Government Information Service Newsletter - Vol. 1, Issue 28 - 2020

NEWSLETTER GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICE

Monday, Dec. 07, 2020

2021 BUDGET: Resilience in the Face of Adversity DETAILS ON PAGE 02

Vol. 1, Issue 28

INSIDE PAGE 03 PAGE 06

PAGE 07

PRIME MINISTER REFLECTS ON 36 YEARS AS A MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT TEMPORARY RESTRICTION ON IMPORTATION OF POULTRY FROM THE U.K

AGRICULTURE MINISTER MEETS WITH FARMERS AT MARDIGRAS

AND MUCH MORE...

2021 Budget: Resilience in the Face of Adversity Newly appointed Minister for Finance, Hon. Gregory Bowen, in presenting the 2021 Budget before a socially distanced audience at the Parliament building on Wednesday, Dec. 2, said that the scope and magnitude of the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, will require bold and decisive leadership.

Minister Bowen said Grenada has experienced its worst economic downturn on record. He intimated that the road ahead will be extremely difficult, as we reshape and renew our economy and society in this new and uncertain environment. At the same time, he expressed confidence that the kind of leadership demonstrated previously by this administration, in rebuilding the economy after Hurricanes Ivan and Emily and the global financial crisis, will enable us to eventually rise from the ashes of this pandemic.

Grenada has recorded forty-one cases of COVID-19 to date. Minister Bowen said as a nation and a people we have again demonstrated incredible resilience in the face of adversity.

He highlighted the importance of remaining steadfast in our efforts to protect our people and rebuild our economy. Minister Bowen said while we are proud of our response to the pandemic, much work lies ahead.

Consistent with the imperatives for recovery, transformation, and resilience, the 2021 Estimate of Expenditure provides for a total expenditure (including amortization) of $1,232,670,049. The Government will strategically prioritise the Public Sector Investment Programme and strengthen systems and capacity to increase the implementation rate of projects and programmes that are deemed to best support resilience and inclusive growth and job creation, as fundamental elements of economic recovery and sustainable development.

Minister Bowen said amidst the fact that the pandemic has triggered an unparalleled decline in our economy and compounded our major developmental challenges, the policies, plans and programmes

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announced in the budget speech will help us recover in a robust and inclusive way, support our social and economic transformation and further build resilience.

The private sector is expected to play a major role in the provision of jobs and resuscitation of the tourism sector, livestock and agro-processing.

The Finance Minister stated that overcoming our current challenges, therefore, requires an extraordinary response. He noted too that with a Minister for Finance roll out of one of the country’s largest Hon. Gregory Bowen capital budgets ever, which will generate thousands of employment opportunities for Grenadians, the When taken together, current revenues private sector is energised and will also and grants underperformed by EC add thousands of new jobs. $236 million as a direct consequence Minister Bowen said Grenada’s solid fiscal position weakened considerably in the first half of 2020 as revenues declined sharply and expenditure needs grew to cushion the economic blow, dealt by COVID-19, with the combined effect exerting a serious strain on Government’s finances.

By year’s end, current revenues are expected to reach EC $654.2 million, compared to a target of EC $786.2 million, a shortfall of EC$132 million.

of the pandemic.

However, the Finance Minister stated that positive economic growth is projected to return in 2021. He said, “Significant efforts will be made to contain recurrent discretionary spending to allow for greater recovery spending on the capital side.”

Prime Minister Reflects on 36 Years as a Member of Parliament

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

constituency.

In the 1984 elections, Dr. Mitchell secured 57 percent of the votes cast in Dec. 3, 2020, marks 36 years since his constituPrime Minister, Dr. the Rt. Hon. ency. By contrast, in the 2018 elecKeith Mitchell, became an elected tions, 85 percent of the registered parliamentarian. voters in St. George North West supported him.

Contesting the 1984 general election as a member of the New Na- Reflecting on his life as a parliational Party (NNP), led by former mentarian, Dr. Mitchell said, “It has Prime Minister, the late Herbert A really been an honour for me to Blaize, Dr. Mitchell was elected Par- represent and serve the people of liamentary Representative for St. my constituency. Even before I beGeorge North West. came Prime Minister, my constituents were the ones who entrusted Since then, he has successfully me with the responsibility to repcontested the seat and has been resent them. Therefore, today I say representing the people of that thank you to all the residents of my

constituency for continuing to energise and motivate me to serve as your representative. It is because of your support that I am able to celebrate this milestone.�

When first elected, Dr. Mitchell served in the capacity of Minister of Communications, Works and Public Utilities, Transportation, Civil Aviation and Energy. As Prime Minister, he has held several additional portfolios over the years including Finance, Trade, Industry and Planning, Foreign Affairs and Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs.

Dr. Mitchell is currently responsible for National Security, Public Administration, Youth Development, Home Affairs, ICT and Disaster Management.

Two New COVID-19 Positive Cases Confirmed The Ministry of Health announces the laboratory confirmation of two new imported positive cases of COVID-19 in Grenada.

The two individuals are a husband and wife over age sixty-five, who returned to Grenada on Saturday, Nov. 28 via American Airlines. They have been in quarantine since arrival and were tested as per the COVID-19 protocols of the Ministry.

While not severe, they are both exhibiting symptoms of the disease and are being closely monitored.

These two new cases are currently Grenada’s only active positive cases of COVID-19, as all others have been medically cleared.

The Ministry thanks the public for its continued cooperation in helping to keep the State of Grenada safe.

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Prime Minister Joins Students of Happy Hill Secondary for Assembly

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It was an assembly with a difference today for students of the Happy Hill Secondary School as Prime Minister, Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell, joined the school for that occasion, on Dec. 3.

It was sheer coincidence that Dr. Mitchell was invited to visit the school on the day that he celebrated 36 years as the parliamentary representative for St. George North West, the constituency in which the school is located.

However, he welcomed the opportunity to engage with the staff and students on this special day.

Resource Development, Religious Affairs and Information has been allocated Addressing the students, Dr. Mitchell $124 million or 10.1 percent of total exshared that he once taught Mathemat- penditure for 2021. The allocation in the ics at Happy Hill Secondary School, 2021 budget for Youth Development is even when he served as a Minister of $40.4 million, which represents a 43 perGovernment and he underscored the cent increase over the 2020 figure. importance of education.

The Prime Minister used the opportuThe Prime Minister said, “Your educa- nity to again congratulate the staff and tion is the key to your future. No one students for their excellent performance should make you trivialise your suc- at the 2020 Caribbean Secondary Educess, your learning or your desire to cation Certificate (CSEC) examination improve yourself academically or oth- and reiterated that what matters more erwise. than the institution they attend is the commitment by teachers and students “Some of us come from poor families to excel. and the only hope for getting out of poverty is a serious investment in edu- Dr. Mitchell also shared with the stucation. That is why, as a Government, dents his rationale for assuming the we are prioritising education and portfolio of Youth Development in his youth development.” twilight years.

The Ministry of Education, Human He said, “I recognise that we have done a lot of good work, providing tremendous support for young people. Problems have also been identified. At the twilight of my political career, I felt I needed to use the office of the Prime Minister, which is a strategic office with respect to leadership and governance, to harness the influence of this office to impact on the revolutionary Plaque of appreciation presented to changes that have to be made Prime Minister to bring greater empowerment

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

addresses students at assembly

to the young people of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.”

Dr. Mitchell also encouraged the students to continue maintaining the recommended protocols.

Recalling his life as a youngster, Dr. Mitchell said he understands how difficult it is for young people to be restrained from socializing, but he underscored the importance of taking the necessary action to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19.

He noted too that 2020 has been a tough year to govern, with Government losing 50 percent of its revenue, but the jobs of all public servants, including teachers, administrative staff and other workers in schools, remain secure and salaries have been paid on time.

The Prime Minister also acknowledged that the pandemic is a difficult time for all, but he also noted that challenging times also present opportunities. One particular opportunity created by the pandemic is greater use of available technology and he encouraged the students to seek out possible opportunities that can be used to enhance their future.

At Thursday’s assembly, students demonstrated their talent through songs and poems and a plaque of appreciation was also presented to the Prime Minister.

Temporary Restriction on Importation of Poultry From the UK The Ministry of Agriculture, Lands & Forestry, through the Veterinary and Livestock Division, hereby advises the general public that due to an ongoing outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as Bird Flu, in the United Kingdom (U.K.), Grenada will place a temporary ban on all poultry and poultry products originating from that region, effective Dec. 7, 2020.

ers, fresh poultry, chilled poultry meat and frozen poultry meat, would remain in effect until a satisfactory Animal Health report is issued from the U.K.

Please be advised that individuals interested in importing value-added poultry ducting any such transaction. products should contact the Veterinary and Livestock Division of the Ministry of Agriculture on 440-2708 Ministry of Agriculture‌ensuring food or via email, The ban on hatching eggs, feath- livestock@moa.gov.gd, before conand nutrition security for all

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AGRICULTURE CORNER

Agriculture Minister Meets With Farmers at Mardigras

The Minister for Agriculture, Hon Peter David, continues his meetings with farmers, as he recently dialogued with farmers in Madigras, together with his team from the Ministry and the hierarchy of her Majesty’s Prison, who operates a farm in the area.

Several farmers turned out, aired their concerns and queries, in addition to giving suggestions, while also receiving feedback from Minister David.

As was stated by other farmers during previous visits, some of the issues affecting farmers range from road to market access and praedial larceny.

These visits are Minister David’s way of understanding the most common plights among farmers and working with his technical team in the ministry to find the best solution.

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AGRICULTURE CORNER

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AGRICULTURE CORNER

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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Mt. Pleasant Government School Project

Acting Principal Kerwin Noel

Rehabilitative work is currently in progress on the Mt. Pleasant Government School, in Carriacou.

Acting Principal, Kerwin Noel, said the board structure will be demolished and replaced with a concrete structure, with the floor and roof also being replaced.

Noel said, “It is of utmost importance at this point, because it is long overdue. We know that the environment is so important in children’s learning and this construction work – renovation/upgrade I call it - is very important at this point. So far, they would’ve replaced the roof on the main office; the doors and windows.

They would’ve cast the entire floor of the main building. They are going to do the entire roof. They are going to demolish the side behind me and put that in blocks -concrete. The eastern side is also going to be broken down and the windows there are going to change. So, it’s kind of a complete renovation on the school.”

Noel said a decision was taken recently to utilize both in-classroom sessions and remote learning to facilitate construction.

He said, “For the past two weeks we have had remote learning with grades K to three and had face-to-

face with classes four, five and six.

“This week and next week, however, we have asked the contractor to hold up for a while let’s get in some assessments; get in some revision so at least we, the teachers, can have an idea to what we would’ve taught, how well the children would’ve grasped it and in the long run the parents will get a little insight as to how well the children would have done. So safely saying, once all goes well and my request is granted, then they are going to return to work week after.”

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Carriacou and Petite Martinique’s MP Hands Over Newly Constructed Home

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Minister Maturine-Stewart handing over home to recipients

On Tuesday, Dec. 1, a ‘twin sister’ family from Carriacou was handed the keys to their newly built home in the Lauriston area, constructed by the Division of Housing in the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs & Local Government in collaboration with Corporate Citizens and community members.

The initiative formed part of Government’s commitment to improve the comfort level and standard of living of individuals and families who are in desperate need of housing repair assistance or the construction of a home, in some instances.

At the short handover ceremony, Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs & Local Government, Hon. Kindra Maturine-Stewart, told GIS that it was during her regular constituency visit to the Harvey Vale community about a year ago that she saw the condition the family was living in, which resulted in action by the Ministry to provide a better home for them.

Minister Maturine-Stewart emphasized the importance of the initiative and encouraged the family to cherish and take good care of their newly constructed home, which she believes will impact their lives in a positive way. The new home brings the total houses constructed through the collaborative effort in Carriacou and Petite Martinique, for the year thus far, to six.

Social Development Coordinator in the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs & Local Government, Vinishah Cudjoe, referenced the famous quote by Maya Angelou, ‘The ache for a home lives in all of us - the safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned.’ She also encouraged the recipients to appreciate the importance of the gesture.

The family was also presented with a gift by the Housing Officer in the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs & Local Government, Kizzy Cummings-Mc Farlene, on behalf of some kind citizens in Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

HEALTH MATTERS

Work to Begin Soon on Cherry Hill Road in Carriacou Addressing the sod-turning ceremony in Carriacou on Nov. 26 to signal the start of work on the $3.1 million Carriacou Cherry Hill Road Project, Prime Minister, Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell, said there must be serious infrastructural development in the country if there is to be economic development.

The Carriacou Cherry Hill Road Project is part of phase 3 of the Agriculture Feeder Roads Project and includes the construction of at least seven retaining walls, culverts, box drains and concrete pavement.

The Prime Minister said, “We think that infrastructure, as we consistently have said, is a fundamental basis of building serious economic conditions in our country.

Without serious roads infrastructure, telephone, electricity, you can’t really have a serious economy and therefore we have consistently been investing an enormous amount. I would never be able to forget in 1995, when we came into Government for the first time, you really had no roads in Carriacou. That’s a fact. You had no roads in Carriacou, but in convening years I think you’ve seen and, at this point in time, I think you have to recognize once again the service of brother Elvin Nimrod who gave enormous service to this part of the country.”

The project is expected to create jobs for more than 40 residents of Carriacou over a 12-month period. Parliamentary Representative, Hon. Kindra Maturine-Stewart, is happy that Government continues to invest in the development of the island.

She said, “This road is very significant and important to all of us. It is a road not only where you traverse on a daily basis, but it is a road that connects the Northern part of the Island to the central part and so it is critical and a very important road for us to get done. Government attaches, as you know, a lot of importance to construction and to infrastructural development. Our infrastructural development in Carriacou and Petite Martinique forms a holistic part of the developmental agenda for the

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State of Grenada.

The magnitude of this project will create in excess of 50 jobs, especially among our young people. It will also create jobs in the procurement of goods and services.”

Engineer in the Parliamentary Representative Hon. Kindra Mathurine Stewart, Prime Minister, Ministry of InfraDr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Implementation, Sen the Hon. Norland Cox - turning sod structure Development, Tardy Alexis, said the project is scheduled to be completed in 12 months

by Sky Construction Company.

He said, “The Cherry Hill Project entails the construction of approximately one kilometer of concrete pavement and ancillary works, which includes construction of retaining walls - I think there are about six or seven retaining walls to be don; a huge box drain to the northern end of the road; slipper drains and cross culverts.”

‘Inspire Leadership and Mentorship Programme’ Welcomes Mentors

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The women-led and female-dominated Inspire Leadership and Mentorship Programme in Carriacou, inducted 53 mentors from among students of the island’s two secondary schools, Bishop’s College and Hillsborough Secondary School, on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2020.

The Inspire Leadership and Mentorship Programme, an initiative led by Guidance and Counselling Officer responsible for primary schools in Carriacou and Petite Martinique, Nadina Williams, aims at serving as a support and guidance system for secondary school students who are faced with academic, social, personal, behavioural and career challenges.

Williams, in her remarks, remarked on the importance of mentorship, which she believes is a promising intervention for young people that assists with enhancing their social relationships, learning skills and identity development.

She added that the programme, since its inception in 2019, has addressed a number of issues at both secondary schools on the island, which includes the use of obscene language on the school’s compound; assistance with various subject areas; career and subject choices; conflict resolution; bul-

Inspire Leadership and Mentorship team

lying; anger management issues; the importance of homework and class punctuality; time management; exam preparation; cooperating with teachers; being attentive in class; dealing with peer pressure; misbehaviour in class; interpersonal relationships and student expectations.

Lendore, also extended encouragement to the mentors.

The Inspire Leadership and Mentorship Programme is grant-funded under the U.S. Department of State

Nahomi Russel, teacher at Bishop’s Alumni Engagement Innovation College, in delivering the feature address at the induction ceremony on Fund (AEIF) under the theme ‘Wombehalf of Shania Simon, Former Menen, Peace and Security.’ tor, reflected upon her experience as a mentee and mentor at Bishop’s College and boasted its long-lasting impact, which contributed towards her success thus far.

Russel further advised the 53 inducted mentors on ways to develop their mentorship skills and encouraged them to realise and appreciate the true purpose of the programme.

District Education Officer, Rosalina

PROJECT UPDATE

Low-Income Housing Project in Dumfries

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The E.C $22 million Low-income Housing Project in Dumfries, Carriacou is now 90 percent complete. Upon completion, 100 low-income earning families in Carriacou and Petite Martinique will benefit from better living conditions, at an affordable price.

Parliamentary Representative Hon. Kindra Mathurine Stewart