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

NEWSLETTER GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICE

ISSUE NO. 01

Details on page 03

TEXTBOOKS AND E-BOOKS SIDE BY SIDE IN SEPTEMBER

INSIDE

PAGE MINISTRY AIMS TO REDUCE 02 RETENTION RATE OF STUDENTS PAGE STIMULUS PACKAGE UPDATE WARNING ISSUED TO SOME BUSINESSES 04 PAGE 05

AND MUCH MORE...

Paradise Pre-Primary School

OVER 50 MILLION TO BE SPENT ON SCHOOLS

Page 05

NUTMEG & COCOA MERGER

SEE PAGE 03

Grand Etand Lake

TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF

TOURISM SITES

Page 04

Min. Bowen and team make a site visit

INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT WITHIN COMMUNITIES CONTINUES

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GRENADA’S EDUCATION MINISTRY AIMS TO REDUCE RETENTION RATE OF STUDENTS The Ministry of Education, Human Resource Development, Religious Affairs and Information will implement measures to reduce the retention rate of primary school students, who were unsuccessful in the Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA).

In a press briefing on July 7, Education Minister, Hon. Emmalin Pierre, said the Ministry will be expanding programs and Hon. Emmalin Pirre structures to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to attend secondary school.

system that will ensure that these students are able to succeed, and so we are going to be expanding a couple programs, beginning this summer vacation, and we want to give the commitment to the public that we are going to change this forever.”

Testing and Measurement Officer, Johnell Mitchell, commended the students who will start a new journey in September 2020, but is also hopeful that Grenada can get to zero retention of CPEA students at the primary school level, in the near future.

Minister Pierre said the Ministry is not comfortable retaining students, or placing them without adequately preparing them for secondary school life.

Mitchell said, “We want to remind you that there is still hope. You still have another opportunity going forward, so don’t believe that all is lost and that’s the end for you. There is hope going forward. You have another opportunity Johnell Mitchell to write the exam and again, with structures being put into place, we are hopeful that in time to come, we would have zero retention of any student in our primary schools. That means ensuring that the programs are correct, and you’ve heard of a number of initiatives that are taking place right now to ensure that we have that right.”

She said, “If you look back over the years, since we started the CPEA, and if you look back to our Common Entrance you would see, historically, we have been keeping back a number of students, because of their performance in those exams. Let me say that the Ministry of Education is not comfortable about this and, at the same time, we are not comfortable with just sending every child to a secondary school, without the support

Following the forced closure of schools in March, as part of the country’s fight against COVID-19, Cabinet decided that CPEA would be deferred to 2021. The Ministry of Education, Human Resource Development, Religious Affairs and Information used internal scores, MCT tests results and other assessments, to determine the placement of students, in secondary schools.

One thousand eight hundred and seventy-two students (1872) registered for the 2020 exams and one thousand seven hundred and forty-three (1743) were placed in secondary schools.

TEACHERS SUPPORT M-STAR LEARNING PLATFORM

Shirlene Bell-George, an Information Technology Trainer at the district level, said, “Teachers are able to create their lessons and bring some life into it; we are moving into movement, graphics, and animation, and so the teachers get excited that they can actually use multimedia related to their subject area.

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A major feature of the M-Star Platform is its ability to include tailored programmes for students with special needs. Keshawn Paul, an Information Technology teacher at the Presentation Brother’s College said, Simple things for example like Speech-to-Text or Text-to-Speech where someone who may not be able to see, could hear by having the content read to them.

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“I love the fact that it is locally owned! I’m using other

platforms but the fact that M-Star is Grenadian is something I feel proud of. said Edison Francis, an Information Technology Teacher at one of the nation’s leading athletic power houses, the St. David’s Catholic Secondary School.

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Francis is one of many teachers who now believes in the benefits of the M-Star Learning Platform and is now championing its relevance, in this era of e-learning.

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M-Star is the Ministry of Education’s leading learning platform for schools. It is locally designed and administered by Grenadian teachers and information technology professionals.

Already over 1500 teachers have started training on the use of the MSTAR platform. Some have already moved to the advanced level of creating and uploading content.

TEXTBOOKS AND E-BOOKS TO BE USED SIDE BY SIDE IN 2020

The Ministry of Education, Human Resource Development, Religious Affairs and Information informs all stakeholders that there is no change to the schoolbooks programme for the 2020-2021 school year.

The Ministry further informs the public that the Fortuna Pix e-books are being introduced this school year as supplementary resources.

Parents and guardians are therefore advised to obtain all print books that they can, in accordance with the booklist(s) received, as per usual. Parents who utilise the schoolbooks programme, are advised that additional books will not be purchased by the Ministry this year, however, books already in the system, will be re-issued to students involved in the programme. The Ministry therefore appeals to all parents to secure and return ALL books from the programme, based on the schedule, when provided by each school.

The Ministry continues to work towards introducing e-books, to meet the audiovisual needs of students, who benefit from blended learning strategies. The e-books

will provide access to a vast array of relevant, subject-related supplementary content that will assist learning, at all levels, for both primary and secondary school students, with secondary school students first in line to benefit from this initiative.

It is expected that the content on the e-books - visual demonstrations, videos and interactive material, et cetera - will be used to solidify students’ understanding of their course material. E-books have been licensed for twenty (20) subject areas. The e-learning devices come equipped with interactive, CXC-related material, for test preparation.

It is important to note that the e-learning devices can be used offline, which means that no internet connection is required to access the pre-loaded material. When in an environment with internet access (like in the classroom), students will be able to access and download content from any other source that is approved by the Ministry. Parents and teachers will also be provided with a list of approved websites.

Additionally, the devices have a very long battery life, which will generally allow students to use them for at least one day.

Students, particularly those without, or with limited access to a laptop, tablet or desktop computer at home, can now have a reliable device to access needed information and the means to communicate remotely with

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teachers and fellow students, in the interest of learning. The MSTAR platform, a Grenadian learning platform, which was commissioned in 2020, is currently zero-rated by DIGICEL. This means that there is no data access cost and, with the use of the new devices, students will be afforded easy access.

The MESH project, which provides broadband internet to all schools and the CARCIP project, which provides internet access points, are all part of the drive to ensure that easy access to information is a reality.

E-books are expected to be piloted in secondary schools in September 2020 and graded content should be accessible to all students, in both primary and secondary schools, from September 2021. A shipment of tablets for primary school students is expected, by the end of August, and based on the time

projected for configuration,

the devices should be available for those students towards the end of the Michaelmas Term.

The Ministry expresses a heartfelt thank you to all stakeholders who, in one way or another, are demonstrating confidence in and lending support to its e-learning agenda and recommits to the ideal that every learner should succeed.

GOVERNMENT OF GRENADA CONTINUES TO DEVELOP INFRASTRUCTURE WITHIN COMMUNITIES

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Min. Bowen and team make a site visit

Minister for Infrastructure Development, Public Utilities, Energy, Transport and Implementation, Hon. Gregory Bowen, said Government is set to resume road work in the Tabacaye community, of Springs St. George.

Hon. Bowen and a team from the Ministry, which included Senior Road Officer, Gregory Lowhar, who has responsibility for roads in South St. George and St. George South East, conducted a site visit to the area on Tuesday July 7, 2020.

The visit was designed to reassess the area and review the scope of work to be undertaken. That includes construction of three hundred feet of

concrete pavement, a cross culvert and 120 feet of box drains and sleeper drains.

Minister Bowen also said a bypass needs to be constructed through the area that will be facilitated with the construction of the cross culvert.

The bypass will allow residents to safely cross the stream, during heavy rainfall.

Work on the pavement can begin within six to eight weeks. Once a contractor has been selected, at least fifteen people are expected to gain employment, on the project.

ATTEMPTS BY BUSINESSES TO DEFRAUD THE GOVERNMENT CAUSE DELAYS IN DISBURSEMENT OF BENEFITS UNDER STIMULUS PACKAGE

proved applicants.

In addition, some entities have not paid NIS for their employees since 2019, although employee records show deductions being made from their salaries. This caused further delays in verification of employee information, provided by employers.

Employers are reminded that misuse of any funds paid in the stimulus package, which was meant to be for the benefit of employees, warrants immediate repayment to the Government, if the funds are not used for the intended purpose.

The Government of Grenada is sending a stern warning to businesses, which have made false declarations to benefit from the economic stimulus package and inappropriately used funds received, as part of this package.

The warning comes against the background of several irregularities discovered by the COVID-19 Economic Support Secretariat (CESS), in processing and validating applications submitted by businesses, for payroll support.

The discrepancies have resulted in delays in the processing of applications, as this led to the addition of another layer of validation to the verification process.

Among the anomalies identified are the inclusion of a service charge as part of payroll support claims; submitted data not matching records at the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) and misrepresentation of the salaries of senior and management level staff to make them eligible for stimulus payments, despite being expressly excluded from the benefit.

Additionally, some businesses have also submitted inflated salaries for employees, but have actually remitted a smaller amount to them.

Employees have also reported, to the Secretariat, that some employers have paid them less than the 40 percent of the salary allocated for in the stimulus package, for disbursement to ap-

The violations are a cause of much concern for the Secretariat, as it appears to be quite pervasive, with numerous businesses attempting to defraud the system. In one instance, more than 100 employees, at a single establishment, were affected by discrepancies uncovered during the processing and validation of applications.

The COVID-19 Economic Support Secretariat and, by extension the Ministry of Finance, is calling on employers to desist from the unlawful practices because it is not only unfair to employees who are already economically disadvantaged by the impact of the pandemic, but it also creates an unnecessary burden for the COVID-19 Economic Support Secretariat, to create additional layers of verification - a factor which subsequently causes delays in processing.

NO DECISION HAS BEEN MADE ON COCOA AND NUTMEG ASSOCIATION The Government of Grenada is reiterating its position that it has no interest in taking control of the Grenada Cocoa and Nutmeg Associations.

Minister for Trade, Industry, Co-operatives and CARICOM Affairs, Hon. Oliver Joseph, said there has been no decision on the matter at this stage, since discussions are currently ongoing.

The Ministry of Agriculture is currently conducting a series of area meetings with cocoa and nutmeg farmers, to bring awareness of the proposed merger between the two associations. The first meeting in the series was held in Grenville on July 7. Minister Joseph has dismissed suggestions that Government is using the merger as a disguise to take control of the associations. He reiterated a recent statement by Prime Minister, Dr. the Right Hon. Keith Mitchell, that Government has no interest in taking over the operations of the associations, but is instead interested in creating avenues for farmers to obtain more benefits.

Joseph is optimistic that there are many benefits to be derived from having one association, under new management. He said the private sector should be the engine of growth for the industry, with Government’s support.

“It will provide greater returns to farmers through lower operating costs, increases from output and value-added products, better marketing, more efficient and profitable asset management and higher levels of private sector investment. This Government has always demonstrated its confidence in

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private sector investment. We have said, clearly, that the private sector should be the engine of growth and Government’s role is to facilitate that.” Minister Joseph also said, “These companies are better run by private individuals rather than the State, and we don’t believe that the State should play any dominant role in what the private sector can do in a more efficient way.”

Joseph is hopeful that any decision taken will be in the best interest of the farmers.

Min. Oliver Joseph

He said, “There are different business models that we can look at. No final decision has been made yet, as to what form this business model would take.

As said, everything is out there for discussion.”

He also said, “When we have the final document, then we can come back and discuss. After we get all the inputs and we see what a final version is like, I would like to then engage in the discussion on that.”

TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF TOURISM SITES

being made for repair.

In the meantime, individuals visiting the lake, have not been turned away. However, in keeping with the restriction on mass gathering, the Ministry is not encouraging large crowds to visit the attraction site.

Going forward, the gates to the lake will be open during the day as is customary, and closed at nights. Persons wishing to use the facilities for special events are asked to request permission in writing, from the Ministry of Tourism.

The Ministry of Tourism shares the following information in relation to tourist Similar to the sector-based requirements attraction sites. for businesses to resume operations, tourism attraction sites must follow estabIn keeping with regulations issued as part lished guidelines before they are allowed of the State of Emergency instituted to to reopen. curb the spread of COVID-19, the operation of tourism sites, like other businesses As such, the facilities are being outfitted with the COVID readiness protocols, across the country, was restricted. which include installation of touchless The Grand Etang Lake was one such fa- hand sanitizers and the training of staff cility which was closed and public access who are now back on the job. was prevented through the closure of the In addition, the gate to the Grand Etang gate.

Lake is damaged and arrangements are

The gate at Fort Frederick, another tourist attraction site, was closed due to incidents of vandalism. The damage has been addressed, and the facility will be opened during the day, and closed at nights.

With the launch of Paradise at home, the Ministry of Tourism is inviting all Grenadians to explore the natural and scenic beauty of our country and its rich history, as well as experience the excellent services offered in the accommodation sector.

Visitors to our shores will join you some time later, but in the meantime, the Ministry of Tourism urges you to take advantage of the charms of Pure Grenada, Spice of the Caribbean.

OVER 50 MILLION TO BE SPENT ON SCHOOL INFRASTRUCTURE

Paradise Pre-Primary School

The Government of Grenada continues to invest, along with its social partners, in the refurbishment, upgrade and creation of new school infrastructure islandwide. Minister for Education, Human Resource Development, Religious Affairs and Information, Hon. Emmalin Pierre, said EC $15 million has been budgeted for the overall maintenance of schools, and expenditure on school infrastructure in 2020, thus far, exceeds EC $100,000.

During a press conference on July 7, 2020, Minister Pierre said, “During this period – July to August – 75 schools will be repaired and that does not include our special toilet maintenance programme, which we have started, not just as a response to COVID-19, but because of the critical need for such and some $2.5 million will be spent there.”

The Minister also highlighted major work to be completed under the Grenada Education Enhancement Project (GEEP), which is

Happy Hill/Brizan Pre-Primary school under construction

funded by the Caribbean Development Bank.

“Presentation Brothers College - we actually saw work started there to the tune of $4.56 million; Grenada SDA Comprehensive – the contract has been signed and we expect work will start in July; Bishop’s College we have received no objection on that particular project. It has been approved

by CDB. The contractor is currently being engaged and we expect that by end of August work would start there, to the tune of some $10.45 million dollars,” she explained.

Other major work in progress includes the construction of the Paradise Pre-School and the Happy Hill/Brizan Pre-School, which are being relocated to new sites. Work has also begun on the River Sallee Pre-School Expansion Project. Two St. Andrew schools will soon benefit from new school buildings.

Pierre said, “We are in the design phase for two new schools – St. Andrew’s Anglican

CPEA TRANSFER REQUEST FORM NOW ONLINE Parents of Grade 6 students who need to request a transfer for their children from one secondary school to another, can now access the CPEA Transfer Request Form online, instead of using the paper form, which was previously used.

Mr. Kevin Andall, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Human Resource Development, Religious Affairs and Information, said, “They [parents/guardians] have been accessing online, a PDF document for transfer. We have recognized that this format is inadequate and just as how we responded to everything, we have responded quickly to provide an online form that is editable. Once you enter your information in that form, it goes directly to the exam unit and they will have your data.”

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Primary School and the Grenada Christian Academy. We expect that those designs will be completed by November 2020.”

The Education Minister explained that some issues are being resolved, regarding the lands to be used for the new St. David’s Catholic Secondary School, and that a public announcement on the progress of that will be made shortly.

Minister Pierre also provided some clarity as to whether, or not, the St. Andrew’s Anglican Primary School will be relocated from the town of Grenville. She said that the Ministry has received the assurance from the architects, that it is possible to create a design that will ensure the safety and security of all those who use that facility.

However, she noted that the costing of that design will influence the final decision and determine if it would be financially possible to have the school constructed, at the original location.

says ‘Forms’, then select ‘Ministry of Education, Human Resource Development, Religious Affairs and Information’, from the dropdown list. Once this is done, a new page will provide a link to the transfer form. By clicking that link, the transfer form will then load.

The form can then be carefully filled out by typing in responses and using drop down boxes to select items such as the names of schools and dates of birth.

Individuals filling out the online form must possess a valid Grenada ID, such as a voter’s ID, NIS card, or Grenada passport, to submit information in the ID section. Once the form is completed, one simply needs to click the submit button at the end and await confirmation that the submission was successful. Once successful, the form will be sent directly to the Ministry of Education, for processing.

Kevin Andall

The online form can be accessed by logging on to weboffice.gd. Once there, one must select the tab/button at the top of the web page, which

Andall said individuals who previously submitted paper forms do not have to resubmit, as this new form is for those who have not yet made a request. He also noted that the deadline for submission of the CPEA Transfer Request Form has been extended to July 17, 2020, in order to accommodate as many parents as possible.