Government Information Service Newsletter - Vol. 1, Issue 5 - 2020

NEWSLETTER GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICE

ISSUE NO. 05

FROC APPLAUDS

Details on page 02

THE GOVERNMENT

INSIDE PAGE ADJUSTMENTS TO BE MADE 02 TO THE 2020 BUDGET

PAGE GOVERNMENT RECEIVES ANOTHER 1000 RAPID TEST KITS 04 PAGE 06

SENATE PASSES CONSUMER PROTECTION BILL

AND MUCH MORE...

GEOTECHNICAL STUDY TO COMMENCE ON MOLINERE LAND SLIPPAGE PAGE 05

IRRIGATION SUPPORT FOR FARMERS PAGE 09

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FROC APPLAUDS THE GOVERNMENT The Fiscal Responsibility Oversight Committee (FROC) describes the Government’s fiscal performance in 2019 as commendable, as it continues to make steady progress, in its efforts to satisfy the requirements of the Act and ensure its effective implementation.

Of the five targets in the Fiscal Responsibility Act, with which the Government must comply, the Committee assesses that there was compliance in 2019 with three rules, with reservations, and non-compliance with two rules.

The Committee said that Grenada must be applauded for securing successive years of economic growth, improvement in central Government’s fiscal performance and reductions in the debt of central Government, while concurrently continuing to implement fiscal responsibility legislation.

The committee report added that the fiscal authorities will have to face unprecedented medium-term challenges, which the

country is in a better position to confront now than it was four years ago. It said it is worthwhile that medium-term priorities are focused on capital spending, but challenges threatened implementation and value added from public spending. To top it off, the report said COVID-19 and an active hurricane season can create major economic disruptions.

ADJUSTMENTS TO BE MADE TO THE 2020 BUDGET to cut those that target the vulnerable. The Government has, in fact, increased spending on public sector investment programmes to create more jobs, as a way to reactivating the economy, which is, at this time, its main priority.

Minister for Trade and CARICOM Affairs, Hon. Oliver Joseph, said they are now going through the areas in need of adjustment, following a presentation by a team from the Ministry of Finance.

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

Minister for Finance, Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell, is expected to address the nation soon, on Government’s planned readjustment to the 2020 budget.

Projected income has fallen significantly, since the budget was read last year, due to the serious negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The closure of the country’s ports, St. George’s University (SGU) and hotels, to help contain the spread of COVID-19, affected Government’s ability to collect revenue, with collection declining by almost 50 percent.

Even in the face of these challenges, the Government still continues its social programmes and said there are no plans

The Minister said, “The Cabinet had a presentation done by the Ministry of Finance team and, therefore, right now we are going through it to see the areas that we’ll have to make the adjustment. That is engaging Cabinet. It started on Monday this week and a number of recommendations were put forward by the Finance team. Cabinet will consider all the recommendations and will take a decision very shortly on the adjustments that need to be done, because, as you know in our budgeting, budget is a projection for over a period of time. In the case of Grenada, you budget for one year. You make certain assumptions and predictions. So, the revenue that was projected to be collected, did not take into consideration that you will have the situation with COVID and, therefore, if you are collecting, as we did last month, 50 percent less revenue than projected, obviously, you will have to make adjustments.”

Government has formulated a list of priority areas and sectors to help stimulate the economy during its downtime, due to the rippling effects of COVID-19. Minister Joseph listed public sector investment, agriculture and manufacturing, among areas Government will place heavy emphasis on, over the next few months.

Hon. Joseph said, “Micro and medium-sized enterprises, as I mentioned in a previous programme – 90 percent of the businesses in Grenada are considered as micro, small and medium enterprises and they account for about 50 percent of GDP and, so, a lot of incentives have been given to these micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, to help create jobs and stimulate growth in the economy. So, yes, we do have a priority list, as we look forward to stimulating economic growth.”

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STATEMENT FROM THE MINISTER FOR CULTURE same as the responsibility of the head I may be the Minister of Culture now – of all families – to first and foremost but first and foremost I am a son and keep their loved ones safe. a father and a husband and, in this capacity, I want to make a heartfelt Friends, having to forego this year’s plea to everyone, to please, let’s all carnival was not a conclusion we observe the protocols. arrived at easily – although in the end, there was little option.

We do not want to act in a way that will, in the end, cause a spike in COVID-19 We took time to deliberate on all the cases, that weeks down the road could implications. We were always very force another lockdown. conscious of the impact that the cancellation would have on other To get back to that place would mean aspects of Grenadian life – the sheer that the many sacrifices made by each joy and sense of community it brings; one of you would come to nothing. the explosion of creativity that comes Fellow Citizens, with it, and the economic benefits to Let us not see this cancellation as so many sectors.

In ordinary times, these would have deprivation. been a few days when we came We explored all possibilities, especially together to showcase our culture and for the sake of the artistes, vendors, Let us, instead, see it as preservation… creativity to the world. the hoteliers, taxi drivers and all others of health, of safety, and of lives. who depend on this time of year to It would have been a time for family augment their earnings.

Let us spare a thought for each other and friends – from near and far – to get over the next few days and remember together; reconnecting and rekindling But, in the end, we were cognizant of our grandparents; our sick and shut-in old ties, but this second week of August one simple fact: that there would be no relatives. is not like any second week of August economy to promote, and no culture in our lifetime. to celebrate, in a nation that collapses We thank all of you for your cooperation under a pandemic. in staying off the streets to keep them The world has changed. Our society safe - to keep us all safe. is beginning to adapt to a yet-to-be- We feel the pain of so many who would defined new normal. suffer direct economic consequences, We thank all our stakeholders for your but we are comforted by the fact that patience and understanding in these Amidst this raging global pandemic to have done otherwise would have challenging times. called COVID-19, nations have been been to create a more difficult burden forced to reorganise their societies; for all to bear.

The Ministry of Culture stands with you and individuals have been asked and will do everything we can to keep through discipline and consideration In the end, we called on everyone to our culture alive and to work with our to change their behaviours. make this sacrifice and to resist any partners to help rebound from this fall. temptation for gatherings in large It is in this context that the Government numbers, in these next few days.

We can only do it if we band together. of Grenada, with the urgings of the wider community, took the decision Freedom has no meaning without a few months ago to cancel this year’s responsibility. Dead people have no For now, let us invoke our inherent “grenadianness” and obey the health carnival activities. rights for which they can champion. and safety guidelines that will take us In a society where it has become near If we continue with the discipline we closer to realizing Spicemas in 2021 impossible to gather for weddings have shown over the last few months, and the many other festivals that are and funerals, it was obvious that even we will go a long way to beating this so much a part of who we are. larger gatherings, such as would have pandemic challenge – and be in a happened for Spicemas, were not on better position to be able to return in Let the streets be empty for now, the cards.

2021 for a bigger and more revived because this rhythm that rolls with the Grenadian way of life shall always beat carnival. in our hearts.

A government’s responsibility is the

GOVERNMENT RECEIVES ANOTHER 1000 RAPID TEST KITS

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Mariposa Condominiums is the latest corporate business to come to the assistance of the Government of Grenada in its efforts to have all necessary equipment in place, to detect and contain the spread of COVID-19 in Grenada.

On Aug. 5, Managing Director of Mariposa Condominiums, Luisa Zucchi, presented 1000 rapid test kits to the Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Hon. Clarice Modeste Curwen, during a brief ceremony at the Maurice Bishop International Airport.

Zucchi has been living in Grenada since 1985 and began her business operations in 1993, generating employment for a number of Grenadians and contributing to the building of the Grenadian economy.

She said the Grenadian community became her community years ago and she

felt the need to do her part by contributing the rapid test kits, as the fight against the threat of COVID-19 will take a holistic approach. Zucchi also said she has been closely following what is happening with the pandemic on the global front and it is evident that Government cannot win the fight by itself.

Hon. Clarice Modeste Curwen, on accepting the donation of the 1000 rapid test kits, expressed gratitude on behalf of the Government of Grenada.

Modeste-Curwen said the donation of the test kits is very important and a timely goodwill gesture by Zucchi. She is extremely pleased with Zucchi’s thoughtfulness, to assist in Grenada’s response to the coronavirus. Minister Modeste-Curwen said Zucchi’s presentation is in addition to that of other Grenadians who have donated locally and those in the diaspora, who see the the need to assist the Government, as economies have been dealt a serious economic blow, due to the impact of the pandemic, making it challenging for even friendly governments to assist as they normally do.

Health Minister, Nickolas Steele was present to witness the presentation. He said it is always a pleasure when assistance is received and that it is especially valued when assistance comes from a Grenadian citizen.

Hon. Steele also expressed his appreciation to Zucchi.

The Health Minister said he will take it one step further and say thank you on behalf of the Government and people of Grenada, as the contribution of one thousand rapid test kits is an applaudable humanitarian gesture.

GEOTECHNICAL STUDY TO COMMENCE ON MOLINERE LAND SLIPPAGE

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A contract will soon to be awarded to a contracting firm by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, to address the rapid land slippage that has been occurring on a section of the western main road, in Molinere St. George.

The rapid movement of the soil began back in November 2018 and has since forced the closure of that section of the road by the RGPF Traffic department, with a detour being created through the Mt. Moritz community.

One business and a few residents have had to relocate so far, with the structure of their homes and business now totally destroyed, as a result of the slippage.

On August 6, during the hosting of Governments weekly Post Cabinet Briefing, Hon. Oliver Joseph, Minister for Trade, Industry, Co-operatives and CARICOM Affairs, said the land slippage in Molinere has been and still is of grave concern to Government and every effort is being made to correct it.

Minister Joseph said the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Implementation has noted that the slippage at Molinere continues to deteriorate and the Ministry is working towards awarding a contract by the end of August 2020, to commence geotechnical studies.

Hon. Joseph said the studies will take into

consideration the entire western corridor, as there are a number of slippages at varying points.

The duration of the study for the Molinere area is expected to be approximately four months.

Government has shortlisted six firms, from many who expressed interest in undertaking the geotechnical study. Hon. Joseph said the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) took approximately three months to give the no objection response.

Minister Joseph said the Government of Grenada could not have proceeded without the no objection from the Caribbean Development Bank, thus the delay in the process.

However, he said the ministry of Infrastructure is pleased to announce that the study will

commence shortly, on the Molinere project.

The engineers in the Ministry of Infrastructure will continue the weekly monitoring schedule of the slippage and document the extent to which damage is still occurring. The data provided will form the baseline for the geotechnical firm.

The public is advised that specialized equipment will have to be shipped to Grenada in order to undertake non-destructive testing, to determine the geology of the area.

The data generated from the sub-surface investigation will then be analyzed by national and regional laboratories. Following this process, the firm will present its findings, and this will determine where the road will be reconstructed. The public and other stakeholders will be kept updated on this situation.

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JUST FOR YOU CAMPAIGN LAUNCH With Grenada’s borders gradually opening, the Grenada Grenada has been accredited by the World Travel Tourism Tourism Authority (GTA) is using the opportunity to entice Council. The Council has recognized governments and visitors to enjoy all that the country has to offer. companies around the world, which have adopted health and safety protocols globally. The GTA, along with the Ministry of The GTA launched its ‘Just for You’ campaign at the Radisson Health, has trained and certified more than 1,800 stakeholders, Grenada Beach Resort, utilizing a promotional video, which in different areas of tourism. highlighted some of the country’s unique highlights.

CEO of the GTA, Patricia Maher, said, “We’ve been working Acting Marketing Manager at the Grenada Tourism Authority, Renee Goodwin, said the goal is to give visitors the opportunity hard setting up those protocols; getting guidelines for the to explore the tri-island state of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite six tourism sub-sectors that we have in Grenada - obviously accommodation. We’re here at the lovely Radisson Hotel and Martinique. they have protocols.

Goodwin said, “The aim of the Campaign above all, is to We also have protocols with food and beverage, so all the showcase Grenada as a safe destination that puts the health restaurants and the bars have protocols. The transportation of its population and its visitors first. We are very keen to sector - so, when you come into the airport, you need your taxi, show the world that we are ready to receive visitors. We who is now certified, because he’s been inspected - because have put measures in place that will protect everyone, but he’s applying the protocols. The tourism services and that without diluting the Pure Grenada experience, and that is very will be from your vendors to your marinas - it’s really a wide important to us. With this campaign, we also want to highlight cross section of services to tourism. They all have protocols. to our potential visitors that Grenada is the ideal destination Water sports operators, like the dive operators, et cetera, have to have a very personalized and tailored vacation. We are able to offer bespoke experiences to every type of traveler. protocols and indeed the attractions. So, all of these subWe have our very lovely boutique hotels; we have our luxury sectors have what we call protocols.”

5-star offerings, so whatever your preference is as a traveler, Certified service providers will be easily recognized by the Pure Grenada is ‘Just for you’.”

‘Pure Safe Travel’ seal of approval.

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION COMMENCES SUMMER PROGRAMME The Ministry of Education, Human Resource Development, Religious Affairs and Information has begun its annual summer program for 2020, which will focus on the Grade 6 students who were not awarded a place in a secondary school, for the 2020/2021 academic year.

GIS visited one of the centres on August 4 and spoke with Gertrude Niles, Adult & Lifelong Learning Unit Representative in Ministry. She said the Ministry will continue to support the holistic development of the students and monitor their progress for placement.

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Four Centers were identified. Students from St. Patrick, St. Mark and St. John attend the programme at the Bonaire Government School; students from St. George, go to the St. George’s Anglican Senior School; those from St. David the Crochu RC School and those from St. Andrew, attend classes at the St. Andrews Methodist School. One student is currently at the L’Esterre Government School.

Gertude Niles

Niles said, “The aim is to, one, identify their problem, and to work on that particular problem, so that if they do very well, hopefully they will be given an exam again in December 2020. As long as they perform according to the standards of the Ministry of Education, they will be given a space at a secondary school. We have to realize that each of them is different. They do have challenges and the Ministry of Education is cognizant of that and through this intervention program is demonstrating that they are willing to assist every child, based on their needs.”

The Ministry is making plans for afternoon classes to be implemented, once schools reopen.

Niles said, “For the summer program, the initial thing is that they are going to work with them for the entire month of August and hopefully, come September, we’ll do afternoon classes, because we realize that school should be hopefully, in full session, and we will not be able to get the centres to use during the course of the day, so we will be using the afternoon sessions. Plans for full rollout, come September, are in progress.”

GRENADA GOVERNMENT CONGRATULATES NEW PRESIDENT OF GUYANA The Government of Grenada has congratulated Dr. Irfaan Ali who was sworn in on Aug. 2, as the new President of Guyana.

Dr. Ali’s swearing in comes five months after general and regional elections, which were marked by allegations of voter fraud, were held on March 2.

Dr. Irfaan Ali

In his congratulatory message, Prime Minister, Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell said, “The work must now begin to unite the people of Guyana and enable the country to move its development agenda forward. Dr. Ali can be assured of the region’s support in this vein.”

Dr. Mitchell was part of a team of five Prime Ministers who paid a two-day visit to Guyana, shortly after the elections, when a resolution was being sought to the impasse that ensued.

Dr. Ali, who was declared the 9th Executive President of Guyana, by the Guyana Elections Commission, immediately made clear his intention to work in a unified manner.

The new President, who succeeds former President David Granger, heads The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), which holds thirty-three of the sixty-five seats in the National Assembly.

GRENADA AGRICULTURE FEEDER ROADS TO COMMENCE The Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Implementation has awarded a contract to Hanover Construction Company Ltd., in the amount of EC $46.8 million, for implementation of the Grenada Agriculture Feeder Roads Project.

The following roads will be reconstructed: 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, in St. George

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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

11.

Bel Air Road, St. Mark

The Ministry is pleased to advise that 250 jobs will be created with this project. Mobilization is expected to commence in the upcoming weeks.

For further information, please contact: • Mrs. Merina Jessamy, Permanent Secretary for Infrastructure Development and Implementation at (473) 440-2271, or via email at ps@moiid.gov.gd • Ms. Najar Andall, Chief Technical Officer at (473) 440-2271, or via email at cto@moiid.gov.gd

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IRRIGATION SUPPORT FOR FARMERS

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pend solely on rainwater and have rainwater harvesting and, so, with this sense we can control the amount of water we use for wetting plants and stuff like that. So, this would surely improve their standard of operation on their farms.”

Evans Gooding, President of the North East Farmers Organization, also said the new equipment will help to alleviate some issues associated with accessing water.

He said, “This irrigation and this water management system we have here will make a difference in the lives of the farmers, because during the dry season there is a challenge and farmers only could plant things that really don’t need much water. So, this system here will go a long way in assisting the farmers, in terms of growing their produce and to make a livelihood for themselves.”

Specific focus is being placed on addressing the impact of climate change, as the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands offers technical support, in irrigation technology, to farmers.

Through support provided by the Caribbean Aqua - Terrestrials Solutions (CATS) project, Minister for Agriculture, Hon. Yolande Bain-Horsford, handed over the equipment to the presidents of two of the benefiting farmers organizations – the North East Farmers Organization (NEFO) and the Carriacou Farmers Association (CFA), on August 7.

The equipment includes main and secondary irrigation pipes, drip irrigation lines, micro sprinklers and pumps that will allow the farmers to become more productive and have access to water, so that their livelihoods can be enhanced, especially in the COVID-19 period.

Speaking during the handover of the equipment, the Agriculture Minister said, “The Ministry of Agriculture and Lands has been a valued partner of the programme. We have provided in excess of EC $100, 000, to the project, in the form of staff technical support to access farms, designed the systems, procuring the equipment and waiving of taxes and duties. My Ministry has been addressing water availability and efficient use of water by farms, to respond to Climate Change – a priority. Particular interest is being placed on proper irrigation practices, as attention is given to the prolonged dry periods that

affect crop production of farmers. As part of the COVID response, we will be providing additional irrigation equipment to farmers, so that we can boost local production of essential agricultural crops, for national food security.”

The focus of the project in Grenada and Carriacou will be the introduction of Climate Smart agricultural practices, with regard to irrigation, preferably drip and micro irrigation, along with rainwater harvesting. President of the Carriacou Farmers Association, Jashacka Andrew said the equipment will increase access to water.

Andrew said, “This equipment here – irrigation equipment – is basically to enhance production in Carriacou, for farmers. There are four farmers who will be receiving these things and this would give them a great sense of appreciation for agriculture, in the sense that they would be able to produce food on a constant basis, because we know in Carriacou we have a constraint for water, where we don’t have this abundance of rivers, or any form of rivers in that sense, but we de-

Through funding from the GIZ and the Government of Grenada, more than US $100, 000 has been invested by the Caribbean Aqua - Terrestrials Solutions (CATS) project, in interventions such as irrigation support, agroforestry, strengthening of value chains and market assessments. The next phase of the project will be the installation of the irrigation devices on farms and training of farmers, in the operation and management of these systems.

The CATS project is a regional initiative aimed at building resilience within local communities, by responding to reducing the impact of Climate Change. It is expected to conclude in 2021. It is being implemented in other Caribbean islands such as St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia, Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, Jamaica and Belize.

SENATE PASSES CONSUMER PROTECTION AMENDMENT BILL 2020

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The Upper and Lower Houses of Parliament have passed the Consumer Protection Amendment Bill 2020, with consensus from members that this is the way to go, to promote economic development and to boost trade.

The Bill was originally was originally passed in 2018. It gives consumers the right to file complaints against the quality of goods and services they receive. This will be done at an office to be set up in the Ministry of Trade.

The Bill also gives the Consumer Affairs Officer, in the unit, the legal authority to take action, on behalf of consumers. The Bill was tabled by Senator Winston Garraway, who explained that it seeks to enable peaceful and harmonious relationships between consumers and suppliers. He said the Bill also allows consumers to make complaints and seek compensation, from suppliers and manufacturers, at no cost.

Sen. Simon Steele, said passage of the Bill will give rise to strengthening consumer protection locally and in the region.

Sen. Garraway said, “A society where there is harmonious relationships between consumers and suppliers, I think creates the bedrock for more development; more probably young people wanting to get into business, but most importantly wanting to do the best to ensure that consumers benefit. This is an extremely great move, to ensure that we bring parties together and, mind you, it is important to note while we bring the parties together to amicably solve the matter there will be no expense to any of them. Government will absorb that fee and that is a contribution to ensuring that there is good consumer and supplier relationship.”

Senator Steele said, “It provides for doing what is just and fair to consumers and I believe, as time progresses, as the years progress, as our institutions develop to implement and support those consumer needs and all of the arrangements around that, we would see ourselves coming back to Parliament, not just here in Grenada, but parliaments throughout the Caribbean, to strengthen the rights of the consumer and it’s for those reasons, Mr. Deputy President, that I lend my support to the passage of this Bill.”

Leader of Government Business in the Senate,

Senator Norland Cox is optimistic that this will auger well for the country’s economic

U.S. GOVERNMENT DONATES TO NADMA

development.

Senator Cox said, “It offers a sense of comfort, especially for countries who may will wish to trade with Grenada, going forward, for export, for agricultural produce, for other manufacturing produced here. It says that look, you can buy from Grenada. If something were to go wrong, then there is a facility – a medium – for redress. If you do not have that, then nobody wants to go and buy something somewhere and if something goes wrong then they have no opportunity to go back and say well look this is the effect - after a month or two - it is not working. So, this, in itself, lends itself to making Grenada more marketable, in this regard.”

The supplies arrived in Grenada via the Regional Security Services (RSS) aircraft.

Acting Coordinator of NADMA, Sylvan Mc Intyre, explained that the supplies were the second of two tranches of supplies provided through the United States Humanitarian Assistance Programme.

Mc Intyre said, “This programme is geared at assisting countries in the Caribbean, to deal with the worldwide pandemic of COVID-19. So, we received a number of face shields, face masks, goggles. Now we received the overalls and coverings for shoes. We also received a quantity of hand sanitizers. The original intent for this, understanding that we are living in an above-average hurricane season – we are going to be experiencing that this year - they have decided to build on our capacities here, so that the National Disaster Management Agency and, by extension, the national resource, will be enhanced, to deal with the COVID threat, during the hurricane season.”

The National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) received a second shipment of supplies from the United States Government, to combat the threat of COVID-19 and the active 2020 hurricane season.

On July 31, NADMA officials collected face shields, hand sanitizers, overalls, face masks and other supplies at the Maurice Bishop International Airport.

He also said Grenada is expecting more supplies in the near future.

“We are expecting more initiatives like this from the United States Government and from other agencies that are supporting, so what I want to do is use this opportunity to thank the Government and people of the United States, for such a generous gesture, or the donation of these items and we can pledge that it is has already gone into use, because the first activation which we had, for Tropical Storm Gonzalo, we already distributed some of these. So, we know that it has already served its purpose and it’s going to serve its purpose even greater, coming into the hurricane season.”

YOUTH GARMENT PRODUCTION TRAINING AND CO-OPERATIVE FORMATION

Young, aspiring entrepreneurs have completed a two-week training programme in Garment Production and co-operative formation, organized by the Ministry of Youth Development, Sports, Culture and the Arts.

is a micro credit programme designed to support new ideas, offer business training and technical support and business consultation, among key services for young, aspiring entrepreneurs.

The three-phase training approach will place emphasis on theoretical and practical sessions and cover co-operative formation, co-operative management and garment production management. Participants also previously underwent a series of trainings and are all certified in accordance to NTA approved standards at levels two three, in Garment Production.

Successful participants, in the first phase of the project, are now equipped and ready for the challenge, following an intensive training session, in co-operative formation. The facility, which will soon be opened, will boost the country’s manufacturing sector and will ultimately serve as a market where many of our local companies’ uniforms can be sewn.

Consequently, Grenada will soon welcome its first garment production co-operative. The Government-led initiative will be based at Pearls, St. Andrew and primarily provide service in the creation of school uniforms, for all students enrolled in the Government’s Uniform Assistance Programme.

The scope of work for this initiative will be spearheaded by the Ministry of Youth Development, Sports, Culture and the Arts, through its Youth Biz Programme. Youth Biz

Addressing the successful participants at a certification ceremony, held at the Grenada Youth and Cultural Centre, Permanent Secretary with responsibility for Youth Development, Norman Gilbert, spoke of Government’s commitment to the project, in providing the knowledge, tools and resources needed to start operations in the manufacturing industry. This will provide opportunities for selfimprovement of the participants and their families, while providing large scale garment production, in the manufacturing industry.

DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF EMPLOYEE VALIDATION FORMS FOR BUS OPERATORS AND TAXI OPERATORS The Ministry of Finance, through the COVID-19 Economic Support Secretariat (CESS), announces the deadline for the receipt of employee validation forms from Bus Operators and Taxi Operators, under the Income Support Stimulus Programme as Friday Aug. 7, 2020, at 4 p.m.

uisite payments to employees and submit all outstanding validation forms for the months of April, May and June, on or before Aug. 7, 2020.

For further information, please contact the COVID-19 Economic Support Secretariat at Tel: 440-0515 Ext. 31217, mobile: 416-0097, or email at Beneficiaries are asked to make the req- covideconomicstimulus@gmail.com.

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Gilbert said, “I want for you to see this, finally, as an opportunity for you, not only to provide for your yourself, but for your families and also to provide a needed service to the population of Grenada.”

The training, which was done in partnership with the Grenada Co-operative League, focused on several key areas, which included co-operative by-laws, work ethics and business plan development.

Randy Cadet, Vice President of the Grenada Co-operative League, encouraged the participants to grab on to the opportunity and exceed their limits.

Speaking at the ceremony, he said, “This is your thing to own. You have to go forth, stay focused, stay united, stay committed and let this thing grow into the big thing that you know it can grow into.”

In the month of August, participants will be engaged in further training. Meanwhile consultation continues with key stakeholders to discuss the way forward.

2020 EMANCIPATION DAY CELEBRATIONS

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August 1, 2020 marked 182 years since the Declaration of Freedom was made to the enslaved, in 1838.

During the first weekend of August, the Grenada Cultural Foundation, hosted the 2020 Emancipation Day celebrations, which began with the laying of a wreath, at the Melville Street barracks and the Market Square, where the enslaved were sold. The Foundation partnered with Grenreal and Jambalasse Grenada, for the emancipation celebrations.

Shirma Wells, CEO of the Grenada Cultural Foundation, explained the significance of the wreath laying ceremony, in relation to emancipation.

Speaking at the ceremony, Wells said, “Here is where our ancestors were washed and greased down, to be taken to the market square to be sold, on the auction blocks and not just being sold, but being separated from brothers and sisters and mothers children and even taken to other islands, because history indicates that different planters came from neighbouring islands, to purchase slaves here, in Grenada. So, next time you pass in the Melville Street area, please come in, Say thank you to our ancestors.”

Carlene Perryman-Rouse did the reading of the Emancipation Proclamation.

GTA IS READY TO WELCOME INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS

Perryman-Rouse quoted the proclamation: “It is hereby enacted, by the above authority, that as of August 1, 1838, all persons held as slaves, on the island of Grenada, are now and forever free. To planters, the construct of the Abolition Act is that all slaves shall become absolutely and unconditionally free and that you have no further claim upon those who were your slaves, for any services as apprentices, or otherwise. It will remain, therefore, for you to submit, with decorum and patience, to the law as it stands.”

uled to land at the Maurice Bishop International Airport, during the month of August.

Murray said, “Since reopening our borders, we are happy to have welcomed back Caribbean Airlines. So, they’re doing their service. I think it’s six flights per week and they’re coming from Barbados. We have had InterCaribbean. InterCaribbean came in today, but it just dropped off some passengers, but I think they’ll be bringing in passengers from the eleventh – that’s what we have in writing, the eleventh of August and then we have internationally, Air Canada, which is scheduled to come in on August 10.”

Murray said the return of visitors to Pure Grenada will boost the island’s tourism product, which suffered a tremendous loss, when the borders were closed.

The Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) is gearing up to welcome international airlines and passengers, from countries included on the low to medium risk list, approved by the Government and the Ministry of Health.

The country opened its borders to international flights on August 1. As part of the Government’s phased strategy to restart the destinations tourism industry, Air Canada will resume scheduled service to Grenada on August 10.

GTA’s Communication Officer, Ria Murray, told GIS that all visitors are required to agree to and observe the strict protocols, prior to booking and on arrival to the island. She highlighted some of the airlines sched-

She said, “Slowly, but surely, it will take time, but we are beginning to see the reenergizing of the tourism industry here in Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. It’s very much needed, because we know that the industry is indeed hurting, lots of revenue was lost, visitors could not come in, but slowly, but surely, visitors are returning to Pure Grenada, the Spice of the Caribbean.”