Government Information Service Newsletter - Vol. 1, Issue 21 - 2020

NEWSLETTER GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICE

Vol. 1, Issue 21

Saturday, Nov. 07, 2020

Government Commended for Continued Diligence in CBI Process DETAILS ON PAGE 02

INSIDE

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More Than 300 Young Men to Benefit From M-Power 2.0

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DIVISION OF YOUTH LAUNCHES NATIONAL YOUTH DIRECTORY

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MINISTRY OF HEALTH CONFIRMS THIRD ACTIVE CASE OF COVID-19

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TOURISM MINISTER DISCUSSES INITIATIVES

AND MUCH MORE...

Government Commended for Continued Diligence in CBI Process The Government of Grenada has been highly commended for ensuring due diligence in the Citizenship by Investment process, through effective use of the Barbados-based Joint Regional Communications Centre (JRCC).

The Communications Centre is a product of CARICOM IMPACS, and acts on behalf of the region with regard to CBI applications.

The local CBI office sends its requests for due diligence to the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), which then sends them to the JRCC, which has a wide reach to conduct investigations regionally and internationally.

The United States Ambassador to the OECS, Linda Taglialatela, recently commended the government for its effective use of the JRCC due diligence facility to investigate applicants to the Citizenship by Investment Programme.

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More Than 300 Young Men to Benefit From M-Power 2.0 Plans are in place for the second cohort for one of the major flagship programs conceptualized to engage young men.

There are 323 participants registered for M-Power 2.0. Minister with responsibility for Youth Development, Hon. Kate Lewis, said the core aspect, which channels opportunities for rewarding experiences, will provide them with hands-on training to improve their soft skills.

“They are being done currently at 18 training centers across Grenada, including Her Majesty’s Prison. The course sessions will end on Nov. 12, 2020,” Minister Lewis said. “The direct skills and apprenticeship training will begin on Nov. 16, 2020. These will run for approximately seven months.”

The Ministry boasts of the distribution of 10 CVQ certificates to their first cohort of trainees, in the area of computer repairs, which was undertaken at the New Life Organization (NEWLO).

Assistant Coordinator of Youth, Earl Williams, explained more about the M-Power 2.0 program, and areas of training available for the trainees to obtain certification.

“We have just about a total of 136 who will be engaged in CVQ training this year. The areas include electrical installation; excavator operation; plumbing installation and the excavator operation is doing the CVQ and also receiving your license, so that you can operate an excavator thereafter; bartending; commercial food and general agriculture.

General agriculture will be done at Her Majesty’s Prison with a cohort of just about 22 participants who are up there,” Williams said.

“We have other areas of certificate training, which includes electrical installation also and outboard engine repairs; auto mechanics and beekeeping.

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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The CVQ will be running from Nov. 16 at various centers and the CVQs are always managed by the National Training Agency and the certified service providers that we would be working with, so that the men can receive their level 2 certificate at the end of the training.”

More than 130 participants will be engaged in CVQ training this year, with 139 participating in apprenticeship training.

CARICOM Bubble No Longer Relevant

Members of the House of Representatives were told on Friday, Oct. 30 that the initiative by CARICOM to create a safe zone bubble for regional travelers had failed to fulfill its mandate and therefore Grenada is removing the provision for the CARICOM bubble from the regulations.

The CARICOM bubble was developed when Grenada and other islands reopened their borders, and it included islands that were listed as “safe zones” within the CARICOM region. This was legalized by including the special provision for CARICOM nationals in the Quarantine COVID-19 Regulations.

Justifying the removal, Minister for Health and Social Security, Hon. Nickolas Steele, informed the House that the action is necessary for various reasons, including difficulty to agree on common protocols. Minister Steele explained that the best solution, at this time, is to have it removed until a more unified approach can be adopted.

He said, “Not making any light of it, because it truly is a disappointment, but I would have to say that the bubble has burst. The bubble, as we wanted it to be, is not. Several reasons, some outside of our control and some most unfortunate - some of our CARICOM brothers and sisters are experiencing significant community spread and, as such, cannot be included in the CARICOM bubble, but most significantly for those of us who are not is that we have not been, to date, able to find a common protocol for all of us - our entry and protocol. There are variations in every island. Some, in our case, we believe are stronger than others and in other places they believe are more accommodating or stronger than ours and, as such, there isn’t a CARICOM bubble or special treatment for CARICOM citizens, so in the act we are requesting, for the time being, that it be removed.”

The Health Minister hopes that as time progresses and the science relating to COVID-19 improves and Grenada can make the necessary adjustments to the period for quarantine and the tests required, but he said this can only be achieved if Grenadians observe the three levels of defense outlined by the Ministry of Health.

“In the not-too-distant future, we may come back to have it included, but its inclusion right now, forces a special treatment that cannot be done at our ports of entry, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the rest of the resolution speaks to the testing period and the prescribed type of test that are to be administered with respect to quarantine procedures here, Mr. Speaker and, again, Mr. Speaker, as the science develops and our knowledge and experience of this virus changes and increases, there will be calls again quite possibly to come back and adjust types of tests,

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periods of quarantine, observation, isolation, et cetera,” Hon. Steele said.

Tourism Minister, Dr. Clarice Modeste-Curwen, said although the failure of the CARICOM Bubble is unfortunate and disappointing, she remains hopeful that soon all the member countries will adopt a unified approach towards fighting this global pandemic.

She said, “I am disappointed to see that the bubble has burst. As Minister for Tourism, I had looked forward to see how that would play out, because when we compare the Caribbean to

other countries bigger than ours, richer than ours, the CARICOM countries have by and large comported themselves very well, especially the OECS, in terms of keeping the numbers down, keeping our region safe. I had looked for a CARICOM Tourism inter-CARICOM or Caribbean tourism contributing significantly to the industry for Grenada and for the region.”

Division of Youth Launches National Youth Directory

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Grenadians can now access information on Youth organizations utilizing a National Youth Directory, which was launched by the Division of Youth on Oct. 29.

The National Directory features contact information for more than 300 youth, community and faith-based organizations. Approximately 30 of the organizations are community-based and more than 70 are classified as sporting organizations. The directory was compiled by community youth officers during the past year (2019-2020).

The first copy of the National Youth Directory was presented to the Minister with responsibility for Youth Development, Hon. Kate Lewis, on launch day.

The Minister said, “I am very pleased with what transpired here today. You have seen the launch of the first National Youth Directory, a testimony of the hard work by our youth officers who are placed in the field on a daily basis - the first National Youth Directory, which will provide an active database of youth organizations across Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Our youth officers, for the past year, were engaged in collecting accurate data in putting our youth directory together.”

Youth Coordinator, Royden Beharry, says the Directory will assist the Division in developing closer working relationships with the youth, stakeholders and staff, which ultimately enhances the services provided by the Division.

“At the Division of Youth, our ultimate aim is to ensure that we develop the partnership and the close working relationship with not just the staff of the Division of Youth, but also to ensure that all of our developmental partners in the youth development spheres continue to work together so that we, together, can realize the total gains that young people truly are looking forward to. The Youth Directory is, more or less, a testament to the efforts that both the Government of Grenada as well as a number of non-governmental organizations are making in the area of youth work and it is in this spirit, I must say, that we are offering the first edition of the National Youth Directory today, to be used as a compass and a navigational resource for youth and recognition of organizations listed herein,” Beharry said. “We want to ensure that the National Youth Directory continues to provide a comprehensive listing of all our key youth services organizations in Grenada.”

The Division’s plans and objectives, going forward, is to include essential youth development service providers and to update and expand the quantity produced.

Ministry of Health Confirms Third Active Case of COVID-19

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activities, including practicing proper hygiene, ensuring physical distancing of at least six feet and wearing masks while in public places.

A 68-year-old female Grenadian national, who arrived from the United Kingdom via British Airways on Nov. 1, is Grenada’s thirtieth laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19.

The individual, who is asymptomatic, and all other passengers who were on that flight, have been in quarantine since arrival, as per the protocols of the State. Currently, Grenada has three active cases of COVID-19 and all were identified at the borders or whilst in post-travel quarantine.

Although the effectiveness of the protocols has been encouraging, the Ministry of Health and Social Security continues to urge everyone to exercise caution in daily

Many countries are now in the throes of another wave of the deadly COVID-19 virus and many are undergoing or contemplating another lockdown period, or have at least tightened restrictions, including some of our neighbouring Caribbean islands. Grenada is able to avoid this for now thanks to the collective efforts of the entire nation.

It is because of the collaboration among all the sectors and the general population that Grenada is still classified as a “very low risk” country by the major world health agencies. As heartening as this news may be, it is not meant to create in us a sense of security that will lead to our peril.

Instead, it should propel us to go further and to galvanize our energies toward the continued suppression of COVID-19.

Our borders are our first line of defence.

Our screening and testing procedures and ability to effectively quarantine are also very critical links in that chain, but the most crucial element is our capacity to work together to defeat our common threat COVID-19.

Canadian Diaspora Donates Hand Sanitizers to Ministry of Education

EDUCATION CORNER

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Education Minister Hon. Emmailin Pierre and Foreign Affairs Minister Hon. Oliver Joseph with Ambassador Derrick James

Members of the Grenadian diaspora in Canada donated another batch of hand sanitizers to Grenada. This time, the recipient is the Ministry of Education.

The bottles of sanitizing solution were presented to the Minister for Education, Hon. Emmalin Pierre, by the Foreign Affairs Minister, Oliver Joseph, on behalf of Grenadians in the Canadian Diaspora.

Derrick James, Ambassador for Diaspora Affairs and Consul General in Toronto, said the donation is one that is aimed at curbing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and promoting the adherence to health protocols.

Ambassador James said, “Through the conversations with the COVID Committee we found it suitable to make donations of hand sanitizers to different ministries. We gave the Ministry of Transportation the first set. Today, we are giving the second set of these hand sanitizers to the Ministry of Education. So, on behalf of all of us in the Canadian Diaspora, I’m happy to, with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, make a donation to the Ministry of Education and I want to add, Minister, that we are pleased to be able to make a contribution. We know how it’s difficult in this period, especially with school opening and to maintain the social distancing and the use of the hand sanitizers. We urge that the sanitizers will be used to help keep the children safe.”

The Foreign Affairs Minister, thanked the Grenadian Diaspora for the efforts made to safeguard the public.

“I want to express our gratitude to the diaspora, the Grenadians living in Canada, for this valuable contribution of sanitizer,” Minister Joseph said. “I’m sure the Minister of Education will ensue that the schools are properly sanitized and that they remain safe during this COVID period.”

Minister for Education, Hon. Emmalin Pierre, said her Ministry is grateful for the donation.

“On behalf of the Ministry of Education and all those involved in teaching and learning, we

want to express our sincerest appreciation to all of our brothers and sisters in the diaspora, Canada to be specific. This will go a very long way in ensuring that we keep our children safe.”

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Tourism Minister Discusses Initiatives Curwen told the GIS that assessing current marketing trends is important to maintaining gains in the sector, as well as to rebuild and boost Grenada’s tourism image. She said the session was an inspiration and an eye-opener, particuDr. Christopher Ashby, who recently opened larly with respect to attracting high-end the U.S. $100 million Point at Petite Calivi- clients to Grenada. gny, a boutique luxury wellness private residence club estate situated on the spec- “Since a lot of those people that we protacular southern coast of Grenada, initiated vide those services for they are visitors, a meeting with Tourism Minister, Dr. Clarice it’s always good to hear from them what Modeste, and two U.S.-based writers, whose they think, what they like, what they work is featured in U.S. magazines, with a don’t like and suggestions as to how we subscriber base in the millions. In the meet- can make it better and so these friends of ing with Bill Springer, Senior Contributor at the owner of this facility, Dr. Christopher Forbes Magazine, and Rolf Smith, a super Ashby’s, they have wide experience. They yacht broker, they discussed innovative have travelled the world and they know ways to encourage high-end clientele to what really makes people tick,” she said. choose Grenada.

Without sharing details of the meeting Ashby said, “In the Caribbean it’s a given outcome, Smith described the discussions that we’re going to have nice palm trees as fruitful. He is excited to promote Grenaand nice beaches in some cases, pretty girls; da on the international stage. lovely drinks, but it’s not enough anymore.

What we have to do is really provide an experience and also important memories to individuals. This is what travel is about these days. It’s about what the people at Viceroy said to me. It’s about appealing to the affluent explorer. So, that being said, it was with Rolf’s initiation I thought let bring these people down. We have all the assets here.

We have beautiful harbors. We have wonderful marinas. We have a skilled marine industry. We have a beautiful place, but how do we reach out and bring in the people who are actually working in this world.”

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One of Grenada’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Grenadian investors has suggested that the tourism marketing strategy focus on high-end clients.

Springer is one of the world’s leading journalists covering the world of super yachts, offshore adventure, oceanfront real estate and technology. He said the idea is to figure out ways of attracting high-end tourists to Grenada by creating the events that will lure them to the country.

“I know the super yachting events that are happening in other islands and in the Med brings a lot of wealthy people together. They love to come together and be with other people that have yachts and that is a really amazing way to introduce a place to these people and you have the amazing harbours, the amazing deep water anchorage in front of that resort that you’re at now. That would be something that I think would be pretty interesting to think about,” Springer said.

Following the session, Minister Modeste

Minister for Tourism Hon. Dr. Clarice Modeste Curwen

“I think this was very informative and it was great to give some input to the Minister from our perspective, dealing with high network people, what their tastes are and hopefully it will help them a little bit and we’re here to help them promote your Government, your country, here, to people that we work with around the world. So, I think it was very productive.”

Prime Minister Identifies Closer Collaboration in Security Matters as COVID-19 Critical Lesson

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Prime Minister, Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell, has identified closer collaboration, particularly in security matters, as one of the critical lessons to be gleaned from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Delivering opening remarks in his capacity as Chairman of the CARICOM Council for National Security and Law Enforcement (CONSLE) during the Ninth Caribbean-United States Security Cooperation High-Level Dialogue on Oct. 28, Dr. Mitchell said, in light of traditional and emerging threats to regional security, the region must envision new ways in which to collaborate. He said the ultimate objective should be a safer region and hemisphere.

ICT capacity as they seek to effectively address these threats.

“While the global crisis has left many economies reeling from its impact and health care systems struggling to cope, threats to the region’s security have continued unabated and, in some cases, show signs of increase. It is therefore important now, more than ever, that we strengthen regional coordination as we seek to address our shared security challenges,” Prime Minister Mitchell said.

He said, “There is an urgent need, not only for the physical infrastructure to allow for digitisation, but also to enact the necessary legislation to protect such infrastructure. I am happy to report that at the regional level, a number of activities are being undertaken to help member states improve legislative frameworks, build capacity at the judicial level, sensitise the executive branch and increase capacity as it relates to cyber intel-

He identified firearms trafficking as one of the security challenges facing the region and noted the linkage between firearms trafficking and illicit drug trafficking, as well as human trafficking and migrant smuggling.

The Grenadian leader and CONSLE Chair said, “The maritime domain has become an even more critical conduit to facilitating illicit trafficking. In this regard, it is important for us as partners to increase our cooperation and collaboration to enhance maritime domain awareness in the Caribbean Basin.

Protecting the maritime domain is critical, since it provides us with our income, our food; our leisure.”

Notwithstanding, the Prime Minister acknowledged that some strides have been made.

He said, “I am pleased to report that we continue to be proactive and a number of activities have taken place in the region to address firearms trafficking, including capacity building in marking, stockpiling, tracing, double casting and ballistics and case management among other areas. Nationally, some countries are reviewing their firearms laws to ensure that those who run afoul will face appropriate punishment.”

On the matter of cybercrime and cybersecurity, Dr. Mitchell said the pandemic has highlighted the need for regional countries to boost their

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

ligence.”

Another critical point raised by the Prime Minister was the need to place a representative from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), in the Southern Caribbean, to work hand in hand with national and regional authorities.

At the meeting, there was some movement on this initiative with the creation of a working group to examine this proposal.

Prime Minister Dismisses China/ Grenada Rumours

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Prime Minister, Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell has dismissed, as this morning I’m listening to false, claims that Grenada will be sold to the People’s Republic of the Minister on a programme and a question being asked China. about the possibility of China Dr. Mitchell addressed the claims on Oct. 28 during the ground- taking over Grenada’s major breaking ceremony for the rehabilitation and upgrade work at the infrastructure, because of one loan.” country’s international airport.

There has been discussion in certain circles that the island will soon be sold to China. Dr. Mitchell said the loan to upgrade the MBIA is the first loan Grenada has accepted from the People’s Republic of China and that it is unfortunate that Grenadians would buy into such emotional claims without seeking clarity from the relevant authorities.

The Prime Minister noted that Grenada losing its birth right over one loan is farfetched.

China and Grenada re-established diplomatic relations in 2005. Since then, Grenada has benefitted in various sectors.

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

The Prime Minister said, “This project, as is known, is funded through a soft loan from the Government of China and I think it’s important and the ambassador has in fact echoed that sentiment - The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by members of the this is the first major loan that this Government of Grenada has tak- Chinese Delegation, Government Ministers, permanent secretaren from the Government and People of China. I’m amazed - even ies and Grenada Airport Authority officials and employees.

Maurice Bishop International Airport to Receive EC$165 Million Upgrade The Maurice Bishop International Airport (MBIA) will undergo a major EC $165 million upgrade, through funding from a loan from the Government of the People’s Republic of China and from the World Bank.

The duration of the rehabilitation and upgrade project will be an estimated 30 months and involve work on existing and other infrastructure at the MBIA, which is observing 36 years of operations in 2020. Recently appointed Infrastructure Development Minister, Senator Norland Cox, said the upgrade holds tremendous economic benefits for the country.

“To lower airport operations costs for passengers and for moving cargo; to increase passenger comfort and convenience; to increase the convenience and efficiency of the airport operations,” he said, explaining the objectives and going on to give details on the scope of works.

Senator Cox said, “We’ll be resurfacing the existing runway and pavement of runway shoulders. Two - construction of an aircraft turning bay; three - apron and taxiway expansion; four - upgrading of the airfield and lightning system; five - construction of two, two-way apron service lanes; six - projects for the terminal area, including installation of two passenger bridges; pier works; remodelling the airside of the arrival area to accommodate two passenger boarding bridges; installation of elevators, escalators and stairways.”

Prime Minister, Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell, anticipates more growth on completion of the project.

He said, “The upgrade and rehabilitation of this important facility, Maurice Bishop International Airport, is very critical indeed for many reasons, but specifically as we prepare for the further advancement of our tourism product. Some may ask why the necessity for that major investment at this time, because we are in COVID times and resources are limited.

Well, maybe it’s the best time, in the sense that this project is expected to be completed within two years and we expect that COVID-19 will not

be with us here in two years and therefore we expect the growth of our tourism product will be at its peak in the next wo years.”

Chinese Ambassador, His Excellency Dr. Zhao Yongchen highlighted the importance of an international airport to the economy.

He said, “Your airport is your bridge connecting the outside world. A modernized airport is a road to economic prosperity. After upgrade the airport will be able to accommodate more international flights and provide a safe and more comfortable experience for travellers. It will stimulate the tourism industry and boost your whole economy.”

The Rehabilitation work at the airport will be done by China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd. More than 100 Grenadians will be employed during construction.

11 HEALTH MATTERS

More Accountability From Health Services

Newly appointed Health and Community Services Minister, Hon. Delma Thomas, said a new period of accountability is ahead for the health sector.

During the Government’s weekly Post Cabinet Briefing, Minister Thomas emphasized that amidst the many challenges that surface within the sector, the management team will be moving forward with plans to be more accessible and accountable. She said this can boost confidence in healthcare delivery and the services offered at various health facilities.

“When it comes to hospital services and community health services, let the period of recrimination and pointing fingers be over. Let a new period of accountability and possibility begin.

We are committed and we will work to ensure

that we would provide the necessary services that is needed for health care,” Minister Thomas said. “As we go forward, as we look at the different challenges that confront us in the healthcare sector, as we also appreciate that it cannot only be about hospital services. We also have to look at prevention, we also have to look at those issues, for example those lifestyle diseases like diabetes and hypertension, that after the lockdown we have seen scores of persons falling sick with strokes and other complications of those lifestyle diseases and so education must be an integral part on what we do on the level of the community.”

Attention will also be given to transporting patients from Carriacou and Petite Martinique to mainland Grenada for medical attention.

Antibody Rapid Test The antibody Rapid Test tells if an individual has had a previous infection, or if he or she has been exposed to the virus.

A positive Rapid Test does not mean that the individual has the virus. It means that the individual was exposed to the virus at some point in the past.

An antibody test is used as a screening agent. It CANNOT CONFIRM that the virus still exists in the individual’s body, but it is a good indicator that a viral (PCR) test should be done for confirmation.

Conversely, a negative antibody test result does not mean that the individual is not infected with the virus. Only the viral test (PCR) can give such an assurance.

It is important to note also that the antibody test does not help in the early detection of the virus, because antibodies can take a while to develop.

Viral PCR Test The viral Polymerase Chain Reactor (PCR) Test is the ONLY CONFIRMING test for COVID-19. A positive result from a viral test means that the individual is infected with COVID-19 and should be immediately isolated until recovery, usually for at least 14 days after the test, so as not to transmit the virus to others. ...........................

If you are experiencing symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, diarrhoea or fever #MakeTheCall - get tested.

Call: 53VIRUS - 538-4787 or 458-4787 Ministry of Health on Facebook: facebook.com/HealthGrenada

Minister for Hospital Services Hon. Delma Thomas

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American Airlines to Add Flight to Transport Cargo

Minister for Tourism Hon. Dr. Clarice Modeste-Curwen

Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister, Hon. Dr. Clarice Modeste-Curwen said American Airlines will soon add another flight to the Grenada route, to satisfy the growing demand for cargo. flights, the schedule for international flights She explained that even in the face of COVID-19 restrictions, when commercial flights looks promising for the tourism sector. were not accepted on island, flights have been making several trips transporting cargo “Their schedule shows a consistent visit to our into and out of Grenada. Minister Modeste- shores as long as circumstances permit, taking Curwen said this will provide much needed regional and international markets for agricultural and local produce.

She said, “Even in this COVID time, when passengers were not coming, this airport was still working - not as busy as it used to be, but in the transport of cargo to Grenada and from.

Very importantly, in the area of agriculture and I know my dear colleague Minister for Agriculture would agree with me, it has again opened the avenue since COVID started for our farmers to be able to export and fisherfolk to be able to export fish; to be able to export fruit and vegetables and just to prove how important that is, very soon we would be having two flights - two American Airlines flights from Miami not only to bring in passengers, but because of the high demand to transport cargo they are adding another flight for a period of time as long as the demand continues.”

Virgin Atlantic and British Airways resumed flights this week, following a slight delay in the delivery of foam, chemicals and aggregates needed in the event of an emergency landing of a large aircraft.

The Tourism Minister said apart from cargo

into consideration that we are not in normal times and while we are vigilant, but I believe that it is important that we open fully and that we continue to grow even in this COVID time.”

AGRICULTURE CORNER

Agricom Voucher and Payment Procedure Explained

Voucher System Procedure Natika Bain-Charles Accountant at the Ministry of Finance

implement the OECS Regional Agricultural

The Government of Grenada received a U.S. $4.0 million loan/credit from the International Development Association (IDA) and International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) of the World Bank, to

The Project will enhance access to markets

•

On Oct. 22 the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) of the OECS Agricultural Competitiveness Project (Agricom) hosted an update meeting with the suppliers, who responded to the first call for local suppliers made in September of 2020.

Representatives from almost thirty input suppliers of agricultural machinery, tools & equipment, construction/building materials, production & processing machinery and equipment and marketing inputs participated in the meeting. These suppliers will all offer goods and services to the twenty Productive Alliances (PAs) that have been approved to receive support under the Agricom Project.

They were given an overview of the Agricom project, an update on the implementation system, an explanation of the voucher and payment procedure that will be used by the Government of Grenada and recommended practices that should be used in processing vouchers and dealing with farmers, fisherfolk and agro-processors.

All the suppliers: (i) are physically located in Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique (ii) are legally registered to operate, and (iii) are holders of a VAT-ID Registration Number.

Presentations were made by: • Gregory Delsol - the Project Coordinator • Nneka Louis-Obike - (Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist, Agricom) -

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Competitiveness Project.

and sales for competitively selected farmers and fishermen, as well as their Allied Aggregators (AAs) and agro-processors in Grenada.

AGRICULTURE CORNER

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AGRICULTURE CORNER

A HEALTHY LOOKING TISSUE CULTURED BANANA PLOT AT MIRABEAU PROPAGATING STATION

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Launch of Batch Seven - New Imani Program The Ministry of Youth Development hosted a commencement ceremony to launch the seventh batch of trainees to the New Imani Program.

The ceremony was held on Friday, 6 Nov. 2020, at the Grenada Boys Secondary School (GBSS) Auditorium at 4.30 p.m.

The ceremony was broadcast LIVE on GIS Channel 22 and the GIS Facebook page.

PROJECT UPDATES

Retrofitting of the Ahoma Community Center to serve as a temporary health center, while refurbishing works are conducted on the existing health facility

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PROJECT UPDATES

Access road under construction at Simon in St. Andrew

Retaining wall under construction along Paraclete road leading to Blaize, St. Andrew

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PROJECT UPDATES

181 feet of concrete drain completed in Simon, St. Andrew

By-road under construction in Ahoma, St. Andrew