Government Information Service Newsletter - Vol. 1, Issue 29 - 2020

NEWSLETTER GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICE

Vol. 1, Issue 29

Monday, Dec. 14, 2020

Prime Minister Expresses

GRATITUDE TO CUBA

for Assisting Grenada’s Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic

INSIDE PAGE 04

MINISTRY OF HEALTH WARNS AGAINST EFFORTS TO CIRCUMVENT ENTRY REQUIREMENTS TO GRENADA

DETAILS ON PAGE 02

Ministry of Health Cautions Public

Due to Cluster of COVID-19 Positive Cases PAGE 03

PAGE 05

14 EDUCATORS GRADUATE AS CVQ INSTRUCTORS AND ASSESSORS

PAGE 07

MINISTER STEWART HONOURS GRENADA’S ELDEST CITIZEN ON 119TH BIRTHDAY AND MUCH MORE...

Prime Minister Expresses Gratitude to Cuba for Assisting Grenada’s Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic

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Prime Minister, Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell, has expressed gratitude to Cuba for its valuable assistance in boosting Grenada’s capacity to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

Addressing the Cuban President and fellow regional leaders during the 7th Cuba-CARICOM Summit on Tuesday, Dec. 8, Dr. Mitchell said, “Despite facing its own challenges with the COVID-19 pandemic, Cuba assisted Grenada in our national response. Cuba was quite generous through the provision of specialised nurses in infectious diseases and specialist physicians, particularly in the intensive care specialty.

I take this opportunity to publicly thank our Cuban brothers and sisters for their continued support.”

Dr. Mitchell also acknowledged the assistance provided by Cuba in a number of other areas and expressed a desire to see deepened cooperation between the two countries.

He said, “Our long-standing collaboration with Cuba in the multilateral arena provides a clear demonstration of our dedication to regional and hemispheric integration. Further, Grenada’s bilateral relationship with Cuba is characterised by mutual respect and cooperation in many areas including health, education, engineering and architecture.”

The Prime Minister cited climate change and disaster mitigation as other areas of critical support provided by Cuba.

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

He told the gathering of regional leaders, “There are countless examples of Cuba being a great friend to our country, in particular, and the region as a whole. Tremendous support has been extended to our countries in the preparation for and in the aftermath of natural disasters. Cuba must be commended for its excellent disaster prevention programme, which has long been applauded by the international community. Grenada looks forward to continuous learning from our colleagues in Cuba in this particular area.”

He also expressed the hope that the incoming administration in the United States will restart the process to lift the embargo.

“With the recent elections in the United States, we do hope that from January 2021, there will be a serious turn of events. With CARICOM’s initiative, we will work towards getting this blockade ended as fast as possible, since it was in fact the same democratic administration that started the process of serious re-engagement On the subject of the financial, eco- with Cuba.” nomic and trade embargo imposed by the United States against Cuba, The CARICOM-Cuba Summit was Dr. Mitchell said, “Grenada, like the held on the occasion of CARICOMrest of CARICOM, does not support Cuba Day and the Prime Minister this blockade and we will continue concluded by expressing a desire to to support Cuba in its quest for it to end. Each year, Grenada stresses the see the advancement and well-being counter-productivity of this action of the people of Cuba and the region and the hardship it imposes on the as a whole.

Cuban people, causing them to be The 8th CARICOM-Cuba Summit will unfairly marginalised.” be held in 2023.

HEALTH MATTERS

Ministry of Health Cautions Public Due to Cluster of COVID-19 Positive Cases

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The Ministry of Health informs the public that a cluster of 26 positive COVID-19 cases have been diagnosed, originating from the Sandals Resort.

The positive cases include guests and employees, as well as their contacts. The discovery was made following proactive testing of employees and guests on Friday, Dec. 11 and Saturday, Dec. 12, as part of the Ministry’s continuous testing of frontline staff in sectors directly related to tourism, travel and health. protect public health and safety.

The Ministry has been consistent Given the health emergency in urging the public to maintain that this situation warrants, vigilance in daily life, as a virus the Government of Grenada, outbreak was always probable in through the Ministry of Health, Grenada - just as elsewhere around has deployed all efforts, including the region and world. personnel and resources, to address this grave threat to public Nevertheless, throughout this health, safety, order and the pandemic, there has never been a maintenance of medical and other greater need for public cooperation supplies and services essential to than now. life in Grenada. Unprecedented, aggressive efforts have been taken to further contain this outbreak of The Ministry is again calling on all citizens and visitors to join the effort COVID-19. in observing the health and safety The Sandals Resort has now been protocols, including exercising deemed to be a place of screening enhanced caution in daily activities, and assessment. Entire households especially when using public related to the confirmed cases have transportation and participating in also been quarantined and contact social activities. tracers are actively working to source other potentially exposed The Ministry of Health cannot stress people in other areas of public life enough the magnitude of the problem that Grenada is currently and activity. confronting. This is about public This is a rapidly evolving situation health and safety and we urge the and health officials will continue to public to be extremely careful and update the public as circumstances to do its part in helping to curb this outbreak. warrant.

In the coming hours and days, the Ministry anticipates a further tightening of measures related to activities and daily life in order to

In consideration of the current grave situation that we face, the Government of Grenada, through the Ministry of Health, must ask

that members of the public limit all social gatherings. The Chief Medical Officer has also advised that permission previously granted to organizers for upcoming social events is under review.

The Government’s first responsibility is to protect the lives of our people and we are resolute in taking all necessary steps to do so.

Everyone is reminded to adhere to the guidelines and mandates by wearing masks that cover the nose and mouth when in public spaces, practising good hygiene, and maintaining physical distancing of at least six feet from others.

This outbreak can be contained, if we all work together.

If you believe that you have been exposed to the virus or you are displaying symptoms consistent with those of the coronavirus, isolate yourself immediately and contact the COVID-19 Hotline at (473) 5384787, or your nearest health centre.

Resource: https://covid19.gov.gd

HEALTH MATTERS

Ministry of Health Warns Against Efforts to Circumvent Entry Requirements to Grenada

The Ministry of Health informs travellers to Grenada that a valid hotel booking or approved homestay for the mandatory quarantine period of seven days is required by law for entry into Grenada.

In recent weeks, the Ministry of Health has been made aware of a disturbing trend in which people are trying to enter fake numbers or codes for accommodation reservations into the online application for their entry travel certificate.

The Ministry of Health wishes to make it clear that knowingly trying to circumvent the entry requirements, including entering false accommodation reservations, upon application for entry, is illegal under the laws of Grenada, as this presents a viable risk to public health and safety during this pandemic period.

Anyone who is found guilty of this practice will fined and/or charged.

Grenada has, so far, avoided com-

munity spread of COVID-19 by maintaining and enforcing strict entry protocols and by the public’s general compliance with mandates of mask wearing and social and physical distancing.

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The Ministry of Health thanks all stakeholders, including the Grenada Tourism Authority, the Grenada Hotel and Tourism Association and citizens and visitors alike for their collective efforts in helping to keep Grenada safe.

14 Educators Graduate as CVQ Instructors and Assessors

EDUCATION CORNER

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Fourteen educators received certificates of completion on Dec. 9 from the Grenada National Training Agency (GNTA), marking the end of their training as qualified assessors and instructors for the Caribbean Vocational Qualification programme.

The Ministry of Education, through the Grenada Education Enhancement Program (GEEP), contracted the Grenada National Training Agency to train 12 CVQ teachers and two curriculum officers, during July 2019 and Oct. to Nov. 2019.

Frances Ruffin, Coordinator for Quality Assurance at the Grenada National Training Agency said there are approximately 60 educators now trained as instructors and assessors.

“These teachers will now have the capability to deliver training using the occupational standards and that training will lead to their learners – their students – being able to receive certification at the National Vocational Qualifications level or Caribbean Vocational Qualifications Level,” Ruffin said.

She also explained what the training entailed.

Ruffin said, “During the training, participants were exposed to information on the regional qualification framework; competency-based education and training; occupational standards; the assessment process and quality assurance. Candidates were assessed through practicums; the production of two portfolios and answering oral questions.”

Chief Education Officer, Angela Finlay, noted the importance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) – the basis of NVQ and CVQ certification.

Finlay said, “The Ministry of Education also considers TVET as that very vital element in the preparation of students for work and for life in general. Whilst TVET gives the cutting edge to students for employment, in an established venture, it also creates avenues for entrepreneurship.”

holders, policymakers, service providers, parents, teachers and the general public.”

Gilbert encouraged the educators to be ambassadors for the CVQ programme.

Ainka Noel, a home economics teacher at the St. Andrew’s Anglican Secondary Pearl Greenidge-Roberts is a teacher School, is looking forward to empowerat the Grenada Boys Secondary School ing her students through the CVQ pro(GBSS) who teaches Home Economics, gramme.

Food and Nutrition and Health. This year her Food and Nutrition class had a 100 “I loved that we learnt new strategies percent CSEC pass rate. She firmly be- and so forth to help students who canlieves in skills training as preparation for not be reached through the paper, pen real world adaptability. and traditional strategies that we usually use in the classroom,” she said. “So She said, “I think I would be better able far, I’ve been advocating that students to perform my duties or be even more competent in performing my duties, in do the CVQ programme. The approach relation to dealing with the boys that is different. They would be learning hands-on. They will be able to ask quescome to me from day to day.” tions more. It’s not a pass or a fail.”

Permanent Secretary with responsibility for Human Resource Development, Re- She noted the opportunity to correct ligious Affairs and Information, Norman one’s errors and be successful, saying, “If Gilbert, highlighted the importance of you have not grasped an idea or concept, TVET in reducing unemployment. you can do it over. There is always room for growth in the CVQ programme.”

“The role of TVET teachers and trainers in vocational institutions must be enhanced to ensure that young people Gilbert says there is a draft TVET policy who complete school can function in which will soon be shared with the pubthe world of work,” he said. “One of the lic and that the Ministry is also trying to most challenging tasks is to change the ensure that there is a national strategy attitude towards TVET amongst stake- for skills development.

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The date one should be tested is directly under the date when one will be arriving in Grenada. For example, if one is travelling on Tuesday, one should be tested on Saturday prior.

Minister Maturine-Stewart Honours Grenada’s Eldest Citizen on 119th Birthday

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Minister Maturine-Stewart Honours Masima Noel

Grenada’s eldest citizen, Leonora Masima Noel of L’Esterre in Carriacou, who was honoured

by Her Majesty the Queen in 2016, celebrated her 119th birthday on Dec. 10, 2020.

undocumented as evidence of son and a daughter are deceased, her birth date cannot be found or while two daughters and one son traced. are still alive. She resides with her In an interview following the visit eldest daughter, Ruthy Bristol, to Noel, Minister Maturine-Stewart, said that in the absence of doc- who celebrated her 88th birthday umentary proof, Masima is recogearlier this year. nized as the eldest person in the State of Grenada. She explained that the Government continues to Minister Maturine-Stewart added lead the search for evidence which will place her as the eldest person that the Ministry of Carriacou and alive in the world.

Petite Martinique Affairs & Local

Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs and Local Government, Hon. Kindra Maturine-Stewart, accompanied by staff from the Department of Social Development in that Ministry, visited Noel to honor her milestone achievement.

During the years, Noel has said foods such as coo-coo, ochro, fish Noel was born in Venezuela and other organically produced and migrated to Carriacou at an foods, which she consumed early age. Although she is pos- throughout her life, played a pivsibly the eldest person alive in otal role in her health and longevthe world today, Noel remains ity. Noel is a mother of five. One

Government is also preparing to celebrate birthdays with additional centenarians recorded in the island’s Senior Citizen Registry in 2021.

Chinese Embassy Donates to Senior Citizens and Children in Carriacou and Petite Martinique

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On a three-day visit to the sister isles of Carriacou and Petite Martinique, from Dec. 9 to 11, Charge d’Affaires ad interim of the Chinese Embassy in Grenada, Mr. Yang Shijun, presented more than E.C $20,000.00 worth of items, which were donated to the Top-Hill Senior Citizen Home in Carriacou and the Petite Martinique R.C School.

The donation includes items such as a refrigerator, a washing machine, toiletries, hand sanitizers, blenders, pampers and cleaning agents.

In handing over the items, Shijun said that the relationship between the Government and People of Grenada and the Government and People of China have developed very well over the past years and continue to bear fruits, not only on the mainland, but also in Carriacou.

Shijun noted that the Chinese Embassy feels it is part of its responsibility, as a good friend of Grenada, to undertake such a gesture, which will provide much-needed support for the two institutions benefitting from the donation.

Minister Maturine-Stewart receiving items from Charge d’Affaires ad interim of the Chinese Embassy in Grenada, Mr. Yang Shijun

Kindra Maturine-Stewart, who extended sincerest gratitude to the Chinese Embassy for their well appreciated gesture.

The Minister further encouraged management and staff of the Top-Hill Senior Citizens Home to make best use of the contribution and reassured them that with the growing relationship between the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs & Local Government and He said, “I am very impressed with the condition and opthe Chinese Embassy many more gestures like these will eration here at the Top-Hill Senior Citizens Home and I do wish to commend and encourage the workers here to materialize. continue doing the job.”

As part of the Chinese Embassy visit to Carriacou and PeThe items were handed over to the Minister for Carriacou tite Martinique, a contribution was also made to the Carand Petite Martinique Affairs & Local Government, Hon. riacou Police Station.

Prime Minister Donates Computer to Mt. Moritz Anglican School

EDUCATION CORNER

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ondary school students and said the intention is to also provide devices for primary school students.

The donation was received by Principal of the Mt. Moritz Anglican School, Rachael Forte, who welcomed the gift, saying it brings to nine, the number of computers at the school.

The Mt. Moritz Anglican School now has an additional computer, which will be used to enhance its administrative operations.

computers. Even for the agriculture and fishing sectors, technology can be used to enhance operations as we adopt a more scientific approach.”

Prime Minister, Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Dr. Mitchell also spoke of GovernMitchell, who is also the Parliamentary ment’s provision of laptops for secRepresentative for St. George North West, presented a desktop computer to the school, on Wednesday, Dec. 9.

In handing over the gift, Dr. Mitchell said computers have become even more necessary during the current pandemic.

He said, “Technology has become a very important part of our lives. In making use of the available technology, we have to ensure that it is used appropriately for education, for information and for knowledge. Students can also use computers to help them better prepare for the workforce, as almost every job involves the use of

Sixth grade student, Shawn Richardson, recited a poem of thanks to the Prime Minister, which read, “Thank you for the lovely gift. You didn’t have to do it. You have a good and gracious heart, but then we always knew it. We love and think of you, with fondness and with pleasure. This gift is good, but even more it’s your thoughtfulness we treasure. We appreciate your kindness more than words can say.”

Prime Minister Emphasizes Reflection and Forward Planning at DPA and NaDMA Retreat

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Staff of the Department of Public Administration (DPA) and the National Disaster Management Agency (NaDMA) engaged in a day-long retreat on Thursday, Dec. 10 to examine the past year and plan for 2021.

on where you are and, at the same time, consider options for going forward in 2021. It is important to ask what are some of the goals we need to set; what are some of the changes we would like to initiate going forward? This retreat is a positive initiative and I think the leadThe retreat comes at the close of a parership of DPA must be commended for ticularly challenging year, given the this approach.” impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Government operations. Prime Minister, Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell, who The Prime Minister acknowledged that also holds responsibility for the port- there is a lot of work to be done to imfolios of public administration and di- prove operations in the public service. saster management, addressed staff He said, “The public sector helps to at the start of the retreat. drive the entire society and if it lacks Dr. Mitchell said, “No matter how well innovation, especially in this technowe think we are doing, there is always logically advanced age, this will have room for improvement in all that we a negative impact on the society as do. The fact that you are coming to a whole. Although the private sector the end of a very special year, in which may seek to implement many initiawe faced challenges that none of us tives, it must do so within the context could have predicted, it is commend- of laws and policies set by the public able that you have decided to reflect sector. Therefore, Government must

see itself as extremely important in facilitating overall growth and development and, particularly in the context of the current pandemic, we have to take a closer look at our entire operations.”

Dr. Mitchell told the staff he expects recommendations to be made following the Dec. 10 retreat, so that appropriate decisions can be made at the policy level.

AGRICULTURE CORNER

MOA Collaborates With UNDP and GEF in Implementation of Climate Smart Resilient Project

Minister for Agriculture, Hon. Peter David

Focusing on land degradation and biodiversity, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Lands is collaborating with the Global Environment Facility and the United Nations Development Programme in the implementation of a Climate Resilient Agriculture for Integrated Management Project.

A launch and inception of the project was held at the Grenada National Stadium on Dec. 10, 2020, where stakeholders deliberated on ensuring its success.

The project, which is another in the list of activities by the Ministry of Agriculture geared towards building climate change resilience, focuses on mainstreaming biodiversity conservation in the production landscape and increasing resilience of agricultural systems.

Speaking at the launch was Minister for Agriculture, Hon. Peter David, who said that the project fits into the Ministry’s goal of better organising the sector in order to boost production and build resilience.

He said that climate resilience requires tangible and on-the-ground initiatives that would have a direct impact on Climate Smart Agriculture and Sustainable Land Management. This will in turn translate into “tangible investments that benefit our sector stakeholders.” He said this will allow for stakeholders to adapt smart practices, “if these practices yield

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real economic returns.”

Mohammad Nagdee, from the United Nations Development Programme, said the onset of COVID-19 has opened countries up to a new way of doing things. This time, he said, presents an opportunity to have more resilient development planning that is climate friendly and environmentally sustainable.

“The COVID-19 crisis proves that transformational change is possible and that a smart recovery guided by science can be put in place to build lots of positive long-term impacts.

Transformative approaches for Climate Change Resilient Agriculture are both necessary and feasible,” Nagdee remarked.

In addition to tangible returns, the project will create real benefits for the natural environment as a whole and will also provide the technical and educational knowledge required for the future success of a generation of men and women involved in agriculture, in any capacity.

The project will be executed at a cost of U.S. $130,000 and will facilitate activities such as: technical assistance in production, labeling, and marketing of Climate Smart Agricultural Products to at least eight agro-processing and two agro-tourism businesses; biodiversity conservation expansion and integration with Climate Smart Agriculture and Sustainable Land Management measures in La Sagesse Watershed, Great River Watershed and Levera/Lever Pond or St. Patrick Watershed.

Prime Minister Meets With Market Vendors at Stadium Car Park to Hear Concerns

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Prime Minister, Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell, accompanied by Cabinet colleagues, Hon. Peter David and Senator Norland Cox, met with a small group of eleven market vendors on Tuesday, Dec. 8 to hear their concerns about the impact of their relocation to the car park of the Kirani James Athletic Stadium.

The meeting was initiated by the Prime Minister in direct response to an appeal made by one of the vendors during the recent town hall meeting. The vendor, who stressed her desire to remain compliant with the directives of Government, said it is difficult to earn a living at the current location.

At the meeting, the Prime Minister empathised with the vendors.

He said, “My mom was a market vendor many years ago and I recall the tremendous sacrifices made, waking up before dawn to get to the market early. I know how important that was to my family’s survival and therefore I am quite moved by the situation you now face. Government asked you to relocate because of the work being done on the St. George’s Market and despite the negative impact on your earnings, you have been compliant. I must commend you for that. At the same time, Government must take action to help protect your livelihood.”

The vendors have complained that not many people shop in the market during the week and the Prime Minister promised to encourage the staff of his ministry and elsewhere to patronise the market.

The vendors were asked to relocate to the stadium car park since April of 2020, during the COVID-19 lockdown, following which the rehabilitation of the St. George’s Market commenced.

Government is aware that the current location is not a high-traffic area and has therefore taken steps to encourage more shoppers.

A free bus shuttle service is provided every

weekend, in collaboration with corporate citizens. Plans are also afoot to host various activities and extend market hours during the week of Christmas, to attract more customers.

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AGRICULTURE CORNER

Plants for Sale at Mirabeau Propagation Station

West Indian Cherries and Passion Fruit plants are currently available for sale at the Mirabeau Propagation Station, at a cost of only $3.50 per plant.

Visit the station today to make your purchase.

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AGRICULTURE CORNER

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AGRICULTURE CORNER

RECIPE: COO COO POIS

Ingredients 1 lb corn meal 1 small onion chopped 1 tsp salt 1Tbsp oil 3 red seasoning peppers chopped 5 – 6 cups stock, water 1 sprig thyme 1 cup cooked peas METHOD Boil onion with half of the liquid and salt for 1 minute.

Add the rest of the liquid to the corn meal and mix well. Stir the cornmeal mixture into the boiling liquid till well blended; add thyme and pepper. Cook over low heat stirring frequently until mixture becomes stiff and smooth and breaks away from the bottom of the pot cleanly. Stir in cooked peas and cook for 2minutes more.

Put into a greased dish and smooth top with a little oil.

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United Nations General Assembly President Appoints Grenada’s UN Ambassador as UN Ocean Conference Co-Facilitator On Dec. 8, 2020, the President of the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly, His Excellency Mr. Volkan Bozkir, appointed Her Excellency Ms. Keisha A. Mc Guire, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Grenada to the United Nations, together with His Excellency Mr. Martin Bille Hermann, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Denmark to the United Nations, as the co-facilitators to oversee the preparatory process and intergovernmental consultations on the Political Declaration for the United Nations Conference to Support the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development (Ocean Conference).

In 2019, the United Nations decided to convene the second United Nations Conference to Support the Implementation of SDG14 in Lisbon, Portugal, from June 2 to 6, 2020. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the UN Ocean Conference was postponed to a later date to be decided, which is now expected to occur in 2021.

The UN Ocean Conference is co-hosted by the Governments of Portugal and Kenya, with the overarching theme of the Conference being “Scaling up ocean action based on science and innovation for the implementation of Goal 14: stocktaking, partnerships and solutions.”

To note, in 2017, the first Ocean Conference was convened 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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Ambassador Keisha McGuire with UN Secretary-General António Guterres UN

from June 5 to 9, 2017, in New York, United States, during which the Prime Minister of Grenada, Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell, served as co-chair to Partnership Dialogue 5: Increasing economic benefits to small island developing states and least developed countries and providing access for small-scale artisanal fishers to marine resources and markets.

During the Partnership Dialogue, Prime Minister Mitchell noted that small island developing states (SIDS) were committed to promoting sustainable livelihoods for their people and protecting the marine environment.

Ambassador McGuire’s appointment complements Grenada’s commitment to a sustainable future, and being a leader of the green economy, blue economy and circular economy.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Closure of Cottage Road

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The Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Implementation will commence urgent work on the Cottage Road in Rosemount, St John.

In this regard, the Cottage Road will be closed from Wednesday Dec. 9, 2020 to Sunday, January 31, 2021 to facilitate the construction of a box culvert and widening of the roadway.

The general public is advised to make use of the Brothers Road as an alternative route. Residents and farmers in the area will be able to gain access to their properties on either end of the Cottage Road.

Mrs. Merina Jessamy, Permanent Secretary for InfrastrucThe Ministry apologizes for any inconvenience and antici- ture Development and Implementation at 440-2271 or pates the cooperation of the residents of the area and the via email at ps@moiid.gov.gd; general public.

Ms. Najar Andall, Chief Technical Officer at 440-2271 or via For further information, please contact:

email at cto@moiid.gov.gd

PUBLIC NOTICE

Update: Closure of One Lane at Red Gate Main Road

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The Ministry of Infrastructure Development has commenced work on the main road linking Red Gate to Perdmontemps, St. David.

In this regard, one lane of the road has been closed to facilitate the construction of a culvert and adjoining box drain, to improve the drainage in the area.

The general public is therefore advised to make use of the Mango Hole Road (accessed from Petit Bacaye and bypassing the site of construction) as an alternative route to minimize delays when traversing the area.

Trucks and other large vehicles are also advised to use alternative routes when travelling to and from Perdmontemps. The road is scheduled to reopen on Dec. 21, 2020.

The Ministry of Infrastructure Development would like to thank the residents of the area for their continued consider- Mrs. Merina Jessamy, Permanent Secretary for Infrastructure ation for the ongoing works and apologizes for any further in- Development and Implementation at 440-2271 or via email at ps@moiid.gov.gd; convenience to the residents and general public.

Ms. Najar Andall, Chief Technical Officer at 440-2271 or via email at cto@moiid.gov.gd.

For further information, please contact:

OAS-AUWCL Scholarship

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The Ministry of Education, Human Re- or online. Scholarship recipients get a source Development, Religious Affairs 50 percent tuition waiver. and Information informs the public of the OAS-AUWCL Scholarship.

The deadline for application is December 28, 2020. Classes begin Jan. The partner institution for this schol- 11, 2021. arship is the American University Washington College of Law (AUWCL). Interested individuals can access furThe current scholarship programme ther information about this opportuis the OAS-AUWCL, which is offering nity by going to this website: http:// the LL.M., or Master of Laws degree, in www.oas.org/scholarships International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law. Questions about this scholarship opportunity should be sent to scholarThe duration of the programme is ships@oas.org with the subject “OASnine to 24 months and it is offered in AUWCL Scholarship Program.” both English and Spanish. The mode of instruction will be onsite for the Please see attached documents for English program only and also hybrid more detailed information.

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION PROCESS

SCHOLARSHIP OVERVIEW PROGRAMS

 LL.M in International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law  LL.M. en Derechos Humanos y Derecho Humanitario

MODALITY

Onsite (English program only), hybrid or online, United States

LANGUAGE

English and Spanish

DURATION

9 – 24 months

CALENDAR

START BENEFITS

 To apply for an OAS – AUWCL scholarship, applicants must fill out the OAS online Scholarship application form and provide the following documentations: 1. Government issued ID – scan or photo of passport page that contains the applicant’s full name, date of birth, and country of citizenship.

2. Admission letter – unconditional admission letter from the American University Washington College of Law.  ALL the required documents must be combined into one (1) single PDF file (no larger than 5MB).

If the file is larger than 5MB, you will not be able to summit the online form. The application system does not allow for more than one document to be uploaded. Do not include any additional documents besides those indicated.  Only applicants who have been admitted to AUWCL will be allowed to apply for scholarship consideration.  After receiving the admission letter from AUWCL, please email a copy of the admission letter and request access to the OAS online scholarship application form via email at

Application for Admission and scholarship deadline: December 28, 2020

Classes begin: January 11, 2021

EXPENSES NOT COVERED BY THIS SCHOLARSHIP

50% Tuition waiver for Scholarship Recipients

Expenses not covered by the scholarship, and which are the sole responsibility of the scholarship recipients, are:

Scholarship benefits are subject to the academic performance of the scholarship recipient and based on the availability of funds.

In order to receive these benefits, the scholarship recipient should not be reported with an unsatisfactory academic performance due to absences or failing courses.

APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION INFORMATION  Before applying for admission, applicants are encouraged to read the program description, and ensure that the study area fulfills their expectations and interests. Please visit: https://www.wcl.american.edu/impact/initiatives-programs/hracademy/llm/ for the English program and https://www.wcl.american.edu/impact/initiatives programs/hracademy/academia/humanitario/ for the Spanish program to understand the admission requirements to the program of study.  Applicants must hold a Juris Doctor (JD) from a US law school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) or a first degree in law from a foreign law school with equivalent standards.  Submit a completed application form along with supporting documents before the application deadline.  International applicants must meet the English Language Proficiency Requirement (only for English program).  Spanish program does not require English proficiency  Applicants can contact the admissions team at llm@wcl.american.edu for more information about the university’s admission process. For program details email humanrightsllm@wcl.american.edu.

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   FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY   OF  SCHOLARSHIP  RECIPIENTS 

Remaining 50% of tuition fees; Travel expenses (to and from the country of study), if applicable; Mandatory university fees; Cost of books and study materials; Health insurance; Graduation expenses; Visa expenses (where applicable); and any other costs or additional living and study cost not covered by the scholarship.

 These above expenses listed as financial responsibility shall be the sole and exclusive responsibility of the scholarship recipients and the scholarship recipients will be responsible for payment of the remaining tuition fees and any other costs as needed to AUWCL.  Applicants can also apply for the Rowe Fund, which is an educational loan program of the OAS that helps citizens from Latin America and the Caribbean to finance their studies in accredited universities across the United States by awarding interest-free loans of up to US$15,000 dollars. o We are excited to share with you The Financial Aid Guide for Studies in the U.S. This booklet features a useful listing of financial aid opportunities sorted by country of residence. Check out the listing of scholarships, grants, fellowships and loans, collected by the Rowe Fund program of the Organization of American States. For over seventy years, the Rowe Fund has granted interest-free student loans for university studies in the U.S. to supplement other sources of financing.

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PROJECT UPDATES

Construction of a Smart Green House has started at the grounds of the Chinese Demonstration Farm at La Sagesse, St. David.

Parliamentary Representative Hon. Oliver Joseph