboard for future development.

Fellow Grenadians, all, these changes are being made with the clear understanding that we are living in the COVID-19 period, and as such, they are expected to enhance our successful control of the virus. We have done an excellent job here in Grenada so far, in preventing the spread of this disease, and while individual responsibility plays a significant role, Government’s leadership in this regard, has been critical in achieving the level of success to date.

Therefore, the changes being announced now will enhance our ability to ensure the continued protection of our beloved country and its people.

Sisters and brothers all, it is my firm belief that one of the greatest attributes of a successful leader lies not just in his accomplishments during his period of service, but also in the decisions taken to facilitate a smooth transition to new leadership.

In other words my friends, a true leader must have a sound succession plan that adequately prepares future leaders to seamlessly take over the reins of leadership.

Therefore, it was with this futuristic thinking that this Cabinet reshuffle has also been considered.

Here now are the Ministerial portfolio changes which will take effect in the first week of October.

Resilience and the Environment, and will be headed by Minister Clarice Modeste Curwen.

• The Minister in the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Tourism, and Climate Resilience, with specific responsibility for Climate

• Minister Nickolas Steele will continue to head the Ministry of Health and Social Security.

In addition, he will have the support of Minister Delma Thomas, who will work with him, and have specific responsibility for Hospital Services within that Ministry, in addition to her full responsibility as Minister for Housing, Community Development and Social Services.

Resilience and the Environment

• The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Consumer Affairs will now be headed by Minister Alvin Da Breo.

National Security, Youth

• The Ministry of Finance, Public Utilities, Energy, Physical and Economic Development will now be headed by Minister Gregory Bowen.

Minister.

• The Ministry of Infrastructure Development, Transport and Implementation will now be headed by Senator Norland Cox.

Assistance, Uniform Allowance,

• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Business and Caricom Affairs will now be headed by Minister Oliver Joseph.

• The Minister in the Prime

• The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Lands and Labour will now be headed by Minister Peter David.

• The Ministry of Sports, Culture and the Arts, Co-operatives and Fisheries will now be headed by Minister Yolande Bain Horsford.

• The Ministry of Education, Human Resource Development, Religious Affairs and Information will continue to be headed by Minister Emmalin Pierre.

• The Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism will have added with it, Climate

will be Senator Simon Stiell.

• The Ministry for Legal Affairs, Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs and Local Government will continue to be headed

by Minister Kindra MaturineStewart.

• The Department of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Development, Disaster Management and ICT, will now be headed by the Hon. Prime

• The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Ministry with special responsibility for Needy Special Projects and ICT will be Minister Pamela Moses.

Minister’s Ministry with special responsibility for Youth Development will be Minister Kate Lewis.

• The Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Ministry with special responsibility for Disaster Preparedness will be Senator Winston Garraway.

Ladies and gentlemen, sisters and brothers all, as I said, this is meant to give even more effectiveness to the management of this government. I ask therefore for your prayers for the new Ministers in their new roles as they continue to guide, and for the safety and development of this beautiful country

of

Martinique.

Thank you.

Grenada,

Carriacou

and

Petite

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ST. GEORGE’S MARKET OPENS IN PHASED APPROACH from overseas, et cetera. We don’t have much tourists now, but even the locals from different parts of the island come in to buy different things in the market and so. This is a plus, I’m very pleased and I’m looking forward to come shopping here myself.”

Member for the town of St. George, Hon. Peter David, in whose constituency the Market is located, is extremely happy with the work that has been completed thus far.

Infrastructure Development Minister Hon. Gregory Bowen Minister for Infrastructure Development, Public Utilities, Energy, Transport and Implementation, Hon. Gregory Bowen, announced that there will be a phased approach to the opening of the St. George’s Market, beginning on Sept. 1, 2020.

The Minister revealed this during an engagement with vendors at the Kirani James Athletic Stadium on August 31, following a tour of the facility with colleague Ministers, the Hon. Yolande BainHorsford and the Hon. Peter David.

The process to bring the market up to standard began in June 2020 and the inspection team is now satisfied that business can be conducted at buildings one and two in a phased approach, in keeping with established protocols.

“Effective September first, that is when it will be open for business. We don’t expect you to go in and start to sell immediately. You must go and do preparation and put in what you have to do. It might take you the whole week, but it is open for your use and we want you to work with the market management to go in their orderly, to make sure the place remains clean and you do everything in an orderly manner,” Minster Bowen explained.

“Building three is the new building that we will be putting up, so when we say building three it is not yet completed, it’s that new building that would be going up, so follow me as I say buildings one and two.”

Agriculture Minister, Hon. Yolande Bain Horsford, whose ministry gave assistance to the process, said she is impressed with the transformation of the facility.

“I’m so impressed, because usually when you talk about markets you’ll see a lot of stuff all over the place like it used to be. Now, we want to make it look clean and nice. We want to change the whole thinking of the people who are in the market because, really, the market is a tourism site as well.

People come in to see what is happening - people

David says there is no doubt that over the years there have been many problems in the St. George’s Market and, with this investment in its upgrade, it will not be business as usual.

“The market is not just a place where people sell

products, it’s a historic place, but it must perform the two roles: one - People must recognize its history, but also we must find enough space to allow people to make a living. The vendors who are here, the spice vendors, craft vendors, vegetable vendors, all of them must coexist. At the same time, the vendors, themselves, and everybody who works here must recognize their own responsibility to keep the place in a particular way, because, for example, if we develop it the way it should be developed and then cruise ships come in it must be inviting to the tourists,” he said.

Infrastructure Minister, Hon. Gregory Bowen, also announced that there will be a collaboration with the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) traffic department to close Granby Street on Fridays for vending purposes.

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DISTRIBUTION OF E-LEARNING DEVICES CONTINUES

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Eight secondary schools have so far benefited from the Ministry of Education’s e-learning devices distribution initiative.

Distribution of the devices to fifth form students started on September 7th, for students of Bishop’s College, Happy Hill Secondary School and the St. David’s Catholic Secondary school. On Tuesday, students from Hillsborough Secondary, Westerhall Secondary and St. Mark’s Secondary received their devices.

The GIS team went to the Grenada Boys Secondary and Boca Secondary on Wednesday to witness the distribution process. Project Officer in the Ministry of Education, Danielle Palmer, explained the process in place for collection of the devices.

“They would move on to registration, so at the registration point they will give the name of the student and we would verify the correct spelling. All of these things will take place at that station. Once all of that is verified, then they move on to the contract. Now at the contract station, verification is also done, every child is given a serial number and so the serial number is used from the registration point and is placed on the contract for the parents,” she said. “What we’ve been doing is we’ve been duplicating the contracts so that one contract goes to the parents and the other contract will stay with the Ministry of Education, and that’s for our record and to verify which child has received a device and if there are any issues or any problems coming up - anything for maintenance - we know who the parents are and who the child is and then the final station is collection. At the collection station, that’s where most of the work is, because after they receive the device it still has to be inspected. So, the box will be opened, they have to turn on the device, ensure that all the e-books are there.”

One hundred and fifty four students are expected to receive e-book devices at the institution. A fee of EC $25 is required for the students who already have access to the Governments’ School Book Program and $50 for those who are not registered.

GIS spoke with one parent and student at the Grenada Boys Secondary School. They explained how the initiative will benefit them.

“I feel happy that the Government has taken on this initiative to introduce

this approach. I think it will help them in a number of ways, both to do the online as well as the research aspect of their education. It also widens their scope as well, so I’m quite happy and elated to be participating in this program,” said Lance Simpson, one of the parents present at the distribution activity.

GBSS Student, Ronaldo Charles said, “Knowing that we are in form 5 and we can use it to do SBA’s and, so, and it can also help the financially unstable students that cannot afford a device. So, I think it will be a very great thing for us going ahead,” – said.

At the Boca Secondary School, District 5’s Acting Education Officer, Natasha Thomas, gave an overview of the day’s proceedings.

“We’ve had sixty-three students listed for devices, a total of forty parents came and got their devices, so that gives us a percentage of sixty-three percent. So almost two-thirds of the students came to receive their devices today,” Thomas said.

E-book devices distribution will continue throughout the month.

TAMCC OUTLINES REOPENING GUIDELINES The T.A. Marryshow Community College (TAMCC) has announced that classes will resume from Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2020, for the second year students.

The community college, like all other learning institutions, was closed in March, as the Government implemented measures to deal with the impact of COVID-19.

During a press conference on September 10, TAMCC Registrar, Marva BowenNeptune, said while year two students will resume classes next week, year one students will commence in the first week of October. The late start is due to the delay in CXC results.

Bowen-Neptune said, “On the 22 September, unofficially, we would have CXC results and so from the week of the 22 – that would be from the 23 – the year one students – prospective students, who apply to the college, we would have them registered; pay for the year. The format for that we would inform you shortly, because we cannot do it like we did it before, so we will do it on a phased basis. So, within that week you would be coming to the college to do your advising and we would let you know how we would do your registration.

We want to keep the COVID protocols – we want to keep that in check.”

Dean of the School of Applied Arts and Technology, Merlisia John, said the college will adopt protocols, as approved by the Ministry of Health. Screening will be conducted at each campus daily.

trance to every campus. Persons exhibiting elevated temperatures will not be allowed to enter the campus, but rather will be directed to seek medical attention. Anyone presenting flu-like, or COVID symptoms, prior to being in the college, will remain at home. The important thing here is to communicate. There needs to be open communication to ensure that everyone remains in the information circle. If anyone, however, begins presenting the above symptoms after arriving at the Tanteen campus, that person will immediately call the campus nurse and initiate a process of moving from post to a specially assigned COVID sick bay, for assessment by the nurse.”

John said, “Temperature checks will be conducted on everyone, at the en-

TAMCC will hold its annual graduation ceremony on October 29.

RECOMMENDATIONS FROM YOUTH TO BE GIVEN PRIORITY FOR 2021 BUDGET

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Prime Minister, Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell

Minister for Finance, Dr. Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell, has assured the young people of Grenada that their recommendations will be given priority, as the Government prepares for budget 2021, in very unique and challenging times.

Dr. Mitchell, who was at the time addressing more than 200 young people at the 2021 Youth Budget Consultation, said the input from youth will play both a direct and indirect role in the formulation of the budget, as any decision made in this period will have an enormous impact on their lives.

Reiterating that planning for the budget will be critical, Dr. Mitchell said, “We have to look at ways of raising revenue differently. We have

to look at the opportunities to transform the local economy.”

Government has established a task force that will examine areas of transformational activities, the recommendations of which will be included in the budget. In addition, members of the Economic Advisory Committee will advise the Finance Minister and Cabinet on what was described as ‘more revolutionary ways to transform the economy of the country to prepare for the upcoming period’.

Minister for Youth, Hon. Kate Lewis, said Government is committed to achieving a robust economy, with young people at the centre of development. However, she said

GOVERNMENT MOURNS DEATH OF IRVA BAPTISTE-BLACKETT, COMPOSER OF NATIONAL ANTHEM OF GRENADA The Government of Grenada said it is with a profound sense of sadness that it has learnt of the death, on Sept. 8, 2020, of Irva Baptiste-Blackett, 95, who is the composer of the Grenada National Anthem.

Baptiste-Blackett, a former school principal and music teacher, received the Camehogne Silver Award during the 2009 Independence celebrations, as the writer of the National Anthem.

Prime Minister, Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell, said Grenada has lost a truly patriotic and dedicated individual, who understood the importance of unity and love for country.

Irva Baptiste-Blackett composer of Grenada National Anthem

He said, “Mrs. Blackett was an extraordinary Grenadian, who put country first. Her composition of the National Anthem serves to distinguish us as a people and, for that, we are eternally grateful.”

Baptiste-Blackett was an educator who impacted the lives of thousands of Grenadians, many of whom continue to make a meaningful contribution to this country.

The Government of Grenada extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Irva Baptiste-Blackett.

they must be ready to play their part.

“It will take innovation and commitment from young people to move the country forward, with the current challenges that confronts us,” Minister Lewis said.

The Government was also commended by the youth representatives at the meeting for its leadership role during this period and its desire to include them in the decision making process.

The 2021 budget will be guided by the theme: “Towards Vision 2035, Recovery, Transformation and Resilience.”

GOVERNMENT UNDERTAKES MAJOR REPAIRS ON SCHOOLS IN CARRIACOU AND PETITE MARTINIQUE

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In addition to the ongoing repairs on the Mt. Pleasant, Windward and Hillsborough Pre-Primary Schools and the completion of significant upgrading of the L’Esterre R.C. School and Bogles Pre-primary School, plans are in motion, by the Government of Grenada, to undertake major repairs at other schools in Carriacou and Petite Martinique .

In the coming weeks, two school repair projects, costing EC $80,000.00, are expected to commence as part of Government’s effort to enhance the schools’ environment and make them more conducive for learning. in the tune of Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs & Local Government, Hon. Kindra Maturine-Stewart, said via a telephone interview that notwithstanding the challenges faced by COVID-19, the Government of Grenada continues to invest significantly in the education sector in Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

The Minister added that while schools were on holiday, Government took the opportunity to install new doors and windows, together with a complete kitchen redesign at the L’Esterre R.C School. Additionally, the Bogles Community Center’s bottom floor was retrofitted to accommodate the Bogles Pre-School. Hon. Kindra Maturine-Stewart said one of these was the delivery of a 2018 election campaign promise to relocate the Bogles Pre-

primary School to its rightful place.

In closing, Minister Stewart commended her Cabinet Colleague, Minister for Education, Human Resource Development, Religious Affairs and Information, Hon. Emmalin Pierre, and her team for their usual support and commitment in ensuring that the environment of schools in Carriacou and Petite Martinique are comfortable for both learning and teaching.

MINISTRY OF CARRIACOU AND PETITE MARTINIQUE AFFAIRS HOST OFFICIAL SEND-OFF FOR TOP SPRINTER, ZAIN MC FARLENE The Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs & Local Government hosted an official send-off ceremony on Sept. 9, to mark the departure of Carriacou’s 16-year-old 100 and 200 meter sprinter, Zain Mc Farlene, who traveled to Jamaica on Sept. 11, to undertake studies in Athletics under a three-year full-time scholarship by the Jamaica College.

The academic and athletic scholarship by the Jamaica College includes full payment of school fees; accommodation - including meals and laundry services; books and uniform; medical support for all track injuries; including nutritional supplements, and a monthly stipend of EC $700.00 from the Government of Grenada. Zain is the first athlete from Carriacou to receive a scholarship in the area of athletics.

Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs & Local Government, Hon. Kindra Maturine-Stewart, extended well-wishes to Zain as he embarks on his new academic and athletic journey. She encouraged him to use the opportunity as a pathway to greater success, with regard to his socio-economic background and challenges encountered in the past. Minister Stewart also commended the Founder of the Grenada Sports and Wellbeing Foundation for creating such a lifechanging opportunity and all those who’ve played a part in Zain’s success thus far.

Founder of GSWF, Trevor Mc Intosh, described the success in securing the scholarship at the Jamaica College as a reward after a hard, but not yet finished, journey and explained his encounter with Zain. He also commended Minister Stewart and Permanent Secretary, in Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs & Local Government, Rholda Quamina, for their hard work and support on the initiative.

Other well-wishers who shared remarks at the official send-off ceremony were Zain’s mother, Tanasha Mc Farlene; Quamina; District One Area Education Officer, Rosalina Lendore; Senior Coach, Sebastian Stiell, and Coach Lenroy Jack from Bishop’s College.

Zain also received a monetary contribution from Minister Maturine-Stewart, and the Inter-Grenadines Secondary Schools Athletics Committee (IGSSAC).

POSTGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS IN GERMANY

LAUNCH OF SAEP WEBSITE

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The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany is offering scholarships in Germany for the following Postgraduate courses: Architecture, performing arts, fine art, Film, design/visual Communication and Film.

For more detailed information and guidance in applying please see these links below:

• DAAD website section PhD studies and research

• Website Research in Germany

• Website GERiT – German Research Institutions

• DAAD website Important information for DAAD scholarship applicants Interested applicants who wish to apply for additional scholarship opportunities for studies PhD, Research, scientists and professors may follow these links below: www.funding-guide.de, www.daad.de/deutschland, www.study-in.de, www.research-in-germany.de Candidates can either be self-financed or apply for the full or partial scholarship from DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service).

• Please see the link below for Master studies for all academic disciplines: www.daad.de/en/stip7

• Please see link below for postgraduate studies for Artistic disciplines and Architecture: www.daad.de/en/stip8, www.daad.de/en/stip9, www.daad.de/stip10, www.daad. de.en/stip11

• Please see the link below for summer courses in Germany : www.daad.de/en/stip5

• Please see link below for Research Grants: www.daad.de/en/stip3

• Please see link below one (1) year grants for Doctoral programs: www.daad.de/enstip3

• Please see link below for research Doctoral programs: www.daad.de/en/stip12 Eligibility: • Applicant can either be from a public authority or private company and be engaged in the planning and execution of directives and projects with emphasis on development policies having a bearing on technological, economics or social areas; • Applicant should have a bachelor’s degree (4 years) in the related subject; • Applicant should have completed an academic degree with grades above average and will have at least two (2) years of related professional experience; • Applicant should not be older than 36-years-old (for some courses the age limit is 32) and should have obtained his/her respective academic degree not more than six (6) years ago.

Documents to be uploaded to the DAAD portal:

• Online application form (kindly follow the link for guide to apply to the online portal)

• Full curriculum vitae in tabular form (max. 3 pages)

• List of publications (max. 10 pages), if applicable

• Extensive and detailed description of the research proposal which has been agreed upon with the academic adviser and a description of previous research work (max. 5 pages with max. 3.000 characters without spaces per page, plus two (2) pages of graphics if necessary)

• Schedule of planned research work

• Letter confirming supervision by an academic adviser in Germany, which refers to the applicant’s proposal and confirms that the host institute will provide a workplace

• University degree certificate indicating final grade(s): the certificate must be subsequently submitted before the grant-supported research begins if it is not available at the time of application.

• Other documents which support your application (example: certificates of employment, proof of practical training/internships, etc.)

• Proof of admission to a doctoral programme at the home university insofar as the applicant intends to take a doctoral degree there

• The list of publications, if applicable, should refer to the last 5 years only.

Interested applicants should email the embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago at info@ports.diplo.de .

Please note: One (1) copy of all documents submitted must be delivered to the Ministry of Education, Human Resource Development, Religious Affairs and Information.

The Climate Smart Agriculture and Rural Enterprise Programme – SAEP - launched its the newly designed and official website, Saep.gov.gd., on Aug. 31, 2020.

Sections of relevant, categorized information are available to the general public. Programme committee chair, Allister Bain, commends the team for a well done job. He said in a technologically developing world, the website will be a source of providing relevant, constructive information.

“I will like to commend the team for taking the initiative to create the website. I believe it is long overdue, but we have had the vision and we are now realizing that vision. Most importantly, I would like to commend Mr. Daniel. It is not very often we take these types of initiatives, using a local entrepreneur, and the recruitment of Mr. Daniel is very timely. It speaks volumes to the capacity and to the talent that we have locally and when we see a young person, venturing into this type of engagement, it gives us a lot of hope for the future. It also resonates too, with the projects of SAEP, that also include business and entrepreneurial development,” he said.

The website will be frequently updated. The beneficiaries, and by extension the local and regional society are invited to make use of the website.

Web developer and managing director of Azure IT Solutions, Kendell Daniel, is honored to be on this endeavor with the Climate Smart Agriculture and Rural Enterprise Programme. He said the action taken by SAEP is beneficial.

“Going digital is not an option anymore. We live in an age where everything needs to be digital – immediate, I would say. So, I would first like to take the opportunity to commend SAEP for actually making that move. It’s a move in the right direction,” he said. “What will be displayed today, is a work in progress. We have put things in place to ensure that the website will be continuously updated and when you think of development, you think of code, but what we did – we actually did a lot of the hard work in the back end, so that the persons at SAEP wouldn’t have to do any hard work. So, gone are the days where you will sit down and develop from scratch, or actually code. It’s a matter of being able to use simple tools to deliver information.”

CHINESE HOUSING UNITS CRITERIA

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Housing Minister, Hon. Delma Thomas, says a percentage of the low income housing units will be reserved for emergency use upon completion in 2021.

Units in three of the five sites across island are nearing completion. According to Minister Thomas, by the end of 2020 units in St. Patrick, St. Mark and Carriacou will be completed, with a scheduled 2021 deadline set for the remaining two sites, which are Beausejour and Corinth, St. David.

During the Government’s weekly Post Cabinet Briefing, Minister Thomas highlighted the criteria in place for application for the housing units.

“Persons who already have a house cannot apply for an additional house.

So, if you have a house before, you cannot apply and say well I want a unit for my child. The units will be for persons who never owned a house before.

That’s the first criteria. Low income earners – so, if you’re earning a particular low income then you would be given priority. Public Officers will also be given priority. While we say low income earners, there are Public officers who will be able to apply and get through,” she said.

“We’re looking at our nurses, Teachers, and Police Officers among other Public Officers. However, the majority will be for low income earners. Consideration will be given to persons in the constituency or parish.”

A percentage, she said, will be reserved for persons with disability, persons living with an abusive partner, victims of fires and as an emergency shelter.

She said, “There’s also a percentage that will be held back by the Ministry and it is something that we have done in the other sites, for issues of violence, domestic violence and other forms of emergency housing needs. So, in the case of a fire, for example, the Ministry will have what you would call free units that can be used for a period not exceeding six months.”

Prime Minister, Dr. the Right Hon. Keith Mitchell, recently told GIS that he is pleased with the investment made to remedy the issues of housing facing

the country. He reiterated that priority will be given to those in need of the units.

“The investment in the housing scheme also is of particular importance. It is - one of the most daring needs of the community has been the lack of housing facilities - in the country as a whole - and we have seen the developments in several areas. The people in the northwest have felt that they need to see some activities. Among the houses we have negotiated for in 2004, we’re getting a significant portion now and hopefully by February/March next year that project will be completed and the houses will be given out,” the Prime Minister said. “The Ministry of Housing is the one responsible for it. They already have application forms out and people can start applying. They will state certain conditions. In other words, priority will be given to the people who have absolute need. People who are able to get a loan and build their own homes will not be the ones of priority for their particular project.”

RECERTIFICATION OF SEED BENEFICIARIES Beneficiaries under the Ministry of Social Development’s Support for Education Empowerment and Development (SEED) Programme will undergo a recertification process for a few months.

The process is geared at assessing individuals who are currently registered, to determine whether or not their needs qualify them to be under the programme. Minister for Social Development, Hon. Delma Thomas, explained that beneficiaries are recertified every two years.

She said the process will adopt a phased approach, which will commence with more than 700 individuals who have an improvement in living conditions and whose grants go directly to the bank.

“Those persons who are in the first phase are beneficiaries with observable improvements in living conditions and you may ask, ‘What does that mean, and how do you decide?’

There are persons within the different communities, who when they applied for SEED two years ago had no income. They were unemployed; some started as Imani trainees and they ended up being teachers. Some were Imanis in the police. Now they are permanent police of-

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social Development Chrissie Worme-Charles

listed to be recertified.

Minister for Social Development Hon. Delma Thomas

ficers. Some were in other aspects and now got employed and therefore these would be the first group of persons, because when you applied, the application said unemployed, however at this period you are now employed.”

Social Workers will lead the process of evaluating beneficiaries. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social Development, Chrissie Worme-Charles, said a total of 4000 persons are

“We have roughly over four thousand persons to recertify, so you would imagine the time that it would take and based under the COVID stipulation and protocols. So, we’re looking at possibly within the space of nine months. That’s just an estimation. So, we will be rolling out shortly, for the rest of the year. We will be looking at close to 900 and in the coming months. We will see how it goes, but we’re looking at something roughly under nine months,” Worme-Charles said.

AGRICULTURE CORNER

PROGRESS MADE AT COCONUT TISSUE CULTURE PLOT

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Efforts to resuscitate the Coconut Industry in Grenada continues, as the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands provides support to farmers who benefitted from a tissue culture coconut initiative in 2016.

The initiative was supported by the Government of Grenada, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, the Yucatan Centre for Scientific Research (CICY), the Mexican Embassy in St Lucia and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA).

Through this collaborative venture, Grenada was provided with tissue-cultured plants to address the rehabilitation of the coconut industry, through the provision and establishment of improved, early bearing cultivars that are high yielding, disease-resistant and of good tasting quality. One farmer, Joy Peters, who received 15 of these plants in 2016, is now preparing for the harvesting of coconuts.

During a visit to Peters’ farm on Aug. 14, 2020, at La Sagesse, St. David, he said, “I was very happy being one of those farmers selected to grow the coconut and to show my appreciation, the least I could have done is to take care of the coconut plants. I wanted to make sure the Ministry and IICA were happy to see the work that I was doing to contribute to the rehabilitation of the coconut industry in Grenada.”

The field visit was undertaken by a delegation, which comprised of the Minister for Agriculture and Lands, Hon. Yolande BainHorsford; Honorary Consul for Mexico to Grenada, Magdalena Fielden; National Specialist at IICA, Derek Charles, and Agronomist, with responsibility for coconuts in the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, Troy Augustine.

Minister Bain-Horsford commended Peters for the work that he has done on his farm and committed the Ministry’s support towards this project.

The Minister said, “I was delighted to see the work he has done on this plot. We at the Ministry are trying to resuscitate the coconut industry. It is a joy for us that Mr. Peters’ farm is standing out,” she added.

The tissue cultured plants, which came in from Mexico, took approximately three months in the nursery and were hardened for approximately six months before they were handed over to farmers.

According to the Honorary Consul for Mexico to Grenada, Mrs. Magdalena Fielden, “Mexico had the seedlings to start this project. When we received them, these plants were babies. I am happy to see how tall and healthy they are.

I will do my utmost to have discussion aimed at getting more seeds.”

Agronomist, Troy Augustine, who has been working with the crop for about 10 years said, “The plants imported from Mexico are high yielding, disease-resistant and can begin bearing within four years and in the fifth year produce fully. We are committed to getting these trees into full production and to get more farmers involved so they can have an additional income.”

IICA’s National Specialist, Mr. Derek Charles, stated that the recent visit was one of the ways of assessing the outcome of the project, by ensuring that Grenada has created the basic capacity required to rehabilitate the coconut industry and has access to improved earlybearing coconuts that are high yielding and disease resistant.

The Ministry of Agriculture is ensuring that sustained planting

comes from good planting material and in this regard anticipates that the nuts from the tissue cultured coconut palms will provide a lot more coconut seeds that many more farmers can benefit from, to establish new fields or extend already established plots. More than 20 farmers benefited from the project. The Ministry of Agriculture and Lands continues to offer technical support to the benefiting farmers.

AGRICULTURE CORNER

AGRICOM TO COMMENCE PROJECT SUPPORT TO BENEFICIAIRIES

The Grenada OECS Regional Agriculture Competitiveness Project (AGRICOM) anticipates that project support to beneficiaries will commence in October 2020.

AGRICOM will roll-out project support to the first batch of Aggregators/Agro-processors (AAs) in collaboration with their associated Farmers/Fishers (FFs) – together called Productive Alliance.

The Productive Alliance’s business Idea proposals (categorised as Agro-products, Apiculture & Honey, Cocoa Products, Fish, Nutmeg products, Ornamental Plants/ Cut flowers, Poultry, Ruminant-Goat and Vegetables) were approved and moved to the business plan phase currently assessed by external evaluators in the industry.

Upon finalisation of the business plan

evaluation process, all successful Productive Alliances will be required to submit all necessary supporting documents to facilitate smooth implementation of a matching grant and voucher program.

AGRICOM is therefore proud to reaffirm its commitment to deliver increased productivity and sales, market access, consistent and timely supply and income generation to men and women throughout Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique in the Agricultural sector.

This, in turn, will translate to competitiveness, employment and sustainable livelihoods.

BACKGROUND Grenada OECS Regional Agricultural Competitiveness Project (AGRICOM), is a sixyear project (2017-2023), through a financing agreement by the Government of Grenada and

10

the World Bank, International Development Association (IDA) and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD)), in the amount of U.S. $4 million.

AGRICOM’s Project is to enhance access to markets and sales for competitively selected farmers and fishers, as well as their allied aggregators and agro-processors, in Grenada.

For further information, please call (473) 4402708/3078 Ext. 62631, or email: agricom@ gov.gd Ministry of Agriculture…ensuring food and nutrition security for all

MEET THE FARMER: 30-YEAR-OLD RONDEL MORAIN Thirty-year-old Rondel Morain appreciates the role that he plays in improving the nation’s food supply, but aspires to progress onto bigger ventures, as he has his eyes set on the regional and international markets.

Morain, a resident of La Tante, St. David, has been farming for the past two and a half years and is pleased with the progress he has been able to make. Farming, he says, has allowed him to be more creative.

“I love that we are able to come up with ideas and plans; then try to execute them. Looking at our plans being executed and the results we can manifest, I like that,” he said.

In the beginning, farming was done in his spare time, but this has changed into a full-time business venture. “With my team, everyone has a role to play. I keep the books, harvest and do deliveries. My partner is fulltime in the garden, so you can find him doing things like weeding; plowing. This is working for us. We have no challenges in getting the work done. We oper-

ate strategically. We keep records. We assess the market to see what’s needed,” he said.

Morain specializes in crops such as peppers, melons and other vine crops, which he supplies to the hotels, supermarkets, and vendors.

One of his best farming practices is using lines instead of sticks for propping his beans and tomatoes. According to him, “It’s a big plot of land so this technique saves time.”

Rondel believes that farmers must be strategic in order to succeed.

“Even though I just started, what I can advise is that farmers have to be organized. You have to work collectively, plan strategically; observe the market to understand when other farmers plant certain crops. In that way, you know which crops will be in demand, when and know how to plant,” he said.

Morain added,” You cannot just go to your farm one day and say, I feel to put down four trays of peppers today and expect it all to sell. You have to understand the market.”

This farmer encourages individuals interested in agriculture to develop an understanding of the challenges that come with the career.

“It is not as simple as it looks. You can talk the talk, but when it is time to walk the walk it is a different journey. I made a lot of mistakes.

There were times I felt like quitting because it is not as simple as it looks. Sometimes, we see a farmer’s plants and don’t know the risk and losses that he took,“ he said.

Rondel and his two-member team has fourteen acres of land cultivated.

In the next five to 10 years, Rondel wants to export his produce, including branching out into ginger production for both the local and international markets and dragon fruit for the local market.

“We are not going to box ourselves in. We are going to keep working. We want to make it bigger and start exporting. We want to capitalize on the demand there is for ginger,” Morain said.

He believes that persistence and determination can contribute to one’s success.

“There were times we plant almost twenty trays of tomatoes and after one week they went to the ground. For us, failure is not an option, so we never give up. It is business. Not every day we will expect everything to bloom.”

AGRICULTURE CORNER

CARDI COLLABORATES WITH FAO TO OFFER SWEET POTATO FLOUR TO GRENADA

11

The Caribbean Research and Development Institute (CARDI), has collaborated with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), in offering a solar energy drying project, geared at producing flour out of root crops.

At a cost of U.S. $69,000, this initiative, which will be ran as a pilot project, ties in with Grenada’s thrust in dealing with the effects of climate change on crop production.

The idea behind this project is to use solar energy in the processing of foods, with the hope that it can be adapted on a wide scale, thus reducing the impacts of climate change. The solar dryers can be used for all root crops but will specifically focus on Sweet Potato Flour for this project.

“The idea, initially, was to promote Cassava Flour, but then we decided to promote Sweet Potato Flour as the major one,” said CADI Representative to Grenada, Reginald Andall.

“Sweet Potato Flour is not really anything that is practiced in Grenada, as such. We have some degree of Cassava Flour but, nevertheless, the principle of solar drying in root crops for making of flour and food preservation is the whole idea.”

Andall said due to the challenges COVID-19 presented for food security in the country, there has been an increased interest for sweet potato planting materials. This, he said, dispels any concerns that there may not be enough sweet potatoes to support the initiative.

“What we have seen here at CARDI is a mas-

sive, massive increase by farmers and home gardeners in sweet potato production and this increase took place as a result of COVID-19. People has taken it into their own hands to try to increase their local food production and this is the first year in many, many years that we have seen such a great demand upon us for sweet potato planting material,” he remarked.

The initiative was launched, virtually, two weeks ago and what follows next is the setting up of systems to get the project off the ground. The plan is two have two solar dryers housed with two root crop farming groups on the island.

“That farmers’ group will have to be decided upon by the Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with ourselves and then we have to build the solar dryers,” he said.

Work will begin in October and will run until December, where he said, “We hope to have those things on the ground, so that we can implement and thus have that on-the-ground demonstration to farmers and processers of food and the public.”

“For it to be very effective, we have to do a lot of promotion work, because the use of Cassava Flour; the use of Sweet Potato Flour is really at its infancy in Grenada. So, drying of root crops for use in food preservation, that has to be promoted in a much greater degree, but the spin-off in the use of the solar dryers in the seamoss and fish drying culture, I think we are going to have a better impact there.”

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

MINISTRY OF HEALTH CONTINUES FOGGING EXERCISE

ST. GEORGE’S, GRENADA, SEPT. 11, 2020 - The Environmental Health Department in

12 the Ministry of Health announces another round of fogging, to take place in the St. Andrew MINISTRY OF HEALTH CONTINUES FOGGING EXERCISE HEALTH MATTERS

District next week.

The schedule the week 14 to 17, 2020, The schedule for the week for of September 14 toof 17,September 2020, is as follows: is as follows:

DAYS

DATE

AREA

TIME

Monday

14th September

Felix Park &

4pm

Environs Tuesday

15th September

CafĂŠ/ Crochu &

4pm

Environs Wednesday

16th September

Mamma Cannes &

4pm

Environs

The Environmental Health Department in the Ministry of Health announces another round of fogging, to take place in the St. Andrew District next week.

The MOH officially launched its 2020 annual fogging campaign on September 1, 2020, as part of broader national efforts to suppress cases of dengue and reduce the Aedes aegypti mosquito population.

The Ministry of Health is appealing to 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.

Persons with respiratory difficulties such as Asthma, are again reminded 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 asked to be mindful 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 of $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 (473) 440-2095.

Thursday

17th September

Marquis &Environ

4pm

The MOH officially launched its 2020 annual fogging campaign on September 1, 2020, as part of broader national efforts to suppress cases of dengue and reduce the Aedes aegypti mosquito population.

The Ministry of Health is appealing to 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.

ELECTION OF A REPRESENTATIVE TO BE APPOINTED AS AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES SENATOR

13

The Ministry of Agriculture and Lands wishes to advise the public of the recent resignation of Senator Dr. Dunstan Campbell, Agriculture and Fisheries Representative in the Senate, and the urgent need to elect a representative, to be appointed as the new Agriculture and Fisheries Senator.

The Ministry believes that the process must be conducted in a fair and transparent manner and has appointed Mr. Fitzroy James to serve as the Lead Elections Officer.

To this end, a plenary meeting will be held on Wednesday Sept.16, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. at the Grenada Trade Center Annex, in St. George. Representatives of farmers and fishers organizations, as well as individual farmers and fisher folks who are registered with the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands’ Fisheries Division in the Ministry of Climate Resilience, the Environment, Forestry, Fisheries and Disaster Management and the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs are invited to participate in the selection process for the new Agriculture and Fisheries Senator. Farmers and fisher folks, who are desirous of participating in the process, will be required to present a valid farmer or fisher’s registration card.

Resigned - Senator Dr. Dunstan Campbell

Please be advised that all COVID-19 protocols will be observed and we encourage all to be guided accordingly.

The Ministry extends its profound gratitude to Senator Dr. Dunstan Campbell for his significant contribution in the Senate and wishes him well on his retirement from senatorial duties.

‘MAN-BOX - PASSPORT TO MANHOOD’ TO IMPART LIFE SKILLS TO YOUNG MEN FROM THREE COMMUNITIES The Ministry of Social Development will implement an EC $8,000 EUfunded initiative that will impart life-skills knowledge to young men, who are within the age of 15 to 19-years old.

‘Man-Box - Passport to Manhood’ will target young men from Willis, Mt. Horne and Mt. Rich, over a ten week period.

The communities were chosen based on statistics from the Magistrate’s Court. Social Development Minister, Delma, says 10 to 15 young men from each community will benefit from the pilot program, which was launched on September 10, 2020.

“The Ministry’s case workers have identified prevalent social issues within the identified communities. Additionally, a community assessment to appraise the needs, assets or resources were undertaken in May 2019 within the neighboring communities of Willis and New Hampshire St. George,” Minister Thomas said. “The following are some of the reported social issues emanating from the assessment: lack or poor parenting skills, unemployment, consumption of drugs and alcohol by both males and females, incest and truancy.”

Certificates of participation will be distributed upon completion. The session will last for a period of 45 minutes to one hour every Monday at the Willis, Mt. Horne and Mt. Rich centers.

Chrissie Worme-Charles, Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social Development, Housing & Community Development, highlighted the benefits of the initiative.

“Often, it is said that our focus is primarily on women, but this Man Box would prove to be different, in the sense that it will be exposing our young men to different life skills strategies to assist them, as they encounter any difficult moments in their lives and especially transacting in this period,” she said. “We’ve also noticed that over the pandemic we would have had three suicides for males and this is part of our Ministry’s response to address situations such as these. I think it is very important for us not to just focus on our women and girls, but also very importantly our males.”

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social Development Chrissie Worme-Charles

• Tuition and necessary expenses for degree program offered by Japanese Universities

JAPANESE SCHOLARSHIPS

14

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in collaboration with the Government of Grenada is offering a long-term training scholarship opportunity in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Global Leader from 2021-2023.

The scholarship is open to Government officials and prospective Grenadians who are expected to contribute to policy formulation and/or implementation for tackling sustainable developmental issues mainly in the fields of public policy / administration and economics.

• To be eligible to apply for this opportunity applicants must meet the following requirements: • Must be 40-years-years old and under • Must have a bachelor’s or master’s degree • Must be a Grenadian national • Must be accepted by a University in Japan (see the attached list of Universities under the progam) • Must be approved by JICA • Scholarship benefits: • Round trip air travel • Living allowance for participants

• Three (3) copies of all documents below must be sent to the Scholarship Desk: • Completed application forms to be obtained from Scholarship Desk • Certified copies of ALL academic certificates obtained from previous educational Institutions • One (1) original TAMCC transcript and two (2) certified copies • Certified copies of Birth Certificate • Copies of front page with bio-data information of valid passport • Copies of medical certificate issued by a medical doctor attesting to the physical fitness of the candidate and certifying that he/she is vaccinated and isn’t suffering from any contagious or acute disease.

Miefurther University Toyohashi University of Technology For information regarding application procedures, please contact the Ministry of Education, Human Resource Development, Religious Affairs and Kyoto University Kyoto Institute of Technology Information at telephone number 1(473) 440-2737/8 or 1 (473) 417-9762, or email at hr@moe.gov.gd Osaka University

Kobe University

Completed applications must reachShimane the Division NO LATER THAN OCTOBER Tottori University University 16, 2020

UNIVERSITIES UNDER THE PROGRAM ARE AS FOLLOWS:

UNIVERSITIES UNDER THE PROGRAM ARE AS FOLLOWS: Obihiro University of Agriculture and Hokkaido University Veterinary Medicine

Okayama University

Hiroshima University

Yamaguchi University

Tokushima University

Kagawa University

Ehime University

Iwate University

Tohoku University

Kochi University

Naruto University of Education

Akita University

Yamagata University

Kyushu University

Kyushu Institute of Technology

Ibaraki University

Utsunomiya University

Saga University

Nagasaki University

Saitama University

Chiba University

Kumamoto University

Oita University

Yokohama National University

University of Yamanashi

University of Miyazaki

Kagoshima University

Niigata University

University of Tsukuba

University of the Ryukyus

Yokohama City University

Nagaoka University of Technology

The Graduate University for Advanced Studies

University of Niigata Prefecture

Tokyo Metropolitan University

The University of Tokyo

Tokyo Medical and Dental University

The University of Kitakyushu

Ashikaga University

Tokyo University of Foreign Studies

Tokyo Institute of Technology

International University of Japan

Kitasato University

Tokyo University of Agriculture and Hitotsubashi University

Sophia University Keio University

Tokai University Kogakuin University

Technology

Tokyo University of Technology Agriculture Shibaura Institute of

Toyo University Juntendo University

Tokyo City University

Meiji University

Rikkyo University

Waseda University

St. Luke's International University

Teikyo University

National Graduate Institute for Policy Tokyo

University

of

Marine

Studies

Technology

Kanazawa University

University of Fukui

Gifu University

Shizuoka University

Nagoya University

Nagoya Institute of Technology

Mie University

Toyohashi University of Technology

Kyoto University

Kyoto Institute of Technology

Osaka University

Kobe University

Tottori University

Shimane University

Okayama University

Hiroshima University

Yamaguchi University

Tokushima University

Kagawa University

Ehime University

Science

and

Nagoya University of Commerce & Kanazawa Institute of Technology Business Doshisha University

Ritsumeikan University

Ryukoku University

Kansai University

Kwansei Gakuin University

Kobe Institute of Computing; Graduate School of Information Technology

University of East Asia

Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University

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