Government Information Service Newsletter - Vol. 1, Issue 11 - 2020

NEWSLETTER GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICE

Monday, Sept. 21, 2020

Vol. 1, Issue 11

EC $1.5 MILLION IN EQUIPMENT PROVIDED BY PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA FOR STADIUM MAINTENANCE INSIDE PAGE 02

MINISTERS ENCOURAGED

BY CABINET RESHUFFLE

PAGE IMPORTATION BAN EXTENDED 04 FOR VEHICLES PAGE NEARLY HALF-MILLION DOLLAR 06 INVESTMENT IN NEWLO

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE LAUNCHES

BACKYARD GARDENING PROGRAMME

AND MUCH MORE...

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MINISTERS ENCOURAGED BY CABINET RESHUFFLE

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

Prime Minister, Dr. the Right Hon. Keith Mitchell, announced changes to the Cabinet on Sept.

13, 2020, which he deemed essential for the realization of efficiency as a Government.

GIS spoke to Ministers Peter David, Yolande Bain-Horsford and Kate Lewis, to get their feedback on the decision and to gain insight into some of their plans under their new portfolios.

Effective Oct. 1, Hon. Peter David will be the new Minister for Agriculture, Forestry, Lands and Labor. He is optimistic that his contributions will continue to promote economic growth.

“It is all about the development of the country, but despite the fact that I was in Foreign Affairs, I was working to enhance the diplomatic, domestic conditions of our people.

Now I have an opportunity - an opportunity that I welcome, to engage with Agriculture, to engage with our farmers, to engage with all of the persons in the sector, the young people involved; the older people involved.

I am welcoming the opportunity to do that,” Minister David said. “The future of Agriculture, and the future of this country, it depends on us finding a way between Agriculture and all of these sectors.”

Minister David highlighted the issue of food security as a priority area.

He said, “Food security, in a general sense, I agreed that have to focus a lot on that and find ways - I think you may talk about the young people too - find ways to attract young people to the sector to make it more technological; make it more attractive to young people. So, yes, in a general sense without any specifics and without me being oriented, I think those are things that we have to look at, but as I said

Hon. Peter David

we can’t do everything.”

Looking ahead, Minister Yolande BainHorsford is excited about serving in the Ministry of Sports, Culture and the Arts, Cooperatives and Fisheries. She also welcomed the idea of having a legal mind in Agriculture.

“I am looking forward to my new portfolio. I am going to give it my best shot. I know those, as I said before, are high impact areas and I have to give it my best shot. I’ve been thinking about it and ideas have started to flow already.

A lot has been done in Agriculture, and there’s a lot more to be done in Agriculture. The Prime Minister said that we need to move around to get a feel and a taste of what exists, because we do not know, down the line what is, based on the whole projection of the Cabinet and the sort of nation building approach that we are taking. Changes are good. I welcome the new Minister to Agriculture. I think he will do well here, because I’ve been saying for a while that we need the expertise of a legal mind. People on the outside may not see what Agriculture is all about, but from time to time Agriculture and Lands have to use the services from Legal Affairs.” she said.

Hon. Yolande Bain-Horsford

and special attention has to be given and special opportunity - more sustainable opportunities have to be given to our young people.”

Hon. Kate Lewis

“So, working directly with the Prime Minister will give me that wealth of knowledge experience that I can learn from him. We will continue our programs and projects

Hon. Kate Lewis, is looking forward to gain experience and guidance from Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Mitchell, in her new portfolio as Minister in the Prime Minister’s Ministry, with responsibility for Youth Development.

She intends to improve on existing youth programmes.

that we have. The Yutbiz - I think we need to

“I believe the recent Cabinet reshuffle by our Prime Minister was a very strategic one and especially moving the Youth Development under his Ministry, I think it’s a very good move especially knowing that the youthful population of Grenada is about 60/65 percent

the sustainable development of our country

put more focus there, the entrepreneurial aspect of our young people getting into entrepreneurship and we need to promote the Yutbiz more, because how things are going entrepreneurship will play a significant role in and that would be a great opportunity for our young people to tap into as well and we will continue with all the other programs that is on our youth development agenda.”

EC $1.5 MILLION IN EQUIPMENT PROVIDED BY PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA FOR STADIUM MAINTENANCE

Nine containers of engineering material, valued at EC $1.5 million, were handed over to the Ministry of Youth Development, Sports, Culture and the Arts on Sept. 15, 2020, by the People’s Republic of China, as part of their China-Aid Technical Cooperation Project.

The equipment will be used for the maintenance of the Kirani James Athletic Stadium. Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Grenada, His Excellency, Dr. Zhao Yongchen, stated that the handover is symbolic of the strengthening relationship between Grenada and China. He pledged China’s desire to continue the relationship in the years to come.

“The two stadiums have not only become a symbol of our friendship but also a main part of Grenada, playing a significant role in the sport and culture life. Thousands of sporting events are held here each year, including many major international events such as the 2007 Cricket World Cup. China is willing to continue the assistance, within its capacity, to restore support and culture life after the epidemic,”

the Ambassador said.

Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Grenada, His Excellency, Dr. Zhao Yongchen; Foreign Affairs Minister, Hon. Peter David and Permanent Secretary, Desiree Stephen

Since construction of the Kirani James Stadium, China has maintained the upkeep of the facility. Speaking on the behalf of Sen. Norland Cox, Minister for Youth Development, Sports, Culture and the Arts, Permanent Secretary, Desiree Stephen, said they are happy for the contribution, which will have a positive impact on the Ministry.

“We know that these equipment and material would assist immensely with the maintenance work to be carried out to ensure that this facility remains top of the class, so that we can continue hosting local, regional and international athletes in keen competition, as well as engaging other cultural and festival events and activities. I want to take this opportunity to extend my sincere thanks, on behalf of the Government and people of Grenada, to the People’s Republic of China, through Ambassador Dr. Zhao Yongchen, for the tremendous support given to the Ministry of Sports, in facilitating this and many other projects,” she said.

Foreign Affairs Minister, Hon. Peter David, explained that the donation will not only benefit the Ministry of Sports but all sectors of the economy.

He said, “The aid for the National Stadium and the aid given by China for Sport is the aid that is

helping us to become independent - to become self-sufficient. Not self- sufficient, as I said there is no country in the world that will become self-sufficient, but it is helping us develop the pillars of our economy. So, when we have the assistance given to develop athletics, and we have our sportsmen, and I want to commend all of the persons involved in sports - you’ve done a tremendous job over these last couple of years to put Grenada on the map. I want to give them a round of applause for the work done in that regard and when we go on the map in sport, we go on the map to develop a pillar of our economy, which includes tourism, and tourism improves Agriculture, because we bring more people to eat our agricultural products, so there is linkages in every sector and the Chinese Government and people have been giving us assistance in every single one of those pillars, so that we can develop our economy.”

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NEW WATER TREATMENT PLANT FOR MUNICH, ST. ANDREW

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A joint venture between the National Water and Sewerage Authority (NAWASA) and the Government of Grenada, will see a new dam being commissioned at Munich, St. Andrew.

The project is being carried out under the Basic Needs Trust Fund’s ninth cycle and is contracted to Kenny’s Trucking, Equipment, Construction and Ready Mix Services, at a cost of $600, 000.

The old system, which is located about 500 meters from the newly constructed facility, had a capacity for 60, 000 gallons per day, but there were significant challenges especially during the rainy season with the quality of water coming from the plant to consumers’ homes. now which is, we built it for a capacity and ideal conditions to 100, 000, gallons” Bruno said.

Dimani Bruno, Engineer in the Planning and Development Unit of NAWASA told the Government Information Service the construction of the new plant has become necessary to meet the demands of the community.

“For that reason we had to upgrade the plant because of the turbidity of the water. When I say turbidity that is the discoloration of the water because of particles from the river and so forth. The new plant

Engineer in the Planning and Development Unit of NAWASA Damani Bruno

IMPORTATION BAN EXTENDED FOR VEHICLES Health Minister, Hon. Nickolas Steele, announced that the Government of Grenada has extended the period for the introduction of the ban on the importation of vehicles that are older than 10 years, during the weekly Post Cabinet Briefing on Sept.

15, 2020.

The ban was due to take effect in July 2020, however due to setbacks as a result of COVID-19, the new date is Dec. 31, 2020.

The introduction of the ban was Health Minister Hon. Nikolas Steele announced by Prime Minister, Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell in his presentation of the 2020 budget. The decision was taken as part of the efforts to protect the environment and safeguard the health of Grenadians.

In recent years, Government has placed heavy emphasis on protecting the environment and the Grenadian people and although the country has benefited financially from the importation of older vehicles, focus will be placed on the long-term impact on the economy and environment.

Hon. Steele said, “We’ve extended that period and that date will now be December 31. This was given consideration based on the fact that we’re going through a COVID period, based on the fact that that has posed many logistical challenges to individuals. So, the effective date for the ban on vehicles over ten years will be 31 December 2020.”

Government will soon pass legislation to encourage individuals to purchase electric and hybrid vehicles. From Sept. 30, the country will implement a 50 percent duty and tax concession on the importation of these vehicles.

He explained that the new plant will now allow for the metering process to take place, as the quality of the water from the previous plant was not at the required standard in some cases and, as a result, a number of homes within the Munich community were not metered.

“The biggest issue wasn’t the supply of water to the communities but because of the quality of the water. So, once we have the turbid water and the existing treatment plant could not have done its purpose, then we had to shut it down.

So, right now we would have additional area to clean the water and now we have additional storage, especially in the dry season, so it can be distributed much better,” Bruno said. “In the initial stage before the whole COVID pandemic we were targeting to close construction in May, but as we all knew we had to lock up the country. So, we’re looking now at the end of September, to finish the construction and then we’ll have a month period to do testing, so forth, with the leakage in any tanks. Right now, we’re doing a metering system as well, because a lot of houses did not have meters before, because we just couldn’t provide the quality of water so we’re doing that right now. So, we’re looking at the middle/end of October.”

Head of the Rural Development Unit in the Ministry of Finance, Byron Campbell, said the construction of the dam is extremely important for the community.

“This is an important facility for the entire community but is essentially managed and coordinated by the BNTF component of Rural Development Unit. This project is a joint venture with the NAWASA and the Government of Grenada.

Head of the Rural Of course, the BNTF is financed by the CaribDevelopment Unit in the bean Development Bank. The total cost of the Ministry of Finance, project is in the vicinity of $600, 000. BNTF/the Byron Campbell Government of Grenada is about $300, 000 and NAWASA about $300, 000. The project is very important particularly for the Munich community. You’re talking about 150 households, in addition to communities or households in the Mt. Camel and surrounding communities - critical, because if you look at what they had before compared to what they have now and you know water is essential. So, this a big deal for the community. It’s nearing completion. There was a bit of a delay with the COVID pandemic shut down, but the contractor - they have really doubled up on work and what’s also important was that this was a lot of employment and it’s still ongoing for the local persons you know.”

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WORK RESUMES AT MARRAST HILL

The Ministry of Infrastructure Development resumed infrastructural work on Sept. 15 on the Marrast Hill Main Road, a project which will cost in excess of $300, 000.

This project will be executed by Sonrise Construction Company Ltd. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Infrastructure, Merina Jessamy, said heavy equipment is already on site, to begin excavation.

“We know that this work was stopped around Christmas of 2019 to facilitate the traffic, but we used the time to rehabilitate the road at Mt. Parnassus, as this is one of the major roads that will be used for traffic diversion,”

Jessamy said. “I would like to say thank you to the Chief Technical Officer, Ms. Andall, and her team, especially Mr. Peter Charles and his team, in facilitating this project. We do believe that this project will be implemented on time. The expected duration is two months and we’re working very closely with the contractor to deliver on this project.”

More than thirty individuals will be employed

Permanent Secretary Ministry of Infrastructure Merina Jessamy

during the two month period.

ANNANDALE WATERFALL AND FOREST PARK TO CLOSE FOR UPGRADE WORK The Annandale Waterfall and Forest Park that has been leased to siblings, Fiona and Zaheer Hamid, will be temporarily closed from September 21, 2020, to facilitate maintenance and upgrade work on the facility and its environment.

On Sept. 17, Hamid told the Government Information Service that the closure has become necessary, as the work on the property has intensified.

Zaheer Hamid

He said, “We have started some work. We did much cleaning and so on, but we did some renovations to the bathrooms as well. We installed a handicap and family room, so now we have handicap facilities. So, now that some heavy renovations is going to be taking place, we are going to ask that we close our doors for the first time, I guess, and because it’s our safety protocol and as we get ready for the COVID-19 protocols as well, we have to set everything in place so we can open hopefully next month. We’re trying to close it for Monday, so we’re asking everybody to please understand that we do have work to do and passage in and out of the waterfall will slow down our progress. So, we hope that everyone understands and is on our side.”

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NEARLY HALF MILLION DOLLAR INVESTMENT IN NEWLO

Nearly half a million EC dollars worth of ICT equipment was officially commissioned to the New Life Organisation (NEWLO), during a virtual handover ceremony on Sept. 16, 2020.

not be having sessions taking pace at a school now and students being at

The project was selected through an evaluation process by the Universal Service Fund (USF) committee and recommended for funding, because of the anticipated impact of ICT on the organisation’s educational development.

teachers; we have to wait for COVID to disappear before we start training.

Minister with responsibility and oversight for the National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (NTRC) and the Universal Service Fund, Hon. Gregory Bowen, said Government is cognizant of the importance of implementing policies that have positive implications for education, employment, innovation and entrepreneurship.

here this morning - is a blessing,” Hon. Pierre said.

“With projects like this one being commissioned here today, the Government continues to take conscious steps to prepare our youth for the full industrial revolution, so that they can exploit opportunities in cloud computing, digitalization and artificial intelligence just as every other country in the world is striving to do,” he said.

to increase coverage and connectivity across the campus.

home being able to access these sessions. Had it not been for that visionary leadership in COVID-19, we would’ve been saying we cannot train our But in COVID-19, in all that’s happening, we have been able to train over 1, 600 online. And I’m saying all this to say, what we have - what we’re receiving

The project will provide ICT equipment including desktop computers, laptops, switches and other ancillary devices, to outfit three computer labs on the NEWLO campus. This project will also provide wireless access points

Lindon Telesford, ICT specialist at the NTRC, said, “It is our hope that this project will transform the New Life Organization into

After a competitive bidding process, Affordable Island Communication was awarded a contract for $489, 843 to implement the project and provide support for two years.

a technology friendly campus, where the

NEWLO’s Executive Director, Sister Margaret Yamoah, says they have always wanted to expose their trainees to technological advancements, but did not have the internet capacity to do so.

share digital experiences. Further, upon

“Today, we are so glad. We are so appreciative that any part of the compound that our trainees are - in their department, in their furniture making lab, in their electrical installation lab, in their cosmetology lab doing hair, sewing, doing early childhood - they have full access to internet, because of this project and now that dream that we have, that we could contribute much more than we’ve already done for Grenada, has become a reality,” she said.

Education Minister, Hon. Emmalin Pierre, who has full responsibility for NEWLO, said while the COVID-19 crisis has brought the importance of thinking and operating outside of the box to the forefront, visionary leadership is equally as important.

“Had we waited on COVID-19, we could

students, teachers and other immediate community members can all nurture and observation of regional and international trends, it is evident that the future would be woven by technological strings that are bound to define traditional modes of operation, thus bringing the world closer together.”

Executive Director NEWLO Sr.. Margaret Yamoah

Education Minister Hon. Emmalin Pierre

ICT Specialist NTRC Lindon Telesford

AGRICULTURE CORNER

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MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE LAUNCHES BACKYARD GARDENING PROGRAMME

As the country deals with the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the agricultural sector and the national economy, greater focus is being placed on increasing agricultural output at both the commercial and household levels in Grenada.

One initiative is the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands’ Backyard Gardening Programme, a component of the Government of Grenada’s COVID-19 Mitigation and Response plan, geared towards the agricultural sector.

This programme will provide a unique opportunity for over five hundred (500) vulnerable households, along with local institutions that have limited and/or irregular access to healthy and nutritious foods. Through this programme, the target beneficiaries will receive material support such as seeds and other planting material, small garden tools and labour support.

“The Ministry will also provide drums and tires to beneficiaries who lack sufficient land space around their house. We will provide technical assistance to ensure that the gardens are sustained,” explained Minister for Agriculture and Lands, Hon. Yolande Bain-Horsford, who delivered remarks at the launch of the programme, on Sept. 10, at the Cadrona Home, one of the benefiting institutions.

The Parliamentary Representative for St. Andrew North-West and Minister for Social Development and Housing, Hon. Delma Thomas, welcomed the contribution of food and nutrition security to her community.

“We know that food security is a very essential part of our national development. This initiative is significant now more than ever, as it would allow us to grow what we eat and eat what we grow,” she said.

The Backyard Gardening Programme emphasizes the importance of nutritious food for a healthy lifestyle, while promoting food security and the adaption of Climate-Smart Agricultural (CSA) Practices.

This programme is being undertaken in collaboration with the Climate Smart and Rural Enterprise Programme (SAEP) and its funders at the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

SAEP’s Manager, Byron Campbell, said, “Climate change and COVID-19 seem to be the new norm. Projects like these are in line with SAEP’s mandate to

reduce poverty, build resistance to climate change and promote the best agricultural practices that are climate smart and sustainable.”

Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Cadrona Home, Ms. Margaret Wilson, expressed her gratitude on behalf of the institution. Three-quarters of an acre of land at the Home has already been cultivated with a wide range of vegetable crops.

“This is something I believe in - eating what we grow and growing what we eat. Everything coming from the garden will filter into the kitchen; the chickens that we grow here, also, we will use in providing meals for residents. With the aid we were given under this programme, we will have little patches. We have sweet potatoes, some sorrel for Christmas, provision and all sorts of local produce that the home will benefit from,” Wilson said.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Lands’ Backyard Gardening Programme, embodies the same theme as the Food and Agriculture Organization 75th Anniversary celebration of World Food Day: Grow. Nourish. Sustain. Together.

FARMERS AND FISHERFOLK ELECT NEW REPRESENTATIVE TO SERVE THEM IN THE SENATE Following an election on September 16, 2020, Roderick St. Clair, current General Manager of the Grenada Cooperative Nutmeg Association (GCNA), received the nod of farmers to succeed Dr. Dunstan Campbell, as their Representative in the Upper House of Parliament.

Campbell recently resigned, citing medical reasons. The Office of the Prime Minister collaborated with the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands in facilitating an election to fill the position. A representative from each organization present at the meeting was asked to submit names of nominees. Each organization was allowed a maximum of two nominees, which were seconded. The nominees were then asked to indicate whether they are interested in serving. This was followed by a total of 17 votes being cast by private ballots, in the presence of the Lead Elections Officer, Fitzroy James.

The election, which was held at the Trade Centre Annex, saw a total of eight farmers and fisheries organisations casting their votes for the two nominees, Roderick St. Clair and Jason Philip, President of the Grenada Association of Poultry Producers. St. Clair amassed 10 votes, which put him three points ahead of his opponent, to be elected as the new representative.

The name of the newly elected representative will now have to be sent to the Prime Minister for consideration, in accordance with Section 24 (2c) of the Grenada Constitution. Along with the setting up of an office to have the representative interface with farmers and fisherfolk, St. Clair is hoping to encourage the consumption of more local produce.

“We need to address, from a national level, how does the farmer and his products become more consumable locally. We need to push that, so that our local farmers can get their products sold inside of here and utilized. Right now, boat into Trinidad is off.

How does the farmer survive in this time?

So, we need to be able to help drive the local consumption,” he stated.

The issue of food safety and the ability of farmers to ensure that their produce is free of harmful chemicals is also on the agenda for the representative.

Roderick St. Clair

“The issue of food safety is very important. A lot of persons are getting sick from eating food with all different chemicals. How do we, as farmers, become more responsible in the practices that we are involved in, so that we can be able to access international markets. We have to have different arrangements,” he remarked.

The Ministry of Agriculture expresses its gratitude to all farmers and fisherfolk who participated in the process.

Ministry of Agriculture…ensuring food and nutrition security for all

RE-EVALUATION OF COVID-19 PROTOCOLS TO BOOST HOSPITALITY SECTOR

Health Minister, Hon. Nickolas Steele, made an announcement, during the Government’s Post Cabinet Briefing on Sept. 15, that Government will be re-evaluating the 2020 COVID-19 protocols to focus more on boosting the hospitality sector, agriculture and preserving livelihoods.

He said agriculture is the biggest revenue generator at this time, with the hospitality sector being the largest consumer of local agriculture produce.

The move to refocus the protocols has been discussed with stakeholders who are all optimistic that, even in the midst of COVID-19, more positive benefits can be derived from the hospitality sector. Restaurants, bars and diners will be evaluated based on their activities.

According to Minister Steele, the protocols will vary according to the business, what they plan to offer and the quantity.

He said, “A-type activities can be considered just simple sit down dining restaurant or bar. B-type activity may be similar facility, but also has entertainment games that are being broadcast, or so, that may possibly be allowed to have additional seating. Then the C-type activity would be the late night establishments that go a little further with respect to activities, but not nightclub type activities. So, we’re working with each and every one of them to allow them to have a clear understanding of the protocols - of the restrictions to each individual establishment. It allows them also to take personal responsibility for the number of people and the type of activities they would allow

NEW PUBLIC HEALTH COVID-19 REGULATIONS PUBLISHED Government has published new regulations for controlling the spread of COVID-19, under the Public Health Act, which means they are no longer under the Emergency Powers Regulations.

The Public Health Act regulations, which were gazetted on Sept. 16, came into effect on Sept.17.

Under the Public Health COVID-19 Regulations 2020, some exemptions are being made with regard to wearing face masks. Children under the age of five, those with medical, physical or mental illness or disability, which inhibits their ability to wear a face mask, and people who cannot put on or remove a mask without severe distress, will be exempted.

However, people who need to go into a business place will have to remove the mask briefly for identification purposes. Masks will also not be required for people who are on beach, once they are no less than six feet from any person outside of their household. The same rule applies for those visiting a public park.

The new regulations also provide for all businesses to operate, except those which are directed by order by the Health Minister to shut down or are given specific conditions under which to operate.

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in their properties and allows the police and the Ministry of Health to monitor and enforce, based on agreed upon criteria of activity and quantities.”

Plans are underway to revitalize the hotel sector, by allowing some hotels to open while maintaining health protocols.

Minister Steele said dialogue is being held to revise the exHealth Minister isting protocols for quarantine Hon. Nikolas Steele and for testing visitors.

The revised protocols will focus on testing upon entry and quarantine conditions.

“We are looking at new protocols with respect to quarantine and testing before arrival, and with the objective being to allow, as best as possible, some more of our hotels to open, while maintaining the same guiding fundamental principles, ensuring the safety of the lives of our citizens while maintaining, as best as possible, the livelihoods of our citizens. So, we are working with these individuals and we’ll be making an announcement later on this week, with respect to the revised protocols for entry and quarantine that will make it more seamless and will allow some establishments to open; as well as those Grenadians who are still looking forward to visit or return - that it is more inviting, but still, for those of us who are here, we’ll continue to feel comfortable that we remain safe.” he said.