Government Information Service Newsletter - Vol. 1, Issue 31 - 2020

NEWSLETTER GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICE

Vol. 1, Issue 31

Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2020

World Bank Approves

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US $25 MILLION CREDIT for Grenada’s COVID-19 Response and Recovery USA and Grenada Sign

BILATERAL DEBT AGREEMENT DETAILS ON PAGE 11

INSIDE PAGE 04

GOVERNMENT SUSPENDS ALL AIR TRAFFIC BETWEEN GRENADA AND THE UK

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INVESTIGATION LAUNCHED INTO PROTOCOL BREACH

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MINISTRY OF HEALTH WORKING TO PREVENT FURTHER COVID-19 SPREAD AND MUCH MORE...

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Restriction on Freedom of Movement

NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTORS

GIS DIRECTOR AG Leslieann Johnson PRESS SECRETARY Philomena Robertson GIS REPORTERS Mina Booker Keville Frederick Carrema Lewis Delroy Louison Abigeil Mc Intyre Chrisan Mitchell Annette Moore Shere-Ann Noel June Paul Eugenia Peters Rickisha St. Louis Jazelle Sylvester DESIGN & LAYOUT Dwayne Francique EDITOR Annette Moore

Beginning the 21st day of December, 2020 and ending on the 3rd day of January, 2021 a curfew shall be imposed on each day from the hours of 8:00 p.m. and ending at 5:00 a.m. the following day. During this period every person shall remain confined to their place of residence (inclusive of their yard space) to avoid contact outside of their household, except as provided in the Regulations or as may be authorised in writing by the Commissioner of Police acting on the direction of the Cabinet.

Source: Ministry of Health Grenada

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World Bank Approves US $25 Million Credit for Grenada’s COVID-19 Response and Recovery accountability.

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The World Bank Board of Executive Directors approved, on Dec. 17, the This operation builds on Grenada’s U.S $25 million Grenada COVID-19 strong collaboration with the World Crisis Response and Fiscal Manage- Bank on strengthening resilience to ment Development Policy Credit. disasters, building the Blue Economy This quick-disbursing financing will support the country’s efforts to respond to the COVID-19 crisis in the short term and enhance long-term sustainability and resilience.

and further enhancing fiscal sustainability. The financing, which is from the International Development Association (IDA), is interest-free with

a maturity of 40 years, including a “In recent years, the Government grace period of 10 years. of Grenada has made significant progress on economic reforms and SOURCE: The World Bank fiscal consolidation. The COVID-19 crisis, however, has had a disproportionate socio-economic impact on highly tourism-dependent small island economies, including Grenada,” said Tahseen Sayed, World Bank Country Director for the Caribbean. “This operation aims to help Grenada weather the current crisis, support livelihoods and enhance resilience.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has hit Grenada hard. Although the number of COVID-19 cases has been relatively low, the economic contraction has been severe: GDP is projected to contract by 12 percent in 2020. This World Bank financing is expected to help the government to strengthen the country’s health systems and protect livelihoods through financial assistance to the tourism sector, the agriculture sector and small businesses. The operation also supports the country’s medium-long term structural reforms to improve fiscal management and debt transparency, enhance climate resilience and strengthen public

World Bank Country Director for the Caribbean, Tahseen Sayed

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Government Suspends All Air Traffic Between Grenada and the UK The Ministry of Civil Aviation informs that the Government of Grenada has taken the decision to suspend all air traffic between Grenada and the United Kingdom, effective 22:00 (AST), Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, until further notice.

Anyone who has been in the United Kingdom in the previous fourteen (14) days will not be permitted entry into Grenada.

This decision, taken in line with many other countries, is to prevent, as best as possible, the introduction into Grenada of the new strain of the coronavirus recently discovered in parts of the United Kingdom.

Scientists have advised that this new strain of

COVID-19 poses a new health risk, as it appears to spread more easily and may be up to seventy per cent more transmissible than the earlier strain.

We extend apologies to all our stakeholders, including the airlines and our nationals and friends in the United Kingdom who were scheduled to travel to Grenada in the coming days. As this is a developing situation, decisions have had to be made quickly, and in the best interest of Grenada.

We will continue to closely monitor the developments related to COVID-19 in the United Kingdom and make further adjustments to Grenada’s entry protocols accordingly.

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Investigation Launched Into Protocol Breach Government commits to identifying the breach in COVID-19 Protocols that has resulted in a recent spike in cases.

An investigation has been launched to determine the breach and the party/parties responsible.

Leader of Government Business in the Senate, Hon. Simon Stiell, said once the investigation has concluded, remedial action will be taken.

“Investigations are still taking place to identify the breach in the protocol. With those ongoing investigations it’s too early to comment on precisely where that breach occurred, but investigations are taking place and we’ve made it very clear that once that breach has been identified the necessary actions, all necessary remedial action, will be taken,” he said.

The Ministry of Health has embarked on rapid contact tracing, following the announcement of a cluster of COVID-19 cases.

Senator Stiell said there is no need for panic, since the Ministry continues to efficiently manage the situation and Grenada has the second lowest COVID-19 rates in the region.

Leader of Government Business in the Senate, Hon. Simon Stiell

HEALTH MATTERS

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Ministry of Health Confirms Two New Cases of COVID-19

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In the last 24 hours, Grenada has recorded two (2) contact tracing, quarantining and containment. new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number of active cases to fifty-nine (59).

Citizens and visitors are urged to continue to comThe first new case is a member of our medical ply with the new regulations as well as the safety team, marking the first time that a frontline work- measures, such as frequent washing and sanitizer has tested positive for the virus. ing of hands; wearing of masks over the nose and mouth when in public spaces; practising physical The other new case is a traveller from the United Kingdom, who arrived in Grenada on Dec.16 and distancing of at least six feet away from others has been in quarantine since, testing positive af- and obeying the orders for quarantine and isolater day four. tion.

Both individuals are asymptomatic and are being monitored, like all other positive cases. In fact, all but one of the 59 positive individuals are asymptomatic or experiencing mild symptoms. As announced previously, one young man from the cluster developed pneumonia but his condition has been steadily improving. This is encouraging to the Ministry of Health as, so far, our health system has not been overwhelmed with the sudden spike in positive cases.

Public testing efforts are aggressively under way, because we know that the only true measure of Grenada’s success in fighting this deadly disease is widespread testing.

As always, we remind that if you have been exposed to the virus, or you are displaying symptoms consistent with those of the coronavirus, It is imperative that as a population, we work to- isolate yourself immediately and contact the COgether to keep it that way. Health officials will VID-19 Hotline at (473) 538-4787, or your nearest continue to work tirelessly in all aspects of testing, health centre.

HEALTH MATTERS

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Ministry of Health Working to Prevent Further COVID-19 Spread

Grenada’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shawn Charles, has warned that Grenada can end up with a community spread of COVID-19 if unable to control the cluster of 26 additional cases that were announced on Sunday, Dec. 13.

The cases, which originated from the Sandals Resort, include guests and employees, as well as their contacts.

During the GBN programme, Beyond the Headlines, Dr. Charles said the Ministry of Health is aggressively working to ensure that the situation does not spiral out of control.

He said, “Right now we have a cluster of cases that are linked to a particular site and all our efforts are now directed at controlling this cluster or this outbreak, in an attempt to avoid a scenario where you have community spread, where there are cases appearing everywhere and you cannot trace who infected who. We do not have community spread as yet. Our efforts are directed at preventing that.”

Former Chief Medical Officer and member of the COVID-19 Committee, Dr. George Mitchell, has assured the public that they have embarked on a strategy that will help to keep the situation under control.

He said, “We have used the experience that we’ve gained from other situations to bring to bear on this particular outbreak and I’m sure that Dr. Shawn Charles, who is leading the efforts, would be in a position to give to the nation and the international community that we are doing what we have done in the past to ensure that this situation is brought under control in as quick as time as possible, so as we go forward life could return to a sense of normalcy. So, I think it is important that we give that to the public.”

Meanwhile, Minister for Health Hon. Nickolas Steele, dismissed claims that Sandals had pressured the Government into any type of arrangement. He said flights have been taking people to other establishments as well and pointed out that there have been positive cases in other establishments.

“Now if we find that there have been blatant ig-

noring of the rules and regulations, then yes it would take a life of its own.

It has nothing to do with the Ministry of Health once evidence does show, but I want to reiterChief Medical Officer, ate this is not the Dr. Shawn Charles first place since this pandemic has been identified that has had employees infected. It may not be the last as well and we need to treat it that way,” he said. “The Ministry is addressing it the same way we addressed the issue previously when employees were infected, to ensure that we remedy that situation but also recognizing that as we move forward there may be other instances where this happens again and that is why we need to have the three levels of defense. We still need to, once we get on top this situation, we still need to continue to maintain the level of due diligence that we have been imploring the public to maintain.”

HEALTH MATTERS

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Workplace Guidelines for Suspected COVID-19 Case at Work

+Do not permit employees, customers or suppliers to enter your establishment if they are displaying symptoms consistent with COVID-19 including, cough, shortness of breath, diarrhea or fever. +Employees who are well but who have a sick family member at home with COVID-19 should remain at home, notify their supervisor and contact the Ministry of Health. +If an employee becomes ill with one of these symptoms while at work, put the person in a room where they are isolated from others in the workplace. Ensure that they are wearing a mask. Limit the number of people who have contact with the sick person. +Contact the Ministry of Health immediately and report the employee. +Obtain the names of all employees, or customers that this employee might have come into contact with over the past 10 days. Have this list ready for Health officials. +If an employee calls in sick with any of the respiratory symptoms, instruct them to call the Ministry of Health immediately and report this at (473) 538-4787 or 458-4787 #BeCOVID19Smart - Know the symptoms.

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

addresses students at assembly

Plaque of appreciation presented to Prime Minister

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CBI to Generate More Revenue in 2021

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Grenada’s Citizenship by Investment Programme will be a significant player in generating revenue in 2021.

Chairman of the CBI Unit, Senator Christopher De Allie, said on Thursday, Dec. 17, during his contributions to the 2021 Senate budget debate, that the programme has been identified for being able to withstand the challenges of the global pandemic.

He attributes the successes of the CBI Unit during the pandemic to the confidence investors have in Grenada’s product and have been used to support some of in the Government. the spend that we had to do when In 2021, Grenada’s CBI Programme is ex- we had all these programmes to help pected to generate over $100 million in in the various sectors that were colgrants that will finance the Public Sector lapsing. When you compare what CBI Investment Programme, as well as attract has done to the other sectors, the main sectors like tourism and agrimillions in foreign direct investment. culture, you can understand that we “In this time of COVID and the environ- have to say thank God we have a CBI ment internationally, foreign direct in- Programme that could have helped vestments (FDI) have been depleting over us through this particular period,” he the years and have gotten more difficult said. to attract and our destination, when you look at where we are and what we have to Senator De Allie further explained, offer, the ability to attract any significant FDI has been a challenge. CBI has been helping significantly in that area. That is one of the areas that we have used successfully to attract foreign direct investments into our country in various areas,” he said. “As you know in the budget, CBI programme is expected to bring in $174 million dollars, in relation to grants, as it comes under to finance the PSIP – the Public Sector Investment Programme. So, it is going to be a significant player as we go forward in 2021.”

He outlined some of what has been achieved during the months of COVID-19 restrictions.

“We have been able to get money into the National Transformation Fund that would assist Government with Infrastructural Development and putting aside monies for contingency issues, which would

saying, “The programme continues to sell very well under its two sections, primarily sections 10 and 11.

Section 10 is for monies coming into the National Transformation Fund and Section 11 is for investments coming for the accommodation sector and various other sectors identified by the Government, as it relates to projects that could be undertaken under CBI Projects.”

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USA and Grenada Sign Bilateral Debt Agreement

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In a ceremony at the Ministry of Works’ conference room on Friday, Dec. 11, the United States and Grenada signed an agreement to consolidate and reschedule certain debts owed to the United States, to support the Government of Grenada to devote those resources to increase social, health and economic spending in response to the COVID-19 crisis.

Once in force, the agreement defers until 2022/2024 the payment of more than $320,000 in principal and interest due between May and Dec. 2020, so that Grenada can focus on immediate pandemic needs.

The agreement implements the terms of the Paris Club-G20 the economic effects of COVID-19, Debt Service Suspension Initiative, the United States renews its of which Grenada is a beneficiary. commitment to Grenada and its people. I’ve seen firsthand how the Minister for Finance, Gregory Bowen, diminished number of tourists and and U.S. Embassy Grenada Chargé d’ students, along with the new COVID Affaires, Karl Duckworth, signed the cluster, has affected the lives of agreement.

Grenadians.”

“Grenada is deeply appreciative of the move by the United States to defer the amounts owed to that country. We commend their responsiveness to the Debt Service Suspension Initiative, which is crucial to the efforts by our country to redirect resources to mounting an effective response to the COVID-19 pandemic and to fostering the early stages of recovery. The effectiveness of our efforts, thus far, is due in large part to the relief granted through this debt service arrangement,” Minister Bowen said.

Minister for Finance, Gregory Bowen, and U.S. Embassy Grenada Chargé d’ Affaires, Karl Duckworth

COVID-19 responses.

This initiative is creating tangible, rapid benefits for the world’s countries that need it most.

The Paris Club was formed in 1956 and is an informal group of official creditors whose role is to find coordinated and sustainable solutions to the payment difficulties experienced by borrower countries.

“The United States is leading the effort to combat COVID-19 and its threat to global health and security,” added Duckworth. “Addressing debt transparency and sustainability is a priority for the United States to enable the long-term financial stability of Grenada and other countries as they The members of the Paris Club face the difficult choice of servicing are the governments of Australia, debt or responding to urgent health Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, and economic needs.”

Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, In April 2020, the United States helped Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, the lead the G20’s efforts to establish the Netherlands, Norway, the Republic Debt Service Suspension Initiative, of Korea, the Russian Federation, which provides a suspension Speaking at the ceremony, on official bilateral debt service Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the Duckworth said, “At a time when so payments by low-income countries United Kingdom and the United many in Grenada are impacted by so they can channel savings toward States of America.

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13 New Ice Machines for the Fisheries Sector

The Division of Fisheries within the Ministry of Sports, Culture and the Arts, Fisheries and Co-operatives, has advised that 13 new ice machines will be procured, delivered and installed at all Fish markets in Grenada and Carriacou in 2021, through a grant from the Japan International Cooperation System.

tional, the public should note that the Waltham area can be serviced by the ice machine located in Victoria, while Sauteurs can be serviced by the ice machine that is operated by the Fishermen’s Co-operative in that area. The Melville Street facility is primarily supplied with ice from the Gouyave facility. Duquesne has a functioning freezer for the effective storage of the relatively small quantity of fish that is The Division is cognizant of the challenges faced by many landed in that area. Ice can be sourced from Victoria for the regarding the unavailability of ice for use in the fishing industry. Currently, the fish markets at Gouyave, Grenville Duquesne facility. and Victoria have functioning ice machines that can adeThe Ministry is committed to engaging the fishers and quately supply the fishers in those areas. stakeholders with a view to dealing with the challenges of Although the ice machines at the Waltham, Duquesne, the sector and formulating strategies to address and grow Sauteurs and the Melville Street fish markets are non-func- the sector.

Fire Response in Every Parish Infrastructure Development Minister, Sena- main on the Carenage. He said the goal is to tor Norland Cox, cleared the air on miscon- have efficient fire response in every parish. ceptions surrounding plans to construct new police headquarters and fire departA substation will soon be in operation in St. ment.

David.

He recently announced that the new police headquarters will be constructed on the Carenage, which is currently home to the Senator Cox said, “There’s a building that we Fire Department. During his presentation have down for renovation for the fire subon the 2021 budget on Wednesday, Dec. 16, station and a new fire truck for St. David on Sen. Cox said a fire substation will remain on its way. We are not minimizing that - the obthe Carenage with the police headquarters, which means the entire fire department will jective. What we are trying to do is to ensure not be relocated. Two fire engines will re- that we have fire response in every parish.”

Infrastructure Development Minister, Senator Norland Cox

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Government Recommends Gravel and Concrete and Trade Union Meet to Resolve Dispute Over Profit Sharing The Government of Grenada has advised the management of the Grenada Gravel Concrete and Emulsion Production Corporation to initiate a meeting with representatives of the Grenada Technical and Allied Workers Union (TAWU), which represents workers there.

Workers at the corporation downed tools on Thursday, Dec. 17 to demand the payment of the annual profit-sharing.

tween the corporation’s management and the Union representatives should examine the situation, with a view to According to the collective bargaining agreement be- determining the medium to long-term impact of profittween the corporation and TAWU, permanent employees sharing this year and a more responsible timeline that will are expected to benefit from 15 percent of the company’s satisfy the needs of all concerned. annual pre-tax profits while contract staff receive one Government notes that the dispute over profit-sharing month’s salary. comes at a time when hundreds of other workers across The corporation did in fact record a profit during 2019, the country, have been on the breadline since the onset the year on which this year’s profit sharing will be based. of the pandemic in Grenada.

However, with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the closure of business operations during the period of lockdown, the company faced a significant reduction in income, while at the same time continuing to pay workers throughout the period of inactivity.

Additionally, millions of dollars have been invested in capital expenditure, purchasing new equipment and refurbishing or upgrading existing machinery with a view to improving the corporation’s capacity and the efficiency of its operations.

With the pandemic creating a very uncertain business environment, based on its widespread impact, there are serious concerns that the payment of bonuses could impact the corporation’s future cash flow, jeopardise jobs and offset further capital expenditure plans to enhance operational efficiency.

Government believes urgent dialogue be-

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ICT Officer, Jervis Dabreo, is Get Safe Online Caribbean Superhero monwealth & Development Office.

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The news release also stated that the judging panel, which convened on Friday, Dec. 11 comprised Get Safe Online’s Jenny Thornton (Head of International Relations) and Sarah Sawrey-Cookson (Communications Director) alongside John Hering (Senior Government Affairs Manager, Digital Diplomacy at Microsoft). The panel identified one overall Cyber Hero winner and three nominees to be highly commended.

The nominees were assessed on the following criteria: - That they worked hard to help people stay safe online - That they had gone above and beyond the call of duty - They had a COVID-19-specific aspect to their heroic work - The extent of their impact in their country, and how their work benefited several sectors of society.

ICT Officer in the Ministry of Education, Human Resource Development, Religious Affairs and Information, Jervis DaBreo

ICT Officer in the Ministry of Education, Human Resource Development, Religious Affairs and Information, Jervis DaBreo, is the winner of the inaugural Get Safe Online ‘Cyber Heroes’ award.

This award is given to the person who went ‘the extra mile’ to increase awareness of online safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Other commended individuals from the pool of submissions from 12 other Caribbean countries, included Zamar Thomas, Dominica; John Avery, Belize and Daren Dhoray, Trinidad and Tobago.

DaBreo was very active during the COVID-19 lockdown period from March 2020, on various mediums, promoting internet safety, doing fact-checking of information sources on the coronavirus and other topics and providing support to the Grenadian community to ensure their online safety.

His commendation in the Get Safe Online article reads: “He has been hosting a weekly zoom show on cyber security and has made great steps in getting Grenadian cyber ready, for lack a better term. As we move more into the digital space has a stood up and aided the Grenadian people in cyber readiness and general information which has aided them in transacting safely in cyber space. His focuses on things a such phishing and highlighting basic According to a release by Get Safe Online, the tools/ programs that users can use to transact safely in cyawards were launched in Nov. 2020. People in berspace.” various countries which had Get Safe Online websites were asked to nominate someone who Dabreo has also produced a document for circulation on had ‘gone the extra mile’ to increase awareness of online safety during the COVID-19 pandem- cyber security. ic. Get Safe Online operates websites and has a network of local Ambassadors and champions, The Ministry of Education, Human Resource Developas part of the UK Commonwealth Cyber Security ment, Religious Affairs and Information congratulates Programme, funded by the UK Foreign, Com- Dabreo on this milestone achievement.

GIS NEWSLETTER EDUCATION CORNER

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Primary School Teachers Get Laptops

Education Minister, Hon. Emmalin Pierre, hands over laptop to Woburn Methodist School Principal, Richard Japal

Teachers at the Woburn Methodist School are the first recipients of laptop computers, as the Ministry of Education continues its tablet distribution drive under its E-Learning initiative in schools island wide.

era who is building on that very important sector in our economy should provide the capacity building of teachers and today these devices are doing just that. I expect us to be leading, placing a very good foundation and at the same time enhancing our education product here in GreDuring the months of September and October the Min- nada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.” istry of Education equipped all secondary school students and teachers with e-learning devices. Some primary Grade six teacher, Judy Fraser, is excited about using the school teachers received the laptops on Dec. 11., with oth- new laptop to educate her students. For her, it is a longer teachers scheduled to receive theirs in the new school awaited experience. term in January.

“I feel very excited; elated; overjoyed,” She said. “I’m very Education Minister, Hon. Emmalin Pierre, remains optimis- happy to receive that HP laptop. It looks state-of-the-art tic that Grenada will continue to rank high and to be on and it looks like it will be able to do all of my work. I love uspar with international countries with the implementation ing technology to teach and everything I do I try to incorof e-learning in schools. porate technology into it, because the children love that. I do PowerPoint in my class. I do that through my teaching, She said, “I know for many of you it was a challenge. For so definitely that laptop will be used to continually.” many of you you thought this was impossible and you are still trying. I see it all the time and I have a couple teach- Teachers at the Chantimelle Roman Catholic School; Vicers in my constituency and I was looking at them teach a toria Child Development Centre; the Victoria School for zoom lesson and I said we still have some more work to Special Education; St. David’s Roman Catholic School; Bedo, but I am confident the credit we are getting regionally lair Government; Holy Cross. R.C. and the St. George’s Anand internationally as a country – as a Ministry of Educa- glican Senior and Junior schools also received laptops on tion – I believe with the distribution of these devices it is Dec. 11. going to aid significantly. Our teachers would be far more equipped. Our teachers will be far more motivated and I want to encourage you – be a model.”

Principal of the Woburn Methodist School, Richard Japal, is happy that his school can now enjoy the benefits of a blended learning approach. He encouraged his staff to use the devices to improve the educational development of the students in their care.

He said, “Any robust educational institution in this modern

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EDUCATION CORNER

Vol. 1, Issue 31

Grenadian Student, Kaydia Joseph, Named to the Dean’s List at Southeast Missouri State University

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Grenadian student, Kaydia Joseph, was named to the Dean’s List at Southeast Missouri State University for the Fall 2020 semester.

Joseph, a former Grenada Customs Officer, earned a perfect 4.0 GPA in all six courses. In a semesGrenadian student, ter interrupted by the coronaviKaydia Joseph rus which forced students to end their coursework online, Joseph managed to maintain concentration to excel.

A graduate of Westerhall Secondary School and the T.A. Marryshow Community College, Joseph is also a student ambassador on her campus.

Southeast Missouri State, along with Western Illinois University and Arkansas State University are among several U.S. universities offering significant partial scholarships in multiple programs for Grenadian and Caribbean students.

Who can take part?

The Competition is open to children and youth between the ages of 5 and 13, living anywhere in the world.

The age to declare in the entry form is the one at the time of entering

the Competition. Minors must have the permission of their parents or legal guardians to participate in the Competition.

ALL DETAILS ONLINE: http://www.fao.org/plant-health-2020/artcompetition/enter-the-contest/en/

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IMF Needs to Help Region Devise Economic Recovery Plan that we have devised in the past and According to Director of the IMF’s Western Hemisphere Department, Alejandro Werner, with the Caribbean being one of the regions hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) needs to assist it in devising a regional economic reconstruction and recovery plan to mitigate the effects.

The IMF has rolled out significant financial support for member countries to finance the drop in taxes and the increase in expenditure, as a result of COVID-19, and has given approximately $100 billion in financial support to 83 countries.

The Caribbean received in region of $1 billion in financing, which was given to eight countries that reached out to the Fund for emergency financing.

Werner, who was a guest on the regional programme, the Caribbean Economic Forum, along with Prime Ministers Dr. Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and Hon. Mia Mottley of Barbados, said many countries of the Caribbean are not within the framework of a programme with the IMF and will have to build their policies to respond to the pandemic. Additionally, he said the IMF and other international financial institutions will need to support these programmes with sufficient financing.

“Then we start rolling those programs out and adjusting their magnitude in response to the way the pandemic and the economies evolve. I think that we’re totally in agreement that we have to put ourselves to work in assigning the policies that will support the recovery and then when the economies are on a clear recovery track, guarantee that these countries will maintain sustainable and stable financing, so normal means of lending will resume and we have to structure both of these things within the context of these recovery programs and we should start working extremely fast and, as Prime Minister Gonzales said, we should not limit ourselves to the boxes

to the extent that there is some need to modify them or create new ones, we should do that,” Werner said. “In that sense the international community is thinking and Prime Minister Modi has been instrumental in pushing the idea of a multi-donor trust fund to provide liquidity for debt services purposes but also to finance resilience building in an environment where climate change will be shaping our future as well.”

Dr. Gonsalves said the region has to collectively pull its weight and work smarter in the face of these challenges, but there must be greater support from international financial institutions.

He said, “A lot of countries are going to have to look to construction. St. Vincent is going to have to look to that – St. Vincent and the Grenadines - and to agriculture and fisheries and hopefully medical cannabis and probably yachting tourism. That is what I would like to say to begin with, but it is an ex-

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Alejandro Werner, Director of the IMF’s Western Hemisphere Department,

tremely difficult situation. I wouldn’t say that it’s a crisis, because a crisis is a condition in which principals are innocent of the extent of the condition and have to clear idea – no credible idea as to the way forward. We know the extent of the condition. We’re not innocent and we have a clear set of ideas as to how we should get out of the condition, but we need support from the international financial institutions and, of course, all of us in the region we have to pull our weight and work harder and smarter.”

AGRICULTURE CORNER

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Sen. Bhola Says Agriculture Budget Allocation is Not the Issue

Newly appointed Senator, Roland Bhola, is refuting claims made by Agriculture Senator, Roderick St. Clair, that not enough money has been budgeted for agriculture in the 2021 budget.

compliance rate of farmers. He said more needs to be done to find out why farmers are unable to pay their loans and find a way forward.

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The former agriculture minister explained that the issue is not the amount allocated, but how it is used and how much of it is utilized by the beneficiaries. Senator Bhola says agriculture continues to be a critical driver of economic growth. He emphasized that although there are complaints about the quantity that is set aside to boost development within the sector, there is never a “Not very long year that the agriculture minister had to request more ago a study was done as it Senator, finances to complete projects or programmes.

Roland Bhola relates to the He said, “Is it really not enough being budgeted, or is it c o m p l i a n c e a situation where as a people, as a country, as a sector, rates of farmers paying back, remembering where they we do not maximize the total potential of what is in that borrowed from,” Senator Bhola said. “Eighty percent sector or what is budgeted for us?” He said. “We often non-compliance rate among the farming community times talk about the need to see more for agriculture and we need to find out why. Is it because they are not and I do agree – I honestly do agree Mr. Deputy Speak- making money or is it because they are not businesser, that maybe with more money as some people would minded enough.” like to see a bit more can be done, but with the present amount being budgeted if you are to do a search, go five years back and look at what has been budgeted to the Ministry of Agriculture and tell me one year in which all of the money budgeted for capital projects has been spent and there was a desire or request for more. I rather doubt that we can find a budget that will prove that to us.”

In response to Senator St. Clair’s statement on the reluctance of financial institutions to do business with farmers, Senator Bhola highlighted a recent study that was conducted on the

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DRUG CONTROL CORNER

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Contaminated Alcohol Utensils and COVID-19:

Substance Use and COVID-19:

A Potentially Deadly Combination

A Potentially Deadly Combination Smoking devices (bongs, pipes, electronic cigarettes, vape pens) which are contaminated with the coronavirus, can increase the risk of spreading the virus, if they are shared among users.

Cigarettes, marijuana and crack, can become contaminated when they are used by persons who have contracted the virus.

Fingers and hands can transmit the virus to the mouth and into the body.

Smoking and COVID-19 will damage the respiratory system, and increase risk of pneumonia.

Be smart, protect yourself, quit smoking.

The new corona virus (SARS-CoV-2) is a respiratory virus which spreads primarily through droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through droplets of saliva.

The corona virus which causes COVID-19, can survive on surfaces (floors, desks, utensils, mobile phones, etc) up to three (3) days.

Practice social distancing; stay at least six feet apart from others.

You can catch the corona virus if you touch surfaces or objects which are contaminated with the virus, and then touch your eyes, nose or mouth.

Never use or handle the utensils (glasses, bottles etc) which other persons used in the consumption or dispensing of alcohol.

Sale of alcohol is not permitted under the Emergency Regulations.

Be smart, protect yourself, abstain from alcohol consumption.

A message from the Drug Control Secretariat Telephone: 1-473-440-7911 E-mail: drugcontrol@moe.gov.com March 25, 2020

A message from the Drug Control Secretariat Telephone: 1-473-440-7911 E-mail: drugcontrol@moe.gov.com April 8, 2020

Drinking Alcohol and COVID-19: A Potentially Deadly Combination As social distancing becomes necessary, due to the growing pandemic of the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and COVID-19, loneliness, depression, anxiety, and stress can develop. This can influence the desire to turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism.

Using alcoholic beverages as a stress reliever during this period of confinement is not a wise choice.

Alcohol weakens the immune system and make you more susceptible to pneumonia, COVID-19 and other ailments.

Use alcohol as a sanitizer; but do not drink.

If you do not consume alcohol, do not begin now.

If you do drink alcohol, reduce consumption, or abstain from drinking.

Be smart, be safe, protect yourself, and avoid alcohol consumption.

A message from the Drug Control Secretariat Telephone: 1-473-440-7911 E-mail: drugcontrol@moe.gov.com April 8, 2020

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PUBLIC NOTICE

GIS NEWSLETTER

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RUBIS GIVES BACK

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No Regular Christmas in the Gardens Activities The Grenada Cultural Foundation will incorporate a different approach in hosting this year’s Christmas in the Gardens event.

Taking into consideration protocols established in lieu of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Sir Eric Matthew Gairy Botanical Garden will only have a display of lights for 2020. The official switching on of the lights scheduled was on Sunday Dec. 13.

CEO of the Cultural Foundation, Shirma Wells, said, “We felt strongly that we needed to continue to keep some presence, especially a visual presence of Christmas and what it means to us traditionally. Lights are important to us as part of our Christmas traditions.

Yes, indeed, the beautiful star that came from the east to the wise men.

That’s the significance of the light and we felt that it would bring some joy. We felt that it would bring the spirit of the season in a visual way to our people. We’re going to be extending the life of the lights in the gardens this year all the way up to the third of January.”

Wells says there will be other activities in place to bring some Christmas joy for 2020.

Christmas in the Gardens 2019 - Photo compliments The Grenada Cultural Foundation Facebook page

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GRENADA FOOD AND NUTRITION COUNCIL CORNER

RECIPE: YAM BALLS

INGREDIENTS 2 lb cooked yam 1 Tbsp soft margarine or vegetable oil ½ cup low milk 1 Tbsp mustard ¼ tsp grated nutmeg 2 Tbsp grated onion Beaten egg and crumbs for coating

METHOD Mash yam while still hot.

Add onion, oil, milk, nutmeg and mustard. Blend well. Shape into balls. Coat in beaten egg and breadcrumbs and deep fry or bake till brown at gas mark 6.

Makes about 16-2 oz balls

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RECIPE

1 tsp. yeast 1 lime and 1 orange 8 cups Water

Method 1. Wash rice and dry. Put in a jar with dried sorrel, mace, sugar and water.

2. Stir, then sprinkle yeast on top 3. Peel lime and orange and cut in halves and add to the mixture 4. Allow lime to remain in mixture for 1 week and remove, remove orange from mixture after 2 weeks 5. After 3 weeks, strain and bottle in clean sterilized bottles.

Baked Stuffed Chicken Legs INGREDIENTS 6 chicken legs 1 cup biscuit or bread crumbs 2 oz margarine 1 small carrot grated 1 oz raisins METHOD 1.

Remove bone from chicken legs. Season and let stand for a while.

2.

Prepare stuffing: chop onion, celery and chive. SautĂŠ in fat.

3.

Add biscuit or bread crumbs, carrot and raisins.

Add liquid to make paste.

4.

Remove legs from seasoning and stuff.

5.

Bake as for baked chicken.

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Grapefruit Wine

Sorrel Wine Ingredients 2 cups. Dried sorrel 2 lbs. sugar 3-4 pieces of mace 2 ozs. Rice

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Ingredients 8 grapefruits, peeled and slices 1 cup raisins 6 cups sugar

3 cups proof rum

1 stick cinnamon

15 cups water

2 whole cloves

rind of grapefruit

Method 1.

Mix all ingredients in a large jar.

2.

Cover and leave to mature for 4 weeks

3.

Strain the mixture through a muslin cloth, preferably into dark bottles

4.

Store in a dark cupboard

Sea Moss INGREDIENTS ½ lb sea moss 4 cups water Lime Milk Grated nutmeg Stick of cinnamon Vanilla essence METHOD 1.

Wash sea moss with lime and soak overnight.

2.

Discard water and boil with 4 cups water and cinnamon stick until tender.

3.

Swizzle and strain while warm. Add milk, lime rind and nutmeg.

This stuffing may be used for whole chicken and fish as well.

Serve over crushed ice.

GIS NEWSLETTER

FOOD-BASED DIETARY GUIDELINE TRAINING

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NEWSLETTER GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICE

Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2020

Grenada Gets Recognition for Approach to Education During COVID-19 Pandemic Minister for Education, Human Resource Development, Religious Affairs and Information, Hon. Emmalin Pierre, said Grenada is getting international recognition for its approach to education and learning in the face of the global pandemic.

Minister for Education, Human Resource Development, Religious Affairs and Information, Hon. Emmailin Pierre

On Thursday, Dec. 10, the Minister participated in a Regional Education 2030 webinar to promote knowledge and information exchange in response to COVID-19. The online meeting focused on what was done, lessons learnt and how countries intend to move forward.

At the end, it was agreed that each country in the region and internationally saw the pandemic as the opportune time to transform and innovate their education systems. Following the meeting, Minister Pierre commended teachers in Grenada for accepting the challenge of incorporating technology in learning. She said while Grenada’s education system is being recognized globally, there is still a lot to be done.

She said, “Grenada has done exceptionally well and I believe it’s because of our collaboration – how we came together, but guess what, we are very far from excellence – very, very far from excellence, but we are recognized as outstanding.

So, if we can be recognized as outstanding with where we are, you can help me imagine where we can get to and the model that we can be, not just in the region but internationally.”

The Ministry of Education in 2021 will continue to dialogue with counterparts regionally and internationally, to assess and implement measures aimed at enhancing the education sector.

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