Government Information Service Newsletter - Vol. 1, Issue 19 - 2020

NEWSLETTER GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICE

Vol. 1, Issue 19

Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020

MORE THAN

EC$19 MILLION IN SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED DETAILS ON PAGE 02

PRIME MINISTER EXPRESSES APPRECIATION TO UNITED STATES FOR NEW NADMA HEADQUARTERS SEE PAGE 03

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

INSIDE PAGE 04

GRENADA CONFIRMS 28TH CASE OF COVID-19

PAGE 05

MORE SURGERIES, LESS WAITING TIME

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NO-VENDING ZONE AT MELVILLE STREET

AND MUCH MORE...

More than EC $19 Million in Scholarships Awarded Ninety-two scholarships, valued at more than $19 million, were awarded to Grenadian students for study at local, regional and international tertiary education institutions, during a virtual award ceremony on Oct. 22.

The scholarships included both graduate and undergraduate awards. Scholarships were awarded from the Government of Grenada, in collaboration with St. George’s University (SGU); the University of the West Indies; the People Republic of China and the Republic of Cuba and Russia. Six Island Scholarships and six economic cost bursaries to various UWI campuses were also awarded from the Government of Grenada.

Speaking on behalf of the St George’s University, Associate Dean for SGU, Colin Dowe, highlighted the impact of the SGU and its importance as a Grenada-based institution.

Dowe said, “There are over 2000 Grenadian graduates of St. George’s University and they have taken up significant positions here in Grenada, regionally and internationally. This is both in terms of their professional lives as well as in academia. St. George’s University is circa 20 percent of Grenada’s GDP. We are the largest private employer. We are, without question, the best in the Caribbean at educational tourism. We are indeed the number one provider of first-year residents to the U.S. Healthcare system.”

His Excellency, Dr. Zhao Yongchen, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Grenada presented awards from China, expressing thanks to the Education Minister and the Government for its support, while thanking the current students for their diligence in persevering despite adverse circumstances in during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also encouraged the 12 new awardees to study hard and achieve excellence, recognizing the continued, cooperation between Grenada and China.

Her Excellency, Iraida de la Caridad Guerrero Zuñiga, Ambassador of Cuba to Grenada, who presented the awards from Cuba praised the long-standing cooperation between Grenada and Cuba, as the countries celebrate 41 years of diplomatic relations, during which more than 300 students have graduated in Cuba. Despite the constraints of COVID-19, she said Cuba gives priority to the development of the human resource, which they see as priority for the development of country.

“This year 12 students will receive scholarships to study in Cuba in medicine, nursing, engineering, telecommunications and two post-graduates in medicine,” she said. “I want to tell the students that are here today you will have the opportunity to meet a friendly people who will receive all of you with love and friendship.”

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Education Minister, Hon. Emmalin Pierre thanked all long-standing scholarship stakeholders.

“Ambassadors, I wish to say to you this morning that we will be more than happy this morning to have you convey our continued appreciation and gratitude to your Government for the partnership with our Government. We will forever be grateful for what you are doing and how you are working with us to meet the needs of our people. I also wish to recognize the friendship and partnership with the leadership and management of the St. George’s University – a partnership and a relationship that has borne much fruit over the years and, as Government, we look forward to the growth and continued development of this relationship in the interest of our people.”

Minister Pierre announced that the Ministry will

Minister for Education, Human Resource Development, Religious Affairs and Information Hon. Emmailin Pierre

be launching a summer volunteer programme where all awardees will have an opportunity to give back. This will be extended during the bond period.

Prime Minister Expresses Appreciation to United States for New NADMA Headquarters

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

Prime Minister and Minister for Disaster Management, Dr. the Right Honourable Keith Mitchell, has expressed deep appreciation to the United States for providing new headquarters for the National Disaster Management Agency (NaDMA) and a similar facility on the sister island of Carriacou.

Dr. Mitchell met virtually Oct. 20 with the United States Ambassador, Linda Taglialatela, during which he praised the ongoing partnership between the two countries.

Dr. Mitchell said, “The construction of new disaster management facilities means a lot for Grenada. As the agency responsible for spearheading disaster management efforts, we must ensure that NaDMA is properly equipped to execute its mandate. The decision by the United States to construct, outfit and equip the new Emergency Operations Centres represents a significant contribution to building resilience here in Grenada and, for that, we are grateful.

We are very happy and appreciative of the United States’ relationship and partnership with Grenada.”

Ambassador Taglialatela said now that the construction process is far advanced approval has already been given to outfitting the building and for the purchase of equipment.

The U.S. is investing more than U.S. $6 million into building and equipping the new Emergency Operations Centres in Grenada and Carriacou. Both buildings, which have adjoining warehouses, are expected to be completed and handed over during the first half of 2021.

Discussing other matters, the American diplomat commended the Prime Minister for Government’s

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cooperation in repatriating U.S. citizens during the national lockdown earlier this year.

She said, “The Ministries of Health, Tourism and Foreign Affairs were key in helping to repatriate Americans out of Grenada, particularly students and faculty at St. George’s University and those vacationing on yachts. They worked extremely hard with us and facilitated the departure of close to 40 flights, in a reasonable time and seamless manner.”

The Prime Minister acknowledged that it was in the interest of both countries to have this process work smoothly. He also underscored the tremendous impact SGU has on the local community and noted that the university is working towards resuming on-campus teaching soon.

Speaking on behalf of their respective countries, both the Prime Minister and the ambassador committed to continue working together and strengthening the partnership that exists between Grenada and the United States.

Principal Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Grenada, Karl Duckworth, also attended the virtual meeting.

Grenada Confirms Twenty-Eighth Case of COVID-19 The Ministry of Health confirms that an individual who arrived in Grenada via a private carrier from France on October 16 has since tested positive for COVID-19.

The 32-year-old male is Grenada’s twenty-eight laboratory diagnosed case. He has been quarantined since arrival, as per the entry protocols of the State and is so far asymptomatic.

The other individuals aboard that flight all tested negative, are also in quarantine and under observation.

Meanwhile, the three previously announced positive cases (Cases 25, 26 and 27) are still quarantined and not yet medically cleared. The known contacts of Case 25, who were also in quarantine, have completed their incubation period and were retested. All returned negative results and have been cleared by health officials.

The Ministry reminds the public to remain cautious in daily activities and to adhere to all health and safety guidelines for maximum protection of the tri-island State. While our defence systems are proving to be effective in catching and isolating the disease at our borders and on our shores, we can never be too confident. As we have seen, one misstep can have catastrophically rippling effects throughout our small population.

We must work together, if we are to ultimately win the battle against this deadly disease.

As we continue to welcome our returning residents and visitors, we urge everyone to comply with the mandates of the State regarding testing and quarantining. Your personal responsibility ensures Grenada’s immunity. Practice good hygiene maintain physical distancing of at last six feet and wear your mask or face-covering when out in public.

If you believe that you have been exposed to the virus, or you are displaying symptoms similar to those of the coronavirus, give us a call at 473-538-4787 or visit our Facebook page at Facebook/ HealthGrenada.

For all information regarding entry protocols and for the latest updates on COVID-19 in Grenada, visit our website at www. covid19.gov.gd.

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More Surgeries, Less Waiting Time

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Cabinet has approved the contracting of the services of pediatric surgeon, Dr. Jose Tristan, to perform pediatric surgeries.

This development falls under plans to reconstruct the surgical department at the General Hospital.

Hannah Julien-St. Paul, Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Social Security, with responsibility for Hospital and Community Health Services said since COVID-19, children in Grenada have not been able to access surgeries and healthcare overseas under the World Pediatric Project.

She said, “We’re going to also strengthen that department by hiring a pediatric surgeon/ oncologist, so we’re getting two in one to improve and strengthen that department. Dr. Tristan, who is going to be the person delivering such service, he would be performing surgeries for pediatric cases. COVID has taught us that we need to have these sort of specialized services within our country and because of that these were some of the reasons that prompted us to recruit the service of Dr. Tristan. So, he would be providing that service. The medical director already started collating the names of persons

Minister for Hospital Services Hon. Delma Thomas

for that service.”

The Ministry is optimistic that the waiting period for surgeries can be reduced from close to one year to three months.

Julien-St. Paul said commencing Nov. 2 there will be an increase in the surgical teams at the Hospital.

“We would have three surgical teams operating from the 2 Nov. and that approach will enable us to see a reduction in the waiting time for surgeries. We have all heard the complaints of the length of time that a person has to wait for a surgical procedure at our General Hospital, from the time they first interact with the public service and we are putting these measures

Grenada has recorded 170 dengue cases as of Oct. 3, 2020.

Help protect yourself and others: Indoors + Use screens on windows and doors. Repair holes in screens to keep mosquitoes outdoors. + Use air conditioning, if available.

Outdoors + Don’t let water become stagnant - Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out items that hold water, such as gutters, tires, buckets/barrels, planters, toys, pools, flowerpots, or trash containers. Ensure that tarp/vehicle coverings are taut and do not droop. + Pick up litter around the house. - Throw away bottles, cups, cans and other detritus. Almost anything that holds water — even a small amount — can turn into a mosquito nursery. + Get rid of junk- Car parts, shelving, old appliances - doesn’t matter. Wherever there’s stagnant water, there is potential for mosquito breeding. + Keep trimming - Mosquitoes love overgrown trees, brush, weeds and tall grass. Keeping yards tidy helps keep mosquitoes out. #FightTheBite

in place in order to reduce this waiting time. So, we are proposing and we know as in everything sometimes we have little technical difficulties that would happen from time to time, but we are proposing that with that measure we are going to see persons interacting with the public service, from the time that you interact with the surgeon. If you are diagnosed with cancer and need a surgical intervention, your waiting time will be between two to one month. For ordinary surgical procedures, other than cancer-related, we are looking at a waiting time from the time you interacted with the surgeon to about three months.”

Improvements will also be made to the Oncology Department, Laboratory and X-ray Services, among others.

CXC Gives Assurance of Support and Improvements

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The Independent Review Team convened by the Chairman of the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, said while the fundamentals of CXC are sound, there is an urgent need to address concerns within the regulatory structure of the Council.

Sir Hilary Beckles said the review also revealed that communication between the various elements of the system could have been more effective, since misunderstandings contributed to anxiety. He said the issues at hand must be urgently addressed.

“In this regard, within the 23 recommendations made plus other recommendations derived from the meeting of the Council following it’s discussion of the report, that there is now a very urgent need, an immediate need, to address all of the specific concerns raised by stakeholders, students, schools, principals, teachers, parents and to address all of these within the regulatory structure of CXC that are provided for such discussions, to address them with immediate urgency,” he said.

The findings of the report were presented during a virtual media conference on Oct. 18. Dr. Wayne Wesley, Registrar and Chief Executive

Officer of the Caribbean Examinations Council, spoke of the way forward.

He said, “We will reduce the fees associated with the request for a review by 50 percent. So, now the request for a review will be U.S. $15, so those persons who would have already paid for their review, the difference will be refunded. It is also important to note that the review process will include a remark of the review script. In that regard, if the resulting grade remains the same, the candidate will be advised and if the resulting graded has increased, the candidate will be advised, as well a full refund of the review fee.”

Outstanding Athlete, Ahshareah Enoe, Off to Study in Jamaica

The Department of Sports in the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs & Local Government held an official send-off ceremony for 17-year-old female high jump and 400-meter outstanding athlete from Petite Martinique, Ahshareah Enoe, on Oct. 21.

Enoe will left Grenada on Sunday, Oct. 25, to start a 2-year full-time athletic scholarship at the Edwin Allen High School in Jamaica in the area of Natural Sciences, as part of an Associate Program.

Hon. Kindra Maturine-Stewart, Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs & Local Government, in speaking at the send-off ceremony at the Carriacou Multipurpose Centre, highlighted the important role education plays in a person’s success in any career.

She said Ahshareah will be supported with boarding and accommodation for the first nine months, as part of Government’s commitment to assist young people to capitalize on opportunities.

At the 2020 CSEC exams, Ahshareah secured 10 subject passes with 9 grade ones and received

a special robing ceremony on Oct. 21 to mark her completion at the Hillsborough Secondary School (HSS).

Principal of the HSS, Brian Lendore, is confident that with the level of support given to Ahshareah by the Government of Grenada and the entire community of Petite Martinique and Carriacou that she will be comforted as she transitions to a new environment.

Lendore added that one attribute of Ashareah’s, which stood out for him most in her tenure at the Hillsborough Secondary School is her high level of determination and ability to strike a balance between academics and sports.

Other well-wishers who spoke at the official send-off ceremony included Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, Rholda Quamina, and Senior Coach in the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs & Local Government, Sebastian Stiell.

Ahshareah was also presented with her airline ticket and accommodation information by Minister Maturine-Stewart and a monetary con-

Ahshareah Enoe

tribution by the Inter-Grenadines Secondary School Athletic Committee.

Ahshareah expressed her gratitude to the Edwin Allen High School in Jamaica and the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs and Local Government for the moral support.

She also extended appreciation to all those who have played a part in affording her the opportunity and reassured everyone that she will do her best to maintain high standards both academically and athletically.

Prime Minister to Engage in Town Hall Meetings Across Grenada Prime Minister, Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell, will embark on a series of town hall meetings across the country, which began Oct. 20.

During the sessions, the Prime Minister and his Cabinet colleagues will provide ministerial updates to the population while, at the same time, allowing attendees an opportunity to ask questions.

Speaking ahead of the first town hall meeting, Dr. Mitchell said, “It is important to have continuous engagement with the general public on the programmes and policies of Government. Ordinarily, there is a lot to report on the work of Government and, during this particularly challenging time, it is even more important to have dialogue at the community level. I therefore encourage per-

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sons to attend and have their voices heard as we work together to further advance the country’s development.”

The panel for the Oct. 20 town hall meeting included Hon. Pamela Moses, Minister with responsibility for Needy Assistance, Uniform Allowance, Special Projects and ICT and Hon. Anthony Boatswain, who is the parliamentary representative for St. Patrick West.

Members of the public, who plan to attend the town hall meetings, are reminded to adhere to the COVID-19 protocols – wear a mask and maintain social distance.

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

No-Vending Zone at Melville Street

Permanent Secretary, Merina Jessamy

realized that sanitization is an issue. Hygiene is an issue in this area and we are really grateThe Ministry of Infrastructure Development, Transport and Implementation met with vendors in the Melville Street area on Oct. 19, ful for the one unit in our Ministry, the road office of Beausejour under the leadership of Mr. Peter Charles. They did the clean-up following a cleanup and sanitization of booths on Sunday. yesterday. So, I want to take this opportunity to call on the venThe meeting served as a follow-up to a previous engagement, dors to cooperate with us. This morning we had a meeting with when the Ministry met with vendors in St. George’s to inform five vendors whose booths are still here. The other vendors - they them of plans for sanitization and retrofitting. moved on to the stadium car park and we are making arrangeMerina Jessamy, Permanent Secretary with responsibility for In- ments to move as well.” frastructure Development and Implementation, said the plan is to make the Melville Street area a no-vending zone and construct a A second meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct 27 to address loading bay for buses. vendors concerns about the sale of their produce at the Stadium Car Park.

“We had various meetings with vendors and on Sept. 8 we met especially with the vendors of Melville Street and we gave them Jessamy said, “One concern was expressed that based on the letters indicating that we would like them to clean up the area and move, so that we can have the area as a no-vending area. The business they have, like smoothies, they are concerned that they reason is that we are working with the division of transport to might not have traction at the car park. So, we’re still in consultaconstruct a loading bay in this area. That loading bay will have toi- tion with them, but we are very grateful to see that the ambiance let facilities,” Jessamy said. “In the cleanup we had yesterday, we is really enhanced.”

MBIA at Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) Services Category 9

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The Grenada Airports Authority advises all stakeholders that the Maurice Bishop International Airport (MBIA) is now back at Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) Services Category 9.

The shipment of support aggregates arrived on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020 and is now on site at airport.

The Grenada Airports Authority reiterates its commitment to aviation safety and security and will continue to work in compliance with industry standards at all times.

Government Says Thanks to Kim George for Serving in the Senate The Government of Grenada is expressing gratitude to former senator, Kim George, who recently tendered her resignation from the Upper House of Parliament.

A Government representative in the Senate since March 2018, George has resigned due to the great demands of her profession and senate preparation.

Prime Minister, Dr. the Right Honourable Keith Mitchell said, “We are grateful for her valuable contribution to the discourse at the national level. Ms. George brought a great level of maturity and balance to the debates in the Senate.

Her contributions will be sorely missed but we understand that with her career demands as a lawyer and her active role in senatorial discussions, she no longer feels capable of giving 100 percent to both. We appreciate her years of service and wish her the very best as she focuses on growing her private practice.�

Government has not yet identified another representative. However, when this is given consideration, the person will be someone who can contribute positively to the national conversation.

There are 13 members in Grenada’s Senate, seven of whom are appointed on the advice of the Prime Minister, three on the advice of the Leader of the Op-

position and the remaining three on the advice of the Prime Minister, having consulted with organisations that he considers the senators should represent.

Kim George

Emergency Operations Centre and Warehouse Launched

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riacou a U.S. $2.7 million facility is being nada is resilient against natural disasters. constructed.

Sen. Winston Garraway, Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security with responsibility for Disaster Management, reaffirmed Government’s commitment to disaster preparedness, prevention and risk reduction and construction of the facility fully demonstrates this commitment.

Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security with responsibility for Disaster Management

Sen. Winston Garraway

Oct. 19, 2020 marked a significant day in Grenada’s disaster mitigation efforts, with the official launch of the Emergency Operations Centre and Warehouse in Morne Jaloux.

The $3.9 million U.S. project is part of an overall U.S. $6 million project being undertaken in Grenada and Carriacou by the United States Government. In Car-

She said, “We previously funded the construction of two smaller emergency operation centers here in mainland Grenada as well as one on Petite Martinique, which together are helping to build Grenada’s disaster response capacity throughout the country. Over the course of my time here as the American Ambassador, the U.S., through the humanitarian assistant programme and other support, has helped build facilities and provide equipment for emergency operations centers and warehouses throughout the Caribbean. I am pleased to announce that the following projects to provide equipment and furniture for this facility and the one in Carriacou have already been approved.”

The Minister said, “This emergency operations center and warehouse will be the logistics central command and control facility responsible for carrying out emergency preparedness and management. It will serve as the focal point for coordination of the island’s emergency planning, training, response and recovery efforts. Also, it will reinforce collaboration with national, regional and global partners, allowing Grenada to be part of the international network of preparedThe Emergency Operation Center and ness.” the Disaster Relief Warehouse will proMs. Linda Taglialatela, US Ambassador vide spaces for basic administrative functo Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, tions. The project will be completed by said this investment is to ensure that Gre- March 31, 2021.

Grenada Co-operative League Makes $15, 000 Donation to Help Keep Students Safe

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Phillip Telesford presenting donation to Astra Frank-Mc Kenzie

A large selection of sanitizing products worth EC $15, 000 were donated by the Grenada Co-operative League to the Ministry of Education on Oct. 15, as part of their efforts to give back to the community for the 72nd Anniversary of International Credit Union Day. The theme for this year’s International Credit Union Day is “Inspiring Hope for a Global Community,” and the Grenada Co-operative League did that just by way of its donation.

President of the Grenada Co-operative League, Phillip Telesford, said this is this is the League’s way of supporting the immense task of ensuring the effective implementation of COVID-19 preventative measures in schools in Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

Telesford said, “The Grenada Co-operative Credit Union League Limited is extremely happy and proud this morning that we are able to make a contribution to the Ministry of Education certain supplies including hand sanitizers, gloves, dispensers and a few other items for the benefit of our schools to fight this COVID pandemic.”

Telesford also spoke on the importance of providing hope.

“Hope is extremely important in our daily lives, especially in this period, and so our partnering with the Ministry of Education, in fighting this pandemic by way of distribution of these items will go a long way in assisting in combating this enemy,” he said. “So, we want to ensure that the learning environment is

a safe one for our young minds.”

Deputy Chief Education Officer, Astra Frank-Mc Kenzie, extended best wishes to the Grenada Cooperative League Ltd., on International Credit Union Month and thanked them for the donation, on behalf of the Ministry of Education.

She said, “We are pleased that as part of your outreach, you have chosen to partner with us to directly support schools, as we implement our COVID-19 response and recovery initiatives,” she said.

“What we are able to do in these economically challenging times is definitely just a drop in the bucket. This year Government was faced with new challenges that necessitated a response to supporting schools, given the current COVID-19 pandemic.”

Frank-Mc Kenzie noted that Government has had to scale up its expenditure on heightened sanitation efforts at schools.

“As we transition back to full scale operations of schools, schools will need more support to procure sanitation supplies and we are forever grateful to our partners who have stepped into the gap to help us support schools in these ways,” she said. “On behalf of the Ministry of Education and, by extension all the school communities who will benefit from this donation, I thank you for this generous donation, which supports the Ministry’s COVID-19 response and recovery programme.”

The Grenada Credit Union brand is managed by the Grenada Co-operative League Ltd.

AGRICULTURE CORNER

Pest and Disease Management in Banana Production

the farm of Claudius Pierre.

The training was facilitated by Chief Pest Management Officer in the Ministry, Thaddeus Peters. According to him, this is a step to increase banana production.

Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Lands Hon. Peter David

Efforts to resuscitate local banana production continues, as the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Lands supports banana farmers and other key players of the sector.

Having successfully completed trainings in plot establishment, agronomic practices, irrigation and fertilizer application of bananas early in 2020, the Ministry continued its training in the area of Pest and Disease Management for farmers who received clean planting material in June 2020.

The fourteen farmers were engaged in Pest and Disease Management, focusing on control measures for the management of the Moko Disease and Black Sigatoka, which have significantly impacted the production of bananas in Grenada.

Adhering to the COVID-19 health and safety guidelines, the Ministry hosted two training sessions. The first was on Oct. 7 on the farm of Ronald Charles and the other on Oct. 14, on

He said, “This is very important. For us, we know that bringing in tissue culture for farmers to plant is nothing new. We want to ensure that this time around that, whatever resources are put in, we see the desired benefits. This is the reason why we have undertaken the training - to follow the tissue culture plants that were distributed earlier this year to fourteen farmers.”

This is the fourth session held by the Ministry relating to banana production. Farmer Ron Alexander, who received 600 tissue culture plants in June, was a participant.

“Just as we are doing now with the current COVID-19 pandemic and sanitizing our hands and surfaces, this training has taught us that sanitization is also key as part of effective Pest and Disease Management for bananas,” he said.

“This training helped me a lot with the development of my bananas. I can walk through my field happy, knowing that I am much more equipped in keeping Moko Disease and Black Sigatoka under control,” Ronald Charles said.

Visiting Banana Farmers who were part of the infield field training session,

Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Lands, Hon. Peter David, told farmers that their efforts will be vital in helping to increase local output. The Agriculture Minister is also confident that with the incentives and organization, Grenada could get back to producing enough bananas so there will be no need to import that commodity.

“This banana production is for local consumption. We need to have people eating locally.

This is a priority, because we need to get sufficient bananas so we don’t have to import.

This project is extremely important for food security, “he said.

The Ministry is aiming for the multiplication of the disease-free crops that can be distributed to additional farmers.

Ministry of Agriculture…ensuring food and nutrition security for all

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OAS General Assembly Focuses on Building Resilience During Covid-19

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Addressing the 50th Regular Session of the General Assembly of the Organization of American States virtually, Foreign Affairs Minister, Hon. Oliver Joseph, said COVID-19 has placed

Minister for Foreign Affairs Hon. Oliver Joseph

emphasis on the desirability for regional and international cooperation initiatives.

The General Assembly was held under the theme: “Facing the Challenges of COVID-19 in the Hemisphere: A Collaborative Approach to Address Vulnerabilities and Build Resilience in Times of Crisis, based on the Four Pillars of the OAS.”

PUBLIC NOTICE

Annual Fishing Vessel Inspection Sessions All fishermen throughout Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique are reminded of the annual fishing vessel inspection sessions, which will be carried out by officers of the Fisheries Division in the Ministry of Sports, Culture & the Arts, Fisheries and Cooperatives.

Minister Joseph told the virtual audience that the theme must encourage member states to discuss the economic, social, developmental, political and security implications of COVID-19.

He said “We have witnessed tremendous loss of lives and livelihoods across the hemisphere and, in fact, the world. The fallouts of this pandemic will leave the region reeling for some time to come. Even diversified economies are suffering. Mr. President imagine small economies, like Grenada, heavily dependent on tourism and international trade. Grenada experienced five years of economic growth, averaging 3.1 percent, attained through sacrifice and prudent fiscal management.

However, due to the outbreak of COVID-19, GDP growth is expected to slow down to negative 8 percent and pick up to 6.1 percent in 2021.”

According to Minister Joseph, the pandemic has brought to light many of the imbalances that exist, to the detriment of small states.

He said, “Mr. President, my delegation is grateful that the General Secretariat of the OAS is collaborating with regional and international bodies within the context of the Framework Strategy Document “From Vulnerability to Resilience.” It is safe to say that COVID-19 has also reinforced the importance of multilateralism. The small nations of the Caribbean are beholden to the PAHO and WHO for ensuring that there was access to testing supplies, contact tracing and for reinforcing the various health sectors.”

Inspection begins on November 1, 2020 and ends on November 30, 2020. All registered and licensed fishing vessels are asked to be in their respective areas on the date and time allocated for inspection. All fishing vessels must be equipped with the stipulated safety items as required by the Fisheries Regulations.

PLEASE BE GUIDED ACCORDINGLY FISHEREIES DIVISION MINISTRY OF SPORTS, CULTURE AND THE ARTS, FIS

October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

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+ In Latin America and the Caribbean, breast cancer ranks as the first cancer type among women both regarding new cases and deaths.

+ In Latin America and the Caribbean, a greater proportion of breast cancer deaths occur in women under 65 years of age (56 percent) as compared to North America (37 percent). + 86% OF BREAST CANCERS ARE SELF DETECTED It is recommended that women who are not in the high-risk category begin monthly self-examination at age 20, and an examination by a trained medical practitioner every three years. -American Cancer Society Average Risk Category Age 20 to 34 + Monthly self-examination + Examination by a trained professional every three years Age 35 to 39 + Monthly self-examination + Examination by a trained professional every three years Age 40 and Over + Monthly self-examination + Annual examination by a trained professional + Annual mammogram

PUBLIC NOTICE: Nominations 2021 Independence Awards The National Honours and Awards Act No. 32 of 2007 was and protection of the environment. established to provide for the grant of awards to citizens of Grenada and other persons for distinguished, outstanding Nominations should include: or meritorious services or achievements, or for gallantry and • Name of Nominee related matters.

• Date of Birth The public is hereby invited to submit nominations for • Place of Birth the following Awards: • Place of Residence • Occupation The Order of Grenada Gold Award for Excellence Marital Status This may be awarded to any person who has rendered excel- • Reason for nomination lent, exemplary and outstanding service to Grenada, tend- • ing to promote unity whether domestically in Grenada or • Area of Contribution between Grenada and any other country.

A BIOGRAPHY OF THE NOMINEE MUST BE INCLUDED. The Spice Isle Award This may be awarded to any person who has rendered truly emulative service in any field of human endeavour or for Nominations should be submitted to the: other humane action.

National Honours and Awards Committee C/o Governor-General’s Office The Camerhogne Award This may be awarded to any person who has rendered meri- Point Salines torious service to Grenada; in furtherance of national pres- ST. GEORGE tige or for gallantry.

OR Email: patogg@spiceisle.com The Medal of Honour This may be awarded to any person for meritorious and productive service to Grenada in any field of human endeavour The deadline for nominations is Friday, including, but not limited to, agriculture, business, sports November 13, 2020.