Government Information Service Newsletter - Vol. 1, Issue 26 - 2020

NEWSLETTER GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICE

Vol. 1, Issue 26

Monday, Nov. 30, 2020

Preparation For 2021 Budget Shifts Into High Gear

Prime Minister Expresses Gratitude to Chinese Ambassador as He Ends Tenure in Grenada

DETAILS ON PAGE 02

INSIDE PAGE 04

NEW WING FOR CARRIACOU POLICE STATION

PAGE 05

GRENADA AND GEORGIA SIGN VISA WAIVER AGREEMENT

PAGE RESIDENT BRITISH COMMISSIONER TOURS DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS 06 IN CARRIACOU

AND MUCH MORE...

PAGE 03

Preparation for 2021 Budget Shifts Into High Gear

2

Preparations for the 2021 budget have shifted into high gear with the Ministry of Finance, Economic and Physical Development, Public Utilities and Energy now finalizing preparations for the budget presentation on Dec. 2, 2020.

This year’s theme is: Towards Vision 2035: Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience.

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented some unique challenges for the Grenadian economy. Consequently, GovernFinance Minister ment sought recommendations from the various sectoral Hon. Gregory Bowen sub-committees on rebuilding the economy post COVID-19 and held wide consultation with key stakeholders in decid- presentation in Parliament by Finance Minister, Hon. Gregoing on the key priorities, programmes and actions going forry Bowen. ward.

Due to the social distancing protocol put in place to guard against the potential spread of COVID-19, there will be a reduction in the number of persons who can be accommodated in the Parliament building. However, the budget presentation will be broadcast live from 10:00 a.m. on GIS TV, With just one week to budget day, the Ministry of Finance is Channel 22 and streamed on the GIS Facebook page (GIS – ensuring all legislative requirements are met for the timely Government Information Service of Grenada).

The Government wishes to thank all those who participated in these engagements. The 2021 Budget is informed by these recommendations and feedback. One of the strategic priorities emerging from the conversation with stakeholders is the need for a speedy recovery that is both robust and inclusive.

Home Quarantine will be granted under the following criteria:

Prime Minister Expresses Gratitude to Chinese Ambassador as He Ends Tenure in Grenada

3

Prime Minister, Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell, meets with Chinese Ambassador, Dr. Zhao Yongchen

Prime Minister, Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell, received a ceremony for the Low-Income Housing Project in The Villa, farewell courtesy visit from outgoing Chinese Ambassador, St. Patrick.

Dr. Zhao Yongchen, on Wednesday, Nov. 25.

He assured the Prime Minister that China maintains its Greeting the ambassador in his office, Dr. Mitchell said, “I support for Grenada and other developing countries to help value the opportunity to express appreciation on behalf of them advance their economic and social progress. the Government and people of Grenada for your years of service, representing the People’s Republic of China in our Since re-establishing diplomatic relations 15 years ago, country. We appreciate the efforts you have made to further Grenada has benefitted from a significant amount of grant strengthen the relationship between China and Grenada.” aid from the People’s Republic of China.

Dr. Mitchell referred to the reestablishment of diplomatic relations with China in 2005 as one of the hallmarks of his time as Prime Minister.

He also expressed a desire to see that relationship continue to grow.

The Prime Minister assured the Government of the People’s Republic of China, through its ambassador, that Grenada will continue to support China in the international arena, particularly at the United Nations.

Ambassador Yongchen said he was happy to play a role in advancing Grenada-China cooperation, and he expressed confidence that his successor will continue to build on that relationship.

He said he is particularly grateful to have been able to bring the lowincome housing projects to fruition under his watch.

One of the Chinese Ambassador’s last official duties was the completion

New Wing for Carriacou Police Station

4

The Government of Grenada has invested more than $200, 000 to expand and refurbish the Royal Grenada Police Work began on the new wing in Nov. 2019 and resumed in Force headquarters in Carriacou.

April 2020, having been put on hold as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Contractor, Rodney Hosten, said the This work will provide a more comfortable working environ- building is complete with only minor work to be done. ment for the police officers, who operated with limited space in the past. Supt. Esau Pierre said most of the officers were “We had to take the roof off and then do a next floor at the housed on the ground floor, which also accommodated im- top.to accommodate the number of people – police – that it migration, administrative and kitchen staff. needed to hold, because the first building was very small, so they had to do a next building,” Hosten said.

The newly expanded headquarters will allow critical accommodation adjustments to be made. Departments like fire and He said there are now four bedrooms, a kitchen, living room traffic can finally be stationed with the rest of the force. and two bathrooms and toilets on each floor of the building.

“We had the annex building initially – that’s the non-commission officers – residing on the bottom floor. So, we had the extension of the addition of an upper floor and this augers well for the accommodation of the men and women of the Royal Grenada Police Force, particularly, as I say, for Carriacou Police Station. Prior to this the officers from the station itself would have been crammed in one particular location in the main building,” Pierre said. “Then again you know – COVID. So, we have to ensure that we have adequate accommodation for the men and women. There’s provision that we can now move some persons from the main building and provide additional accommodation for our female officers.”

Grenada and Georgia Sign Visa Waiver Agreement Grenada‘s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Her Excellency Keisha A. McGuire, and her Georgian counterpart, His Excellency Kaha Imnadze, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Georgia to the United Nations, executed agreements that would waive visa requirements, allowing nationals of Grenada and Georgia to travel between the two countries without a visa for stays not exceeding 90 days.

5

Her Excellency Keisha A. McGuire, and her Georgian counterpart, His Excellency Kaha Imnadze, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Georgia to the United Nations

therance of cooperation, including and Communications Technology, The agreements signed on Monday, in, inter alia, the areas of Information Maritime and Tourism.

Nov. 23, 2020 would go into effect following notification of the parties’ completion of internal procedures necessary to implement the agreements.

The signing of the visa waiver complements the actions of Grenada’s foreign policy aimed at strengthening the friendly relations and cooperation with other states and the two States look forward to deepening existing ties.

The two States are keen to the fur-

Resident British Commissioner Tours Development Projects in Carriacou

6

Resident British Commissioner to Grenada, Wendy Freeman, has given assurances of her Government’s commitment to completing development programmes in Grenada and Carriacou, despite the adverse effects of COVID-19.

The Commissioner recently paid a visit to Carriacou to meet with partners and stakeholders, in order to discuss both ongoing and future engagement possibilities.

Resident British Commissioner to Grenada, Wendy Freeman, meets with Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs and Local Government, Hon. Kindra Maturine-Stewart

dor from St. George to St. Mark will access by the physically challenged; At a site visit to the Princess Roy- come on-stream in early 2021. water efficiency; waste minimizaal Hospital, the British Commistion and management and other sioner said following a 2015 visit Commissioner Freeman noted that by former UK Prime Minister, Da- Carriacou is presently benefiting upgrades. vid Cameron, the British Government currently has a £33 million program in Grenada, which covers a wide variety of projects such as strengthening health care facilities and a Youth Skills Development Program at the T.A Marryshow Community College (TAMCC) and New Life Organization (NEWLO).

Under the British Government programme, upgrading the water and sewage system in St. George’s and the Western Main Road Corri-

from two of five projects in Grenada, which are the upgrading of the Princess Royal Hospital and the Hillsborough Health Centre, as part of the Smart Health Care Facilities initiative by the UK and PAHO Caribbean/ WHO which is geared towards making health care facilities across the Caribbean ‘SAFE, SMART and GREEN’.

Both projects are being executed at cost of U.S. $3.3 million and entail improving structural and operational aspects such as security; back-up power and water reserves; ease of

Resident British Commissioner to Grenada, Wendy Freeman, tours Smart Health Care Facilities

During her visit Freeman met with Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs and Local Government, Hon. Kindra MaturineStewart, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, Rholda Quamina, the Administrator at the Princess Royal Hospital, the Representative of the Grenada Tourism Authority in Carriacou and several non-governmental organizations (NGO’s).

Resident British Commissioner to Grenada, Wendy Freeman, with Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, Rholda Quamina

Government of Grenada and Private Sector Collaborate to Repair Grand Mal Jetty

7

The Government of Grenada has joined hands with Spice Isle Fish House Limited and the Southern Fishermen Association Inc. to repair to the Grand Mal jetty.

The project entails the replacement of damaged concrete slabs on the jetty, which create a potential hazard for the safe landing of fish. During the weekend of Nov. 21 to 22, phase one of the project was completed, with 12 of the damaged slabs being replaced.

Another forty slabs will be custombuilt and replaced in the upcoming months.

Prime Minister, Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell, who is also the parliamentary representative for the area, visited the project site on Saturday, Nov. 21. He was accompanied by General Manager of Spice Isle Fish House, James Ince, and a member of the board of the Southern Fishermen Association, Charles Radix.

Prime Minister, Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell, views work in progress with General Manager of Spice Isle Fish House, James Ince, and a member of the board of the Southern Fishermen Association, Charles Radix

comed.

cases, bringing in new people with fresh ideas to help the fishermen.

He said, “The fisheries sector is an important sector for the country because of the amount of people who rely on it for their livelihood. It is therefore in Government’s interest to do what it can to maximise the potential of the sector.”

The project is jointly funded by the Government of Grenada, who is contributing $200,000, and the Southern Fishermen Association and Spice Isle Fish House which are collectively investing $100,000.

Dr. Mitchell said, “Mr. Ince recognises that as an investor in the area, the livelihood of the people is also very important. I therefore went to Cabinet seeking support for the project and it was agreed that Government would contribute to ensuring the project’s completion. This is the type of partnership that will help to further advance the country’s development.” Dr. Mitchell also acknowledged that some associations are plagued by Both Ince and Radix commended the problems and it is Government’s inPrime Minister and the Government for agreeing to jointly execute the tention to do whatever it can to bring long-awaited project. They gave as- harmony and a spirit of cooperation surances that their respective organ- to the associations for the benefit of isations are committed to ongoing the entire sector and the country as engagement that will promote and a whole. advance the fisheries sector in Grenada.

The Minister of Fisheries will host a

The Prime Minister said Government was considering financing the project in totality but when Ince came forward with the proposal to invest a sizeable sum, the initiative was wel-

The Prime Minister also affirmed Government’s commitment to restructuring the fishing sector, including making changes in the administration and leadership and possibly, in some

Dr. Mitchell said, “I am happy to see the work being done on this jetty, because there have been complaints about its condition for some time now. What is notable about this and which is also the model we would like to see happening more in the country is the cooperation between the private sector and Government.”

series of meetings with the various associations to examine their structure and operation and explore ways to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness.

Independent PMP Consultant Delivers Project Management Workshop to Staff of Rural that “Global extreme pov- en our team’s capacity to deliver Development Unit ported erty is expected to rise in 2020 for post 2020.”

8

‘RDU - improving the quality of life and economic well-being of people living in rural areas’ The Rural Development Unit is currently responsible for the implementation of both the ninth programme cycle of the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF9) and the Climate Smart Agriculture & Rural Enterprise Programme (SAEP).

As the socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic unravels, project management units are struggling both to perceive what this will likely mean for their day-to-day operations and to adjust to new ways of project implementation.

Thus, with financing provided from the BNTF9 Programme, the RDU has taken a proactive response to provide staff with training that would satisfy the education eligibility criteria for the PMI’s PMP/CAPM examination.

It is based on this context that a customized practical 8-day (24 contact hours) workshop in Project Cycle Management, Results Based Management and Monitoring and Evaluation has been developed

by Dr. Joseph Ishmael Khan for the RDU. The workshop commenced Nov. 3 and concluded Nov. 17, 2020.

According to Dr. Khan, “The training workshop has allowed participants to explore and apply the theories, methods and practices necessary for effective and responsive Results Based Management and purposeful Monitoring and Evaluation.”

The World Bank has re-

the first time in over 20 years as the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic compounds the forces of conflict and climate change, which were already slowing poverty reduction progress.” Furthermore, it is estimated that “A number of middle-income countries will see significant numbers of people slip below the extreme poverty line. About 82% of the total will be in middle-income countries.”

Against this backdrop, Kizzy Ann Abraham, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at BNTF disclosed that “While Grenada has recently launched its National Sustainable Plan 2020 – 2035 it is imperative that Project Management Units adapt to the shifting implementation landscape. There will be interruptions, cost implications and loss of productivities due to COVID-19 and there is little to no precedent to aid development agencies to improve control of their projects now, in order to better position themselves if and when the pandemic subsides. It is our strategic intent at RDU that this training workshop will strength-

About the BNTF: The Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) is a cyclical programme which was launched in 1979 and is the principal vehicle within the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) for targeting poverty reduction initiatives.

The overall outcome of BNTF 9 is improved access to quality education, water and sanitation, basic community access and drainage, livelihoods enhancement and human resource development services in low-income and vulnerable communities.

Contact: Kizzy Ann M. Abraham | Monitoring & Evaluation Officer Rural Development Unit | Basic Needs Trust Fund GCNA Complex Kirani James Blvd, St. Geo Phone + 1 473 435 6802/6803 Ext. 31928 Mobile +1 473 415 1545

HEALTH MATTERS

Clarification of Marine Berthing Facilities Mentioned Relating to COVID-19 Cases 35 and 36

The Government Information service wishes to clarify information contained in a recent Press Release which referenced COVID-19 cases 35 and 36.

The wording of the release implied that the two cases attended the facilities of Carriacou Marine Limited, when they were in fact berthed elsewhere.

GIS apologises for the unintended consequences that may have been caused by the publication.

Nov. 26, 2020

9

Key Universal Past Employees Association Incorporation Donates to Education EDUCATION CORNER

The Ministry of Education, Human Resource Development, Religious Affairs and Information recognizes the dedication of the Key Universal Past Employees Association Incorporation (New York Chapter) for their continued support to Education in Grenada.

Six schools benefitted from materials and equipment including projectors,

all-in-one printers, desktop computers, laptops, stationery, a washing machine and a pressure cooker.

The recipients were: 1. Blessed Sacrament R.C 2. J.W. Fletcher R.C Secondary 3. Uganda Martyrs R.C 4. St. George’s Anglican Junior 5. Our Lady of Christian Catholic 6. Vendome R.C.

10

Minister for Education, Hon. Emmalin Pierre, commends the kind gesture and looks forward to continued collaboration with the Past Employees of Key Universal and the Ministry of Education.

EDUCATION CORNER

GTA and TAMCC Sign MOU

Tourism and hospitality students at the T.A. Marryshow Community College will continue to benefit from opportunities that are established under the partnership between the tertiary institution and the Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA).

11

stars in the industry. We’re looking to you now to lead the future and I’ve committed our management team at the GTA to do monthly guest series lectures to you.

So, to come and share the practicalities of working in tourism with you.”

A memorandum of understanding was signed recently to recommit support towards training, lectures, events, inTAMCC Principal, Dr. Geoffrey Britton, who signed on beternships and other regional opportunities, in a ceremohalf of TAMCC, said he is confident that the MOU will enny on Nov. 17, at the TAMCC hospitality department. sure that the tourism and hospitality education provided GTA’s Communications Officer, Ria Murray, said, “The is kept relevant to the student and country’s needs.

MOU is aimed at enhancing the education of students in the tourism and hospitality department at the college, He said, “At the same time, our lecturers and administrapreparing them for a dynamic future in the tourism in- tive staff of the department of Tourism and Hospitality dustry.”

Studies will continue to forge that bond of knowledge and experience-sharing in that unique field of competiMurray said the memorandum formalized a scholar- tiveness in our tri island state.” ship program in the Tourism Studies Management programme; guest lectures by the GTA and support for activi- GTA Product Development and Research Manager, Kirl ties such as the Department’s International Cuisine event. Hoschtialek, reminisced on the years of hard work to bring Chief Executive Office of the GTA, Patricia Maher, signed the tourism and hospitality department at the TAMCC to the MOU on behalf of the association. the current level it is at now, through collaborative efforts between the college and the tourism stakeholders. She Speaking to the students, Maher said, “The world is your oyster and there’s so many wonderful opportunities for said one of the goals was to deepen the students undergrowth and thanks to this MOU we will be doing intern- standing of the tourism industry and its value to the Greships, seminars, online webinars – you have all of these nadian economy. opportunities as well; regional CTO opportunities as well – the Caribbean Tourism Organisation. So, really, we will Both organisations are now looking forward to the future also be awarding rising stars, ‘cause you are the rising of tourism education with renewed optimism.

Address by Social Development Minister, Hon. Delma Thomas -

12

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Beginning November 25 (International Day to End Violence against Women) and lasting through December 10 (International Human Rights Day), Grenada will join the international community for the global campaign, 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

Gender-based violence, whether physical, sexual, emotional or economic is recognised globally as one of the most widespread and persistent violations of the rights of women and girls. It is a global problem, like a pandemic.

It cuts crosses geography, race, class and culture and Grenada is no exception to this scourge.

Evidence suggests that gender-based violence is rooted in poverty, conflict and in unequal power dynamics. Violence against women and girls is a pervasive global problem. It is one of the most oppressive forms of gender inequality and stands as a fundamental barrier to equal participation of women and men in social, economic and political spheres.

Such violence, impedes gender equality and the achievement of a range of development outcomes.

Min. For Social Development Hon. Delma Thomas

Family violence and domestic violence, in the Grenadian context, represent the highest incidence of gender-based urging us all, in particular our men and boys, to play your violence, particularly intimate partner violence and sexual violence, which unfortunately is sustained by a culture of part in raising awareness around the rights of women to your colleagues and your friends. silence and denial.

The 2020 statistics of gender-based violence from the Special Victims Unit indicate that from January to October 2020 there were 228 charges. The largest number of charges were for sexual intercourse with a female between ages 12 and 16-years-old. Further, the prevalence rate of domestic violence in Grenada, according to the Women’s Health and Life Experience Survey (2018), is at 29 percent, meaning one in every three women will have experienced physical violence in their lifetime.

I am pleased about the role my government is playing to address this problem. We have not only passed legislations to address the rising scourge of sexual violence, for example the Amendment of the Criminal code 2012, but are now partnering with international agencies such as the European Union and the United Nations to roll out the spotlight initiative, a new multi-year programme, which is focused on eliminating violence against women and girls and eradicating harmful practices.

Research shows that the root causes of violence against women include harmful masculine norms and the acceptance of violence as a social norm. Further, our own Women’s Health & Life Experience Survey of 2018, supported by my government and developmental partners, revealed that controlling behaviours among men is quite prevalent.

Therefore, engaging men and boys in preventing violence against women and promoting gender equality can have positive effects.

The national campaign that we are launching here in Grenada today is not only aimed at raising awareness around the rights of women and girls, but also at changing the attitudes of men and boys. It gives me great pleasure to de-

clare this heightened period of awareness for the eliminaThe theme we have chosen this year to commemorate the 16 days of Activism is “Orange Your World: Invest in Decreas- tion of violence against women the - ‘16 Days of Activism ing Controlling Behaviour - Reap Its Reward.” I am therefore against Gender Based Violence’ - open.

13

SPORTS CORNER

Top-5 CPL Run Scorer, Andre Fletcher, Returns to International Cricket by Jazelle Sylvester

Grenada’s Andre Fletcher made his return to international cricket with the West Indies during their tour of New Zealand.

Fletcher was called up to the squad after a successful campaign with the St. Lucia Zouks in the 2020 Caribbean Premier League (CPL). This year he was ranked third in the CPL’s top 5, all-time run scorers in the history of the league. He earned an overall 1870 runs.

In the West Indies opening T20I match on Nov. 26, Fletcher scored 34 runs off 14 balls before being bowled out by New Zealand’s Lockie Ferguson.

In the end, the West Indies fell to New Zealand by 5 wickets in the final over in the first T20 International. New Zealand leads the T20I series 1 - 0.

To follow the West Indies Tour of New Zealand, please visit their website www.windiescricket com

14

SPORTS CORNER

Grenada Paralympic Committee Hand Over Footballs to the Resource Center for the Blind

15

Photo by Jazelle Sylvester

The Grenada Paralympic Committee handed over footballs to the Resource Center for the Blind. The handover was held Friday, Nov. 20 at the Resource Center for the Blind in St. Paul’s, St. George.

Mr. Ray Roberts - President of the Grenada Paralympic Committee Mr. Ellis Ogilvie - Acting Principal of the Resource Center for the Blind 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

AGRICULTURE CORNER

Meet the Farmer – Margaret Mitchell

The journey as a farmer started four years ago for 55-year-old Margaret Mitchell from Birch Grove, St. Andrew.

Mitchell’s developed a love for the land at a young age. She reminisces about her trips to the garden with her grandparents.

She said, “Since I was about 4-years-old, I started going to the garden with my grandparents. I could not weed properly, but I always tried to do what they were doing. On my way home I wanted my own bundle to carry on my head; it could have been carrots or whatever the harvest was that day. It was a lot of fun.”

She chose to become a farmer, because she understood the valuable role farmers play in society.

“We have to eat. It doesn’t matter where we go. We have to eat. Therefore, I chose farming, so I can feed myself and others,” Mitchell said.

“My grandparents planted many different varieties. That’s what I do as well,” she said, when asked what crops she preferred planting. “I plant bananas, plantain, root crops on a large scale, sweet peppers, bell peppers, potatoes and other crops. My main crops are bananas and plantains.”

She operates her farm jointly with her husband and said fertilisation is one of her most successful farming techniques.

She said, “You have to know how to fertilise crops, because this month you might need to give manure and you didn’t. Sometimes the crops will look good, but this can have many effects on plants.”

While explaining that the start-up process may be difficult, because of a lack of capital, she said, “When you start to harvest then you will see money coming in.”

She encourages other persons to get into agriculture. “Farming pays. I will tell anyone, if they have nothing to do, to go into farming. If they receive a piece of land, do farming.”

17

AGRICULTURE CORNER

Agriculture Minister Visits Jessamine Eden’s Apiary Jessamine Eden’s Apiary, located at Grenville Vale, St. George, hosted Minister for Agriculture, Hon. Peter David and technical officers from the ministry, on Nov. 13.

Along with getting a tour of the garden, the team was blessed with a wealth of knowledge of the honey industry and the operations of bees in general; this included, the mating of bees, the feeding of bees, and the lifespan of bees.

The team was also given the opportunity to have a taste of the world renowned/award winning honey that is being produced there.

18

Ministry Commends IICA’s Donation to Farmers

AGRICULTURE CORNER

19

ministers of Agriculture, agro-processors, farmers and youth.

The IICA’s National Specialist, in explaining the Director General’s Special Fund, stated that the emphasis was placed on providing special assistance to farmers who are vulnerable, because of the negative impact on their farms as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Charles indicated that in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, it was agreed to give support to these three organisations.

As part of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture’s response to COVID-19, on Tuesday, Nov. 17, three farmers’ organizations were the latest to benefit from farm tools and fertilisers, which were presented to Hon. Peter David, Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Lands,

by IICA’s National Specialist, Derek Charles.

strong message of support for what is happening in agriculture and what is happening in the GCNA. “We work hard as a farmers’ organization and these fertilisers will go a long way in supporting our livelihoods,” Gooding said.

This assistance by IICA to the farmers’ organizations followed successFollowing the presentation, Minister ful meetings by its Director General, David then handed over the items to Manuel Otero, and staff with key the various organizations. The Gre- stakeholders of the sector, including nada Cooperative Nutmeg Association, Grenada Cocoa Association and the North -East Farmers Organization (NEFO), were the recipients of these tools and fertilisers, during a special ceremony at Mt. Horne Cocoa Fermentary in St. Andrew. Chairman of the GCNA, Leo Cato; Chairman of the GCA, Christopher Williams and President of NEFO, Evans Gooding, collected the tools and fertilisers on behalf of the organizations.

The GCA Chairman stressed how helpful the tools will be in enhancing the work of the farmers, while the GCNA Chairman praised the move by IICA, stating that the gesture sends a

Addressing the participants at the ceremony, Hon. Peter David stated that Grenada appreciates the donations.

He said, “I want to thank IICA, not only for their donation, but also their collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, to enhance the livelihoods of farmers and farmers’ organizations in enhancing the agricultural sector.”

The Ministry of Agriculture has been collaborating with IICA for 40 years, promoting and supporting the wellbeing of farmers, through technical cooperation.

20

•

PROJECT UPDATES

Camoon Road, Harvey Vale, Carriacou

Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, Hon. Kindra MaturineStewart

Construction of box and slipper drains Beausejour, Carriacou

21

PROJECT UPDATES

Construction of cross culverts box drains in Windward, Carriacou

Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, Hon. Kindra MaturineStewart

450 feet of road & slipper drains constructed at Bogles, Carriacou

Updated photos of refurbishment works ongoing at Mt. Pleasant Government School

22

PROJECT UPDATES

Updated photos showing progress of work on the Health Center in Hillsborough, Carriacou Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, Hon. Kindra MaturineStewart

23

PROJECT UPDATES

Updated photos of construction in progress on the new wing at Bishop’s College, Carriacou Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, Hon. Kindra MaturineStewart