Government Information Service Newsletter - Vol. 1, Issue 22 - 2020

NEWSLETTER GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICE

Friday, Nov. 13, 2020

Vol. 1, Issue 22

DETAILS ON PAGE 02

PRIME MINISTER MEETS WITH

LEADERSHIP OF THE RGPF

PAGE 02

INSIDE PAGE 05

APPROVED ACCOMMODATIONS AND SITES

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PRIME MINISTER CITES DUE DILIGENCE AS CORNERSTONE OF GRENADA’S CBI PROGRAMME

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STEPPING UP THE FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19

PAGE 03

NO UK FLIGHTS FOR ONE MONTH

AND MUCH MORE...

Prime Minister Meets With Leadership of the Royal Grenada Police Force

Prime Minister and Minister for National Security, Dr. the Right Hon. Keith Mitchell, met with the leadership of the Royal Grenada Police Force during the week of Nov. 2 to discuss several matters pertaining to the effective operation of the RGPF and to obtain feedback on what Government can do to help enhance the work of police officers.

brought to parliament to give effect to a diplomat. Therefore, the approach to duty new policy. I assure you that the process of must demonstrate a combination of these change will involve public consultation.” roles and their applicability in different situ-

At the meeting, the Prime Minister and Minister for National Security also expressed concern about the recent series of events involving the shooting of one young man, followed days later by his father attacking Dr. Mitchell commended several of the and injuring two police officers. Tragically, RGPF’s initiatives including the formation the father was shot by police during the atof the Cold Case Unit, the introduction of tack and later succumbed to his injuries. body cameras and the new thrust in community policing.

The Prime Minister wished the injured officers a speedy recovery and he has privately He said, “Community policing is a critical as- extended condolences to the family of the pect of your duty. It is well-known that com- deceased. He also commended the Acting munity support and cooperation go a long Commissioner of Police for his outreach to way in helping to solve major crimes and the family of the deceased and the sensitivtherefore significant emphasis should be ity displayed. placed on fostering good relations within communities. The more we enhance com- Dr. Mitchell noted that maintaining safety munity policing, the more effective the and security in the current context requires work of the police will be.” additional responsibility and behaviour modification.

The Prime Minister also commended the rank and file of the RGPF for their ongoing He said, “I encourage police officers to be commitment to maintaining law and order, vigilant but to also use their discretion. A particularly during the lockdown period police officer is not only a law enforcer but that was instituted as part of the national must also function as a psychologist and a strategy to combat the current COVID-19 pandemic.

On the subject of marijuana, the Prime Minister said while Grenada has not yet taken a decision on changes to be made to the law, the country cannot be immune to the changes that are taking place globally.

Dr. Mitchell said, “I can tell you that we are looking at the laws and legislation will be

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ations. In discharging your duties as enforcers of the law, officers should use their own judgment. I am not saying to disregard the provisions of the law. I am saying that judgment needs to be part of the equation.”

The Prime Minister and Minister for National Security told the RGPF hierarchy he has been questioned in recent public meetings about police officers abusing their powers.

Dr. Mitchell said, “It is critical for me to balance my responsibility as Minister for National Security. It will be irresponsible to do anything that sends the message that police officers are less than effective or responsible in discharging their responsibilities. At the same time, police officers must be aware that they have a responsibility to act in a manner that will protect the image of the police force.”

The Prime Minister ended his contribution to the meeting by encouraging officers to continue doing the best job they can and assuring them that Government will continue to ensure that the necessary resources are provided to facilitate the effective operation of the RGPF.

No UK Flights for One Month

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just never know. We have had more bookings, so it is unfortunate at this time.”

CEO of the Grenada Tourism Authority, Patricia Maher, said Grenada is in constant communication with the UK airlines to ensure that the bookings are maintained during the month.

Minister for Tourism Hon. Dr. Clarice Modeste Curwen

Tourism Minister, Hon. Clarice Modeste-Curwen, said the planned lockdown by the United Kingdom, as a result of rising COVID-19 cases, will impact on revenue.

Just days after welcoming the first two flights, Virgin Atlantic and British Airways from its second largest source market, Grenada will have to wait another month, before flights can move from the UK to the Caribbean again.

The UK Government made the announcement over the weekend that from Nov. 5, the country will be on lockdown for four weeks.

Hon. Modeste-Curwen said it is unfortunate, since the numbers from the last few days and the scheduled bookings from the UK looked encouraging.

She said, “We were actually on the phone this

She said, “One month without flights is going to severely impact us. In previous discussions they have told us that the load factor didn’t look bad at all. The numbers were looking very encouraging and because they would not fly if the numbers are really down. So the numbers have been encouraging and especially when we change to the four day quarantine and we move to the corridor that would allow persons to go directly into a hotel where they’ll be provided with services by persons who are specifically trained to deal with persons who may have COVID, let’s face it, although they have been tested - you

a week as of the end of October and the UK

morning with British Airways, and we have yet to hear how that will impact the schedule to the destination. We were very happy to resume the services with British Airways and Virgin Atlantic Airways coming in twice market is our second largest International source market, so it’s a very critical market for us, as well as the connectivity from Europe via London to Grenada. So, anybody who wishes to travel from that side of the world really needs that airlift, but we’re working hard with the airlines together. We want to ensure that once they can fly, we fill those planes and we work well together.”

Ministry of Health Announces Two New Cases of COVID-19 A medical doctor and his wife, who arrived in Grenada from the United States on Sunday, Nov. 1, have been laboratory diagnosed by the Ministry of Health as Grenada’s thirty-first and thirty-second cases of COVID-19.

The two individuals, were approved for home quarantine, and received their PCR tests on Thursday, November 5th, as per the protocols of Grenada. While awaiting their results, the individuals left their home and visited four restaurant facilities in the South of the Island.

Health officials immediately moved to isolate the couple upon confirmation of their positive test results. The restaurants were immediately informed, and the contact tracing team was also instantly engaged to source and quarantine all potential contacts of the couple.

The restaurant managers have provided the logs that they are required to keep of all guests, and those have proven crucial in the tracking process.

The Ministry reassures the public that every effort is employed to find and isolate anyone who may have been exposed. The two individuals have been transferred to stateapproved isolation and are being actively monitored.

The Royal Grenada Police Force was notified of the violation, as per the dictates of the Emergency Regulations of Grenada enacted during this ongoing pandemic.

Home quarantine everywhere, while being the internationally accepted practice, has proven to be a less than perfect system. In the last week, understanding the lack of capacity to effectively monitor, test and provide timely test results to everyone who requests to quarantine at home, the Ministry drastically reduced the number of approvals granted.

This has created more security in operations, and more efficiency in the testing process.

As in every challenge posed by COVID-19, the Ministry is continuously amending and improving its operations through comprehensive engagements with stakeholders to effectively control, as far as is possible, any potential spread of the virus.

The Ministry’s ongoing responsibilities are to advance mechanisms to guard the borders, quarantine, monitor, test and trace, and to

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continue to educate the public on all things related to COVID-19, but the public’s assistance in all these areas are pivotal for success.

As always, the Ministry of Health underscores the importance of personal responsibility in containing this disease. Individuals must take ownership of their health and that of others by being mindful of their actions—practicing good hygiene, maintaining physical distancing of at

least six feet, wearing a mask in public, and adhering to all the protocols mandated for the preservation of health and safety.

According to Chief Executive Officer of the Grenada Tourism Authority, Patricia Maher, said visitors will only be allowed to use attraction sites and accommodations approved by the Ministry of Health and the Tourism Authority.

GTA has been partnering with the Ministries of Health and Tourism and the Grenada Hotel and Tourism Association to inspect and approve various tourist attraction sites and accommodations, since the reopening of the Grenada’s borders. The Pure Safe Travel accommodations is one initiative that outlines the approved facilities and sites for visitors.

Maher, who was speaking during the Nov. 3 Post Cabinet Press Briefing, said visitors are only allowed to use accommodations that have been certified safe by the relevant authorities.

She said, “We’ve rolled out these protocols and visitors now are guided to use only Pure Safe Travel-approved attractions. It is very important that the visitors know what they can and cannot do when they get to Grenada.

The transportation and the tour operators - they also have protocols which we rolled out and we’ve put Pure Safe Travel decals, so wherever you go in the tri-island State of Grenada, Carriacou and Petit Martinique you will see the Pure Safe Travel-approved sticker.

We have them on the transportation vehicles. We have them at the hotel reception. We have them everywhere that has been certified by the Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation and rolled out by the GTA.” So far, forty health wardens have been trained and are now actively conducting inspections. Tourism Minister, Dr. Clarice Modeste Curwen, said training will be ongoing.

“We have launched our health wardens and they have been trained. I

Approved Accommodations and Sites

think the training is still ongoing, because this is a dynamic situation that we have to seek, as far as possible, to be in control of, so the training has to continue. Just over 40 young people, who were originally in the Imani, have been selected to work with us to assist in inspection of facilities, mostly accommodation, but also other facilities that provide services in the industry. We’re talking restaurants, other places, attraction sites and so on. They would not only be inspecting to certify, but they have to be constantly reassessing whether that certification is merited, because it has to be an ongoing merit,” the Tourism Minister explained.

Recently concerns have surfaced over proposals that were made by cruise lines to reserve beach space for passengers during their visit. However Nautical Development Manager, Nikoyan Roberts, emphasized that no local beach has been approved for use by cruise passengers.

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Chief Executive Officer Grenada Tourism Authority Patricia Maher

and we are very focused on using the tours that have been inspected and approved as Pure Safe Travel-approved experiences,” Roberts said.

The list of accommodations under the Pure “The Grenada Cruise Operations advisory working group did not recommend use of Safe Travel initiative can be found on the ofbeaches in 2020. This is an initial engagement ficial website of the GTA at puregrenada.com

Prime Minister Cites Due Diligence as Cornerstone of Grenada’s CBI Programme Prime Minister, Dr. the Right Honourable Keith Mitchell, has cited due diligence as the cornerstone of Grenada’s Citizenship by Investment Programme.

Delivering remarks on Nov. 5 at an Investment Migration Round Table, organised by Grenada Co-operative Bank, Dr. Mitchell spoke of Grenada being recognised as the gold standard for investment migration and he underscored Government’s commitment to maintaining what he termed its “unapologetically rigid” approach to due diligence.

The Prime Minister also welcomed recent statements by the United States Ambassador to Barbados and the OECS, Linda Taglialatela, praising Grenada for making excellent use of the Joint Regional Communications Centre, which is the regional mechanism for providing due diligence on CBI applicants.

The Prime Minister said, “External recognition of Grenada’s unwavering commitment to due diligence confirms that we are in fact doing an excellent job. We will continue to be thorough in our due diligence because the integrity of the Citizenship by Investment programme is a valuable selling point that is not easily replicated.”

The Prime Minister described the CBI Programme as a “development imperative for Grenada, as it provides a significant source of Foreign Direct Investment. Revenue generated by CBI is helping to fill the void left by the rapid and significant decline in direct foreign aid in recent decades.”

He also noted that CBI-generated revenue has become even more critical because the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused a significant decline in Government’s overall revenue collection.

Dr. Mitchell added, “Fortunately for Grenada, the pandemic has not led to any significant fallout in the number of applications received. To the contrary, the Citizenship by Investment Unit is reporting an increase in the number of applications, a fact which speaks to continued confidence in Grenada amidst the current global uncertainties.”

The Prime Minister has commended the Grenada Co-operative Bank for initiating the Investment Migration Round Table, which brought together key industry stakeholders. Expressing Government’s commitment to working with stakeholders, Dr. Mitchell said a collaborative approach is necessary if Grenada is to remain competitive and protect the integrity of its CBI programme.

He issued a call to local agents and other stakeholders to actively partner with Government,

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“in helping to nurture, promote, expand and safeguard Grenada’s investment migration initiative, to give it longevity that in turn will facilitate further infrastructural development as well as development in health, education and other sectors.”

Dr. Mitchell further said, “In the global village that now exists, investment migration is likely to continue growing. As a legitimate player in this ball game, we are dutybound to effectively position Grenada to promote its brand and claim a stake in this multibillion-dollar sector.”

Outlining the objectives of what is intended to become an annual event, Managing Director of the Grenada Co-operative Bank, Richard Duncan, said it provided a platform for sharing ideas and insights to make the investment migration programme sustainable, to enhance relationships through shared perspectives and to build understanding through clarifying doubts and promot-

ing goodwill.

Several presentations formed part of the round table including: A Compelling Case for Citizenship by Investment; Problems and Pitfalls of AML/CTF Regime and their Implications for Investment Migration Programmes; Investment Migration and Local Agents; Identifying Potential Risks and Branding Grenada’s Investment Migration Programme.

Statement by Acting Commissioner of Police, Edvin Martin Fellow citizens, it is important for me, as Commissioner of Police, to address you on the recent series of incidents which unfortunately resulted in three persons being injured and the death of one individual.

wounds to his arm and chest.

These incidents have left several families in need of solace as they deal with the aftermath of what transpired. At the wider community level, Grenadians are also trying to come to terms with the tragedy. It is sad, it is heartwrenching and we are all impacted on various levels.

Again, on behalf of the RGPF, I offer sentiments of comfort and reassurance to all of the individuals and their families in this time of pain and mourning.

On behalf of the Royal Grenada Police Force, I publicly express our deepest sympathies to the family of the late Mr. Trevor Regis, who succumbed to injuries following the altercation with police on October 30. I take this opportunity to wish Chris Regis and the officers who suffered injuries during those incidents a speedy recovery.

The female officer, who was in a critical condition following the stabbing incident, had to undergo emergency surgery and is still hospitalized. The male officer has since been released from the General Hospital but continues to receive medical treatment for stab

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Chris Regis has also been released from hospital and he continues to heal at home, following a gunshot wound to his arm.

Over the past few days, I have heard and listened to many concerns. Both incidents raise questions about operational procedures and other matters that must be answered. You can be assured that the Royal Grenada Police Force is committed to fully addressing those questions through the process of thorough investigations, now underway.

Within hours of the first incident on October 21st in which Chris Regis sustained a gunshot wound, a team of officers from the Community Relations Department visited the family and had discussions with the victim’s father, who is now deceased. I also personally met with the late Trevor and his wife on Sunday, October 25th at the family home.

Acting Commissioner of Police Edvin Martin

Dutifully awaiting the outcome of the investigation, during my visit I was careful not to cast blame or find fault on any side.

Instead, I focused on compassion and gave assurance of a thorough investigation into the shooting incident. It was therefore personally disheartening when I was briefed on the circumstances of Friday’s sequence of events, following which the RGPF again reached out to the family.

I assure you, fellow citizens of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, that both matters are the subject of active investigation.

At this point in time, the RGPF is not at liberty to speak on the substantive elements of either incident, as this will be premature and can also potentially prejudice any legal outcome of the matters. Upon the completion of the investigation, the files will be submitted to the office of the Director of Public Prosecution - a constitutionally independent office, for review and recommendations.

This approach is consistently done to offer an additional layer of objectivity and transparency in dealing with all matters involving police officers.

As due process takes its course, the RGPF asks for forbearance and tolerance of all to allow the investigation to be carried out. Let calmness prevail as we await the completion of the investigation to answer any lingering questions that exist.

We will continue to reach out to the families involved to hear their concerns first-hand, and to answer their questions to the extent that we are able to at this time. We will also continue to support the injured officers through the healing process. We will continue to avail ourselves to be supportive and transparent throughout this process.

We recognize the citizens of this country as critical partners in helping to maintain law and order, and we therefore appeal for the continued cooperation and support of the public as we all seek to come to terms with this gut-wrenching occurrence.

HEALTH MATTERS

Stepping Up Fight Against COVID-19

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Minister for Health and Social Security, Hon. Nickolas Steele, said the Ministry will be adopting a zero tolerance approach to unauthorized festive activities in the weeks leading up to December 2020.

Minister Steele told members of the Lower House on Oct. 30 that domestic testing will be increased. This means every individual who attends an event with large gatherings will be tested for COVID-19, especially leading up to the Christmas holiday.

The Minister said, “The Ministry, very much cognizant of that, is going to be stepping up further its domestic testing. This is to confirm our local epidemiological situation. We have said we have no evidence of COVID-19 in Grenada - of community spread. We would continue, but in order to continue and recognize that the Christmas season is coming up, we’re going to ramp up a little bit more. So, quite possibly where activities are found where persons are non-compliant, then everybody there will be tested as well. If they are the ones carrying out high-risk activities, they are the ones probably that may get infected.

As well as the wardens stepping up and doing further more aggressive enforcement of the rules and regulations.”

Health officials and wardens will evaluate the process of approval to host activities.

Minister Steele said this is geared towards ensuring that the standards Grenada has fought to achieve during the peak COVID-19 period are maintained.

Minister Steele said, “The Ministry’s team is stepping up to approve those who apply and are able to be compliant to have activities. It must go hand in hand it is not just a simple case of ‘No’. It is to accommodate as best as possible, because I have said previously in this very house, we must find a balance between health and livelihoods, between saving lives and maintaining livelihoods. We would continue to do our best there.”

The Ministry is formulating new mechanisms to strengthen the fight against COVID-19.

Health Minister Hon. Nikolas Steele

Eco Solutions and Grenada Solid Waste Management Authority Signs Letter of Agreement The Grenada Solid Waste Management Authority has signed a letter of agreement with Eco Solutions for the sustainable management of used engine oils.

The system which serves for the safe collection, storing and recycling of used motor oil into diesel will be implemented through the collaborative efforts of Eco Solutions and the Grenada Solid Waste Management Authority.

The Solid Waste Management Authority is confident this new initiative will contribute positively.

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General Manager at the Grenada Solid Waste Management Authority, Lyndon Robertson, said, “Used engine oils are disposed of indiscriminately in our environment, in our waterways, along our coastlines; they enter our food chain. The threat and risk to our health is something that we cannot even explain. We must applaud the marriage of the technical business skills of Mr. Jacob and his team and also the willingness to go into this significant investment for the conversion of the used engine oils to diesel. What this means is that this resource recovery initiative is not only a shining example for Grenada, but for the entire wider Caribbean region and when we looked at the business and sustainability model presented by Mr. Jacob, we are optimistic that this initiative will be with us to manage our oils now and into the future. Let me thank Eco Solutions and let me commit the Solid Waste Authority to this partnership.”

Jusceno Jacob, Managing Director of Eco Solutions spoke of the benefits of the initiative and the partnership between the Authority and Eco Solutions.

He said, “We are taking what is otherwise waste and treating it as a valuable crude oil, a true embodiment of the old adage ‘One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.’ The benefits of used motor oils or used oil management system is real and significant. This system has a capacity of processing all of the 150, 000 gallons of motor oils that is imported into Grenada annually, after it has been spent. The GSWMA has the responsibility of ensuring the safe disposal of used motor oils as part of its mandate. Eco solutions is pleased that the authority has embraced the solution as a mechanism for fulfilling this role. We’re grateful for the cooperation of the authority in this initiative thus far. We are particularly thankful for the very tangible contribution of an oil storage tank to facilitate the process.

I know that the authority is happy that this tank is finally being used for its original intent. Eco solutions commits to continue to work with the authority to use all generators and the Government and other stakeholders to implement this system that we can all be proud of.”

Fishing Vessel Inspections Begin

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The Fisheries Division spent the first day of inspection on the waters of the Carenage, ensuring the vessels are in keeping with the policies of the Division.

Mayhee Rennie, a fisherman, highlighted the importance of the inspection process for fishing vessels.

He said, “Safety is one of the most important things for us as fishermen going out there. Because right now we start fishing very far distances, like three or four miles to the East of Grenada. So, when there is nowhere close to Grenada, we need to have all the safety equipment with us, for instance, radios, first aid et cetera. It is very important to have your vessels registered, so if anything happens the Government will know and will be ready to assist you.”

we look at all this to ensure it is in working condition and then we have our book we tick them off and you use that form go to the treasury to pay the required fee, after which you’ll come back and we’ll give you Fisheries Officer in the fisheries division, Lisa a sticker and at the end of the inspection Chetram, explained the process of inspec- you’re also going to receive a license and the license has its conditions. It states that tion. you are entitled to fish within the territorial She said, “After we inspect the vessels, waters of Grenada.” which is taking into consideration the safety which we’re talking about - your flares, Fishermen who wish to inspect at a later GPS, radio, first-aid kit and your emergency date will be expected to pay a late fee. food rations this is just to name a few. So, 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

“So even those vessels that did not come out today, there is another date which is Nov. 16 that they would be coming out and, by that day, I know that a lot more of them would be here. To speak a little about penalties, if after the inspection period they are coming to do their inspection a late fee will be incurred and, of course, once it’s paid then they can go ahead and fish again.”

The vessels on the Carenage were commended for their full compliance.

AGRICULTURE CORNER

New Agriculture Minister Meets with Farmers of Windsor Estate

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Windsor Estate, St. Andrew was the first stop for Minister for Agriculture, Forestry, Lands and Labour, Hon. Peter David, as he made the acquaintance of farmers in the industry, three weeks after taking up his new portfolio.

Minister David, who was accompanied by his technical team, listened to the concerns of more than 20 farmers through one on one discussions on issues such as dilapidated roads, fertilisers and praedial larceny, with the hope that a workable solution would be found. He also used the opportunity to assess farm roads.

“I come here as an advocate for agriculture,” Minister David said to the farmers, who formed a discussion circle to dialogue with the new Minister. identified for assistance.

“The day after I got into agriculture, I got calls from all over the world saying they “With respect to the roads and the bindwant to help. Morocco’s trying to work on some fertilizer, so I am going to work on all ers and the concrete, I agree that we have to find a way to do it. Identify the areas you of that.” Hon. David said. think are critical. As I said, these are difficult Encouraging collaborative efforts among times. These are COVID times. The economy the farmers and noting that due to the eco- is down but let us suppose we can get 50 nomic impact of COVID-19 it will be diffi- bags of cement. We can take it piece by cult to have everything done, the Minister piece and according to priority,” he said. stated that the most critical areas must be

PUBLIC

NOTICE

With the aim of fostering healthy relationships with the farmers, Minister David distributed his contact number and informed them of his open-door policy to discuss concerns and ideas to take the industry forward.

Ministry of Agriculture...ensuring food and nutrition security for all

Closure of One Lane at Springs Main Road

The Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Implementation will commence urgent work on Springs Main Road, St. George’s.

In that regard, one lane of the Springs Main Road was closed from Wednesday Nov. 11, 2020 to facilitate the construction of a retaining wall, to stabilize a section of the pavement.

The general public is advised that the work is planned to last four weeks. The Ministry apologizes for any inconvenience and anticipates the cooperation of the residents of the area and the general public. The general public is advised to exercise caution when traversing the area.

For further information, please contact: • Mrs. Merina Jessamy, Permanent Secretary for Infrastructure Development and Implementation at 440-2271 or via email at ps@moiid.gov.gd; • Ms. Najar Andall, Chief Technical Officer at 440-2271 or via email at cto@moiid.gov.gd.

AGRICULTURE CORNER

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What is Silage?

AGRICULTURE CORNER

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AGRICULTURE CORNER

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AGRICULTURE CORNER

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