Government Information Service Newsletter - Vol. 1, Issue 32 - 2020

NEWSLETTER GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICE

Thursday, Dec. 31, 2020

Vol. 1, Issue 32

New Measures Instituted to Prevent Spread of COVID-19

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

SEE PAGE 02

HIGH RATINGS

for Kirani James Athletics Stadium DETAILS ON PAGE 10

INSIDE PAGE 03

PRIME MINISTER SAYS GOVERNMENT’S STRATEGY FOR A CAPITAL INTENSIVE 2021 BUDGET IS SOUND

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AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION WILL CEASE IF PRAEDIAL LARCENY IS NOT ADDRESSED

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FINANCE MINISTER PLANS TO WORK CLOSELY WITH THE GRENADIAN DIASPORA AND MUCH MORE...

GIS NEWSLETTER

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

Vol. 1, Issue 32

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New Measures Instituted to Prevent Spread of COVID-19 As a result of the recent spike in Covid-19 cases, the Government of Grenada has instituted additional measures to help curb the potential for the further spread of the virus in Grenada.

In delivering a national address on Monday, Dec. 21, Prime Minister and Minister for National Security, Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell, stated that the true extent of the crisis the country now faces may still be unknown.

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

Dr. Mitchell stated that while the measures instituted may seem a bit harsh at this time, it is necessary to take control of the situation.

“Health officials have explained that based on the estimated window of exposure, many persons are possibly in the incubation stages of any potential infection and, therefore, we must await their testing on the scientifically appropriate day to better determine the magnitude of that cluster. It is against this background that the Government of Grenada has taken the decision to impose a curfew, as announced through the Government Information Service earlier today and which went into effect at 8 p.m.,” the Prime Minister said. “The nightly curfew will be lifted at 5 a.m. daily. It will remain in effect for 14 days in the first instance. I encourage your full compliance.”

Dr. Mitchell said the nightly curfew is intended to minimize the number of social gatherings that generally take place during the Christmas season. A special appeal was also made for bus drivers and conductors to ensure that passengers who use public transport wear a face mask or suitable covering that thoroughly covers the nose and mouth.

“Do not be afraid to refuse service to passengers who refuse to comply. It is far less costly to lose one bus fare than to be the conduit that facilitates transmission of this deadly disease. Similarly, I encourage the managers of stores, supermarkets and other businesses to have at least one person assigned to monitor and manage adherence to the in-store protocols.

The sacrifices made today by each and every Grenadian is critical to saving lives,” the Prime Minister said.

He explained further, saying, “Take out or delivery service only for restaurants. Village shops including those licensed to sell liquor must limit to three the maximum number of persons served on the premises at any given time. A mask must be worn over the nose and mouth at all times in public spaces. The recommended physical distance should be observed.”

He also said, “The number of guests at weddings and funerals is limited to ten, unless permission is sought and obtained from the Ministry of Health. Social gatherings at entertainment venues and beaches are expressly prohibited. Families are advised to create a household bubble, limiting their Christmas day activities to individual households, while opting to share virtually with other family members and friends.”

The Prime Minister reiterated the point that the general public should make it their duty to use information entirely from the Ministry of Health or from the Government Information Service, to avoid creating fear and panic.

GIS NEWSLETTER

Vol. 1, Issue 32

Prime Minister Says Government’s Strategy For a Capital Intensive 2021 Budget Is Sound

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Prime Minister, Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell says Government’s focus on infrastructure development and the construction sector, to stimulate economic recovery in 2021, is sound planning.

In his contribution to the debate on the 2021 budget, Dr. Mitchell, the former Minister of Finance, underscored the importance of this approach in creating jobs for many Grenadians.

the economy. You cannot successfully run a country if you do not create an environment that stimulates productive activity and facilitates a capital development programme.”

sound economic policies that the Government will be able to attract continued grant support to help build the economy.

Dr. Mitchell highlighted Government’s continued commitment to its social programmes designed to assist the most vulnerable, but he noted Infrastructure development rethat critical attention must also be paid to empowering more individu- Dr. Mitchell also noted that it is ceived the largest allocation in the als to enable them to take care of through the demonstration of such 2021 budget, $133.7 million. their families.

Dr. Mitchell said building the economy, gaining resources and investing in capital stocks, are all critical factors that contribute to moving the country forward. He said economists always advise Governments to “spend less on bureaucracy, spend less on outlays, on salaries and invest money in capital stocks.”

The Prime Minister further stated, “When people give you money, for example concessionary loans from the International Development Association (IDA), spend it on increasing salaries and you will get nothing more. It is better to spend it on building your capital stocks, thereby generating resources in the productive sectors of

AGRICULTURE CORNER

GIS NEWSLETTER

Vol. 1, Issue 32

Agricultural Production Will Cease if Praedial Larceny is Not Addressed

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Agriculture Minister, Hon. Peter David, said Government will inject more than $200, 000 into the sector to tackle praedial larceny in 2021.

Government has been dealing with the issue for years, even after the establishment of the Praedial Unit and task force in collaboration with the Royal Grenada Police Force in 2013. Minister David stated that moving forward the Ministry will work with stakeholders to implement other aspects of the Praedial Larceny Act to bring about a speedy resolution to the problems faced by farmers.

“The Ministry of Agriculture is now working to implement other parts of the legislation, because the legislation does not only speak to sentencing. It speaks to an entire mechanism. It speaks to things that need to be with the Royal Grenada Police Force in order to get it done and you see the problem with praedial larceny is not only the moral issue of theft. When you go to the farms and you meet farmers who are saying to you that if we do not solve this problem we will leave production,” Hon. David explained.

“Imagine, we met a farmer in Windsor who said that he planted a whole, big area of tania. Just about time to reap, all the tania was gone; similarly with watermelon.

So, the fact is it is not just the moral issue of theft. It is the issue of production and how it’s going to affect agriculture going down the road, because the truth is that there

Agriculture Minister, Hon. Peter David

are lots of farmers who will decide that they are not producing if they do not benefit from the production,” the Minister said.

Amendments were recently made to the Praedial Larceny Act, which focused on setting up a licensing regime, establishing a management committee, mitigating the adverse effects of the crime and applying stiffer penalties.

The Agriculture Minister said the onus is on members of the various communities to speak out and protect the agriculture sector.

He said, “We’ve spoken to farmers. We’ve spoke to persons who can assist to get cameras and drone technology – get new technology involved in fighting praedial larceny, but the fact is praedial larceny is not only caused by the person who is stealing. That person who stole the ginger is not consuming all the ginger. Somebody is buying it and we, the society, are complicit in that because we sometimes pass on the side and you see men selling stuff. I have no problem giving a man a ‘bly’, but if what he is selling there is the labor and the sweat and tears of a farmer, we have to deal with that.”

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Vol. 1, Issue 32

Finance Minister Plans to Work Closely with the Grenadian Diaspora Giving full support to the 2021 estimates of revenue and expenditure presented by Finance Minister, Hon. Gregory Bowen, on Dec. 2, Foreign Affairs Minister, Hon. Oliver Joseph, said with $12.9 million allocated for foreign affairs, less than last year’s allocation, he is ready to perform with the allocated funds.

Areas of focus for 2021 were highlighted by the Foreign Affairs Minister during his contribution to the 2021 budget debate on Monday, Dec. 7.

Resource mobilization and expanding representation worldwide are to be prioritized.

“We need to get more from our diaspora. We need to get more from our friendly governments. We need to get more from international and regional institutions and we could get more you know, Mr. Speaker. We have to do the work here. We must know the know the opportunities that exist and prepare to write proposals to access funds and that is where the emphasis is going to be – resource mobilization, number one and number two is expanded representation throughout the world and we think, with a combination of these things, we can deliver much more to Grenada.”

The international organization for migration has completed a study on the diaspora policy for Grenada which will be approved for implementation by January 2021. Minister cited the importance of diaspora affairs to the economy.

He said, “We think the diaspora could do a lot more in the development of our country. What we talk about the most is the remittances. That is obvious but we have to go beyond that and the policy addresses that and shows the various areas where the diaspora can contribute and this will be given emphasis. The Office of Diaspora Affairs will be under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and it will be staffed with competent people, so that we can really give due focus to the diaspora community. As you know, it is said there are more Grenadians living outside of Grenada than in Grenada, so we need to tap into the resources of the diaspora.”

Foreign Affairs Minister, Hon. Oliver Joseph

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HEALTH MATTERS

GIS NEWSLETTER

Vol. 1, Issue 32

Seaford Foundation Makes Donation to Assist Diabetic Patients

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The Seaford Foundation founded by Grenadian, Ronald Seales, which includes a number of Grenadians living in Mississauga, Ontario Canada, recently made a donation of 100, 000 metformin pills to Dr. Carol McIntosh, the head of the donation table at the General Hospital in Grenada.

The donation was made to allow the Grenada health authority to distribute the drug free of cost to diabetic patients in Grenada, who cannot afford to purchase the drug.

Via the Zoom platform on Tuesday, Dec. 22, founder, Ronald Seales, along with members Carl Marshall, Gregory Griffith, Tamara Seales-Knight and Consul General, Derick James, spoke with the GIS about the organization and its good will gesture.

Seales said while his foundation has made donations to the country in the past, diabetes has become a critical area of concern across the Caribbean.

there is an opportunity to tie it back to the community in Grenada, we have done so. This year has been an anomaly in a variety of ways, as I’m sure all of you can appreciate, and one challenge that was faced was the supply chain.

So, there has been a number of challenges in getting goods – whatever they might be - from point A to point B, because there have been a number of interruptions.

I was very, very proud of my team that they were able to bring the products from its source all the way through He said, “I have been looking at statistics and it’s amazing how many young to Grenada to be able to provide to those who need it Founder, people in the Caribbean are being diwith the product. So, we would like to continue to do so.

Ronald Seales agnosed with diabetes. That is primarI was always brought up to give back whenever possible, ily assumed to be lifestyle. So, it has because we all, in a variety of ways, are the next benefibeen rapidly affecting people worldwide, with profound- ciaries of generosity, at some point or another.” ly crippling social, economic and cultural consequences.

Sadly, the Caribbean and Grenada in particular, is no exThe Consul General also highlighted ception. If we look at the stats its tentacles have been spreading everywhere, but unlike many other environ- the importance of diaspora involvements – and I am sure we have all considered this before ment in helping to improve the - the Caribbean population, whether due to an inherent health sector in Grenada. James asbiological predisposition coupled with a distinct cultural sured the members of the foundalifestyle, it’s exponentially increasing incidence is causing tion that the metformin pills will be a much more troubling social and economic effect.” distributed to those most in need.

The president of the foundation is the daughter of founder Ronald Seales, Tamara Seales-Knight. She told the GIS that she is extremely elated to work with an organization whose objective is giving back to society, enabling a difference.

Consul General, Derick James

“It is critical that we get some kind of reporting from the Ministry, Dr. Carol McIntosh, as to how the distribution took place, where it was distributed and I will liaise with Dr. McIntosh to see if she could provide a report to Seaford and the other members here as to how these pills were distributed, because it goes a long way in helping people in future doPresident, She said, “My father has consistently Tamara Seales-Knight nations,” he said. “There is a second shipment to be made sometime in January and in order for that to go forward, for as long as I can remember always had a strong tie back to Grenada and we want to make sure that the first set has been widely whatever success we’ve had here in Canada, whenever distributed.”

HEALTH MATTERS

GIS NEWSLETTER

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Three new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Grenada

The Ministry of Health has recorded three (3) new still be followed rigidly, if Grenada is to win this cases of COVID-19 in Grenada. battle against COVID-19.

All three cases are connected to employees from A breach or violation of the emergency rules puts the cluster, and are so far asymptomatic. us further at risk and undermines the nation’s abilDuring the last 36 hours, 29 more previously posi- ity to contain the spread of the virus. tive individuals were medically cleared, bringing Grenada’s total active cases to twenty (20).

The Ministry reminds everyone to follow the safeThe health team continues active testing to clear ty guidelines of mask wearing over the nose and other individuals who have passed the incubation mouth when in public spaces, washing and saniperiod, as well as others who are in some way con- tizing hands frequently, and practising physical nected to positive cases, distancing of at least six feet. so as to determine their present risk status.

Contact tracing efforts are continuously underway, given the prevailing presence of the disease in several communities where many are quarantined or under isolation.

It is also timely to remind the population of the rules for social gatherings. No gathering is allowed outside of your household, and for weddings and funerals, there is an allowance of ten people.

While the Ministry is encouraged that the active case count is on a downward trend, we should not Let us work together to begin 2021 the way we drop our guards. All health and safety rules must started 2020 - COVID-19 free.

HEALTH MATTERS

GIS NEWSLETTER

Vol. 1, Issue 32

Addressing Backlog in COVID-19 Testing

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The Ministry of Health has increased the use of PCR machines to address the backlog in testing for COVID-19.

Acting Permanent Secretary, in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Francis Martin, said the recent spike in positive cases has resulted in a delay in testing and providing results for tests that were conducted.

The guidelines of the world’s governing health organizations advises that a second test must be conducted on all positive individuals between 12 and 14 days after their first test, before they are granted medical clearance. However, during the weekend of Dec. 19 to 20, health officials worked to clear the backlog.

Martin said, “The backlog that we experienced over the weekend was simply because of the increased numbers of tests that we’ve had to run over the last few days and of course that was spiraled because of the usual testing requirements for travelers as well as the clusters that we’ve seen. Our contact tracing has recognized that there is quite a number of persons that need to be tested. So, that’s the reason for the backlog that we have had.”

He explained further, saying, “The testing protocol that we have is consistent with our international protocols. You come into the country with a negative PCR and regardless of the negative PCR, you are now tested again between seven to 12 days thereafter and that is, of course, to give enough time for the incubation period in the event that your first test actually missed the diagnosis.”

Martin said the additional PCR machines are now being used to reduce the waiting period for tests to be conducted.

He said, “The measures is just upgrading and becoming more efficient with what we do. It’s not anything additional. It’s just a matter of being able to streamline and improve our capacity to test. We now have additional PCR machines available at the lab; an au-

Acting Permanent Secretary, Dr. Francis Martin

tomatic extractor which will give us the ability to do a lot more tests in a very short space of time.”

Martin continued, saying, “The other issue is making efficient our sample collection procedures; ensuring that we have enough boots on the ground to collect the samples as we should. So, it’s not that we’re doing anything new, but we’re improving the capacity of what we currently do and what we currently have on the ground.”

For individuals in quarantine who are awaiting a retest, Martin explained how it’s conducted and what warrants a second test.

He said, “I came on a particular day and many of the colleagues that I came with have already exited quarantine and I haven’t exited quarantine. Why am I still here? And they may have been told that they need to retest. It’s a very significant thing to understand. We do testing in batches, so if the machine flags a batch as being positive, that particular batch has to be rerun and each person in that batch is tested separately to be able to identify where the positive test may have been. So, that is the reason why someone may have been told that re-testing is taking place or that’s the reason why they were told that they have to wait and others are exiting quarantine before them.”

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

addresses students at assembly

Plaque of appreciation presented to Prime Minister

GIS NEWSLETTER

Vol. 1, Issue 32

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GIS NEWSLETTER

Vol. 1, Issue 32

High Ratings for Kirani James Athletics Stadium

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Grenadian 400-metre track athlete, Meleni Rodney continues to be a good ambassador for Grenada.

Danny Williams, the coach of German long jumper Alexandra Wester, said the passion with which Rodney spoke of her island was the selling point for his decision to establish a training camp in Grenada. Rodney is in her final year at UCLA in the United States.

He said, “This spot was chosen mainly particularly because of one individual, Meleni Rodney, who, while I was coaching at UCLA, was also a student athlete there and she’ll be graduating this year, was very instrumental in us deciding to come here, because she talked so excitedly, so heavenly about how beautiful the country is, the weather, the people, the culture and I just felt like it was something we could not miss out on and it also helped that COVID-19 – it was rated as one of the best places in the world. So, between the places that we looked at in other parts of the world, this stood out as number one, so we’re here.

Jani Ratia, the Finland based coach of Canadian 100-meter hurdler, Phylicia George, said Grenada is indeed the best choice, taking into consideration systems implemented to curb the spread of COVID-19.

ing equipment here, so we have everything here. We have a really good stadium. Then we have the one in La Sagesse where we go to do the grass track and the weights over there and we have a nice beach to train at – in the sea and on the sand and this wonderful weather and green island. We are close to nature, so I believe we humans we really like it when we can be close to nature.”

Acting Coordinator of Sports, Kerlon Peters said that apart from Melani Rodney being a true ambassador for her country, exposure through the Grenada Invitational and the sterling performances of Anderson Peters, Kurt Felix, Lindon Victor and Kirani James, among others, are all contributing factors to the recognition that Grenada is receiving.

He said, “The training facility – I’ve been saying this is in really good condition. It’s clean and we have all the He said the stadium facility is well equipment that we need and plus equipped to assist local and inwe brought some of our own train- ternational athletes.

Peters said, “It helps boost out tourism package. The more and more that we can put on international games; the more and more we can promote our country by the exposure of our international athletes it will attract visitors like them to train. I think that’s out aim for the future, to see how we could develop our sports tourism package as a revenue earner. We have a perfect stadium. We have a facility completely to go with that. We have the physiotherapists office, where you meet Dr. Christopher. We have the gym.

We have the beach – they love the beach. They love the culture.

So, we have to go out there and sell it.”

AGRICULTURE CORNER

GIS NEWSLETTER

Vol. 1, Issue 32

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Agriculture to Benefit From MBIA Upgrade

Infrastructure Development Minister, Senator Norland Cox

The agriculture sector stands to benefit from the multi-million-dollar upgrade project at the Maurice Bishop International Airport.

Sen. Cox explained the benefits of this development when he addressed government’s town hall constituency meeting at the Marian Multi-Purpose Community Centre Infrastructure Development Minister, on Dec. 8.

Sen. Norland Cox, said upgrades at the country’s international airport “One of the important and key include the construction of a developments in this airport upgrade warehouse and cold storage facility would be a warehouse facility for our for agriculture products being agricultural produce - cold storage, imported and exported. so produce can be stored there safely before they are exported –

produce coming in, produce going out, fish products. So, this also lends itself towards the development of agriculture in Grenada, so be very, very mindful of that.”

Since

Government

turned

the

sod in October 2020 to signal the commencement of the project, talks have surfaced regarding its importance at this time. Senator Cox emphasized the importance of maintaining international standards to attract more airlines and visitors.

“This project is significant for the future development of Grenada,” he said. “Other countries are upgrading and we, too, have to stay in line if we

Sod Turning

want to take advantage and to allow our country to develop.”

GIS NEWSLETTER

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Climate Resilient Agriculture Project Launched

Agriculture Minister, Hon. Peter David

The Ministry of Agriculture and Lands has gone a step further in its efforts to build climate change resilience and focus on mainstream biodiversity conservation, with the launch of the Climate Resilient Agriculture for Integrated Landscape Management Project.

The Dec. 10 launch was done in partnership with the Global Environment Facility and the United Nations Development Programme.

With emphasis being placed on land degradation and biodiversity, Minister for Agriculture, Hon. Peter David, said the project fits into the Ministry’s goal of better organizing the sector to boost production and build resilience.

He said, “Through projects like this, we can undertake concrete actions that directly impact the lives of our stakeholders, making climate smart agriculture and sustainable land management practices more sustainable. Tangible results create stakeholder buy-in. We, as policy makers and project implementation technicians, must always bear this in mind. Therefore, we can only build climate resilience by translating this project and others like it into tangible investments that benefit our sector stakeholders. Stakeholders will only adopt smart practices if these practices yield economic returns.”

UNDP Representative, Mohammad Nagdee, said due to the onset of COVID-19, the traditional method of operating is no longer viable.

He said the time presents an opportunity to

have more resilient development planning, that is climate friendly and environmentally sustainable.

He said, “COVID-19 has provided us with an unprecedented opportunity – a chance that re-shifted our societies and economies to build forward better and to bring balance between people and prosperity - that means no one left. The COVID-19 crisis proves that transformational change is possible and that smart recovery, guided by science, can put in place the building blocks for positive, long-term impact. Transformative approaches for climate resilient agriculture are both necessary and feasible.”

Under the project, valued at U.S. $130,000, at least eight agroprocessing and two agro-tourism businesses will be supported with technical assistance in production, labeling and the marketing of climate smart agricultural products.

There will also be biodiversity conservation, expansion and integration with climate smart agriculture and sustainable land management measures at the La Sagesse Watershed, Great River Watershed, and the Levera Pond Watershed, among others.

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Ministry of Finance to Work With Non-Compliant Businesses and Individuals to Collect Taxes The Ministry of Finance will work with non-compliant businesses and individuals to collect tax arrears during the first quarter of 2021.

Finance Minister, Hon. Gregory Bowen

During his wrap up of contribution on the 2021 budget on Monday, Finance Minister, Hon. Gregory Bowen, announced that personnel will be increased in the Inland Revenue Division to collect taxes that have not been paid.

Minister Bowen said taxes will not be increased, considering the current economic climate.

The Inland Revenue Division will implement strategies to get non-compliant businesses up to date with tax payments.

He said, “Deliberate in detecting and deterring potential non-compliance and showing that penalties and sanctions are enforced accordingly.

So, we’re asking all persons who should be taxed to be prepared to do so, Mr. Speaker. We’ve developed a comprehensive strategy for improving compliance among the large and medium taxpayers.

With immediate effect, the IRD will contact all professionals – accountants, lawyers, engineers, real estate agents - who have arrears, so that they can make payment of the annual license and wipe out the arrears.”

Speaking on the way forward, the Finance Minister said no business will be forced out of operation because of tax arrears.

He said, “IRD will view existing payment

arrangements to make them flexible in catering to the cash flow challenges that businesses may have due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The measure will ensure that businesses are not forced out of operation due to the servicing of their tax obligations. We want businesses to thrive and grow. Better business performance will aid in improving revenue collection, Mr. Speaker.”

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Vol. 1, Issue 32

Grenada to Invest More in Renewable Energy

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With plans in place to unfold a new solar project, Minister for Finance, Hon. Gregory Bowen, said the Government of Grenada will invest more in the area of renewable energy.

The Renewable Energy Project includes changing street lights and other public lights to LED powered by solar.

When Minister Bowen addressed constituents at the Government townhall meeting in Marian on Dec. 8, he explained that the yellow lights currently being used contribute to high electricity costs and global warming.

He said, “We must use renewable energy. So, no longer would you buy the yellow mercury light that will be using a lot of current and contributing to global warming. You must use the LED and, moreover, it must be powered from solar lights. Now, we had everything planned to bring the first 150 lights into the country and then COVID came and with the drop in revenue of $182 million, then estimated to be a drop of over $132 million by the end of the year, you could see that we had to prioritize.”

Finance Minister, Hon. Gregory Bowen

due to the lockdown, plans to make the switch were placed on hold. Moving forward, solar panels will be added to lights at playing fields and basketball courts.

He said, “The lights that we have at the pasture and the lights in the basketball court – very soon we’ll be adding the solar panels to them so that young men, instead of contributing towards the electricity you’ll contribute to help us to buy the solar panel, so that we can do what we have to do with respect to saving our The Finance Minister said Government invest- world and saving on the use of fossil fuel and electriced in over 100 LED lights pre-COVID 19, but ity.”

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SPORTS CORNER

Vol. 1, Issue 32

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International Athletes in Training Camp in Grenada

Phylicia George and Trainer

Two international athletes, Phylicia George, a Canadian who specializes in the 100-meter hurdles, and Alexandra Wester, a German whose specialty is in the long jump, recently attended a training camp at the Kirani James Athletic Stadium.

The training forms part of their preparation for Olympics 2021. The athletes told GIS they chose Grenada because of its success in controlling the spread of COVID-19, the hospitality of the people and the availability of facilities at the Kirani James Athletic stadium.

“I feel like Grenada has everything I could want.

There’s absolutely beautiful facilities. We all know Grenada is basically like a paradise. It’s so amazing to be down here – to be in the warm weather. I wanted to just be somewhere where I could be outside. I know I’m going to get amazing weather and then obviously my family is from here, so being able to feel like I’m at home getting cooking – good meals – and just having that wonderful support system around me. Everybody in Grenada is so friendly. You can’t lose in Grenada. Everybody takes care of each other, so it just really creates this environment of support and having amazing facilities to get really great work in to get ready for the Olympics,” George said.

Alexandra Wester and Trainer

I’m moving through the hurdles really well. We’re trying to increase my speed just on the flat, so there’s a lot of different things that we’re playing with, but all small, fine tuning technical things,” she explained.

This is Wester’s first visit to Grenada and she, too, spoke highly of the facilities, which she said are suitable for the type of training she is currently undergoing. She said the facility is adequate for the type of training that she is undergoing at the moment.

She said, “My personal best is 6.95. I have been participating in the Olympics in Rio in 2016. I went to the European Championships, German Indoor Championships and to the World Indoor Championships and World Championships, so the last couple years it’s always its always been the international champs and yes, then my coach from the U.S., Coach Williams was like, okay, we’ve got to do a training camp. We’ve got to go where it’s warm; where we’ve got good conditions and he said let’s go to Grenada and I was like, ‘Okay. I’ve never been to Grenada, but it sounds good.’ So, since we’ve been here, I love it. I love the island. We’ve been extending our stay and everything works very well here.”

“Kind of revamping my hurdle technique, so it’s a lot of technical work. I’m working on just making sure Both athletes were accompanied by their coaches.

GIS NEWSLETTER EDUCATION CORNER

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Commonwealth Scholarship Tenable in the United Kingdom

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the United Kingdom in collaboration with the Government of Grenada is offering masters scholarships for suitable qualified people tenable at the various universities in the United Kingdom, commencing Sept./Oct. 2021.

Full details of the terms and conditions of the 2021 scholarship cycle can be obtained at the commonwealth’s website: http://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/about-us/scholarships Commonwealth Consortium of Schools: Applicants should apply to study at a UK university, which has a part funding agreement with the CSC. The CSC’s selection criteria and list of universities are available at: http://cscuk.dfid.gov.uk/ apply/applicants .

ALL applicants are advised to take note of the following: • Must demonstrate in their application the direct and applied relevance of their study to development in Grenada and make such links explicit in your application • State in your application, which of the six (6) development themes you are applying under.

• Select up to three (3) Sustainable Development Goals relevant to your development impact.

• Sign a declaration that you cannot afford to study in the UK. • Provide the Selection Panel with a personal statement, which will provide more information about your background. This would be considered by the panel but will not be graded.

Please note that applicants must be nominated by Government of Grenada to be considered eligible for the scholarship then complete the CSCUK online scholarship form.

Required supporting documents for Government of Grenada nominated candidates: • Application form (to be obtained from Scholarship Desk) • Two (2) reference letters for Masters • Certified copy of birth certificate • Certified copy of passport bio-date page • Certified copies of ALL academic certificates • Certified copies of university academic transcripts • Copies of acceptance letters (from at least two universities) • One (1) passport sized photograph • Personal statement Please note that nominated applicants must provide a copy of their completed CSC application form to the Human Resource Development Division/Scholarship desk.

The Government of Grenada Commonwealth Scholarship form must be completed and submitted, along with the relevant documents, to the Human Resource Development Division/Scholarship Desk, Ministry of Education, Human Resource Development, Religious Affairs and Information at the Botanical Gardens, Tanteen, St. George’s, on or before Friday, January 8, 2021.

For additional information please contact the Scholarship Desk at telephone number (473) 440 -3767, or cell on 417-9762 or email at hrd@moe.gov.gd .

EDUCATION CORNER

GIS NEWSLETTER

Vol. 1, Issue 32

Six Schools in St. George Receive Computers

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Six schools in St. George have each received a computer compliments of a donation by Vinod Jadhav of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as a contribution to the development of Information Communication Technology in the Education sector.

The UAE has so far donated more than 75 computers to schools and libraries in Grenada. The latest recipients are the Constantine Methodist School, St. Georges Methodist, South St. George Government, School for Special Education, Calliste Government and the Woburn Methodist schools.

UAE Representative, Ismail Obaid, said, “We are here not only for this computer. We are here to support Grenada and Grenadians. Us, as a group, we are looking forward at the new generation. We would love to empower the new generation. The older generation is here to give us the base and we are looking forward. Your children and our children will have the same destination and all countries today are looking inwards, because the challenges are mounting, because we don’t want to end up either broke or sick or completely allowing things to get out of hand. We want to maintain this place, so empowerment, through the computers, is the first step that we have taken.”

Minister for Education, Human Resource Development, Religious Affairs and Information, expressed appreciation.

She said, “Please do convey, both yourself and Obaid, my deepest appreciation to what I would call the chief donor, that’s Mr. Vinod Jadhav, who has recognized the importance of education and he has been on a mission.

So, today, we’re only doing six, but the mission is just about wrapping up the delivery of computers to all primary schools in Grenada. Every primary school is the goal and, so, I think we want to recognize his contribution. I want to really place on record the importance of partnership in all aspects of life and education is no exception.”

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Russia Donates Reagent Kits to Grenada for Complex Diagnostics of COVID-19 Infection

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Federal Budget Institution of Epidemiology of the Federal Service on Customers’ Rights Protection of the Russian Federation (The FBSI Central Research Institute of Epidemiology) donated reagent kits required to perform COVID-19 testing to the Ministry of Health of Grenada.

On December 14, 2020, as part of the implementation of the Order of the Government of the Russian Federation of 15/05/2020 No. 1280R, the Director of the Institute, Vasily G. Akimkin met with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Grenada, H.E. Oleg Firer, and the First Secretary of the Embassy of Grenada Kemal Nicholson.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, the Russian Federation has supported the efforts of the World Health Organization (WHO) to prevent the global spread of the new coronavirus infection. Government of the Russian Federation provides material and technical support to the countries of Eastern Europe, Transcaucasia, Central and Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, South America, supplying test systems and the necessary reagents for carrying out various stages of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) studies.

As part of the order of the Government of the Russian Federation, to assist in the fight against COVID-19 in Grenada, the Director of the Institute, Vasily G. Akimkin handed over to the Ambassador of Grenada, H.E. Oleg Firer kits of reagents for the isolation of RNA / DNA from clinical material “RIBO-prep” and kits of reagents

Russia Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Grenada to Russia Institute Director Vasily G. Akimkin First Secretary of the Embassy

for obtaining cDNA on the RNA matrix “REVERTA-L”, which are necessary for the comprehensive diagnosis of the new coronavirus infection. The donation, valued at US$50,000 is intended for 500 studies.

The FBSI Central Research Institute of Epidemiology is honorably fulfilling the mission entrusted to them to provide assistance in the fight against the pandemic to a number of foreign countries. Since the beginning of March 2020, the Institute has provided methodological, scientific and practical assistance in the field of epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of COVID- 19 to specialists from China, Italy, Malaysia, Grenada, Moldova, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, etc. Since the beginning of the novel coronavirus pandemic infections on the instructions of the Government of the Russian Federation, laboratory diagnostics tools were supplied to more than 40 countries of the world.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Grenada, H.E. Oleg Firer said “We are pleased to work with the FBSI Central Research Institute of Epidemiology and receive this generous gift of vital testing systems that are needed to diagnose the virus. We hope that this aid package will help speed up testing of COVID-19 and slow down the spread of the virus.”

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New Emergency Powers Act Regulations Explained The Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) held a press briefing to explain the contents of the new regulations under the Emergency Powers Act, on Wednesday, Dec. 23, The press briefing was facilitated by ACP Michael Francois and Officer in Charge of the Community Relations Department, Supt. Vannie Curwen.

RGPF Press Briefing

these regulations, these are the categories of professions that are considered essential workers.”

The new regulations have granted the commissioner of Curwen said being employed in an essential service police the authority to make certain rules on the direc- does not automatically make you an essential worker. tive of the cabinet of Grenada, to fight the spread of the “You might be employed with an essential service but COVID-19 virus on the island. you being outside between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. must be François took the lead, reiterating that a Curfew is in in relation to duty and job, in relation to the essential effect and that several checkpoints will be established service that you are a part of. Notwithstanding the fact that you are a part of an essential service, you must be that will include road blocks and traffic checks. going to or from those duties to be covered as an esHe said, “We want you, as a public, to expect to see the sential worker under the regulations, as it relates to the police in high numbers, as during the period of night- curfew,” Curwen explained. time between the hours of eight and five there is a curfew in place and so we expect the public to come out The general public is encouraged to familiarize themduring the day to do most of the shopping that many selves with the new regulations and operate within the are accustomed to. Some persons do late night shop- ambits of the law. ping. Now, that cannot be done. The police would have changed the operational roster to ensure that we provide the safety and security that we need during this period.”

Curwen said the regulations will bring into sharp focus the meaning and understanding of certain terminologies, making reference to the issue of essential worker and essential service.

He said, “An essential worker means an officer, staff, employee, director or manager of the Royal Grenada Police Force; NADMA; Her Majesty’s Prison; waste disposal and sanitation companies; hospital and health care; airport and ports authorities; the establishment in the water sector or electricity sector and establishment in the telecommunications sector; any print or electronic media. So, under

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Removal of Masks on Public Transport Prohibited

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Officer in Charge of the RGPF Community Relations Department, Supt. Vannie Curwen, addressing members of the media at a news brief on Wednesday, Dec. 23, said it is now an offence to remove your facial mask or covering while on public transport.

The rise in numbers of COVID-19 positive cases on the island, linked to the recent cluster, is one contributing factor for initiating this new rule.

Curwen said, “Regulation 9 of this new regulation prohibits eating and drinking in public transportation. The idea here is not to prevent you from eating or drinking, as it were, but to ensure that the mask will remain in your face for the duration of the time that you are on the public transportation. So, there should be no eating or drinking on public transportation and this is a change from what we have had before, under the old regulations, whereas you could have done it before now this regulation is saying there should be no eating and drinking.”

Curwen also used the opportunity to inform holders of emergency passes that the ones now in their possession under the old regulations expired on Dec. 23.

He said, “Members of the public wanting permission to move during the curfew period must now apply for new passes under these new regulations and to do so you can send your request via email to rgpfcovidops@rgpf.gd or rgpfcovidops@gmail.com.

Officer in Charge of the RGPF Community Relations Department, Supt. Vannie Curwen

In your application, it is important to state your name, vehicle number, address and the purpose for which you are applying for the permission.”

Freedom of movement is restricted between the hours of 8 p.m. and 5 a.m.

GRENADA FOOD AND NUTRITION COUNCIL CORNER

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RUBIS GIVES BACK

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DRUG CONTROL CORNER

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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

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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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FOOD-BASED DIETARY GUIDELINE TRAINING

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NEWSLETTER GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICE

Thursday, Dec. 31, 2020

Vol. 1, Issue 32

RGPF is Ready to Serve Supt. Vannie Curwen, Officer in Charge of the Community Relations Department said officers of the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) stand ready to serve, to ensure that there is adherence to the COVID-19 protocols and regulations.

Curwen recently spoke to GIS on the issue of a curfew scheduled to take effect from 8:00 p.m. on Monday. Dec. 21.

Curwen said, “Once a curfew is established, it means that movement of people will be restricted and those being outside during the curfew period must be authorized so to do, by procuring the necessary passes that will require them to be out. Although I cannot be specific in the general sense, once a curfew is established you need to have a pass to be outside during the period.

That is going to be enforced. The law enforcers are going to be out ensuring that we enforce whatever the executive wants.�

He also noted that while many may have pre-empted that there was going to be a curfew at some point, due to the increase in positive COVID -19 cases, consideration will be given to essential workers, which includes media workers, who due to the nature of their duties may have to be on the road after 8 p.m.

Officer in Charge of the RGPF Community Relations Department, Supt. Vannie Curwen

For those who may no longer have a valid pass in their possession, a work identification card or a signed letter from manager or supervisor with company stamp should be carried at all times, until a new pass is issued.