Government Information Service Newsletter - Vol. 1, Issue 25 - 2020

NEWSLETTER GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICE

Vol. 1, Issue 25

Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020

INSIDE

PHASE THREE OF AGRICULTURE FEEDER ROADS PROJECT LAUNCHED DETAILS ON PAGE 02

PAGE 03

GRENADA TO IMPLEMENT 72-HOUR TESTING MANDATE FOR ALL TRAVELLERS TO THE COUNTRY

PAGE 04

PRIME MINISTER CONSIDERS HOSTING OF 2021 CARRIACOU CARNIVAL AN UNWISE DECISION

PAGE PRIME MINISTER SAYS GRENADA CONTINUES TO MANAGE 09 COVID-19 REASONABLY WELL

AND MUCH MORE...

Phase Three of Agriculture Feeder Roads Project Launched

AGRICULTURE CORNER

Prime Minister, Dr. Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell, attributes Government’s prudent fiscal management to its ability to fund the multi-million dollar agriculture Feeder Roads Project.

EC $46.8 million will be invested in phase three of the project, which was launched on Wednesday, Nov. 18. It will see the construction of 11 agricultural roads throughout the island over a 32-month period.

The Prime Minister said, “We decided, look, we have savings there in the Ministry, in the Government, because of the way we have managed our economy over the years, and we have got soft loans from international institutions, based on the performance of economic activity that we have taken in the last six/seven years, and we felt that better we use our local funds and put it back out to tender and make sure that we won’t have to be burdened with $115 million plus debt.”

“This project will provide an economic stimulus for communities both during the construction period as a result of greater linkages through road network. Development of gap between town and country will be narrower through this project and we hope to achieve that. There are areas where persons would have considered it to be a by-road. When this project is finished, it’s now going to be considered a primary road. This road network is a key part of our national transport infrastructure, enabling the smooth flow of freight and people around the country and in that connection we anticipate national benefits of well performing transport corridors and projects, which will stimulate economic growth” Minister Cox said.

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

tion over the construction period of 32 months. Two point seven (2.7) km of road will be constructed at Baillies Bacolet to La Pastora and 3.8 km of road will be constructed from Morne Delice to Old Westerhall in St. David’s.

Three point seven (3.7) km of road will be constructed in Clabony, St. Andrew’s; 2.61 km of road will be constructed in La Borie, St. George; 2.1 km of road will be constructed from Constantine to Willis; 2.7 km of road will be constructed in Concord, St. John’s; 3.5 km of road will be constructed in Brothers to Mt. Sinai, St. John’s and 1.1 km of road will be constructed in Red Mud to Belair.”

Chief Technical Officer in the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, Najar Andall, said the Agriculture Feeder Road project is one of the Ministry’s leading capital investment projects.

The project will include construction of 22.8 km of concrete and asphalt Minister for Infrastructure Develop- pavement. ment, Senator the Hon. Norland Cox, Andall said, “The ancillary works will said there are several benefits to be derived from the project, including the employment of more than 200 individuals.

The contractor, Hanover Construction Company Ltd., noted that it stands ready to partner with both the public and private sectors in Grenada to continue to upgrade and develop the infrastructure in support of the Government’s thrust in growing the island’s economy.

Reinforced concrete bridges will also be constructed in St. George’s Estate and Baillies Bacolet, St. George and Morne Delice, St. David. Sidewalks will include construction of drains, cross be built and bridges will be reconculverts and retaining structures. The structed at Constantine and Willis, St. following areas will receive interven- George.

Chief Technical Officer in the Ministry of Infrastrusture Development Najar Andall

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Implementation, Sen the Hon. Norland Cox

HEALTH MATTERS

Grenada to Implement 72-Hour Testing Mandate for All Travellers to the Country

Beginning Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020, all travellers to Grenada will be required to obtain a PCR test from a certified laboratory within 72 hours of travel and receive negative results in order to enter the country.

The 72-hour testing mandate will replace the current stipulation of securing the PCR test within 7 days of travel.

The change in testing period follows a collective decision taken at a recent OECS meeting. Health experts believe that people getting tested within 72 hours of travel will help to lessen potentially positive diagnoses after travellers enter the island.

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Grenada’s recently announced entry requirement, the Pure Safe Travel Authorization Certificate, helps to provide an added layer of health screening of potential travellers to the country.

Individuals are now able to complete and submit an online application for entry into the country, as well as upload their negative PCR test results onto the application. Once the application is approved, they will receive a Pure Safe Travel Authorization Certificate. Travellers are also required to present an electronic or printed copy of the certificate during check-in at their airports of origin.

The closer the period is between testing and flight the less time individuals will have to contract the virus in their communities of origin before boarding the flight. This measure is one more step in Grenada’s thrust to maintain a low case count, given the rising numbers of positive The Pure Safe Travel Authorization application can be COVID-19 cases around the world. accessed on www.covid19.gov.gd.

Prime Minister Considers Hosting of 2021 Carriacou Carnival an Unwise Decision

Prime Minister, Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell said it will not be wise to host Carriacou Carnival in February 2021.

During an interview with Shaggy on WEE FM on Nov. 18, Dr. Mitchell said while there is no evidence of community spread in Grenada, we must continue to take all precautions. The Prime Minister said Spicemas 2021 will also have to be carefully considered. He acknowledged the importance of carnival as the country’s premier cultural activity but noted that any activity promoting mass gathering, on the scale that carnival does, goes contrary to the recommended protocols and would constitute a potential risk.

Dr. Mitchell said, “We have to be mindful of what is happening with the COVID-19 pandemic and be guided accordingly. While there may be a vaccine on the market by 2021, we will need to consult with stakeholders and the people in general before making a final decision on Spicemas 2021. However, with respect to Carriacou, I think we can agree now that carnival in Carriacou in February 2021 is not wise.”

The Prime Minister noted that Trinidad and Tobago, which has one of the region’s biggest carnivals, has also confirmed that it will not host the festivities in February 2021.

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National Bus Association to Be Included in Stakeholder Committee

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A stakeholder committee is to be set up through a Memorandum of Understanding that will establish a formal engagement with the various stakeholders in the transport sector, including the National Bus Association.

Government has spent in excess of two million dollars in support to the bus sector, which Sen. Cox said is an important player in the transportation sector. He said they are willing to dialogue with the National Bus Association members Minister for Infrastructure Develop- to provide improved service, through ment, Transport and Implementation, training and other measures.

Senator the Hon. Norland Cox, said the formal alternative was presented He said, “How we can probably look to members of the National Bus As- at scheduling a time for buses, so that sociation during discussions where somebody can know that in every half they requested representation on an hour or forty-five minutes a bus will the seven-member board of the Gre- be available. We’re trying to improve it. nada Transport Commission, formerly I think those are the things that we benamed the Grenada Transport Board. lieve we can move forward with through this new commission and I think, as I Recommendations from the stake- have indicated, we have put on the table holders on the Committee will be presented to the board of the Commission. The Grenada Transport Commission is a corporate body that will advise the Minister for Transport on matters like transport rates, dues and charges and regulating road transport among other things.

Hon. Cox said, “What we indicated to them is that we are going to have a formal engagement through a memorandum of understanding to establish a stakeholder committee, which will comprise of all the various stakeholders: taxi, bus, truckers, bikers and so they will be engaged through a formal process through a MOU. Through that stakeholder committee, those recommendations will come to the board of the commission. We have indicated to them that this is the proposal and they said that they will go back to their members and raise a discussion with them, then right thereafter indicating that they wanted further clarity on what the content of the memorandum will be and so we have not met again to flesh out that matter. I was somewhat surprised to hear other things being mentioned and nothing about what we have discussed and what was proposed.”

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Implementation, Sen. the Hon. Norland Cox

the issue of the MOU to engage them through a stakeholder committee initiative and so we await to see whether or not they would want to move forward with that. So, that is the engagement that we currently have on the table and we have to work together to achieve this.”

Travellers to Grenada Now Require Travel Authorization Certificate of the certificate in printed or electronic form must be retained by the traveller for presentation to the travel agents at the checkin counter from their point of origin.

Beginning on Dec.1, 2020, all travellers to Grenada will be required to complete an online application in order to receive a Pure Safe Travel Authorization Certificate to enter Grenada.

The Government of Grenada, through the Ministry of Health, has partnered with the Amber Group, a technology company headquartered in Jamaica, to create a comprehensive, user-friendly, secure and efficient online application that will enhance the border protocols for entry into Grenada.

The certificate is a health clearance authorization to enter Grenada and is similar in intent to the forms that have been used by travelers, so far, to enter the country. The difference with this new system is that it is interactive and inclusive, requiring that all health and other relevant information be entered and submitted digitally.

The process is also easier and less timeconsuming. Incoming passengers will also be able to upload their certified negative test results onto the form for one complete and secure submission.

Each individual must complete an application, even if travelling as part of a group.

The application, which also makes provisions for quarantine requests and confirmed flight information, must be submitted at least 48 hours prior to departure to Grenada.

Once approved, the individual will receive a digital Pure Safe Travel Authorization Certificate for travel to Grenada. A record

The health clearance certificate is an authorization to travel to Grenada. Travellers will still be screened on arrival and processed through immigration. Official entry into Grenada will only be granted by health and immigration officials at the point of entry.

The Ministry of Health reassures the public that the Pure Safe Travel Authorization is one added layer of security, designed to further protect the Tri-Island State from an outbreak of COVID-19.

The travel authorization portal can be accessed utilising the link, covid.gov.gd. Effective, Dec. 1, 2020, all travellers will be required to present the certificate at the airport.

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About Amber Group Amber Group Limited is a global technology company founded on core humanitarian values in 2015, based in Jamaica, with operations in 23 countries including India, Africa, the Caribbean, the Americas and Canada.

With a philosophy of enabling the greater social good through technology at the center of its operating model, the company has developed a significant track record for innovative solutions to address the challenges and opportunities in our digital world.

Amber Group currently operates brands such as Amber Connect (Vehicle Tracking and Fleet Management), Amber Pay (QR code payments & rewards solutions for merchants & customers), Amber Fuels (a complete digitization solution for fuel forecourt payments and rewards), Amber Innovations (Software Development Arm with nearly 200 dedicated in-house developers), Amber Aura (Smart Sensors and A.I powered Smart building management and a Smart home solution), Amber Rewards (A next-gen loyalty rewards software) and Amber Aviation.

HEALTH MATTERS

Seventh Active Case of COVID-19 Under Quarantine in Grenada

Grenada has recorded one more positive case of COVID-19, bringing the total to seven active cases, as of Nov. 19.

The new case is imported and is a 17-year old male, who arrived in Grenada from the United States on Nov. 13, 2020. He has been in quarantine with his family since his arrival and was tested as per the protocols. The other members of his family have tested negative but will remain in quarantine until medically cleared. All seven active cases are under quarantine.

The Ministry of Health reminds Grenadians and visitors of the importance of adhering to the existing public health measures, which have shown to be remarkably effective in reducing the transmission of COVID-19.

The safe use of masks and other face coverings over the nose and mouth, the practice of proper hand hygiene, cough and sneeze etiquette, physical distancing of at least six feet and compliance with instructions for social gatherings, quarantine and isolation must be strictly observed.

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Creation of Playing Field for Residents of Soubise Low Income Housing Project

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The Government of Grenada has acquired a portion of land in the Soubise area, in proximity with the low-income housing settlement, to create a playing field for the residents there.

Parliamentary Representative, Representative, Hon Yolande Bain-Horsford, re- Parliamentary Hon. Yolande Bain-Horsford cently took the GIS on a site visit to the area to provide an update ing what it can to ensure it meets the on the scope of work being un- needs of communities. dertaken.

She said, “The first phase of this proThe Minister said, “Right there gram is coming under the special you have over 200 children run- projects - the clearing. The second ning up and down in the area phase, we are searching for funds and it’s not very comfortable for now and in the budget we are putthem to play. So, we saw that very, ting for a third phase of the project. very early and we looked to ac- I know it will cost over $100, 000 dolquire this property here. This is lars to have this place in order, so we not owned by Government, so we are searching for that now, because went through the process of ac- we have to backfill, because it’s a quiring it and so we are here now swampy area, but I think at the end of trying to clear it, so we can put an the day that will be a plus for the area, adequate playing field for these because there is no area near to here youngsters to enjoy.” for them to recreate. The other area is the sea.”

Hon. Bain-Horsford said despite the present economic challenges Claudius Pierre of Pierre’s Trucking Government is committed to do- and Equipment Services was award-

Pierre’s Trucking & Equipment Services,

Claudius Pierre

ed the contract to clear the debris from the site. He explained what has been done to date.

Pierre said, “In the first phase we cleared the place because there was a lot of grass and it was difficult to see the condition of the land, so we cleared that and that’s the first phase and this is where we are now. The second phase will be leveling out the area, also we have to do some dumping to bring up the height.”

Hon. Bain Horsford said the facility, once completed, will be a tremendous benefit to the wellness of the community.

Prime Minister Says Grenada Continues to Manage COVID-19 Reasonably Well

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Prime Minister, Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell, who anticipates continued collaboration between the Government and people of Grenada in maintaining control of the coronavirus locally, said Grenada continues to manage the COVID-19 pandemic reasonably well.

To date, Grenada has recorded 37 cases of COVID-19, seven of which are still active.

In a radio interview during the week of Nov. 16, the Prime Minister said, “We have done well but we must never let our guard down. What is happening in some countries is that people have let their guards down and resumed business as usual, which subsequently resulted in a spike in cases, forcing some countries to resort to a second period of lockdown. Here in Grenada, we still have some infection but generally speaking we look relatively good.”

Dr. Mitchell cited Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica as countries that are now seriously challenged by the rate and number of infections.

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

He said, “We cannot rest comfortably because of the level of infections we are seeing regionally and internationally, but we should feel proud that we have done relatively good. We must continue to manage the pandemic well by following the recommended protocols.

Government through the Ministry of Health is spearheading the fight against COVID-19, but we need the cooperation of the public. We have a collective responsibility to help minimise the spread of the disease here in Grenada.”

Remedial Work to Be Done in Jean Anglais

Government will commence re- Lowhar said, “We want to do some medial work on a section of the remedial work around the area.

Jean Anglais road to make it more We had that problem for over a convenient for motorists. couple years now. In the meanRoad Officer for the area, Gregory time, we will be doing some temLowhar, visited the site with a rep- porary work, removing the old resentative from Phillip’s Bobcat concrete pavement and we will services, to review the scope of be doing some binding together work to be undertaken. Lowhar says work will begin on Nov. 19 with some base, temporarily, for to remove the old concrete pave- the motoring public to have it easy to traverse.” ment.

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Road Officer, Gregory Lowhar

More than $100,000 in Road Work for Birch Grove Area Road Worth costing more than $100, 000 is ongoing in Upper Capitol, Birch Grove, St. Andrew, on 1,100 feet of road, including the construction of 300 feet of slipper drain and 800 feet of box drain.

Contractor, Delbert Braveboy, said the project should be completed in five weeks, dependent on the weather.

He said, “This project is going to expand the road, so the road will be wider than it is now and at the same time the drainage will protect the road. The water will be better controlled and there will be

less erosion on our roadways.”

tection for the vehicles,” Braveboy said.

Braveboy said once completed, the The project has created employment roadway will be safer for motorists and for more than ten men and one female. pedestrians.

“We started up at the hill by the church, what we call the Birch Grove Hill, and that’s going into the Upper Capitol area and that will be going right down to the corner we refer to as Georgie Corner and here and over the box drain we’ll be having some curb walls which will protect vehicles from going into the box drain. So, it’s a number of things happening here - expansion of roads; pro-

“This project is going to go on for about the next five weeks for completion. Weather is a factor. We are in the rainy season now and we are on a hill and the Birch Grove area is an area in that terrain and gets a lot of rain. So, if everything is normal, I hope that we can finish between four to five weeks,” Braveboy said.

Road Traffic Amendment Bill 2020

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Efforts to change the current structure of road traffic man- opportunity or dealing agement and address the challenges facing the sector were with those opportunisupported by members of the Upper House on Nov. 10. ties as we move forward and so we believe that Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Implementa- the time is now for us to tion, Sen. the Hon. Norland Cox, presented the Road Trafstart making those logific Amendment Bill 2020, which seeks to change the way the sector is being managed by moving from the Transport cal adjustments, so that Board to a statutory board, the Grenada Transport Com- this new transport commission will consume mission. the current responsibiliThe Commission will function under improved settings and ties and also add new will be responsible for advising the Minister on all matters responsibilities to the Minister for Infrastructure, pertaining to road transport and traffic including trans- commission going forTransport and Implementation, Sen. the Hon. Norland Cox port rates, fares, dues or other charges and license duties, ward.” among other things. Senator Cox says the amendment is the first in a series of changes to be made.

He said a transport study will be conducted to propose ways the in which the sector can be enhanced.

Hon. Cox said, “We have a number engagements regarding issues not limited to bus routes, bus fares, road safety, road conditions, pollution, derelict vehicles, a number of vehicles, a number of issues ranging over a period of time of which the public do normally discuss over and over and because of this backdrop those are some of the issues that are facing the current structure of what governs road authority or the transportation sector in Grenada currently.”

Senator Cox explained that the current construct of the Transport Board has limitations, therefore making it impossible to properly manage the sector. He said now is the opportune time to make the necessary changes.

Minister Cox said, “One of the things that we are recognizing is that the sector is being bombarded by a number of opportunities. Currently, about one-third of our population is a representation of the number of vehicles that we have in Grenada.

So that gives you a picture of what we are facing and, with the current construct of the Transport Board, presents itself with limitations for satisfactorily managing the sector in the best manner and presenting the

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Sector Stakeholders Review Draft National Cooling Action Plan

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A total of 30 stakeholders within the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) Sector, in Grenada, have begun the review process of a National Cooling Action Plan (NCAP).

The NCAP provides a concrete roadmap of short, medium and long-term strategies for the implementation of climate-smart and energyefficient cooling systems along with a supportive regulatory framework. It was developed with input from a Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory of the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Sector in Grenada, tablishment of a National Cooling Action Plan. which was released earlier this year.

He said, “Grenada’s Nationally Determined Contributions Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Finance and Energy, Dr. (NDC) review process has already included the incorporation Kelvin George, Director of the Department of Economic and of F-Gasses and energy efficiency in the RAC sector as key poTechnical Cooperation (DETC), called on stakeholders within tential mitigation areas towards achieving the country’s NDC the RAC sector to take an in-depth examination of the Na- goals.” tional Cooling Action Plan and to provide the National Ozone Unit (NOU) with valuable inputs for the enhancement and The National Ozone Officer also stated that efforts are already successful implementation of the Plan. underway between the National Ozone Unit and the Grenada Bureau of Standards to establish minimum energy perforIn his address to the participants, George added, “I would also mance standards for RAC appliances and an energy efficiency like to urge all the stakeholders to collectively work together building code. These standards are expected to be in place by in implementing the actions and strategies outlined in this the end of 2021. plan, to allow the country to meet its Montreal Protocol and UNFCCC goals and obligations.”

During the consultations, participants in working groups In 2015, it was observed that the Refrigeration and Air Condi- examined three principal areas of the NCAP: tioning sector in Grenada contributed 29 percent of the total (1) building performance standards; (2) increase energy efficiency of unitary air-conditioning Greenhouse Gas emissions. equipment and In reaffirming Government’s support, Dr. George said, “The (3) refrigerants and new technologies (shifting towards low need to address improvements in the energy efficiency of GWP refrigerants) RAC equipment and the use of refrigerants with zero ozonedepleting potential, as well as very low global warming po- The virtual workshop organized by the National Ozone Unit, tential, is of even greater significance now.” within the Energy Division of the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, Physical Development, Public Utilities Deputy Head of German Development Cooperation (GIZ) and Energy, was supported by the GIZ, as part of the global Grenada, Marion Geiss, in addressing representatives from project “Cool Contributions Fighting Climate Change” (C4). the local and regional Refrigeration and Air Conditioning sector, said, “With that plan, we describe a pathway to mitigate A validation workshop is planned for the month of December greenhouse gases through very specific activities in the Re2020 to further examine the feedback from the event on Nov. frigeration and Air Conditioning sector.”

12. The vision of the National Ozone Unit is to have the NaOne of the key messages given to stakeholders by Geiss was tional Cooling Action Plan integrated into Grenada’s Nation“Green cooling can save lives, as by saving our climate we ally Determined Contributions for climate mitigation in 2021. save our planet and preserve our livelihood.”

For more information contact: National Ozone Officer within the National Ozone Unit (NOU), Mr. Curllan Bhola: curllan.bhola@giz.de Leslie Smith, stated that Grenada is a front runner for the es- Mr. Leslie Smith: smithld31@gmail.com

Statement on Peaceful Resolution of the Recent Blockade of the Guerguerat Crossing

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Grenada states its satisfaction at the peaceful resolution of the recent blockade of the Guerguerat Crossing along the Moroccan Western Saharan Wall, on the trading route between Morocco and Mauritania, by the Polisario Front in Western Sahara.

Grenada is aware of the initiatives proffered throughout the years since 1975 to bring about a stable relationship between the Front, Algeria and Morocco.

restore civil and commercial movement tions and by the Government of Moand peacefully resolve what could eas- rocco. ily have escalated into a crisis.

In this regard, we applaud the UnitSource: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ined Nations effort at maintaining The Government of Grenada reiterates peace and stability in the area and its steadfast support of all efforts aimed ternational Business and CARICOM Afcommend Morocco for its efforts to at maintaining peace by the United Na- fairs.

Grenada has recorded 170 dengue cases as of Oct. 3, 2020.

Help protect yourself and others: Indoors + Use screens on windows and doors. Repair holes in screens to keep mosquitoes outdoors. + Use air conditioning, if available.

Outdoors + Don’t let water become stagnant - Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out items that hold water, such as gutters, tires, buckets/barrels, planters, toys, pools, flowerpots, or trash containers. Ensure that tarp/vehicle coverings are taut and do not droop. + Pick up litter around the house. - Throw away bottles, cups, cans and other detritus. Almost anything that holds water — even a small amount — can turn into a mosquito nursery. + Get rid of junk- Car parts, shelving, old appliances - doesn’t matter. Wherever there’s stagnant water, there is potential for mosquito breeding. + Keep trimming - Mosquitoes love overgrown trees, brush, weeds and tall grass. Keeping yards tidy helps keep mosquitoes out. #FightTheBite

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PROJECT UPDATES

Concrete pavement at Coconut Road, St David

Parliamentary Representative Hon. Oliver Joseph

Sleeper Drains complete on Content Hill, St. David

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PROJECT UPDATES

The construction of a 147-foot concrete road and 218-foot sleeper drain project in the Harvey Vale back road area is nearing completion.

Parliamentary Representative Hon. Kindra Mathurine Stewart

Through a collaborative effort between the Tyrell Bay Marina and the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs & Local Government, a 350 feet long box drain is being constructed along the roadside in boundary with the Tyrell Bay Marina in Harvey Vale. This 350 feet long drain project will resolve the well-known major issues associated with flooding at the nearby crossroad and surrounding areas, as a result of heavy downpours.

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PROJECT UPDATES

245-foot footpath at Dr. Bell St. John

Parliamentary Representative Hon. Alvin Dabreo

Work has started on the construction of the bridge at Snake Road, Florida St. John.

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PROJECT UPDATES

Work is in progress on the construction of a retaining wall on a section of the Springs main road, to address the land slippage issue there.

Parliamentary Representative Hon. Nickolas Steele

120 feet of retaining wall at Tempe, St. George

Minister of Works Hon. Gregory Bowen

Upgrade of Willis Playing Field, in Willis, St George, nearing completion