Government Information Service Newsletter - Vol. 1, Issue 20 - 2020

NEWSLETTER GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICE

Vol. 1, Issue 20

Monday, Nov. 02, 2020

INSIDE

GOVERNMENT BREAKS GROUND FOR

MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR

MAURICE BISHOP INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT UPGRADE DETAILS ON PAGE 02

PAGE 03

MORE DENGUE CASES IN GRENADA

PAGE 04

MINISTRY OF HEALTH ONLY RELIES ON PCR TESTING FOR COVID-19

PAGE PUBLIC SERVICE 10 TRANSFORMATION TO COMMENCE

AND MUCH MORE...

Government Breaks Ground for Multi-Million Dollar Maurice Bishop International Airport Upgrade

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Prime Minister, Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell, said the upgrade and rehabilitation of the Maurice Bishop International airport is critical to the further development of Grenada, particularly as the country seeks to position itself for the anticipated recovery in the tourism sector.

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, questions have been asked about the timing of the project.

At the ground-breaking ceremony for the project on Oct. 28, Dr. Mitchell said, “This is a necessary investment and the timing is right. The provision of the most modern and technologically advanced facility is crucial for the tourism industry specifically and generally for the economic growth and development of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.”

The Prime Minister further stated that, “As a Government, we are dutybound to provide safe, secure, efficient and world-class airport facilities and services that are consistent with international standards and which will, in fact, support the economic development of our country. This is a responsibility we do not take lightly and it is in fact included in the mission statement of the Grenada Airport Authority.”

The Prime Minister cited the airport upgrade as a major project under the Public Sector Investment Programme and noted too that the country’s development thrusts must be spurred by a combination of public and private sector projects.

He said, “As we move forward, the growth of the country and its economy, is crucial for the provision of jobs and improving the lives of people.

We are happy with the level of development we are seeing in both the public and private sectors and we expect to see some excellent opportunities for growth and development in 2021 and onwards.”

The airport upgrade and rehabilitation project is funded through a concessional loan from the People’s Republic of China - the first loan that Grenada has taken from China. The Prime Minister is confident that Grenada will be able to repay its loans and as such, there is no basis for the speculation that the airport will fall into China’s hands.

Dr. Mitchell said, “The data shows that for the last six years this Government has managed the country’s economy and fiscal affairs most optimally compared with any other Government, including past NNP governments. That is a fact. The data shows it and numbers don’t lie. We should have been far more worried in 2012 when the debt to GDP ratio was very high, but now that ratio is just over 60 percent, therefore the additional loan is not a reason for concern.”

Ambassador Zhao Yongchen of the People’s Republic of China also addressed this issue in his remarks and he, too, expressed confidence that

Grenada will be able to service its loan.

Minister for Infrastructure Development, Senator the Hon. Norland Cox, outlined the general objectives of the rehabilitation project which include improving the landing and take-off conditions for aircraft, lower airport operating costs for passengers and cargo and increased passenger comfort and convenience.

Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister, Hon. Clarice Modeste-Curwen, in her remarks, also underscored the importance of the airport upgrade project saying it is necessary for the maintenance of safety standards, the further development of tourism and facilitating more efficient cargo operations.

Coincidentally, the ground-breaking ceremony for the airport upgrade project was held on the 36th anniversary of the official opening of the then Point Salines International Airport, later renamed in honour of the country’s revolutionary leader, Maurice Bishop.

HEALTH MATTERS

More Dengue Cases in Grenada

The Ministry of Health has recorded a spike in dengue cases on island.

During the week of Oct. 19, the Ministry said 46 new cases were confirmed throughout the island, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 253 for 2020. The previous week, thirty-seven cases were confirmed.

Communications Officer in the Ministry of Health, Keville Frederick, said the Ministry has decided to boost its efforts to control the spread of dengue.

He said the virus is prevalent among school-age children.

He said, “We are seeing a steady increase, which is why we have begun ramping up public awareness.

We have already begun ramping up activities for public education, in that we have produced a number of educational videos covering the main points, for example how to identify breeding sources; what are some of the most prevalent breeding places of mosquitoes.

The Ministry has decided to engage the Ministry of Education and we already had a meeting to that effect. The reason for doing the Ministry of Education route is because we have seen a number of persons being affected with dengue and that is amoung school-age. So, we thought it was best to intervene at that level, not forgetting the elderly folks in our society, but

the prevalence, if I may say so, for example this week we have about sixteen confirmed cases of dengue amoung school-aged children. I’m talking about from one to four and just about the same amount, still school aged children, five to 14.”

The vector control unit has been on the path to increase fogging in communities where the Ministry has observed an upsurge in cases. Senior Environmental Health Officer with responsibility for vector control, Kenny James, told the GIS that fogging is one of the many control options available to reduce the spread. However, he said the communities must play their part in preventing the further spread of dengue.

“It’s an emergency method.

It’s not a method that will continuously prevent the mosquitoes from spreading the disease, because the thing is that we need to get rid of the habitat, because as long as you have a mosquito being hatched or emerging into adults we would always have a mosquito problem.

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

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Continuous fogging can also affect other biological life in the environment. So, it’s not really the real solution to the problem. What is the real solution is to ensure that we do not have breeding sites around - destroying the habitat of the mosquitoes,” James said.

HEALTH MATTERS

Ministry of Health Only Relies on PCR Testing for COVID-19 Diagnosis

The Ministry of Health (MOH) wishes to remind the general public that based on its coronavirus (COVID-19) Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), the IgG/IgM Rapid Test is NOT used to diagnose COVID-19 anywhere in the state of Grenada.

In fact, the MOH states clearly that based on the World Health Organization/Pan American Health Organization COVID-19 Case Definition Guidelines, a confirmed COVID-19 case is “a person with laboratory confirmation of COVID-19 infection, irrespective of clinical signs and symptoms.”

As such, in keeping with the established SOPs, Grenada relies only on the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method of testing to diagnose its COVID-19 cases.

In light of that fact, the Ministry of Health does not report when a positive rapid test is returned for an individual; instead, it ensures that a PCR test is conducted for confirmation of a person’s COVID-19 status.

Ministry of Health officials said while what was recently circulated on social media regarding a positive Rapid Test result for an individual in police custody might have caused unease and unnecessary panic among some sections of the population, there is no need for alarm, as the PCR test returned a negative result and that is the only confirming result of a person’s case status.

The Ministry of Health reminds the public that it is extremely important to adhere to the established COVID-19 health and safety protocols, such as the proper wearing of face masks and face coverings, maintaining physical distancing and the all-important frequent hand washing with soap and water, or the use of an alcoholbased hand sanitizer and cleaning of frequently touched objects and surfaces.

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HEALTH MATTERS

Ministry of Health Conducts Routine Review of Pure Safe Accommodation Facilities review of Pure Safe Travel accommodation facilities, to ensure that they are fully compliant with and capable of adhering to the strict protocols approved for quarantine and accommodation.

During the initial stages of the review, one facility was found to be inadequate in fully executing the mandates of the protocols and was removed from the approved list of Pure Safe Travel accommodations, pending major adjustments.

In the last week and a half, officials at the Ministry

That hotel has since rectified its processes and after a subsequent, thorough review was readmitted into the programme. Three other facilities were reprimanded for basic gaps or oversights in their operations and have since taken the necessary corrective steps, as outlined by health officials.

of Health, have conducted their promised routine

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The review process is ongoing, as the Ministry endeavours to protect the borders and shores of Grenada from the deadly COVID-19.

Accommodation facilities are expected to fulfil their mandate of creating a secure and safe environment for both travellers and locals, if they are offering services to both categories of people.

There must be no overlap in the services offered to people in quarantine and to regular hotel guests or those on staycation. Facilities must have designated areas for each group, with no intermingling, as long as they are registered and approved to do so.

All Pure Safe Travel entities are mandated to operate within the limits of the agreed upon guidelines designed for the safety and protection of all.

Ministry of Health Ministry of Health Consults With Mt. Engages Contact Moritz Residents Tracing Agency Prime Minister, Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell, addressed residents of Mt. Moritz at an area meeting organized by the Ministry of Health on Oct. 21.

The Ministry of Health has engaged a team to manage all aspects of the State’s contact tracing operations for COVID-19.

The team leads all case investigations related to the COVID-19 and will identify, monitor, and support individuals who might have been exposed to a person with COVID-19.

Their primary mandate is to: + identify people who have the virus + trace those who have been in close contact with an infected person and are at risk of being infected themselves + support and monitor the contacts to self-isolate or quarantine, so that if they have the virus they are less likely to transmit it to others The team’s initial period of engagement is six months, as Grenada, like most of its Caribbean neighbours, navigates its way through border reopening, which commenced on Oct.1, 2020. Their work will be supported by the deployment and planned widespread use of the Grenada Contact Tracing App.

Speaking to residents, he said, “The problem within the health Ministry, period, that isn’t the fundamental problem. You’ve noted that in recent announcements that I’ve divided the Ministry? There was a fundamental reason for this. It was clear that what was happening at the health centers, community centers around the country, not just in Mt. Moritz, right through the country and, of course, at the hospital services, left a lot to be desired. I was getting complaint upon complaint, upon complaint and the fundamental thing is that people, when they come to you, it’s about ‘We need more doctors. We need more nurses.’ My clear understanding of this thing was we have a serious management problem at the hospital. It’s management and all of us know we could pump any amount of money in a system, you can add any amount of persons - that may be an issue, but that by itself will not solve the problem if the management system is weak and, I mean, I get complaints about things that go wrong in the hospital. It’s quite frightening to me as Prime Minister.”

The meeting was held to consult with residents on the way forward for the Mt. Moritz Medical Station, which was recently closed temporarily. For years, the medical station has been experiencing challenges with its infrastructure and also the use of the services, which prompted many residents to seek medical attention at the Happy Hill medical facility.

Community Health Services Minister, Hon. Delma Thomas, gave residents the assurance that priority will be given to finding a solution to the problems faced within the health sector in that area.

She said, “We want to be consulting with the people in going forward. So, whatever we do as it relates to health, we want to be able to consult with you, so that you would be part of the decision-making

process. Whatever happens at the end is because what you say is best for you the people of Mt. Moritz. So, we will be working along with you because, as a Government, we want to give more priority to health. We know the importance of health and therefore, in going forward, we’ll be ensuring that health is given that priority that is needed to help our people in terms of illnesses and all that.”

Acting Permanent Secretary, Hannah St. Paul, says attention will be given to address the staffing challenges at the various health facilities. She explained that there will be times, as is the case now, that one nurse or doctor will have to work at more than one facility.

“Because of that, we have to be able to ensure that everyone is served and we are not leaving out Mt. Moritz. This is why we’re here today to hear from you and going forward it may be a challenge for us to be available or have the permanent nurse every day stationed at the facility, but I’m happy that you are willing to share, because this something we’re going to go back and look at and see how we can share this nurse on much more given days - the district doctors service as well. We knew that we used to have it before every Friday, but we would have had to make some adjustments to two Fridays, but we again are going to go back and look at it and see if maybe we can add another day.”

The residents were clear in their requests that the medical station should remain in Mt. Moritz, under better management and with more services.

Grenada Gives Thanks - 37 Years Later Minister for Religious Affairs, Hon. Emmalin Pierre, says the 37th anniversary of the U.S. intervention in Grenada provides an opportunity for Grenada to be thankful for the many achievements through the years.

stood resolutely with us, both in times of struggles and in times of success. Let us be thankful for the vision of continued development that guides our progress,” Minister Pierre said.

Delivering remarks at Oct. 25 Ecumenical Service of Thanksgiving and Praise at the Grenada Trade Centre, Minister Pierre said the service provides the island with an opportunity to join hearts and hands in unity to give thanks for Grenada’s survival of the political and social tragedy of 1983. She stressed the importance of being thankful to those who stood with us in both times of struggle and success.

The ecumenical service was held under the theme “Giving God Thanks for New Beginnings.”

“This year, our thanksgiving service takes a new meaning, as we face the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic and it’s farreaching impact on the economy and on our people and the people throughout the world. The reality of this pandemic and the recommended protocols forces us to be physically distant and to wear masks to prevent the spread of the virus. Together, we continue to share a unity of purpose.

That united spirit will see us through this pandemic that has an unimaginable impact on our country’s economy and the livelihood of so many Grenadians. So, today we have so much to be thankful for. Let us be thankful for those who have

On Oct. 25, 1983, Grenada was invaded by the U.S., following an internal conflict in the People’s Revolutionary Government, during which former Prime Minister, Maurice Bishop, and others were killed.

Oct. 25 is now observed as a national holiday and is commemorated with national ecumenical services in different locations annually.

U.S. Chargé D’Affaires, Karl Duckworth, said after 37 years, there is still immense gratitude to the service members who answered the call for assistance in Grenada.

He said, “We are grateful for the heroism shown by the Caribbean and U.S. service members who 37 years ago answered the call of Grenada’s Governor General, the late Sir. Paul Scoon, and the leadership of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States to restore rule of law and order to Grenada.

We honour the brave service members

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Hon. Emmalin Minister for Religious Affairs Pirre Hon. Emmailin Pierre

who made the ultimate sacrifice in this noble cause. We also offer profound thanks for the response of Grenadian citizens to this intervention. Grenadians from all walks of life and from every part of the triisland state and diaspora responded. They showed their dedication and commitment to this nation, by crafting a tradition of democracy peace and stability.”

The ecumenical service had representation from a broad cross section of religious communities, including the traditional and non-traditional churches.

Prime Minister Discusses Youth Development at St. Andrew Town Hall Meeting Prime Minister, Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell, said significant changes will be made to programmes that target young people in the country.

Dr. Mitchell, who now holds the portfolio of Youth Development, restated his intentions during an Oct. 27 town hall meeting at the Belair Government School, in St. Andrew.

He said, “One of the major decisions was to use the Prime Minister’s office to effect a radical change. It was felt that it would not be fair for another minister to be given that responsibility, so I have decided to take on the responsibility to change that. If people are there the Imani programme is to train people for two years. In that time sufficient analysis and assessment should be done to determine the aptitude of that young person, for that particular job or any other job.

It may not necessarily be Government, but some private sector, some initiative, maybe a small business – I don’t know what it is – because there are different reasons. So, that assessment should be done. By the time the person is finished he should graduate.”

Dr. Mitchell outlined the plans going forward for youth within the various programs.

He said, “The plan is – even today Sister Kate and I were talking about how we’re going forward – the plan is to develop service providers that are given contracts to pay persons appropriately for the jobs they are doing and if they are doing it properly then it’s almost be considered to be a permanent job and paid appropriately – not no thousand dollars. If you’re doing a job for $1500, $1600, $1700 that’s what they should be paid. So, the contract will empower the individual. The service provider will have to pay NIS and do all the things.

So, you’ll be working for a company, so to speak, and be able to give service not necessarily on the one job you’re doing now, but service in the country, whether it’s in the private sector or the public sector. That is what we intend to do.”

Minister for Education, Human Resource Development, Religious Affairs and Information, Hon. Emmalin Pierre, also gave her commitment to ensuring young people benefit from the programmes being tailored for their development.

She said, “It is something as a Government and even our political party has identified as a concern and we have been looking at a number of initiatives. If you notice, for example, the recent initiative of the Ministry

of Education. Persons who have been involved in that have been targeted - persons within that age group. When you look at the environmental wardens, those that are prominent, persons have been targeted in that age group as well and a couple other projects and initiatives at different community levels have also been targeted. We have not done sufficiently and you will see some improvements in that area, because we recognize that a lot is happening for the young people. The seniors have a lot going for them as well and we need to pay attention to that age group. A lot is being done now and a lot more will be done in the very near future.”

Minister in the Prime Ministers Ministry with special responsibility for Youth Development, Hon. Kate Lewis, was also present at the meeting.

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

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Prime Minister Participates in CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting Prime Minister, Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell joined fellow regional heads for the 41st Regular Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government on Oct. 29.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including its health and economic implications for countries, was one of the critical agenda items discussed by the regional leaders at the virtual meeting. Other major agenda items included blacklisting, a joint tourism policy for CARICOM and security matters.

At the meeting, Dr. Mitchell and his colleagues also held discussions with United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres.

Grenada’s delegation for the meeting included Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Business and CARICOM Affairs, Hon. Oliver Joseph, and Grenada’s Ambassador to CARICOM, Arley Gill.

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Nimrod Ollivierre Donates Gear to Football Clubs SPORTS CORNER

Nimrod Ollivierre

One hundred pairs of Nike football boots were donated to seven football clubs in the Central Conference on Oct. 25 by recently retired Lieutenant with the New York Police Department (NYPD), in the United States, Nimrod Ollivierre.

Ollivierre, who grew up between the villages of Fontenoy and Grand Mal, in St. George, made the donations with the assistance of the Fontenoy United Football FC. Parliamentary representative for St. George North West, Dr. the Rt. Hon Keith Mitchell; President of the Grenada Football Association, Cheney Joseph and President of the Central Conference, Bernadine Andrew, along with other specially invited guests, attended the ceremony.

Dr. Mitchell is grateful for the assistance provided to the communities.

He said, “The police force could tell you Nimrod has provided so much contributions while he was serving the police force in New York and, as Minister of National Security, I could tell you this. Some of the uniforms you see the SSU wearing, Nimrod had procured them free of cost for the people of this country. We have about three fire tenders that Nimrod is responsible for.

One is on its way now.”

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in general is the way that is brings things together. You form lifelong relationships and friendships. Being born in Fontenoy, growing up in Grand Mal, of course Fontenoy was my team. Garvey played for Queens Park Rangers, which was Fontenoy’s nemesis and I could stand here today and tell you that we’ve remained such good friends

The Prime Minister said Ollivierre has saved the country millions of dollars by assisting with the purchase of the fire trucks.

over the years and I’m saying that to say,

“So, I’m not surprised of what he is doing here today, because I could tell you almost every parliamentary representative in Government could today tell you that Nimrod has provided enormous help for them in their own constituency,” the Prime Minister said.

It’s already posted. It will be here in like two

Ollivierre said he is happy to assist, since sports helps to keep communities together.

Willis Youths, Vendome, Tempe All blacks,

“One of the things about football or sports

Fontenoy United FC.

immediately, when I spoke to Kenrick and said, “You guys got some goods coming in. weeks,” unanimously they said it’s going to be some for the fellas in Grand Mal and some for the fellas in North East.”

The recipients were Hampshire United, Happy Hill FC, Combined Northerners and

Public Service Transformation to Commence

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Government will embark on a Public Service review in the coming months, as part of its transformation agenda.

Grant funding was secured from the European Development Fund to conduct two functional reviews of the Public Service. Permanent Secretary with responsibility Permanent Secretary with for Public Administration, responsibility for Public Rhonda Jones, emphaAdministration, Rhonda Jones sized the urgent need for the Public Service to be effective, efficient and purpose-driven. Policy and planning are among the first Government has contracted Consultants from Ernst and Young Consulting firm to kick start effunctional reviews to be initiated. forts towards its digital transformation agenda within the service.

Jones said, “Human resource management and policy and plan- According to PS Jones, although a review was previously in the ning are the first co-whole of Government functions to be repipeline things will be done differently. viewed. Over the next two months, a cross ministerial technical working group will be engaging you in the process of investigating how well these functions have been working for us. We will ex- She said, “This time around we are seeking a more customized to amine how these functions are set up, the key business processes, solution that reflects both individual and organizational capacity roles, responsibilities and general performance. We must identify requirements to support high performance. In the immediate futhe areas for improvement so that we can update out operating ture, you can expect frequent communication on the activities, as model to enable these functions to successfully support the dewell as requests for your assistance in the successful completion livery of services across Government. Let me hasten to add that leveraging digital technology in this exercise is also critical. In fact, of the reviews. We anticipate your full cooperation in this exercise, the Public Service now and in the future will be characterized by as we move forward together in building a resilient service, and a mass technological infusions.” resilient nation for us all.”

Masks Must Be Worn While on Public Transportation 4. Requirement to wear masks in public

or her mouth, nose and chin.

(1) No person shall, without reasonable excuse, be in a public space without wearing a face mask, face shield or face-covering in a manner which covers his

(2) Where the person under this regulation is a child accompanied by an individual who has responsibility for the child, the individual shall provide and ensure that the child has and wears the face mask, face shield or face covering as required by this regulation.

(3) The owner or operator of any business, establishment or office which provides goods or services to the public shall ensure that a member of the public is not permitted entry to, or otherwise remains within, any enclosed space within the premises of the business, establishment or office unless the member of the public is wearing a face mask, face shield or face covering, in a manner which covers his or her mouth, nose and chin.

14. Penalty (1) A person who contravenes or fails to comply with these Regulations, or any direction for the purposes of these Regulations, shall be guilty of an offence and, on summary conviction, liable to a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars and to imprisonment for a term not exceeding twelve months.

(2) Without prejudice to subregulation (1), a person who commits an offence is liable on service of a fixed penalty notice by a police officer, if the person so chooses, to a fixed penalty of three hundred and fifty dollars.

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PURC Extends Deadline for Renewable Energy Self-Generators The General Public is advised that the deadline for renewable energy self-generators to register with and /or obtain a permit from the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has been extended from Oct. 30 to Nov. 16.

PURC is the Independent Utility Regulator for the Electricity Sector in Grenada and is guided by the Electricity Act, 2016, which mandates the compliance of all renewable self-generators in Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

The public is hereby informed that individuals who are renewable energy self-generators (e.g. solar or wind), interconnected and/or may supply electricity to the (GRENLEC) grid must apply for a self-generator permit.

Additionally, all self-generators who are not interconnected to the electricity grid must register their self-generating facility with PURC.

Permit application and registration forms can be found via PURC’s website www.purc.gd/forms, or by visiting their office located at Queens Park, St. George’s or via email sgapplication@purc.gd.

Once completed, the form can be returned via email at sgapplication@purc.gd, by walk-ins or mail to P.O. Box 2443 Queen’s Park, St George’s, Grenada.

For more information, please contact us on (473) 437-1602 or (473) 536-7877.

Project Update: Gouyave Health Centre

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The ultra-modern Gouyave Health Centre will be the flagship community health facility that will take primary health care to the next level.

pic gold medalist, Kirani James.

This new facility stands tall at the northern end of the fishing capital, at the foot of Dr. Belle Hill in Gouyave, St. John, home of Grenada’s Olym-

It is a project of the Government of Grenada, with counterpart funding from the European Union. This project is almost complete.