Government Information Service Newsletter - Vol. 1, Issue 27 - 2020

NEWSLETTER GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICE

Vol. 1, Issue 27

Friday, Dec. 04, 2020

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Grenada’s economic growth prospects is over 6% in 2021

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

NO ECONOMIC CONTRACTION PREDICTED FOR 2021 DETAILS ON PAGE 02

INSIDE PAGE 04

GCNA SIGNS GRANT AGREEMENT

PAGE 06

CC4FISH CAPTAIN’S TRAINING

PAGE 07

GRENADA RECOGNIZES INTERNATIONAL FRENCH TEACHERS DAY

AND MUCH MORE...

No Economic Contraction Predicted for 2021 The Government of Grenada is 6 percent and it has a lot to do with optimistic that there will be growth in the major projects that I mentioned the local economy in 2021. that they have seen already started and soon to start. So, I expect to see During Government’s townhall growth, not contraction.” meeting in Carriacou on Thursday, Nov. 26, Prime Minister, Dr. Rt. Hon. The Former Finance Minister hinted Keith Mitchell, told residents that there some of the priority areas that will could be a measure of growth in the be highlighted in the 2021 budget. tri-island state despite the challenges Transformational plans for youth of COVID-19. development and agriculture are high on the agenda.

As the Government and country prepare for the presentation of Dr. Mitchell said, “Major intervention the 2021 estimates of revenue and would be investment in the public expenditure on Dec. 2, Dr. Mitchell sector programme which is a lot of gave the assurance that ongoing roads and infrastructure, to be able and new projects in construction, to continue to lay the foundation for agriculture and other key sectors will further economic activity. Agriculture create avenues for growth. will play a major part in the budget, but the most significant thing I can tell The Prime Minister said, “Next year they you that would happen in the budget will not see - unless there is another is the radical changes in the youth disaster - a contraction in the economy. development program. So, you would In fact, the IMF, World Bank and others, hear an announcement to specific in predicting economic growth in the effect, because I’ve taken that one Caribbean region, rated Grenada’s under my wings specifically and, only economic growth prospects is over last week, we had a meeting with the

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

various parties. We have been involving the private sector and all agencies and also the different ministries of Government, but we’re making major changes in the problem the young people are facing, as far as the youth program, because it has done job, but there needs to be some main changes to improve the lot of the young people in the country. So, I would say that’s another major one. So, tourism- trying to bring back tourism activities in the country would be another major one.”

Grenada Bids Farewell to Chinese Ambassador

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Grenada bid farewell to Chinese Ambassador to Grenada, His Excellency Dr. Zhao Yongchen, whose threeyear tenure as resident Ambassador has come to an end.

During a farewell ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 25, Prime Minister, Dr. the Right Hon. Keith Mitchell, said he is proud of the relationship and partnership Grenada has renewed with China. He also expressed appreciation for the introduction of technology to improve the operations of various sectors, especially agriculture. Dr. Mitchell highlighted how the use of technology in Agriculture will be incorporated into the new transformation agenda for young people.

“The only way we can get the young people to invest in their future in the agricultural sector - the technology has to be a fundamental aspect of this and this is where we are heading. In addition to all the other areas of support, in education we have felt it and we know that your country has given support to us without any strings attached. I don’t feel that you’re leaving, I don’t see it as you’re leaving. You’re leaving physically, but your spirit and every part of you will still be with us and I know that when you go back to China in - in whatever area - we know Grenada will count on you for your moral support,” the Prime Minister said. “I want to take the opportunity on behalf of the Government and people of this country to say how much we deeply appreciate the service and support you have given this country. We thank you for it. We thank your people for it and we look forward to the continuous strengthening of the one-China policy with Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique and China.”

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

pacity, but I don’t think it would be as soon as March next year when we hope to distribute the houses, but the Ambassador must be given credit for the time spent in ensuring that this project was completed,” Hon. Joseph Foreign Affairs Minister, Hon. Oli- said. ver Joseph, commended Dr. Zhao Yongchen for being instrumental in The outgoing Ambassador thanked commencing and concluding several the people of Grenada for their love projects and for introducing technol- and friendship over the years. He unogy into key sectors to ensure effi- derscored the importance of political ciency. cooperation and trust.

Having re-established diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China in 2005, Grenada has benefitted tremendously in housing, education, agriculture and infrastructure among other areas.

“I regret not having him here for the opening of the Corinth Housing The Ambassador said, “Political coopScheme, which is the largest one. He eration is an honour of the stability promised to visit in his personal ca- for relations between our countries.”

GCNA Signs Grant Agreement

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The Grenada Co-operative Nutmeg Association (GCNA) has received a grant of $1 million from the Government of Grenada, as part of the emergency COVID-19 stimulus plan.

Recognizing the challenges that the pandemic has presented for the Association and farmers, Cabinet through the Government of Grenada made a commitment of $3 million – a $1 million grant and a $2 million loan.

Permanent Secretary with responsibility for Finance and Economic Development, Mike Sylvester, hopes that the funds allocated will address some of the issues faced.

He said, “This first $1 million that is being handed over is for direct support to the farmers. So, what it will allow the GCNA to do is to be able to continue to buy the supplies and so on from the farmers, even while they themselves are facing constraints due to a number of issues, including supply chain disruptions and so on, that they are facing as a result of the pandemic. So, it’s a very important support that will benefit the farmers directly and we’re very happy, on behalf of Government, to be able to be providing this support. The $2 million is a concessional loan that is on the table. The terms and conditions, of course, have not been finalized and we’re hoping that we can do this in the shortest possible time. The support, of course, is time-sensitive and so we are hoping that we can in fact do so before the end of this year. So, we look forward to continue to work with the GCNA, to be able to finalize all of this and to be able to deliver the additional support.”

Chairman of the Grenada Cooperative Nutmeg Association, Leo Cato,

Permanent Secretary with responsibility for Finance and Economic Development, Mike Sylvester and Chairman of the Grenada Cooperative Nutmeg Association, Leo Cato

gave the assurance that the money rural parts of this country. So, on bewill be used to benefit more than half of the association, I want to place four thousand farmers. on record our thanks and gratitude Cato said, “When the Government supports the GCNA or the GCA or farming on a whole, the Government is making a serious injection into the livelihood, especially of folks in the

for this grant given to us and we can assure the Government of Grenada that we’ll put this money into very good use.”

Work is Progressing on the Happy Hill Bypass Road

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“I’m so grateful and so happy for this road. Very soon I would not be walking in no mud anymore. I am grateful.

I appreciate it and I thank you all so very much for this road and this lovely step Mr. Gilbert is giving me,” Happy Hill resident, Meryl Hyacinth, said, overjoyed at the work being done on the Happy Hill bypass road, which is now nearing completion.

Members of the program steering committee, inclusive of the Smart Agriculture and Rural Enterprise Programme and the Basic Needs Trust Fund, visited several project sites, one of which was the Happy Hill bypass road.

Hill by-road is evaluated to be around 40 percent complete upon completion within the first quarter of 2021. We’ve paved approximately 1,355 feet of reinforced concrete pavement, inclusive of storm water drainage in the form of box drains, slipper drains and also retaining structures. In addition to this, we’re going to be also be installing access ways to the various households. We’ve encountered a couple challenges, mainly in the form of the location of utility poles and also water distribution lines. However we’ve partnered with the utility compaProject Engineer of BNTF nies and we have successfully relocated Jason Williams all the poles - all our lines - and that has Jason Williams, Project Engineer of not held us back so, more or less, we’re BNTF, told GIS that the $1.6 million on our way to completion.” project will be completed within a reasonable time, with no additional costs Twenty-two year old site supervisor, Angelo Gilbert, of Gilbert and Partners, above the budgeted funds. outlined the team which consists of apWilliams said, “Presently the Happy proximately 19 full-time workers.

Gilbert said, “Full-time we have 19 workers - carpenters, masons. The majority will be labourers - some people from

Site Supervisor, Angelo Gilbert

this community that came on to work with us a labourers. Some, after the first fortnight, they got promoted to mason, carpenter according to how they work.

We have two female employees doing the control of traffic, when the trucks are bringing up the rocks and so forth.”

CC4Fish Captain’s Training

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Minister for Sports, Culture, the Arts, Cooperatives and Fisheries, Hon. Yolande Bain-Horsford

Three hundred and one fishermen from Grenada and Carriacou graduated from the Climate Change Adaptation in the Eastern Caribbean Fisheries Sector (CC4FISH) Captains Training Program on Thursday, Nov. 26, with the aim of improving safety at sea.

The training program was funded by the Global Environment Facility through the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Climate Change Adaptation in the Eastern Caribbean Fisheries Sector (CC4FISH).

At the closing ceremony, each fisherman was presented with a certificate of participation, captain’s permit and a VHF Radio with GPS. Minister for Sports, Culture, the Arts, Cooperatives and Fisheries, Hon. Yolande Bain-Horsford, addressed the successful participants and encouraged them to continue improving their skills.

The Minister said, “The famous Dr. Seuss once said and I quote, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places

you will go.” Therefore, I say to the fishers, most of you may have been involved in fishing since your youth and twenty or thirty years later you

may believe you know all there is to know about fishing, but I can assure you that knowledge is power, so keep learning.”

EDUCATION CORNER

Grenada Recognizes International French Teachers Day

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Acting Chief Education Officer, Angella Finlay, challenged French teachers to market the modern language to students, as one with endless opportunities in various sectors.

The CEO was addressing Officer, the second International Acting Chief Education Angella Finlay French Teacher’s Day celebration on Thursday, Nov. 26. This year, the French Institute in Grenada, the Alliance FranFrançaise is here to support you and your work. While we no çaise of Grenada, collaborated with the Ministry of Education longer have the financial resources that we did years ago, we to commemorate the day with a panel discussion and appreare still dedicated to working along with the French teachers ciation ceremony. to ensure the continued diffusion of the French language and Finlay emphasized the need for more students to show interculture in Grenada. The Elan program, for example, provides est in and study French, not just at CSEC level but beyond. She said the onus is on the teachers to market the language more training along with immersion for French teachers, the DELF efficiently. diploma, which is recognized by French authorities and comShe said, “You must use the data as part of your marketing the part of your encouragement plan to get more students to buy into it. I really want you to encourage them to think beyond CSEC. There is a market. There are jobs available where French is considered an essential. When I ask why we are challenged to get teachers to fall in the footsteps of those who are retiring, they would say that those who passed the private sector grabs them, because they want persons who can speak the language in the hotel industry.”

Director of the Alliance Française of Grenada, Ilona Forte-Gilbert, expressed appreciation for the Director of the Alliance support and dediFrancaise of Grenada cation the teachIlona Forte-Gilbert ers have shown in ensuring that each year students show interest in learning the language.

She pledged continued support to the teachers in their endeavor to take French to the next level.

Forte-Gilbert said, “I take this opportunity to remind you that the Alliance

panies worldwide, is also available through the Alliance. Many of our students have successfully sat this exam and it has made them more confident in preparing for the CSEC exam.”

The French Honorary Consul, Mathias Dorel, also attended the event.

EDUCATION CORNER

Meet Nazim Chasteau - GSS Past Pupil

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During my time at GSS, I was a member of the debate, knowledge bowl, volleyball and football teams. I was also a member of the school’s science team and was awarded best orator for the District 3 Science Fair in 2018.

At my graduation in 2019, I was the valedictorian and received many subject awards as well as the Principal’s Nazim Chasteau - GSS Past Pupil Award. I am to receive the Dr. Hillary Hillary Phillip Academic Award Phillip Academic Award at GSS Graduation 2020 but that has been put on hold due to the pandemic. This is an who have not considered this field to award given to the top performer for research it and they will definitely see the previous CSEC examination year. the advantages of pursuing skill areas.

Nazim Chasteau at Graduation

I am 18-year-old Nazim Chasteau. I was born on the 23rd of November 2001. I live in Telescope St. Andrew and love the fact that it is one of the most spectacular peninsulas in Grenada. On a normal sunny day, no matter the direction in which I look, I have a captivating view of the beach.

I am a recent past pupil of the Grenville Secondary School, having graduated in 2019. I sat 11 CSEC subjects and attained passes in all. I obtained six grade ones, four grade twos and one grade three.

Nazim Chasteau A A La Grenada Award Grenville Secondary School

Recently, I received the A.A La Grenade Award. This award is presented to the student who demonstrated excellent performance in technical and vocational studies at the CSEC level in the tri-island state of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. I am thrilled to receive this award because it represents the late-night studies, the headaches endured and all the sacrifices I had to make to ensure that I passed all my CSEC subjects with good grades.

Currently, I am enrolled at the T.A. Marryshow Community College (Tanteen Campus). I am pursuing Electrical Technology in the School of Applied Arts and Technology. I am also a part of Grenada’s First Global team, (robotics team). I have limited myself to one group as a means of adjusting to a new environment before taking on more responsibilities.

I intend to graduate from TAMCC with honors then move on to further my studies in the electrical field with hopes of one day becoming an Electrical Engineer. To achieve my goals, I intend to persevere through the hard times, not be complacent in the good times and, most importantly, to just try my best. To my fellow students who are deciding to further their studies in the technical or vocational field, I urge you pursue it with everything you have so that you will be successful. I also encourage students

No matter what we achieve in life, we must always be grateful to the persons who helped us to get where we wanted to go. I am forever thankful to the staff of the Grenville Secondary School for ensuring that I was well-equipped to be successful. They were not only interested in my education, but my holistic development. My teachers believed in me when I didn’t even believe in myself at times. They also taught the power of self-belief and the importance of just taking the first step. I am also grateful for my three role models: my mother, my big brother and my big sister. They are the biggest positive influences in my life and their work ethics have really inspired me to always do my best. I have seen them being strong in the toughest of situations and they have never allowed difficult times to prevent them from accomplishing their goals.

My personal philosophy is Philippians 4:13: ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’. This is my personal philosophy because I am a firm believer that if you have faith in God you can indeed do anything you put your mind to.

AGRICULTURE CORNER

Agro-processors Participate in Training on Sweet Potato Solar Drying

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As part of a project to support resilience-building in the productive sectors of Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS) through the introduction of solar technologies, the Caribbean Agriculture Research and Development Institute (CARDI), in collaboration with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), hosted a one-week training in Grenada.

From Nov. 16 to 20, agro-processors and agro-processing groups interested in utilising this renewable energy resource for the preservation of food were allowed to gain a better understanding of areas such as solar drying, good hygiene, sanitation and food safety practices in relation to food processing and techniques in sweet potato flour processing. This production facility. Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of initiative is anticipated to promote value addition in the root Agriculture, Elvis Morain, welcomed the use of a cleaner and crop sector. The use of solar drying is expected to reduce the environmentally friendly process for food preservation. dependence on fossil fuels, thereby building resilience in agrifood value chains.

“An investment in solar is a worthy one. Participants are well Identifying the challenges commonly faced by agro-pro- placed going forward, so we can build on the training and cessors in Grenada, including lack of capital, inefficient pro- other trainings in the future,” he said. cessing and marketing, FAO Representative, Michael Church, spoke of the international organisation’s readiness to support.

The project aims to bring a new variety of flour to the GrenaHe said, “While FAO understands that agricultural develop- dian market - one which is highly nutritious as well as gluten ment faces a number of challenges, it is our hope that the free. The project is worth an estimated US$69,000. training would be a great opportunity, which would enhance the capacity of agro-processors and improve their small scale businesses to meet market demands and to put them in a position to expand or attract investments.”

CARDI official, Reginald Andall, said although there are plans to work with other root crops, such as cassava, the focus was placed on sweet potato, due to its nutrient content.

He said, “Solar energy will be used to dry root crops, particularly sweet potatoes, which are very nutritious, and it is well loved across the island and in the Caribbean.”

Throughout the project, CARDI & the FAO will collaborate with the Government of Grenada to work with the recipient beneficiary group for the installation and use of a solar drying and root crop flour

AGRICULTURE CORNER

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Agriculture Minister Visits farmers in Barrick and Arthur Seat, St. Patrick

AGRICULTURE CORNER

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Minister for Agriculture, Hon. Peter David, and his technical team journeyed to the mountains of Barrick and Arthur Seat, St. Patrick, in late November.

After listening to questions and concerns from farmers of the area, the team hiked steep and muddy terrains with the aim of understanding the areas farmers traverse on daily basis to be able to get to and from their farms.

The most critical issue coming out of the visit was the problem of roads, as noted by Minister David.

Farmers of the area shared their questions and concerns with the Minister

Minister David and Team Visits Young Farmer After Praedial Larceny Loss

AGRICULTURE CORNER

Alexander’s farm, on TuesTevin Alexander, a young farmer who farms at Windsor Estate, St. Andrew, lost almost day, Dec. 1, to express empathy and to as600 pounds of ginger to thieves during the sure the farmer that he has the support of weekend of Nov. 28 to 29. all involved.

After learning of the unfortunate incident, a contingent, comprising of Minister for Agriculture, Hon Peter David; Head of the Praedial Larceny Unit, Insp. Keith Lynch; praedial larceny officers and members of the extension division of the ministry, journeyed to 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

The Ministry is reminding the general public that Praedial Larceny is a crime. If you know of any instances of the act, please report it promptly to your nearest police station or call the Praedial Larceny Hotline at 300.

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SPORTS CORNER

Grenada Cricket Association Elections

The Grenada Cricket Association held its Biennial General Meeting at the Grenada National Stadium on Saturday November 28, 2020.

The entire outgoing executive, for the second consecutive time was returned to office “en bloc� by acclamation.

The re-elected officers are: Mr. Dwain Gill (President) Mr. Anderson Noel (1st Vice President) Mr. Johnson Richardson (2nd Vice President) Mr. Kerry Frank (Secretary) Mr. Rupert Holas (Treasurer) Mrs. Paulette Bolah-Hankey (Assistant Secretary Mr. Cyprian Forsyth (Assistant Secretary) Parish representatives who will be nominated by the various councils to represent their interest will complete the executive.

Mr. Gill thanked the delegates for the confidence shown in him and his executive and pledged to continue working towards inspiring and engaging more Grenadians though cricket.

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