Government Information Service Newsletter - Vol. 1, Issue 3 - 2020

NEWSLETTER GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICE

ISSUE NO. 03

INSIDE

FIRST STEP IN

Details on page 04

TOURISM “COMEBACK” - RESUMING FLIGHTS FOR REGIONAL TRAVEL

PAGE 02

PRIME MINISTER EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF VICTIMS OF VEHICULAR ACCIDENT

PAGE GOVERNMENT SIGNALS INTENTION TO HAVE 2020 CARNIVAL MONDAY AND 03 TUESDAY REVOKED AS HOLIDAYS

AND MUCH MORE...

COVID-19 CONTROL BILL 2020

PAGE 07

CREATION OF RING ROAD FOR PETERSFIELD

WILL NOT BE TABLED IN PARLIAMENT ON WEDNESDAY See page 02

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PRIME MINISTER DR. RT. HON. KEITH EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF VICTIMS OF VEHICULAR ACCIDENT

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

life health-wise. It is a sad time - three lives lost in Prime Minister, Dr. Rt. Hon Keith Mitchell, said he is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life, following a vehicular accident in Westerhall, St. David, on July 20.

Three people died when a truck and a Toyota minibus collided around 3:45 p.m.

Expressing his sympathies to the family and friends of the victims, Dr. Mitchell said, “It is a very sad thing for all of us, when people lose their lives through accidents and who were enjoying a good

JOINT STATEMENT BY MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND RGPF The Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) and the Division of Transport have extended their deepest sympathies to the families of the three victims, of the tragic accident that occurred in Westerhall, St. David, on July 20, 2020.

The Minister for Transport, Hon. Gregory Bowen, said, “It is with a profound sense of sadness that we have received the news of the tragic loss of lives and we pray that God will comfort the families and friends of those who passed. Our prayers and thoughts are also with the other passengers and those affected by this terrible accident.”

Police reports state that a truck and a passenger bus collided just before 4 p.m. on July 20. Regrettably, three people lost their lives, while others suffered injuries.

The RGPF and the Division of Transport will be reaching out to the bereaved families and others affected by this tragedy.

Government is also making counselling services available, at this time.

one day and multiple injuries. It is very tough for all concerned. My heart goes out to the families who have lost loved ones and I pray that God will comfort them.”

COVID-19 CONTROL BILL 2020 WILL NOT BE TABLED IN PARLIAMENT ON WEDNESDAY The Government of Grenada wishes to inform its stakeholders and the general public that the Bill entitled THE CORONAVIRUS (COVID- 19) CONTROL BILL 2020 will not be tabled in Parliament on Wednesday July 29, 2020 as previously announced.

This Bill was drafted after nearly four months of managing the SARSCoV-2 National crisis and the continuous examination of the medical and scientific information, as well as the experience of the management of the emergency on the ground.

These matters informed the Bill as the Government was paying keen attention to the continuous feedback which was being provided by the public and its stakeholders.

The sole intention of the Bill is to protect our people, especially now that we have taken the decision to reopen our borders. It must be noted that while the Bill does not significantly change the existing legislation and does not contravene our Constitution, we have listened to the concerns raised and will delay the process to give an opportunity

to address these concerns, keeping in mind that the health and safety of our people must not be compromised.

Government accepts responsibility for not ensuring that the public had a full explanation of the Bill, before attempting to take it to Parliament, and therefore commits to improving the process.

Meanwhile, the Government reiterates the importance of putting systems and structures in place to ensure that there is no outbreak of COVID-19 in Grenada and that the life of every citizen is protected, using all possible means. So far, collectively, we have been able to control and manage the spread of this virus, and this remains our priority.

We therefore appeal to all Grenadians not to become complacent, but to follow all the protocols and regulations that are in place.

Let us continue fighting together to keep Grenada COVID-19 FREE.

GOVERNMENT SIGNALS INTENTION TO HAVE 2020 CARNIVAL MONDAY AND TUESDAY REVOKED AS HOLIDAYS

The Government of Grenada has signaled its intention to have both Houses of Parliament consider the revocation of Carnival Monday and Tuesday, as National Holidays, in 2020.

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see the nation return to full productivity.

He said, “Businesses have suffered over this period of time and Government, itself, has experienced a significant reduction in revenue. Therefore, with the cancellation A bill has been drafted that is expected of Carnival this year, which negates the to be brought before the House of need for the traditional holidays, the Representatives, when it meets on July 29. prudent thing to do is to use those days The bill will then be taken to the Senate, productively. Government’s intention following which it is expected to be passed here is not to disregard the importance into law. Carnival Monday and Tuesday are of culture, but against the backdrop of mentioned in the Bank Holidays Act and, our individual and collective losses, we therefore, this legislative process must be must now seek to capitalize on every followed. opportunity to rebuild.”

During an interview on July 22, Prime The Prime Minister made it clear, however, Minister Dr. Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell, that Emancipation Day, which is celebrated said with COVID-19 already impacting on August 3, remains a National Holiday. economic activity, Government is keen to

CULTURAL FRATERNITY MOURNS

The Ministry of Youth Development, Sports, Culture and the Arts and the cultural fraternity are mourning the loss of cultural stalwart, David ‘Peck’ Edwards, who died on July 19, 2020.

Edwards served the Government of Grenada as a cultural officer for many years. Even after his retirement from the Public service in 2019, he was still involved in the Ministry’s activities.

Desiree Stephens, Permanent Secretary with Respon-

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

sibility for Sports, Culture & the Arts, in the Ministry of Culture, remembers Edwards as a dedicated man, who gave commendable service during his time at the Ministry.

She said, “Mr. Edwards was also one of our cultural ambassadors, for his contribution he would have made to pan. The Division of Culture is a very small division, very close-knit family, and Mr. Edward’s passing has deeply touched every member of staff within the division. Although he would have retired last year, he always remained a part of the Division’s family. Any activity that we had, prior his sickness, he was involved if called upon to do so. We also kept him close and included him in our Christmas outreach activity. We visited him, brought some Christmas cheer to him and also two Fridays ago, 10th July, we would have celebrated his 61st birthday with him. So, he has always remained a very close part of the division, a member of our culture family, our Ministry - by extension family.

music, to numerous young persons and old alike, will always be an outstanding hallmark in his illustrious career.”

Stephen supported the statement made by the Grenadian Cultural Foundation, saying, “Mr. Edwards would have contributed immensely to culture in Grenada, through the steel pan movement, from the engagement with the various schools; the different bands. He would have served at Dimension, Pan Wizards and also Rainbow City All Stars. Late last year, the Steel Pan Association would have honored him and I’m so happy that they were able to and we were a part of it. As we say, ‘Give him his flowers’, before he passed. It was a great initiative by the Grenada Steel Pan Association and I know too that they are deeply saddened by his passing. We would have had an outpouring of condolence messages In a press release, the Grenadian Cul- from various sectors and persons, tural Foundation said, “Peck as he is who Mr. Edwards would’ve touched.” affectionately called, left no stone unturned in defending the pan The Government Information Sermovement in Grenada and was indeed a force to be reckoned with, as vice expresses deepest condolences a producer /composer of music. His to the family of the late David ‘Peck’ contribution to the teaching of pan Edwards.

SIGNIFICANT MOVES BEING MADE TO FILL VOID LEFT BY REGIONAL AIRLINE, LIAT

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Liat

Tourism and civil aviation sectors in the region are making significant moves to ensure there is alternative transport, given the possible demise of regional airline, LIAT, which has served the region for more than 40 years.

said from July 24 Caribbean Airlines will fly between Grenada and Barbados, with connections to St. Lucia and Dominica.

Some flights will also go via St. Vincent into Barbados.

Both of these regional and domestic services will commence on July 22, 2020.

“So, there is a combination of opportunities that will

LIAT, which has experienced financial and other challenges for years, was hard-hit by COVID-19, which forced countries in the region to close their borders.

During a recent interview, Prime Minister, Dr. Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell, said the regional tourism and civil aviation sectors are, “… deep in discussion with Caribbean Airlines (CAL) to take up some of the slack. They have indicated they have additional aircraft now, so expect to see some serious movement with Caribbean Airlines.”

Dr. Mitchell also said the Turks and Caicosbased InterCaribbean Airways is showing tremendous interest in the region.

Following successful discussions, the airline was issued an operating permit by the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation.

InterCaribbean Airways has indicated that systems are being put in place to commence flights on August 1, 2020.

Meanwhile, SVG Air plans to introduce service using a twin otter, between Grenada, St. Vincent and Barbados, to provide connections to the larger islands.

Grenada’s Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation

be available, to ensure that we not just replace what LIAT was bringing, if it does not return, but to have expanded opportunities,” the Prime Minister said.

In addition to increased air transport opportunities, Dr. Mitchell said Grenada will soon join other regional countries that have reduced taxes on airline tickets, to encourage greater intra-regional travel.

The Prime Minister has consistently called for the reduction of taxes and other measures that would make it easier for people to travel.

PURE GRENADA TAKES FIRST STEP IN TOURISM “COMEBACK”

BY RESUMING FLIGHTS FOR REGIONAL TRAVEL Destination launches initial phase by reopening international airport to CARICOM travelers on July 15 As part of the Government of Grenada’s careful approach to reopening the destination to international travelers, Grenada’s Maurice Bishop International Airport began welcoming visitors from neighboring CARICOM nations on July 15, 2020. Though identified as Low-Risk Countries, due to inactive community transmission, travelers originating from these destinations will still need to observe and agree to mandatory protocols, prior to booking and on arrival to the three-island destination.

“We are pleased to be able to welcome visitors from our closest neighbors in the region,” noted Patricia Maher, CEO of the GTA. “The Grenada Tourism Authority and all of its partners in the private and public sector recognize that it is necessary for us to take gradual steps with the relaunch of tourism, not only for the benefit of

our travelers, but to also ensure the health and safety of our residents as well as protect the sustainability and viability of the Grenadian tourism industry.”

Pure Grenada, the Spice of the Caribbean, provides visitors with limitless opportunities to explore, relax and unwind. With diverse offerings such as culinary, soft adventure, romance, leisure and sailing experiences targeting a varied audience, including solo travelers, couples and families, travelers can easily tailor their trip to suit their needs.

“Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique has so much to offer our neighbors and with a quick flight over, they won’t need to go far to start their vacation,” commented Maher.

Regional partner, SVG Air, is slated to begin regular flight service to sister-island Carriacou’s Lauriston Airport on July 22. Regional carrier, Caribbean Airlines, have confirmed their sched-

ule from Barbados to Grenada, to start on July 22. Turks & Caicos-based interCaribbean Airways is also set to launch nonstop flight service to Grenada’s Maurice Bishop International Airport, beginning August 1.

For complete details on required travel protocols and general destination information, visit www.puregrenada.com.

EDUCATORS GRADUATE FROM M-STAR ONLINE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TRAINING

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Some of the successful graduates Three hundred and fifty (350) teachers graduated from an M-Star Online Learning Professional Training on Monday, on July 20, in an online commencement activity.

Instead of the usual professional development training done during the summer school break, this training was organized to ensure that teachers are fully prepared to participate in e-learning, using the locally developed M-STAR Learning Support Platform.

Addressing the graduates, Hon. Emmalin Pierre, Minister for Education, Human Resource Development, Religious Affairs & Information congratulated them and said, “Hundreds of you have volunteered and come forward, expressing an interest in training, as it relates to e-learning, a tool that can be used to help in developing the education sector.”

Minister Pierre said the increased competence of teachers, in the area of e-learning, fits into the OECS Education Sector Strategy, which stresses the improvement of teachers’ professional development and the quality of teaching and learning, at all levels.

“We were called in March, thereabout, to switch immediately, from face-to-face instructions, to online instructions,” she said. “I want to commend you. I want to commend all of our principals and all of our teachers, for their achievement, during this period.”

The Ministry of Education supported the transition to online learning, by making the M-STAR Online Learning Support Platform a free, zerorated resource that educators could use.

Kurleen Roberts, a teacher at the Paraclete Government School, said,

“This workshop was just what I needed. It contained high quality content, was delivered with passion and genuine desire to share knowledge and presented in such a way that was easy to understand.”

Another teacher at the St. Andrew’s Anglican Primary School Leslie-Ann Pascal said, “I didn’t know much what to do on the platform. Our facilitator, Teacher Eddie, was excellent. He was very patient with each and every one of us. I came from the unknown, into the known.”

Hon. Emmalin Pierre

Rhea Baptiste, a teacher completing the course, noted the benefits of the training.

“I have learned so much about this M-Star programme. I am now able to set and plan my lessons. I am able to embed videos and links, descriptions – everything – in my lessons to make it interactive and interesting for my students. I am also able to cater for different learning styles,” she said.

Hon. Pierre complimented the teachers on their dedication to education.

“It speaks volumes about your interest in our students. It speaks volumes about your interest in education and that you are prepared to take a leap of faith - that you are prepared to do whatever is necessary and whatever is possible, to improve your skills to the benefit of our students.”

In-classroom teaching and learning is expected to resume in full, following protocols established for the reopening of schools, in September 2020.

The Education Minister said, “We will maximize the use of technology, or e-books; our M-STAR platform and all that is available technologically, to ensure that we achieve our objectives.”

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS PROVIDES SANITIZING SOLUTION

CRICKET NETS FOR BIG PARISH

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Work has begun at Progress Park, St. Andrew, for the installation of two cricket nets - an initiative by the four parliamentary representatives for St. Andrew: Hon. Emmalin Pierre, Hon. Kate Lewis, Hon. Delma Thomas and Hon. Yolande Bain-Horsford.

‘The Four Sisters’, as they have branded themselves, decided after the 2018 general elections that there will be some parish projects that they will combine their efforts to execute.

The Grenada organizations in Canada are making clear their commitment to support the efforts of the Government of Grenada, in keeping the country safe, during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Sometime in 2019, a meeting was held with the St. Andrew Cricket Council and the request for cricket nets was again raised, because of its importance to the continued development of the sport, in the big parish.

The Grenadian diaspora and the Grenadian Consulate, in Canada, made a financial contribution towards the effort and the items were purchased by the Hon. Peter David.

St. Andrew has produced a number of great cricketers, who have served parish, country and region well, and people were displeased with the level of assistance given to further the development of the sport in that parish.

Ambassador for Diaspora Affairs and Consul General in Toronto, Derrick James expressed thanks to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for facilitating the handover of the sanitizing solution.

Ambassador James said, “We thought that making a contribution would be important, in that fight of the COVID and this is the first of two donations. We have a second donation coming. In fact, we have decided to make a second donation of hand sanitizers, so we are going forward to make that purchase and leave a donation to the Government and they will make the decision as to where it’s necessary to use it. I know that this set was used for the buses, to sanitize the people on the buses and we were pleased that it was use for that cause, because a lot of people will benefit from our donation and we will continue to see how we could support Grenada in this fight.”

The items were presented to the Minister with Responsibility for Transportation, Hon. Gregory Bowen, by Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Peter David.

“On behalf of the Ministry for Foreign affairs and Diaspora affairs, I’m happy to make this donation of hand sanitizers to the Ministry of Transport,” Hon. David said. “They chose the Ministry of Transport to make this donation, because of the urgent need in the transport sector, in the face of the COVID challenges. I want to, on behalf of our Ministry, thank them for this and to wish them well, because you know that Grenadians in the diaspora have suffered some difficulties. We’ve also had quite a few deaths in the diaspora. I want to thank them on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for their contribution and for them continuing in their efforts to ensure that we, in Grenada, remain safe, and we look forward to seeing them once Grenada opens up and we’re able to travel back and forth between Canada and Grenada.”

Minister Bowen expressed his gratitude for the donation not only to his Ministry, but to the Grenadian population.

The Transportation Minister said, “I look forward to continuously working with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, so that the diaspora in other sectors, maybe Europe and the U.S., can provide us with this. This is very important, because we are spending over $50,000 per month and this will help to reduce our budget, as of $50,000. In this regard, therefore, I want to ask the public, to utilize the fluid on the buses. Ensure that the buses do what they have to do, with respect to the health and safety of all Grenadians.”

The four MP’s recently visited the site, where the work is ongoing, with the GIS, to get an update on the progress of the cricket net installation. Minister Pierre said this has been a project in the pipeline for quite a long time, however funding has always been an issue. She said the cricket nets will be a plus, for the facility at Progress Park.

Senior Cricket Coach in the Ministry of Sports, Ashley Cummings, is happy about this development and said the project is very important for St. Andrew, making reference to some of the cricketing greats of the parish, such as Evlyn Frederick and Robert ‘Wap’ Hopkin. Cummings said St. Andrew has produced top class cricketers for years at the national, regional and West Indies Cricket Team level. With the installation of nets, which will serve for generations to come, once maintained, the game of cricket will continue to be strengthened in St. Andrew.

The cricket nets will not only serve the cricketers, within the parish of St. Andrew, but also St. Patrick and St. Mark. There will no longer be the need to travel with the under fifteen and under nineteen cricketers to the National Stadium, in St. George, for practice at the nets, which was no easy task, as the cricketers most times were exhausted from the commute.

There will be two types of the nets: a turf of 66 ft and a concrete of 40 ft. The only difference between these cricket nets and those at the National Cricket Stadium is the type of netting that will be used.

It is estimated that the installation of the nets will be completed by October 2020, after which they can be integrated into the programs of the Grenada Cricket Association. Cummings believes that the football and athletics coaches who utilize Progress Park will also be happy, because at times it can become very inconvenient for all three disciplines to function at the park, at the same time.

CREATION OF RING ROAD FOR PETERSFIELD

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The Government of Grenada is making a second attempt to create a ring road for the easement of residents of Petersfield, St. Paul’s, one of the more densely populated communities, within the St. George South East Constituency.

While on a recent site visit to the community, to reassess the scope of works to be carried out, Parliamentary Representative, Hon. Gregory Bowen, said the present situation makes it very difficult for residents to move in and out of the community, especially to access public transport.

He said Government began the process years ago, but due to land ownership issues, the project came to a halt. The plan is to widen the pavement, where it allows, and to open a section of road, so that when it rains the children can get to school and people to work, as vehicular access will be more convenient.

The Infrastructure Minister said if Government moves to develop the allowed pathway it will be costly and not serve the interest of the entire community. He said the first attempt was made more than ten years ago, with the construction of the first phase, however, because permission was not granted to pass the road through lands that are not Government owned, the project was not completed. Hon. Bowen said the current idea is to re-route the road, so that everyone in the community can be served, enabling the required road width for the buses to traverse. In order for the Government to achieve this goal, Hon. Bowen said the residents must come together and agree to give Government access to lands to construct the road.

The Parliamentary Representative said one of the factors delaying the process is that many of the landowners do not reside on island, so efforts will have to be made to contact them, to seek permission for the

use of their property, so the project can begin. Hon. Bowen said a meeting will be convened using current technology, to engage members of the Petersfield community, with the hope that landowners will be informed and cooperate with the plans proposed, in the interest of community development.

The road in question needs to be completed and joined to the existing road network that leads to Laborie on one end, and The Bocas, St. Paul’s on the other, so that the buses can complete the circle and people can get to and from their homes with ease.

Hon. Bowen said the Petersfield Road is one of three projects to be completed, in each constituency, at an approximate cost of $100, 000, once permission is granted to use the shortest pathway.

MINISTER FOR NATIONAL SECURITY APPEALS FOR VIGILANCE FOR THE REST OF THE HURRICANE SEASON Although Tropical Storm Gonzalo has been downgraded to a Tropical Depression, Prime Minister and Minister for National Security, Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell, is appealing to the nation to remember the tough lessons of

COMMONWEALTH OF LEARNING (COL) LEARNING OPPORTUNITY COURSERA WORKFORCE RECOVERY PROGRAMME The Commonwealth of Learning (COL) has entered into a partnership with Coursera (worldwide e-learning platform), to facilitate unlimited and free access to 3,800 courses, in 400 specializations, designed to skill and re-skill citizens of Commonwealth Member States, for employment/ livelihood.

The courses are taught by highly reputed professors and mentors, from well-recognized universities and institutions around the world. These courses are aligned to employability are certified upon completion and offered at no cost to the learners.

The programme is particularly well suited for those who are unemployed, on the verge of unemployment, or students wishing to increase their chances of employment. All enrolled learners must complete the courses to earn certificates

by December 31, 2020, which is the end date for the Coursera Workforce Recovery Programme.

Interested persons are required to complete and submit the registration form below, to register for the programme: See the link for registration form here: https:// forms.gle/V9fWKEtqvUsMTkMt9 A few days after registration ends, a formal invitation will be sent to you from COL. Once you become a member, you can select from the pool of courses and enroll in any course or courses of your choice.

The deadline for registration is midday (12 noon), July 31, 2020.

Please share with as many people as possible, so that they will be able to take advantage of this opportunity.

Hurricane Ivan and do everything possible to protect life and limb for the rest of the 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season.

vigilant, as a nation, for the rest of the hurricane season.”

Dr. Mitchell said while Gonzalo was nowhere on the scale of Hurricane Ivan, which devastated Grenada in September 2004, it would be unwise for people to be lulled into a false sense of security.

The National Disaster Management Agency (NaDMA), through the Met Office at the MBIA, provides updates on any pending weather system.

He said, “Since we are all dealing with the impact of COVID-19, we must remain particularly cautious and not allow complacency at this time. Hurricane Ivan taught us a valuable lesson about being prepared. Let us use that lesson to remain

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Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell

Dr. Mitchell is also urging people to ensure they utilise information from only “verified and authentic sources”.