Government Information Service Newsletter - Vol. 1, Issue 24 - 2020

NEWSLETTER GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICE

Vol. 1, Issue 24

Thursday, Nov. 19, 2020

Grenada Introduces Escrow Account Requirement to

SAFEGUARD FUNDS EARMARKED FOR CBI PROJECTS CHINESE AMBASSADOR CONCLUDING TENURE IN GRENADA PAGE 07

DETAILS ON PAGE 02

INSIDE PAGE 04

GRENADA RECORDS THREE NEW CASES OF COVID-19

PAGE 05

GENERAL HOSPITAL GETS FACELIFT

PAGE SGU TO CONTINUE WITH ONLINE DISTANCE LEARNING IN JANUARY 10 2021

Chinese Ambassador

Dr. Zhao Yongchen

AND MUCH MORE...

Grenada Introduces Escrow Account Requirement to Safeguard Funds Earmarked For CBI Projects

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The Government of Grenada is taking decisive action to safeguard funds earmarked for investment in real estate development projects under the Citizenship by Investment Programme.

Prime Minister, Dr. the Right Hon. Keith Mitchell, said the intention is to foster greater accountability and prevent misappropriation.

Addressing local agents and other stakeholders in the CBI sector at the recent Investment Migration Round Table, Dr. Mitchell said the integrity of the CBI programme must be protected to ensure its long-term sustainability.

The Prime Minister said, “To safeguard the sizeable investments made in CBI real-estate development projects, Government has now stipulated the creation of escrow accounts where developers are required to deposit project funds and provide regular reporting on the use of funds and the progress of projects.”

He also noted that the CBI Unit will improve its monitoring mechanisms to ensure that developers deliver as promised.

He said, “The CBI Unit has now engaged engineers and accountants, whose respective roles will be to visit project sites regularly to track progress and to audit the escrow accounts and ensure that funds are being used for developing the projects. We are confident that the introduction of this requirement will help to avert the misappropriation of funds that are intended to develop CBI projects.”

Richard Duncan, Managing Director of the Grenada Co-operative Bank Ltd., which organised the recent forum, said the escrow account is a welcome initiative that will ensure project funds

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

are disbursed according to predeter- of the programme are all protected.” mined criteria.

He said, “An independent audit will take the process a step further to ensure there is full transparency and integrity in the CBI programme. It is a welcome development that ensures that the brand, image and perception

Grenada’s CBI programme allows qualified individuals to gain citizenship through investment in a CBI-approved real estate development project or by making a contribution to the National Transformation Fund.

Potential New Opportunities for Citizenship

by Investment Revenue Generation

The first Investment Migration Roundtable brought industry stakeholders together to discuss the current Citizenship by Investment programme, the economic climate and how operations can be improved to make Grenada the preferred destination for investment.

Grenada Cooperative Bank Representative, Deon Moses, highlighted new markets and citizenship opportunities that exist, into which Grenada can consider moving forward. He says Grenada already has an advantage over other Caribbean countries.

Moses said, “We have that competitive advantage and why is it then that we can’t be attracting more applications?

And I’m not talking about sacrificing quality for quantity. We’re not talking about sacrificing due diligence, but we’re talking about how can we be the preferred destination for potential CBI customers. There is this huge market out there of over 36 million millionaires and billionaires, so there is this huge market that we can tap into and the ultra-high net worth persons - we have a chart that shows how many of them are now considering obtaining a second passport and the numbers are high. It is well expressed in the graphs. We could see, for example, in Latin America 54 percent of the high net worth individuals are considering a second passport. Why not a Grenada passport? How much of that can we attract?”

Chairman of the CBI Unit, Christopher De Allie, assured everyone that the Unit will act on recommendations made during the conference. He also gave

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the assurances that any changes made will not affect the integrity of the programme.

De Allie said, “This particular migration exercise here will happen annually, so we are to determine what are the low hanging fruits, so to speak, so that we can adjust and once we can report back at the next event that we have been able to achieve A, B, C or D, as it depends, and continue to develop and move the program along. As you would’ve seen from many of the presentations there is great potential. So, the idea is how do we recapitalize on that, still maintaining the integrity and quality of the program.”

HEALTH MATTERS

Grenada Records Three New Cases of COVID-19

On Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020, the Ministry of Health confirmed three new cases of COVID-19. This brings the total number of laboratory-diagnosed cases in Grenada to 36. Thirty of those cases have been medically cleared and only six are active.

Case 34 is a 62-year old male, who arrived in Grenada from the USA on American Airlines on Nov. 14. He was PCR tested, as per protocols, and remains in quarantine.

Cases 35 and 36 are two males, ages 63 and 64. They arrived at the Carriacou Marina on Nov. 12 from Martinique and have been quarantined on their yacht, with two others. They were tested on Nov. 16 and found to be positive. The entire yacht remains in quarantine.

While the people of the sister isles and mainland are urged to maintain caution in their daily activities and practices, there is no reason for public panic. All six active cases, as well as the known contacts of Cases 31 and 32 are asymptomatic and remain in quarantine, awaiting further testing and medical clearance.

The Ministry acknowledges all border agents and the frontline airport and health staff, who continue to exercise due care and attention, to catch and stop COVID-19 at Grenada’s major ports of entry or in quarantine facilities.

The Ministry emphasizes to the public the importance of collective responsibility in safeguarding Grenada and each other from the virus. Throughout the reopening process, so far, the system has shown that it can and does work, as long as individuals do their part and comply with the protocols and mandates of the State.

The Ministry of Health, like every other frontline Ministry in this fight around the world, expects that open borders will come with positive cases, given the proliferation of the virus around the world, including some of Grenada’s major travel source markets. However, open borders do not necessarily lead to an outbreak of the disease.

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proliferation of COVID-19.

As the State continues to balance health and safety with economic activity for the preservation and restoration of livelihoods, the Ministry again reminds the public of the simple and straightforward combination of measures that will keep Grenada, Carriacou and Petite MartiAs long as individual cases are identified, nique safe. immediately isolated and monitored, and as long as citizens and visitors com- Wash or sanitize hands frequently and ply with guidelines, it is highly possible always maintain good hygiene; wear a and probable to control transmission mask or face covering over the nose and of the virus and for cases to remain at a mouth when in public spaces; maintain manageable level. physical distancing of at least six feet between yourself and others; seek medical The Ministry is encouraged by the lack care if you believe you have been exof local or community spread that we posed to the virus, or if you are experihave seen, despite the breaches identiencing any symptoms of the virus and fied in the past. This has been achieved through aggressive contact tracing and obey the mandates for quarantine and quarantining. We cannot, however, ex- isolation. pect that Grenada will continue to be so fortunate, without each citizen and visi- Together, let us continue to mount a tor playing his or her part to prevent the formidable fight against COVID-19.

General Hospital Gets Facelift

The General Hospital was the focus of attention for Ministry of Health Officials who hold special responsibility for Hospital and Community Health Services, during the weekend of Nov. 14 to 15.

Hannah Julien-St. Paul, Acting Permanent Secretary with responsibility for Hospital and Community Health Services, told the GIS the repainting of the hospital facility is the second in a series of enhancement initiatives.

A few weeks ago the Minister in the Ministry of Health and Social Security, with responsibility for Hospital and Community Health Services, Hon. Delma Thomas, and teams from various constituencies, cleaned the exterior of the hospital. This included the cleaning of windows, power washing of the corridors and removal of bush from the entrance.

Minister in the Ministry of Health and Social Security, with responsibility for Hospital and Community Health Services Hon. Delma Thomas

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were some areas that needed a little facelift, so that brought about the initiative to do some painting at the hospital. We would’ve addressed the old private block – our outpatient clinic area, because a lot of our outpatients would access service there. So, we want to ensure that the area - the environment - is one that is welcoming and that persons can feel comfortable when they access service there. This is also in keeping with the season we are in, the Christmas season, and we want to ensure that when our patients come to the hospital, we are able to give them a little cheer.

We would also be doing some decorating of the hospital for the Christmas season.”

St. Paul said attention will also be given to the Mt. Gay facility before Christmas.

“Other facilities will be addressed, maybe Acting Permanent Secretary with not in the area of painting or facelift. Arresponsibility for Hospital and St. Paul explained that the facelift is also in eas like Princess Alice Hospital,” she said.

Community Health Services keeping with the upcoming Christmas hol“Princess Alice Hospital would’ve been Hannah Julien-St. Paul iday and the need to lift the spirits of visidone 2017-2018 under the Smart Hospitors, patients and staff. tal Project, so that facility is really up-to-date, as it reSt. Paul said, “Saturday’s event was a continuation of lates to the infrastructure. Presently, we have Princess what we would’ve started a few weeks ago, as it relates Royal Hospital, which is under renovation or what we to the cleanup we did at hospitals. So, we are continu- call ‘smarting,’ in the Smart Hospital Project, so they too ing that process. It is about ensuring that the aesthetics are getting some needed attention. So, after the Generof the hospital is one that is welcoming for our patients al Hospital, our focus will be on our mental institution, and our visitors. After the cleanup, we realized that there Mt. Gay Hospital.”

Fisheries Minister Visits Fisheries Facilities

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Minister for Fisheries, Hon. Yolande Bain-Horsford, met with staff and fishermen around the island to discuss pertinent issues relating to her Ministry and the way forward.

The Fisheries Minister recently visited four fish markets around the island, which included Gouyave, Victoria, Waltham and the Sauteurs facility. One major issue raised among the fisherfolk, is the unavailability of an ice machine.

Minister Bain-Horsford spoke briefly on the findings from her visit.

She said, “Generally there are similar problems throughout. Gouyave has a beautiful facility, but there are a number of things that has to be structured and put in place regarding staffing, office and equipment and things of that sort.

One ice machine is down, the other is up and that’s the things we’re hearing as we go around. At Victoria, there’s a similar problem. The ice machine is down as well. We are working to ensure that by next week the ice machine would be up and running. We have already received

an invoice and so we are trying to make get in touch with some of the agencies things happen quickly. The issues at hand that support the fishing area, speak to the can be easily remedied.”

Minister of Finance, so there are several avenues that we can look towards to see She gave the assurance that there will be how we can get support. I believe that we speedy resolutions to some of the issues would get the support. I would like to see addressed. that these stations are well equipped.”

“We have to look for funding. All projects needs funding. So, the vision going for- The Minister also visited the Grenville fishward is either we prepare proposals, we eries facility on Thursday, Nov. 12.

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

Chinese Ambassador Concluding Tenure in Grenada China’s Ambassador to Grenada, Dr. Zhao Yongchen, is concluding his tenure in Grenada, three years after arriving in the country.

Foreign Affairs Minister, Hon. Oliver Joseph, disclosure this information at the sod-turning ceremony for the first ever smart greenhouse at the Chinese Demonstration Farm, in La Sagesse on Nov. 10.

Noting that the Ambassador will take his leave before the official handing over of the low-income houses, Minister Joseph used the opportunity to thank him for efforts under that project.

“This Ambassador spent the last three years ensuring that Grenada got the houses for low income people that we so deserve. He has done this work over the last few years,” the Foreign Affairs Minister said.

Speaking specifically about St. David, the Minister was particularly appreciative.

He said, “We got 225 housing units and, again, because the Ambassador, recognizing the need in St. David’s, because that’s the main issue in St. David’s. Every time I go to my constituency office on a Thursday, six out of 10 persons that come is about housing, so there’s a great need and these 225 housing units will go a long way in solving the housing problem in St. David’s.”

Hon. Joseph said recognition must be given to the Ambassador Yongchen for the work done during his tenure.

He said, “The Ambassador will be leaving shortly and he will not be here. I must recognize him, today, for the work he has done throughout Grenada in the five sites.

He ensured that all the targets were met.

The houses are beautifully designed. The housing units will be handed over shortly to us.”

Foreign Affairs Minister Hon. Oliver Joseph

China’s Ambassador to Grenada, Dr. Zhao Yongchen with Prime Minister, Dr. Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell

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Grenada Celebrates Global Entrepreneurship Week 2020

Local entrepreneurs are getting assistance to sharpen their pitch skills and develop solutions to business challenges through an initiative called Startup Huddles.

GIDC and, I must say, for this week we are partnering on one of the activities with an entrepreneur, Kimalene Regis Consultancy, and that is what this week is about, but it’s also celebrating and encouraging aspiring entrepreneurs and informing them that they too can have a vision of entrepreneurship that they too can start their own business.”

The initiative was launched on Monday, Nov. 16 by the U.S. Embassy for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean and the Global Entrepreneurship Network. It will benefit seven Eastern Carib- This year, Grenada’s week of activities bean countries. The launch forms will be held on four pillars: Education, part of activities in observance of Ecosystem, Inclusion and Policy.

Global Entrepreneurship Week.

U.S. Charge D’Affaires, Karl DuckThe local leg is being facilitated by worth, said the assistance given from the Young Leaders of the Americas the Grenada Investment DevelopInitiative since 2016 has resulted in ment Corporation (GIDC), in colan immense increase in followers and laboration with the U.S. Embassy. beneficiaries.

The huddles also offer a unique program designed to educate, en“Our leadership and business progage and connect entrepreneurs. grams, like the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative and the AcadVice President of the GIDC’s Busi- emy for Women Entrepreneurs have ness Development Unit, Khesha helped entrepreneurs launch startMitchell, said, “Entrepreneurs get ups and other projects. We started an opportunity in Entrepreneur- a YLAI in 2016 and since then that ship Week to network with each network has grown to more than other, to partner with agencies 300 followers, including several from and different institutions like the Grenada,” Duckworth said, “The YLAI

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community also includes an online platform open to any entrepreneur who wants to take the next step. So, I would encourage all of you, if you haven’t done so already, to go to ylai. state.gov to explore the resources there. Those online courses can help you improve your grant writing skills and fundraising, or marketing campaigns and it’s free to all of you. I also want to mention the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs or AWE, which is established in Bridgetown and we hope to have a chapter here in Grenada, in partnership with our good friends at the GIDC in 2021. So, keep your fingers crossed and stay in contact. Through the AWE we hope to run entrepreneurship training through pitch competitions, networking events and localized training.”

Grenada’s Tamara Prosper is among seven entrepreneurs who will organize this year’s start up huddle. Six of the organizers are also alumni of the U.S. government flagship entrepreneurship exchange program, the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative.

Grenada Tourism Authority and Sandals Grenada Collaborate for Training Session sessions have been completed as of Nov. 6 and 9

more than one hundred housekeeping staff and other personnel trained.

Product development and research manager of the GTA, Kurl Hoschtialek, highlighted the importance of the sessions.

Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) and Sandals Grenada Resort and Spa have collaborated to train local certified accommodation stakeholders in implementing platinum protocols of cleanliness within housekeeping and other

operations.

The program has been implemented throughout 24 properties, with added health and well-being requirements across all points of contact. Three training

She said, “It is really important for us, as a destination right now, to ensure to stakeholders across the board that we’re all doing things to the same standard and that is the way in which we can safeguard ourselves and we can safeguard our visitors. We are in the process of reopening and it really is about that shared responsibility that we both have to make sure that this works and that we work better – we work smarter.

The new evolving visitor – they tell you what they want. This new evolving visitor, they want digital, contactless, paperless, but guess what?

They expect us to have more care and attention to everything; top of the level hygiene. This is what their expectations are and if it means that Grenada as a destination has to meet that demand, we have to be ready.”

Sheena Williams, Training and Development Manager at Sandals Grenada Resort and Spa presented the platinum protocols. She also explained the cleaning of high touch point areas, for which eighteen points have been selected.

Williams said, “The guest suite point has twelve touch point areas. So, we have the in-room bars and coffee stations. The room attendant cleans and disinfects including the refrigerator and the microwave. All closet accessories are cleaned and disinfected daily. Sanitization for each arrival, so that would be maintenance’s responsibility. Hard surfaces is cleaned and disinfected with the approved multipurpose cleaner and disinfectant. So, the chemicals that we use are all environmental friendly.”

The GTA plans to expand the training sessions for other sub-sectors of tourism.

EDUCATION CORNER

SGU to Continue With Online Distance Learning in January 2021

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at the start of 2021, but they have students to the campus. concluded that it would be best to continue studies online, in the face Chancellor Modica said their intention is of rising COVID-19 cases around the to ensure minimal risk in importing the world. virus.

SGU Chancellor, Dr. Charles Modica

Students who attend St. George’s University will not be returning to the campus in January 2021, but will continue their studies online.

SGU Chancellor, Dr. Charles Modica, says their leadership team looked at the possibility of a return to campus

Modica said, “Out of an abundance of caution for our students, faculty, staff and the people of Grenada and the capacity of the local healthcare system, SGU has decided to maintain distance education for the January term. While the goal is to eventually return to our True Blue campus as soon and as safely as possible, students in the School of Medicine and the School of Veterinary Medicine will continue their education exclusively via distance learning. Students in the School of Arts and Sciences will continue to have access to limited in-person classes on the True Blue campus. All SGU employees will continue to receive their full salaries and benefits during these challenging times.”

“We are hopeful about the news of an effective vaccine that may be available in time to allow us to consider a safe return to campus for the new April 2021 starting class entry. The decision about returning to campus for the April term will be made in late January or February.

SGU advises that any student, staff or faculty who do wish to return to Grenada early and wish to go on campus will be required to undergo testing, quarantine and adherence to Government and school safety protocols before their departure from their country of origin and upon arrival in Grenada and while on campus. Furthermore, the University has implemented strict procedures to ensure Grenada’s public health COVThe University is working with the ID-19 regulations are followed. SGU has Government of Grenada to come up enforced limited access to campus facilwith guidelines for the safe return of ities to help lessen the risk of infection.”

CONTACTS

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INTERNATIONAL ADMISSIONS (UNDERGRADUATE, GRADUATE, TRANSFER)

wiu.edu/graduate_studies/international/index.php HOUSING

wiu.edu/housing DINING

wiu.edu/dining BEU HEALTH CENTER

wiu.edu/beu INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES

wiu.edu/global_education/services/index.php SCHOLARSHIPS (ADDITIONAL AVAILABLE AFTER ENROLLMENT)

wiu.edu/global_education/admissions/scholarships.php SAFETY AND SECURITY

wiu.edu/ops

EXPLORE THE WORLD. EXPLORE YOUR POTENTIAL.

WIU Center for Global Studies Welcomes the Caribbean Western Illinois University (WIU) is a community that offers an encouraging, accepting atmosphere for a diverse group of students to achieve their educational goals. WIU welcomes all Caribbean students with instant eligibility for merit scholarships. These provide for less than in-state tuition to superior students based on GPA. State college credits are fully accepted; electronic transcripts accepted. No GRE is required for post-graduate studies. Partial scholarships are awarded upon acceptance.

Local representatives on each island will provide personal guidance.

Center for Global Studies 1 University Circle Macomb, IL 61455-1390

wiu.edu/global_education

Center for Global Studies: 309.298.1929 | globaloutreach@wiu.edu Admissions: 309.298.1806 | international-ed@wiu.edu

WHY WESTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY?

MAJORS AND PROGRAMS

Western has accredited academic programs,

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• OPT available for all majors; extended OPT for STEM majors • Writing Center and Tutoring Center available • Career Services assists with resumé writing and interview preparation

GET INVOLVED!

• Students from over 50 countries study at Western Illinois University

Western offers many opportunities for students to get involved on

• Faculty and staff provide personal attention to our students

campus, and in the community. Here are just a few:

• International Student Ambassadors to assist with adjustment and personal needs • Amtrak train service twice daily to Chicago at low cost • Rural area ideal for outdoor activities of all kinds

• International Friendship Club

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ABOUT THE CENTER FOR GLOBAL STUDIES wiu.edu/international

The Center for Global Studies offers a variety of programs, support, and activities year-round for our

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students. We look forward to

TO APPLY

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Email: globaloutreach@wiu.edu

For more information email the university at r-glean@wiu.edu

facebook.com/WIUGlobalEducation

Interested parties can attend an online Zoom informational for Grenadian students, with Dr. Randy Glean, on Saturday at 6:00 pm local time. You will need to download and set-up the ZOOM application to access this event.

DETAILS: Description: r-glean@wiu.edu is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Join Zoom Meeting https://wiu.zoom. us/j/8940484004 Meeting ID: 894 048 4004

AGRICULTURE CORNER

Meet the Farmer - Kimbar Thomas

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Forty-nine-year-old, Kimbar Thomas, popularly known as Kimo, has been farming full-time for approximately 10 years.

Thomas, who is from St. David, lives in Beaulieu, St. George and farms many different plots of land in Windsor Forest, St. David.

Kimo said although he worked in many different industries, his love for agriculture always brought him to the garden.

“As a child, I always accompanied my dad, when he went to the garden. When I grew up, I became a sailor, but farming was always in my veins, so even after work and on my days off I would be in the land,” he explained.

Thomas plants short crops and cares for pigs. Cauliflower, lettuce, cabbage, pepper, corn, carrots, and tomatoes are some of the varieties of food he specializes in. Corn is his favorite crop, which he processes to make corn flour.

“I have a market for the corn flour. I have people who depend on me for it. There is this particular lady who purchases from me to make Asham and I also sell the corn flour at the market on Fridays,” Thomas said. access to water.”

After working almost every day in the land, Fridays and Saturdays are his designated days to sell his produce.

When asked about the impact of praedial larceny, he said, “There was one time a guy jumped my fence and

Thomas said, “I go to the market on Fridays (National Stadium Car Park); then on Saturdays I go into the communities to sell. I go to all the way to Vincennes, Corinth, Westerhall and all the way down to Grand Anse. This normally takes about two hours and my customers wait for me. I come back with an empty truck most times.”

stole about 60 pounds of sweet potatoes and went to

The farming business has been going well for Thomas.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic was challenging for

town. I have some lands at La Calome where I plant some corn and for two seasons I was unable to plant because of the praedial larceny issue.”

him, because in the early period of the lockdown he was “I cannot complain, this is one of the best things I’ve ever unable to go out to tend his crops. After receiving the done in my life. I enjoy what I do, and it has been supporting my family. I am really happy to be a farmer. It gives me farmer’s pass, he was able to harvest and sell at the market (National Stadium) on shopping days. an opportunity to feed the nation.”

While the business has been doing well, irrigation is one Thomas encourages others to get involved in agriculture. of his major challenges.

“Farming is good, you can achieve a lot from it. I always He said, “During the dry season, my plants go down. For encourage the young ones to try it out,” he said. instance, my vegetables, because I have no water to water them. Whenever the dry season comes around, I have a tank where I store a little water. I do not get much, but Thomas’ aspiration is to plant more, once he gets access I’m hoping to get lands close to the river to improve my to additional lands.

AGRICULTURE CORNER

Agriculture Minister Visits CaneCo

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CaneCo. is an industry-changing project in the north-eastern corner of the island, with a view of the Atlantic Ocean, aims to be one of the most significant rum distilleries in the Caribbean.

CaneCo is a private company registered in St George’s to supply the agricultural services necessary to provide cane juice for distillation at the purpose-built Renegade Rum Distillery.

This new venture uses premium drought resistant varieties of sugar cane, which have been selected for their suitability to the island’s climate and soil, to produce an estimated one million liters of spirits each year, through the cultivation of more than 200 acres of agricultural land and the provision of hundreds of jobs for locals.

Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Lands, Hon. Peter David, was briefed on the potential of the sugar cane industry when he recently visited the CaneCo headquarters in Meadows, St. Andrew.

The Agriculture Minister said, “You travel down to the south; to the east, to the west you see the cane fields. In fact, many farmers in Grenada told me years ago that there is potential in the cane industry still and Renegade has come and proved that that is correct. I want to congratulate them on their achievement. I want to thank them for choosing Grenada to do such a wonderful product.”

Hon. David, who assumed the role of Minister for Agriculture in October, underscored the significance of this project and the extent of its contribution to the country’s economy.

He said, “It also tells our farmers that we can add value to our raw mate-

rials. We’ve always spoken about adding more value - more processing. This is an example of that kind of processing. I want to say, to the developers, thanks again and I want to urge other persons in other sectors to do the same thing, because if we do things like this then we would be getting rather than exporting raw materials and importing the manufactured goods. You will be exporting the manufactured goods and getting all of the value that can be

gotten from doing that. So, this amazing factory here producing an amazing product is what I would like to see as Minister for Agriculture, in more sectors in Grenada.”

Agricultural lands from River Antoine in the north to Westerhall in the south will be cultivated with sugarcane for this venture. Renegade Rum Distillery looks forward to being fully functional in 2021.

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PROJECT UPDATES

600 feet of box drains nearing completion at Tabor, in St. David.

The project has generated employment for twelve men

Parliamentary Representative Hon. Oliver Joseph

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PROJECT UPDATES

Construction of 100-foot box drain at Tabor, St. David

Parliamentary Representative Hon. Oliver Joseph

Construction of box drains at Red Gate, St. David

Construction of retaining wall at Campbell Hill, St. David

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PROJECT UPDATES - Construction of 40-foot retaining wall at the Pomme Rose back road, St. David

Parliamentary Representative Hon. Oliver Joseph

Construction of retaining wall at Campbell Hill, St. David