Government Information Service Newsletter - Vol. 1, Issue 18

NEWSLETTER GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICE

Vol. 1, Issue 18

Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020

PRIME MINISTER PROMISES TO

DETAILS ON PAGE 02

INVEST MORE IN YOUTH DEVELOPMENT WITH OPTIMISED SPENDING

INSIDE PAGE MINISTER FOR HOSPITAL SERVICES VISITS MT. GAY HOSPITAL 04

POSITIVE OUTLOOKS IN THE MIDST OF COVID-19 FULL DETAILS ON PAGE 03

PAGE 05

PRISON BENEFITS FROM MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE DONATION

PAGE 06

GRENADA /CHINA FRIENDSHIP GARDEN HANDED OVER

PAGE 07

STRATEGIC PLANNING IS CRUCIAL

PAGE 11

BUSINESS DEVELOPERS BENEFIT FROM UNDP FUNDING

AND MUCH MORE...

PRIME MINISTER PROMISES TO INVEST MORE IN YOUTH DEVELOPMENT WITH OPTIMISED SPENDING

Prime Minister, Dr. the Right Hon. Keith Mitchell, who recently assumed the Youth Development portfolio, plans to invest more resources in empowering the nation’s youth.

However, at a meeting with senior officials in the Ministry of Youth Development on Oct. 13, the Prime Minister warned that resources must be optimised and should not be wasted, particularly as the country continues to feel the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Mitchell said, “Government’s investment in youth development has been significant and I am prepared, in the upcoming budget cycle, to seek additional resources. However, the quantity of Government’s investment cannot be the only method by which we assess ourselves. We must examine ways to improve the effectiveness of the programmes, as we seek to truly empower our young people.”

He added, “We need to develop a comprehensive strategy to chart the way forward. We have to be critical about where we are and determine how to improve our strengths and correct our weaknesses.”

Specifically referencing Government’s flagship youth initiative, the New IMANI Programme, Dr. Mitchell said the supervision and assessment capacity must improve.

He said, “The New IMANI Programme is more than the security of a Government stipend.

We have to help our young people get into areas where they are most likely to succeed. By the end of a two-year stint in the New IMANI Programme, we ought to know their general skillset and career interests. Supervisors have

a key responsibility to determine the aptitude of trainees and help them along the path towards achieving their goals.”

The suggestion was made for trainees to be made more accountable and to undergo periodic evaluation and the Prime Minister readily agreed.

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hensive assessment of all trainees. Ministry officials continue to brainstorm ideas as plans are made for a new strategic path.

The New IMANI Programme is intended to be a social development programme which seeks to mitigate the effects of poverty and

He said, “When we recruit the next batch of trainees, it must be made very clear that things will change, therefore they should dispel what they have heard about the programme. It will not be business as usual. Government will help and empower, but it will not spoon-feed people.”

the structural weaknesses of the labour mar-

The Prime Minister reiterated his commitment to pursuing radical change in the Ministry of Youth Development.

vocational preparation but who require ad-

He said, “I see this as part of my legacy – addressing and correcting the weakness of our youth programmes and ensuring that they better serve our young people. We have achieved many successes and I noted that a few of our CARICOM neighbours have emulated elements of our programmes. However, I think we can do so much more. We must utilise and create opportunities to empower and transform the lives of our young people.

It is not going to be easy, but I am prepared to work with my colleague Minister, Hon. Kate Lewis, and the very capable and committed team in the Ministry of Youth Development to make this happen. We owe it to the youth to help them realise their fullest potential.”

As part of the preparation for the overhaul of its programmes, the Ministry of Youth Development is currently engaged in a compre-

kets. It targets people between the ages of 18 and 35 who have little or no qualifications or who come from a disadvantaged or vulnerable social situation. The programme also targets people with some degree of academic or ditional skills to better prepare them for the world of work.

To date, more than 6,000 young Grenadians have benefitted from the IMANI Programme, with hundreds of them securing permanent placements in various Government departments and private businesses. Additionally, some trainees have used the programme as a gateway to educational advancement through the Scholarship Assistance Unit.

Since 2018, 27 IMANI trainees have graduated from the St. George’s University and another 57 from the T.A. Marryshow Community College. At present,126 trainees are benefitting from technical scholarships and are pursuing studies at various institutions at home and abroad.

POSITIVE OUTLOOKS IN THE MIDST OF COVID-19

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

Prime Minister Dr. the Right Hon. Keith Mitchell outlines exciting prospects within the construction industry, as both private all. Every one of us, citizens, must play a and public sector investment initiatives role in going forward. We need the social come on stream. partners - the understanding that this is a special period, where we’re coming from More than 4000 jobs are expected to be ground zero, so to speak, with this pancreated within the sector. Construction demic. People have to understand what is contributes significantly towards econom- taking place internationally.” ic development, however because of COVID-19, the sector remained inactive from Dr. Mitchell commended Grenadians for March until recently. accepting the reality of living and surviving amidst the challenges of COVID-19. He The Prime Minister said, “We are going to said not only the construction sector has a be seeing this as a major initiative going positive outlook, but also the agriculture forward. I think one of the things we are sector, which has seen an enormous boost going to have to come to terms with, as we especially during the lockdown when alget this opportunity, the that the Govern- most everyone turned to farming. ment, by itself, cannot be expected to do

He said, “The emphasis, clearly, on the construction sector – development of major projects to provide job opportunities; the emphasis on agricultural development, given that we’ve seen more activities in the agricultural sector, in this pandemic period where people have come to realize more of what we used to say that we’ll always have to depend on what we grow here and you see the impact of this around the country.

Wherever you pass around the country you see all these agricultural stalls develop – all through villages – and they are all remaining, even in the period where it appears that we are successfully implementing our control of the virus.”

DEVELOPMENT OF GRENADA’S DISASTER RESILIENCE STRATEGY

ment is committed to further strengthening the country’s resilience.

She said, “The impact of Natural disasters has the potential to increase economic volatility, reduce gross potential, hinder social progress and contribute to high levels of indebtedness. Building resilience natural disasters and climate change is therefore critical.

Prior to the onset of the current pandemic, my Government was making significant progress in strengthening the country’s resilience to external shocks.”

Her excellency outlined the focus of this strategy.

Government continues work on the development of its three-pillar Disaster Resilience Strategy, which will focus on key areas of development to cushion the effects of climate change and other external shocks.

Governor General, Her Excellency Dame Cécile La Grenade, said Govern-

The Governor General said, “With continued support from our international partners, my Government will advance work on the development of a three-pillar disaster resilience strategy covering structural, financial and post disaster resilience. The key elements of this strategy will include climate resilience infrastructure, fiscal buffers, insurance mechanism and institutional strengthening of our crisis response framework.”

MINISTER FOR HOSPITAL SERVICES VISITS MT. GAY HOSPITAL

With the responsibility for Hospital Services in the Ministry of Health added to her portfolio, the Hon. Delma Thomas familiarized herself with the new institutions under her care.

On Oct. 15 she met with management and staff at the Mt. Gay Mental Hospital to discuss challenges and chart the way forward. Minister Thomas explained that staffing will be one of the main areas of focus. The Ministry strives to ensure that staff can deliver quality service to patients at the facility.

“There are some challenges and, so, we know that if we want to really boost the morale of our staff we have to deal with some of the challenges that confront them,” she said. “Within the next budget cycle, you will hear more of our decisions as it relates to healthcare, as healthcare has been a priority and will be an even greater priority within the 2021 budget, understanding and appreciating that we are in a pandemic and, so, the pandemic would have opened our eyes to many more challenges that maybe we weren’t even aware of in the healthcare sector and how we can best deal with it. Therefore, I will be working along with the team to see what we can do to assist in improving the healthcare.”

Minister Thomas also said more sensitization is needed with regard to the topic of mental health and in reducing the discrimination faced by individuals with these issues. She said it is critical to educate the public on mental health issues and the need to treat those faced with mental health challenges with dignity and respect.

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PRISON BENEFITS FROM MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE DONATION

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Former Minister for Agriculture Hon. Yolande Bain-Horsford

Her Majesty’s Prison is now in possession of a new tractor, provided by the Ministry of Agriculture, through a donation by the People’s Republic of China, to enhance its farming programme.

The tractor was recently handed over by former Minister for Agriculture, Hon Yolande Bain-Horsford, to Commissioner of Prisons, John Mitchell. It will be used for work currently being undertaken by the prison.

Hon. Bain Horsford said, “We know that you are going to use it wisely, for the purpose for which it is given, to really get the lands going to produce more; also to give the inmates an opportunity to learn a skill so they can go back

The tractor received by Her Majesty’s Prison is one of several, forming part of EC $1 million in agricultural machinery handed over to the Ministry of Agriculture on June 5, by the People’s Republic of China.

to their communities after with something. The Ministry of Agriculture is always delighted to support the prison.”

Commissioner of Prisons, John Mitchell, says the tractor is needed as the prison continues with efforts to sustain itself.

He said, “The prison has been involved in agricultural production for several years, but especially now during the COVID-19 period we recognized that it’s even more significant that

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

we increase our production. So, one of our main areas at the prison is that of food security. We recognize what is happening internationally and locally, with our Government in terms of reduction in resources – in funds especially and we have to play our part in the prison. When you have an average of 400 inmates, body abled inmates, we expect them to be able to work to feed themselves and that is where we are heading in the prison, to be able to feed ourselves”.

GRENADA/CHINA FRIENDSHIP GARDEN HANDED OVER Chinese Ambassador to Grenada, His Excellency Dr. Zhao Yongchen, officially handed over the first-ever Grenada/ China Friendship Garden to Parliamentary Representative Hon. Peter David on Oct. 14.

Located in the vicinity of the National Cricket Stadium playing field and school zone, the garden will serve as a relaxation spot for residents and a playground for children. Dr. Zhao Yongchen explained that the garden represents the long-lasting relations between both countries.

Parliamentary

Representative

for the Town of St. George, Hon. Peter

David

commended

the

Ambassador and the Government of the People’s Republic of China for fulfilling another commitment to the people of Grenada. He challenged the constituents to honor and maintain the facility.

Parliamentary Representative for the town of St. George, Hon. Peter David

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STRATEGIC PLANNING IS CRUCIAL Newly appointed Minister for Finance, Hon. Gregory Bowen said strategic planning will be a fundamental component of Government’s thrust to rebuild the economy in the face of COVID-19.

During an interview, following the presentation of the throne speech

by Governor General, Her Excellency Dame Cécile La Grenade, Minister Bowen said there is also a need for Government to remodel its original plans to effectively address the challenges and spur economic activity.

“Don’t forget we have what you call the new public management, before you come and you run a budget, but there must be strategic plans that you must implement and the first strategic plan is the 2035,” he said. “Then we’ll listen to the throne speech and if you look at the throne speech over the years they will have reflected the 2035 year plan, but right now the budget speech will move from the 2035 into the Throne Speech and we have to prioritize. If had no pandemic then we could have done most of what we have in it. So, we have to start prioritizing and do what we can at various stages, so we get all of some in 2035 – the more in important ones - and then we start the process of the others in 2021 and we’ll finish in 2022 and 2023.”

Minister Bowen, who has been integrally involved in the Ministry of Finance since 2013 and even before, cited the importance of agricul-

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ture to enhance food security and reduce the county’s huge food import bill.

“A lot of attention has been given to it and will continue to be given to agriculture and the point is plowing the resources into it the pandemic period – difficult times, but as we do the strategic planning and with whatever intake we have in revenue, once we give it Minister for Finance what is necessary – not only give Hon. Gregory Bowen it what is necessary, but we must have the players there to institute the plan and we have found out – not only in Grenada – that going from a plan to what should be done - implementation – is extremely difficult. So, it is not only the Government who must implement - institutions within the country and the farmers themselves - and since they’re outside the control, you must have the good leadership to bring them on board.”

MEDIUM TERM PRIORITIES

NEW FINANCE MINISTER MEETS WITH STAFF

The Government of Grenada has announced plans to adopt short and medium-term priorities designed to put the economy back on a sustainable inclusive path.

Speaking during his first meeting with the staff of his new Ministry, Grenada’s Minister for Finance, Hon. Gregory Bowen, expressed confidence in the ability of the ministry’s staff to execute the Government’s mandate to rebuild the economy in this COVID-19 impacted environment.

This is in keeping with Government’s National Strategic Development Plan: 2020-2035, which highlights the vision of resilience, promoting human dignity and economic sustainability.

Governor General Her Excellency, Dame Cecile La Grenade, says these priorities are consistent with the Government’s plans towards the 2035 agenda of transformation and resilience.

She said, “The reinvigoration of our main engines of growth, supported by efforts to boost our competitiveness; diversify our export base and create sustainable jobs; a continued investment in the health and education of our people; a continued investment in leveraging information and communication technology; a continued investment in agriculture and light manufacturing sector to boost food and nutrition security and to reduce our huge food import bill. The rehabilitation and maintenance of our road network and other physical infrastructure; continued efforts to build resilience against external shocks such as global public health emergencies; the continued protection and empowerment of the poor and vulnerable among us; the continued efforts to protect our environmental assets from human and climate change impacts.”

During the virtual meeting, Minister Bowen told the staff that his first impression is that of an excellent team of people who are ready for the task ahead. Grenada, like many other countries experienced a significant drop in revenue due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Minister Bowen told the team, “I encourage you to be vigilant, to curb expenditure leakages and wastage. We have seen revenue decline by up to 50% and our recovery strategy must include encouraging compliance, enhancing service delivery processes and finding new ways to generate revenue.”

The new Finance Minister noted that changing the culture of operations and twinning technology with the shift system are critical components as we adapt to our new normal. This would require strict data security protocols, which are already being addressed.

The immediate focus for the Ministry is the timely preparation of the 2021 National Budget, which will set out the Government’s priorities for the coming year.

The feedback from staff included questions and comments about the upcoming budget, staffing, safety protocols for staff and the public, in

the context of COVID-19 and the new management structure.

Minister Bowen said he was excited about the healthy discussions and expressed gratitude for the various interventions, stating that the team must join hands, especially in this difficult period which has brought with it greater responsibility for the Ministry.

The Minister for Finance looks forward to continued dialogue and enhancement of the team approach towards results-oriented outcomes.

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MEET THE FARMER ADULT AND TEEN CHALLENGE Being relatively new and in search of ways to ensure the viable functioning of its organization, Adult and Teen Challenge Grenada Ltd,, is investing its time and resources into the farming of Sea Moss.

Nestled in a remote bay area in St. David are three plots of Seamoss.

Executive Director of Adults and Teen Challenge, Jude Hector, attributed the idea of Sea Moss cultivation to a colleague on the sister isle, Ken Wilson.

He said, “We did some research and we found it was a viable project to undertake.

So, we invested quite a sum of money for training and for the initial stock we needed for planting.”

The organization cultivates Sea Moss a: four locations; two on mainland Grenada and two on the sister isle of Carriacou.

While one of the main objectives of this project is income support for the organization, Hector said it also provides some form of employment for the persons that they work with.

Although starting just a few months ago, Hector said, the organization has already secured a market for the Sea Moss.

“We have a market. We have a major buyer already. In fact, we have had other requests for the product. There is quite a market and just given the health benefit of Sea Moss, you can use it for your hair;your skin - the nutritional content is quite high. It is probably one of those things you would call a superfood,” he said.

would give you a yield of about 100 pounds of dried Sea Moss. That would be 6000 pounds of wet Sea Moss per plot.

We expect about 3lbs of wet Sea Moss per plant.”

Hector explained what are the suitable conditions needed for production.

“Sunlight, nutrients from the water and we let nature do its work. A lot of it depends on the nutritional content of the water

PUMPKIN PUNCH

and how far it is from the level of the surface. You don’t want to go too deep, that it doesn’t get enough sunlight. You would also need it to be in an area where it is not disturbed a lot. If the tide and the surf are

INGREDIENTS • 2 Cups Cooked Mashed Pumpkin • 2-4 Cups Seville Orange or Orange Juice ½-1 Cup Water

too heavy, you can have a lot of breakages.”

The normal production time is between six to eight weeks of planting.

The Sea Moss venture is part of a wider business strategy for the Non-Profit Organization, especially as funding is a chal-

He explained what production entails.

lenge.

“We have three plots here. Every plot

“We get funding for projects and programmes, but funding for staff, utilities and so on is a challenge, that is why we have such a strong focus on microbusiness.”

While they are learning the ropes as it progresses, the Sea Moss venture is challenged by the intrusion of the sargassum, which according to one of the project officers, “Sticks between the branches and hinders growth. It really poisons

METHOD • Combine all ingredients and mix well.

Serve Chilled • Strain the juice through a fine strainer or a piece of cheesecloth • Stir in Ginger and Honey or Sugar if used

EXPO 2021 IN DUBAI IS ON Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Business and CARICOM Affairs, Hon. Oliver Joseph, said Expo 2020 has now moved to Expo 2021 and is still high on his Ministry’s agenda.

Grenada and other countries around the world were preparing for Expo 2020, but these plans were shelved, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hon. Joseph said his Ministry will continue the work started by former International Business Minister, Hon. Nickolas Steele, to ensure that Grenada is well represented at Expo 2021.

He said, “We have a number of manufacturers and exporters that have registered to participate and therefore we are anxiously looking forward to Expo 2021 where Grenada can display its products to the world. So, it is still on. We still will participate in 2021. Of course, we are hoping that the coronavirus – we’ll see a slowing down of it, so that we can travel, because it is an exhibition which can bring tremendous benefit to our manufacturers and exporters and we are looking forward to it.”

The present global situation with the coronavirus pandemic will be the base factor that will determine if there will be a scale down in the proposed activities planned for the event.

Hon. Joseph said, “We will have to have social distancing; the wearing of masks; controlling of the crowds, because in these expositions you have thousands of people coming through. So, what they’re hoping is that by the time the exposition comes around people could feel safe to travel. If not and it’s restricted to the local people in Dubai, it means we will have to scale back.

So, August is up in the air still. We’re just waiting and see what would happen.”

Minister Joseph said a new date for the event in 2021 has not yet been decided.

“They have not indicated a specific month to start yet. You know we were supposed to start this month - Expo 2020 and run for six months and so Expo 2021 it may be they will keep the same period or start it earlier and let it run for six months.

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HEALTH MATTERS

HANDWASHING IS EFFECTIVE IN PREVENTING SPREAD OF COVID-19

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Hand washing, in addition to physical distancing and wearing a mask, is an effective way of helping to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Follow these easy steps to help protect you and others from COVID-19:

1. How do I wash my hands?

Step 1: Wet hands with running water Step 2: Apply enough soap to cover wet hands Step 3: Scrub all surfaces of the hands – including back of hands, between fingers and under nails – for at least 20 seconds.

Step 4: Rinse thoroughly with running water Step 5: Dry hands with a clean cloth or single-use towel

Howlong longshould shouldI Iwash washmy myhands handsfor? for?

22. . How You should wash your hands for at least 20-30 seconds. An easy way to time it is by singing the entire happy birthday song, twice.

The same goes for hand sanitizer: Use a sanitizer that contains at least 70 percent alcohol and rub it into your hands for at least 20 seconds to ensure full coverage.

3.3.When Whenshould shouldI Iwash washmy myhands? hands?

After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing After visiting a public space, including public transportation, markets and places of worship After touching surfaces outside of the home, including money Before, during and after caring for a sick person Before and after eating

#BeCOVID19Smart #washyourhands

BUSINESS DEVELOPERS BENEFIT FROM UNDP FUNDING

Ten Micro, small and medium size business developers were the recipients of grant funding from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and the Grenada Investment Development Corporation (GIDC).

The grant funding is geared towards assisting businesses to transition into online and digital operations. It forms part of the UNDP’s Eastern Caribbean Grant Recovery Programme to cushion the effects of COVID-19 on businesses. The pandemic has negatively impacted businesses throughout Grenada, resulting in decreased production, limited or loss of access to raw materials, zero sales and loss of markets.

Khesha Mitchell, Senior Vice President for Business Development at GIDC said, “The ability to design new websites and where websites existed to upgrade those websites.

And we are not just talking about a website to showcase the products and service, but the ability to order online, so you can purchase at ecommerce websites. The ability to upgrade the social media platforms, and for many businesses who already had that again to improve it, to purchase inventory, to improve your branding and promotional materials, as well as to purchase equipment and storage containers and so on. Because one will appreciate, if you have to deliver goods to customers, it must be done in a safe and healthy environment.”

Funding in the sum of EC$10,800 was presented to 10 existing enterprises to undertake small projects/ activities.

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Project Manager in the Ministry of FiUNDP’s Grenada Coordinator, Rudo Udi- nance, Alister Bain, is timely, relevant ka, emphasized the importance of digiti- and creates numerous opportunities for zation in emerging markets. business and economic growth.

She said, “These activities are part of the UNDP’s COVID-19 Recovery Programme He said, “We have the opportunity to for the Eastern Caribbean that is focused move several of our operations and acon, in addition to MSME support, pro- tivities to online platforms and that is motion of resilient health systems to respond to COVID-19, including health why this grant is so timely, it is so releprocurement support; assessment and vant and it is so responsive to our current addressing the socioeconomic impacts situation. We have opportunities for the of COVID-19 and manage crisis through production of sanitizing solutions, utilizmulti-sectorial response framework ing local raw materials. We have the opwhich includes assistance to reopening of the economy. This program is the start portunity to streamline our services and of continued support to the Government to be more responsive to our customer’s of Grenada in response to COVID-19, and needs. The opportunities presented by we are really pleased that we’ve been online services, and mobile services and able to have this initial intervention with the GIDC and with additional projects home safe delivery is something that rolled out in the near future, tailored we did not envisage or see the need for around strengthening national health a few months ago. Therefore, this initiacapacities and reducing negative socio- tive of the UNDP, in collaboration with economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis the Government of Grenada and implein Grenada through further support to mented by the GIDC, is not just timely MSME’s.” but it is well placed to facilitate the reThe grant funding, according to Senior covery of the MSME sector.”

GRENADA IS ON THE UK’S QUARANTINE EXEMPTION LIST With countries continuously updating rules to help stop COVID-19, the United Kingdom closely monitors the situation, adding countries to, or taking them off, the quarantine exemption list.

Each week British Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps, provides an update on which counties the Government has taken off, or added to, its 14-day quarantine requirement. Grenada is exempt from the 14-day self-quarantine rule: Read more here: https://www.gov.uk/.../coronavirus-covid-19-travel-corridors #GrenadaHealth

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