Government Information Service Newsletter - Vol. 1, Issue 30 - 2020

NEWSLETTER GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICE

Vol. 1, Issue 30

Friday, Dec. 18, 2020

“

Whether the crisis is Hurricanes Ivan and Emily or the Global Financial crash, we delivered then and we will deliver now.

“

- Leader of Government Business in the Upper House, Sen. Simon Stiell

Budget 2021

DETAILS ON PAGE 02

WILL DELIVER HOPE

Short Term Measures Implemented to Stem the Spread of COVID-19 PAGE 03

INSIDE PAGE 04

MINISTRY OF HEALTH UPDATES TOTAL ACTIVE COVID-19 CASES

PAGE 05

GOVERNMENT REFUTES ALLEGATIONS THAT COVID-19 POSITIVE VISITOR WAS ALLOWED TO TRAVEL TO GRENADA

PAGE 07

ROLAND BHOLA RETURNS AS SENATOR

AND MUCH MORE...

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

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Vol. 1, Issue 30

Budget 2021 Will Deliver Hope Leader of Government Business in the Upper House, Senator Simon Stiell, said the 2021 billion-dollar budget will deliver hope to the people of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique in these times of uncertainty.

On Tuesday, Dec. 15, members of the Senate debated and made presentations on the 2021 budget, which was presented by Finance Minister, Gregory Bowen, on Dec. 2, 2020.

Describing the budget as being thorough and development-focused, Senator Stiell said economic transformation through employment, construction, tourism and agriculture will be achieved.

He said, “This 2021 budget, speaks to the need to keep our nation safe; to re-stimulate and accelerate economic activity; to get our people back to work - those without a job and those who newly entered the workforce - and to continue to build resilience and to get back on track with our national transformation agenda. Through significant capital investment projects, the largest in our history by forty-six percent, that budget directly supports Government’s public sector investment programme. The goals of economic recovery, job creation and economic transformation will be achieved.”

Senator Stiell said the 2021 budget was developed to restructure and rebuild the economy in the midst of the global pandemic. He is confident that the Keith Mitchell-led administration will deliver on the promise of restoring hope, as the country battles COVID-19.

He said, “There is hope in the knowledge that this New National Party administration has the leadership and experience in successfully delivering in times of crisis - whether that crisis is Hurricanes Ivan and Emily or the Global Financial crash, we delivered then and we will deliver now. The theme of this year’s budget is ‘Towards Vision 2035: Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience’. It is an appropriate theme, reflective of where we are now and what we need to do in this time of global crisis”

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Leader of Government Business in the Upper House, Sen. Simon Stiell

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Vol. 1, Issue 30

Short Term Measures Implemented to Stem the Spread of COVID-19

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The Government of Grenada has implemented short term measures to help prevent further spread of COVID-19, following an announcement over the weekend (Dec. 12/13) of a cluster of positive cases originating at the Sandals Resort.

During a national address on Monday, Dec. 14, 2020, Prime Minister Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell outlined some of these measures that took effect on Tuesday, Dec. 15.

All social gatherings, including weddings and funerals will be restricted to 10 people, and permission must be sought for additional numbers.

Sporting, cultural and community-based activities are also postponed for one week in the first instance.

In addition to these measures, business operations will cease at 10:00 p.m., except those that offer essential services.

Restaurants will only provide take-away service and public transportation will stop at 10:00 p.m., except where authorised by the Commissioner of Police to transport essential workers.

Dr. Mitchell said, “The general level of compliance with the new regulations will determine our next course of action, that is, whether or not we have to escalate the measures.

Government therefore appeals for the full cooperation of all concerned. A nation-wide shut down is not the preferred option, but we must all work together to avoid this.”

Following reports of a sudden spike in COVID-19 cases, the

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

COVID-19 Committee directed the The Prime Minister also warned Ministry of Health to convene an urgent meeting with the owners of that it cannot be business as usual Sandals Grenada. this Christmas season and called on In his address, Dr. Mitchell assured everyone to exercise restraint and that they will “enforce the law where responsibility. breaches have been determined.”

GIS NEWSLETTER HEALTH MATTERS

Vol. 1, Issue 30

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Ministry of Health Updates Total Active COVID-19 Cases to 44

The Ministry of Health announces that four new positive COVID-19 cases were confirmed overnight, bringing the total number of active cases to 44.

Thirty-nine (39) of those cases are related to the new cluster confirmed on Dec. 12.

The following is a breakdown of the current epidemiological situation of COVID-19 in Grenada: • Five (5) of the 44 active cases are not connected to the cluster. They are imported cases and are in quarantine.

• As of today, Tuesday, Dec. 15, 529 locals have been tested in relation to the cluster, which has yielded 30 total positive results. This number includes employees, affiliated workers and their contacts.

• Eleven (11) guests were tested at the cluster facility. Nine (9) were confirmed positive.

• Two hundred and twenty-two (222) further contacts are identified for testing in the coming hours and days and that number is expected to increase as the investigations continue.

All cases and their known contacts, to date, have been ordered to quarantine for a period of 14 days, as per the epidemiology of the disease.

All quarantined homes and facilities are being monitored for compliance.

The Chief Medical Officer has also directed that all individuals tested as part of this cluster, regardless of their current tests results, remain in quarantine for 14 days or until medical clearance is received from health officials. No one is allowed to visit anyone who is in quarantine.

The Chief Medical Officer reminds that the incubation period of the virus varies for each individual, therefore a negative test result today can change to a posi-

tive result tomorrow for anyone exposed adhere to the quarantine rules and the to the virus. restrictions for social gatherings.

COVID-19 is active in our communities and we must take every precaution to protect ourselves and our loved ones If you believe that you have been exfrom potential exposure and contrac- posed to the virus, or you are displaying tion of the disease. symptoms consistent with those of the The public is reminded that in an effort coronavirus, isolate yourself immediateto curb this outbreak, everyone must wear masks over the nose and mouth ly and contact the COVID-19 Hotline at when in public spaces; wash or sanitize (473) 538-4787, or your nearest health hands frequently; practice physical distancing of at least 6 feet from others and centre.

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Government Refutes Allegations That COVID-19 Positive Visitor Was Allowed to Travel to Grenada The Government of Grenada is refuting allegations that a visitor who tested positive for COVID-19, prior to the travel date, was allowed to enter Grenada.

The Government dismisses this claim as irresponsible and contrary to what the country’s COVID-19 protocols provide for.

The allegation infers complicity on the part of the airlines which serve Grenada and would also be in breach of their operational guidelines.

Grenada’s entry guidelines require visitors and returning Further, the Government considers the news report by nationals to have a negative PCR test within 72 hours of Caribupdate News Service to be libelous and is consider- travel. Individuals are then tested on day four of their peing legal action for the dissemination of such erroneous riod of quarantine and must receive a negative PCR result information. to be allowed into the community.

Ministry of Health Refutes Claim of False Positive Results As health officials work tirelessly to contain the spread of the recent cluster of positive COVID-19 cases in Grenada, the Ministry of Health must refute claims that some individuals received false positive results and were later called by health officials to retract those results.

This is simply not true. At no time were the results called into question and at no time did anyone from the Ministry call anyone in quarantine to retract diagnoses. We, therefore, ask the media and others to cease and desist from spreading such rumors.

Furthermore, we continue to ask, delicate situation, as we grapple with this outbreak. in the public’s interest, that stories be verified with the relevant authorities before they become fodder for con- We urge the public to only accept official reports from the Ministry, as we have consistently and proactively sumption. shared information with you.

From the onset of this virus, the Ministry has stood by the integrity of the PCR test as the scientific gold standard in Meanwhile, individuals who have been ordered to quarthe industry for diagnosing the virus. antine are reminded that they must remain in quarantine Anyone spreading such rumors that call into question the integrity of the test results is seeking to incite fear, and not have contact with others for the stipulated 14panic, and disorder and is creating mistrust in an already day period.

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Prime Minister Credits Cabinet Colleagues for Making Management During the Pandemic Less Stressful Prime Minister, Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell, has credited his Cabinet colleagues for making management of the country during the COVID-19 pandemic, less stressful.

Responding to a question about his well-being, having to govern during the challenges of the pandemic, Dr. Mitchell said the key is in the strength of the team.

The Prime Minister said, “If you try to be a one-man team, you will be swamped, but if you have good team members who are taking initiative, handling matters and providing the necessary support to communities and the country as a whole, it eases up some of the pressure. Therefore, havPrime Minister, Dr. the ing a good team is the key factor. The COVID-19 pandemRt. Hon. Keith Mitchell ic is not an easy thing to deal with, but I think because of that teamwork, it certainly feels easier. My Cabinet colleagues are very competent and when there are issues secure and less stressed about governing the country durthat require my attention they do not hesitate to do so.” ing the global pandemic that has created unprecedented Dr. Mitchell said it also helps that Government has or can source the financial resources that enable it to manage the pandemic, while continuing regular Government operations and meeting necessary expenditure.

He said, “I remember several times where Government wanted to do basic things, but it had no money. We had all the plans but no money. This is the first period where, because we have managed the economy properly, the Government is able to engage in the activities it wants to because the resources are available.”

The Prime Minister reiterated that Government’s prudent fiscal management makes it eligible for sources of funding that many other regional countries do not qualify for.

He said, “We have been able to acquire much more support and loans and grants from the international community than any other country in the Caribbean, simply because we have been able to manage ourselves.

When you do well for yourself, people are more likely to help you. In fact, very soon, we will be getting further support from the International Development Association (IDA), on highly concessional terms.”

Dr. Mitchell concluded his response saying a combination of the outlined factors have led to him feeling more

impacts in all countries.

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Vol. 1, Issue 30

Roland Bhola Returns as Senator Former Agriculture Minister and Parliamentary Representative, Roland Bhola, has made a return to active politics.

Senator Bhola took his oath of office at the start of the Senate budget debate on Tuesday, Dec. 15.

He replaces Kim George, who resigned from the Senate in Oct. 2020.

Bhola’s last active stint in politics was in 2013 when he won his seat and served as a member of Parliament. He did not contest the 2018 general elections but played an integral role in the party’s election campaign.

President of the Senate, Chester Humphrey, welcomed Senator Bhola and expressed confidence that he will add value to the contributions of the house.

“He is a gentleman that you will find is very congenial. I cannot recall an occasion that I have witnessed, or I have heard Senator Bhola having any contentious engages at the level of the house. What happens outside of the house is not a matter for me but certainly in the House he has distinguished himself,” Humphrey said. “I expect that you will enliven the house activities and because of your knowledge of parliamentary procedure but not also the procedure because representation in the Parliament combines both artistry and knowledge and I believe that you possess both.”

In his maiden speech in the house, Senator Bhola said he is excited to be back, and is confident that his contributions will aid in the development of the Senate and by extension the country.

“This journey, for whatever length of time it may be, that at the end of it I would be remembered as a Senator who came in, who did and performed his duty in a manner that brought significant progress, not just to this house but to the people of Grenada.

At the end of the day, I believe that is what

most of us came here to do; the fact that we are here, we would understand that we are here to serve and not to be served,” Senator Bhola said. “At this level, I was not prepared to re-enter, but having been asked and the situation being explained to me that someone is needed to fill the vacant position on this side of the house, I accepted on the basis that I may be able to add value.”

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Former Agriculture Min. and Parliamentary Representative, Roland Bhola

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Vol. 1, Issue 30

Residents of Mt. Horne to Benefit From Playground and Bus Shed Project

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In 2019, 25 young persons from the community graduated from the 11-month training, which covered general construction, hospitality arts and other areas, under the Division of Youth Development’s project, Actively Committed Empowered (A.C.E). Project A.C.E is funded by the Government of Grenada and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and is part of the ASPIRE project.

particularly involves those who completed general construction CVQ Level 2.

He said, “The participants met last year and decided that they would like to construct a kid’s playground for the children of Mt. Horne, a bus shed and street signs in and around the community of Mt. Horne.”

On Saturday, Dec. 12, a team comprising personnel from the Division of Youth Development, Ministry of Social Development, Project A.C.E interns and Andre Belfon Contractors, visited the proposed site for the playground and bus shed. It was an opportunity to meet and assess plans for the project.

The training facilitator for the general construction CVQ was ABC Contractors Training Center and Consultancy. Representative of Andre Belfon Contractors, Andre Belfon, said the project will be done in two phases, beginning January 2021 with the construction of the bus shed.

Young persons from the community of Mt. Horne, St Andrew, who recently completed Level 2 Caribbean Vocational Qualifications (CVQ) in General Construction, will now undergo an internship.

It will entail the building of a playground and bus shed for residents of Mt. Horne, St. Andrew.

Member of Parliament for St. Andrew North West and resident of Mt. Horne, Hon. Delma Thomas

Member of Parliament for St. Andrew North West and resident He said, “We would first have to do some excavation, leveling, of Mt. Horne, Hon. Delma Thomas, said the project will assist in bringing the community together in a safe, stable environ- filling; some retaining walls, after which we will install the site furniture such as the swings.” ment.

She said, “We know of a number of issues and challenges that U.S. $12,000 has been allocated for the project. confront this area and so the project really brings hope for these young people. Being able to assist them, we are hoping that following the completion of the project that these young people, who are being trained, will be able to find gainful employment across Grenada.

ASPIRE Project Coordinator, Lindonna Hillaire-Marshall, said the project seeks to assist young people with rehabilitation and preparation for the world of work.

“This marks the end of project A.C.E, where candidates were to decide on a community project, as a means of giving back and it will also serve as a reminder for the candidates, of their accomplishments,” Hillaire-Marshall said.

Project ACE targets juveniles, youth-at-risk, their families and communities and is designed to build resilience against factors impacting vulnerable segments of this population.

During Training, special emphasis is placed on life skills, literacy, numeracy, skills and small business training. Project Officer of A.C.E, Johnny Calliste, said the community project

EDUCATION CORNER

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Vol. 1, Issue 30

Support for Community Libraries & Schools

Handover of Supplies and Computers to the St. David, St. John and St. Mark Community Libraries

The Ministry of Education, represented by Permanent Secretary, Norman Gilbert and Project Specialist Officer, Michelle Brathwaite, handed over supplies and two computers to the St. David Community Library, on Friday, Dec. 4. On Dec. 14 they also handed over two computers and supplies to the St. John Community Library and cleaning supplies to the St. Mark Community Library.

The computers were donated

by Vinod Jadhav through the Grenada Consulate in the United Arab Emirates. The supplies were provided by the Ministry of Education.

The Director of Libraries, Lillian Sylvester, was present for the handover.

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EDUCATION CORNER

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Support for Community Libraries & Schools

Ministry Commences Laptop Distribution to Pre-Primary and Primary School Teachers

The Ministry of Education, Human Resource Development, Religious Affairs and Information commenced laptop distribution to all teachers of the primary and preprimary schools on Dec. 11. Distribution will continue next term.

Education Minister, the Hon. Emmalin Pierre, went to Woburn Methodist to officially start the process. Thereafter, teams went out and distributed to several other schools.

Teachers at the Mt. Rose Seventh Day Adventist School; Victoria School for Special Education; Chantimelle R.C. School; St. George’s Anglican Senior; Woburn Methodist; Belair Government; St. David’s R.C. and the Holy Cross R.C. Schools all received HP laptops on Friday, Dec. 11.

These devices are expected to aid in the development of e-learning and general day-to-day operations at their schools.

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EDUCATION CORNER

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Support for Community Libraries & Schools Six Schools Receive Computers

Six schools in St. George each received a computer, on Tuesday, Dec. 8, through a donation by Vinod Jadhav of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), whose aim is to foster the development of information communication technology (ICT) in the education sector.

The schools receiving computers were the Constantine Methodist; St. George Methodist; South St. George Government; St. George School for Special Education; Calliste Government and Woburn Methodist.

To date, The UAE has donated more than 75 computers to schools across the country.

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GIS NEWSLETTER

DRUG CONTROL CORNER

Vol. 1, Issue 30

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No. 4, December 2020

Fact Sheet Financial Crimes and Suspicious Transactions in Grenada Reports from various international sources, indicate that cybercrime and financial crimes evolved and increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. One of these crimes is money laundering (ML).

The National Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing Risk Assessment conducted in Grenada 2018, rated the country’s money laundering risk as ‘medium high’.

Money Laundering is defined a ‘doing any act: (a) which constitutes an offence under the Proceeds of Crime Act 6, 2012, Grenada, section 34, 35, 36 and 37; or (b) which would constitute such an offence if done in Grenada, and for these purposes, having possession of any property, shall be taken to be doing an act in relation to it’. These offences include assisting another to retain the benefits of criminal conduct; acquisition, possession or use of proceeds of criminal conduct; concealing or transferring proceeds of criminal conduct; attempting, conspiring and inciting. Money laundering is done to process the proceeds from criminal activities such as illegal arms sales, smuggling, drug trafficking, prostitution rings, embezzlement, insider trading etc. through legitimate transactions, to disguise their illegal origin.

Statistics on Money Laundering Offences, Grenada, January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2019 Persons arrested for ML offences.

28 11

ML

Persons convicted for ML offences.

0

Persons arrested for terrorism financing (TF).

Persons extradited to and from Grenada for ML offences.

XCD 129,225.00

Cash forfeited by the State of Grenada in ML offences, between 2016 and 2017.

Suspicious Transactions include financial activities that are complex, unusual or significant, unusual transaction patterns, as well as of transactions that are not significant but recur periodically, and of those that have no evident economic or legal basis. Money laundering offences and other financial crimes can be identified as a result of suspicious transactions done by clients of financial institutions. The Proceeds of Crime Act 6 of 2012, Grenada, mandates the reporting of suspicious transactions, often referred to as suspicious transactions reports (STR’s), to the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). These STR’s are investigated to determine whether financial offences were committed and can lead to arrests and the seizure of properties (monies, assets such as buildings, vehicles etc.).

Statistics on Suspicious Transactions Reports (STR’s), Grenada, January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2019

565

Total STR’s made by financial institutions to FIU, Grenada.

Distribution of STR’s made by financial institutions

251

STR’s made by banks.

STR

282 STR’s made by money-transfer firms.

6 32

STR’s made by other financial institutions.

Sources of statistics: Grenada Drug Epidemiology Network (GRENDEN) Indicator on Financial Crimes; FIU, Grenada

Grenada Drug Epidemiology Network (GRENDEN) Fact Sheet is a quarterly publication of the Drug Control Secretariat, Grenada; Telephone: 1-473-440-2737, ext. 27037/8; E-mail: drugcontrol@moe.gov.gd www.mgovernance.net/moe/national-council-drug-control

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT CORNER

AGRICULTURE CORNER

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AGRICULTURE CORNER

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Ministry’s Backyard Gardening Programme Provides Assistance

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Understanding that COVID-19 may have far-reaching impacts on the Food and Agricultural Sector, the Ministry of Agriculture, through the Southern Agricultural District, offered assistance to John Rullow, under the Ministry’s Backyard Gardening Programme.

The delegation led by Senior Agricultural Officer, Lauren St. Louis, who is coordinating the program, visited Rullow on Friday, December 11, at his home in La Calome to plant material provided under the Backyard Gardening Programme.

The team assisted in basic land clearing and planting of crops such as: lettuce, pak-choi and sweet and salad peppers on Rullow’s small backyard plot. This gesture provides Rullow, who is visually impaired, with regular access to healthy and nutritious foods.

The Backyard Gardening Programme is a component of the Government of Grenada’s COVID-19 Mitigation and Response Plan, geared towards the agricultural sector.

Members of the Extension Division (Southern Agricultural District) will continue to follow-up and offer support to Rullow.

Hon. Peter David, who stopped by to see the work being done, had a chat with Mr. Rullow

AGRICULTURE CORNER

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RUBIS GIVES BACK

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GRENADA FOOD AND NUTRITION COUNCIL CORNER

RECIPE:

FISH CREOLE STYLE INGREDIENTS 2-3 lbs fish seasoned 1 medium onion sliced 2 cloves garlic crushed 2 medium ripe tomatoes sliced 3 Tbsp margarine 1 Tbsp tomato paste Vinegar or lime juice METHOD SautĂŠ onion and garlic in melted margarine then remove.

Stir in tomato paste. Put in seasoned fish cover and cook over low heat for about 4 minutes.

Turn fish carefully. Arrange tomato and onion on top and cook for another 2 -4 minutes.

Sprinkle with lime juice or vinegar before serving.

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GIS NEWSLETTER

FOOD-BASED DIETARY GUIDELINE TRAINING

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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PUBLIC NOTICE

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Motor Vehicles 10 Years and Older Not Allowed in Grenada After Dec. 31, 2020

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NEWSLETTER GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICE

Friday, Dec. 18, 2020

Vol. 1, Issue 30