Government Information Service Newsletter - Vol. 2, Issue 3 - 2021

NEWSLETTER GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICE

Tuesday, Jan. 26 2021

Vol. 2, Issue 03

St. Lucian Trade Unionist

Commends Grenada Government For Transparency in Discussions on 4% Salary Increase For Public Officers DETAILS ON PAGE 07

“

Head of the Government Negotiating Team, Hon. Oliver Joseph

The Grenada government must be given points for the manner in which it has handled the situation.

Transparency is the best way to go in any circumstance.

General Secretary of the St. Lucia Civil Service Association

“

- Mr. Claude Paul,

INSIDE PAGE 04

WEAR YOUR MASK CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED

PAGE 08

GOVERNMENT PRIORITIZES BREAKWATER PROJECT IN 2021

PAGE 10

GOVERNMENT CONTINUES TO INVEST IN SKILLS TRAINING

AND MUCH MORE...

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St. Lucian Trade Unionist NEWSLETTER Commends Grenada Government CONTRIBUTORS For Transparency in Discussions on 4% Salary Increase for Public GIS DIRECTOR AG Officers 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 Jermonne Adams DESIGN & LAYOUT Dwayne Francique EDITOR Leslieann Johnson

The General Secretary of St. Lucia’s largest Public Sector Trade Union has commended the Government of Grenada for the level of transparency it has brought to discussions with Trade Unions and Staff Associations regarding its request to defer the 4% salary increase for 2021 to public officers.

In its request for a deferral of payment which amounts to $13.2 million, government explained that the COVID-19 pandemic has placed undue burden on its financial resources, because it has led to a reduction in revenue generation while at the same time, government had to take immediate, emergency policy action to provide support to households and businesses, which involved significant unplanned expenditure.

Mr. Claude Paul, General Secretary of the St. Lucia Civil Service Association,

Mr. Claude Paul, General Secretary of the St. Lucia Civil Service Association, says the Grenada government must be given points for the manner in which it has handled the situation. He said “transparency is the best way to go in any circumstance. It is always good to let the other party know what your situation is, and I believe with that posture, you can make a lot more progress than trying to dictate to persons how they should act.”

While Government acknowledges that the increases were agreed upon in good faith, it is requesting that consideration be given to deferring this significant increase in recurrent expenditure.

Members of the Government’s Negotiating Team have disclosed that the deferral will actually cost the government more than if it paid the agreed upon increases on time.

Mr. Paul believes the Grenada government’s approach to the situation is quite reasonable. “Minister Oliver Joseph appeared to have laid all the cards on the table, and I think that is a positive thing in terms of transparency.”

A delayed payment means that compounded interest will apply and the burden of retroactive pay arises.

It will be the first time since Government returned to office in 2013 that it will have to resort to retroactive payments.

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Government Breaks Down The Real Cost Of 4% Salary Increase The request by the Government of Grenada to defer the 4% salary increase due in 2021, will actually cost more than if Government paid the agreed upon increases on time.

Given the fluidity of the COVID-19 pandemic and the continuing widespread impact, Government is at this point, unable to ascertain the exact period of deferral.

However, any delayed payment means that compounded interest will apply and the burden of retroactive pay arises.

Head of the Government’s Negotiating Team, Hon. Oliver Joseph said it is the first time since Government returned to office in 2013 that it will have to resort to retroactive payments.

Permanent Secretary in the Department of Public Administration, Ms. Rhonda Jones said “The truth of the matter is deferring the payment indefinitely really is not in the best interest of the Government. And that is simply because we have worked very hard over the years to move from a situation where we have to make back payments for personal expenditure. That was a very unhealthy period in our financial history, we managed to successfully move away from that type of negotiations and we are now at the point where we were able to project and to budget for the increases in salary that would come during the course of the three year cycle.

So at this point, it really is not a pleasant situation we find ourselves in where we have to go to workers in the middle of a crisis and say we are not able to honour our obligations to pay you the four percent, but at the end of the day, if we do not meet that obligation for 2021 we will have eight percent compounded interest to pay in 2022. So, it actually increases the debt burden for Government to

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be able to honour its obligation the longer we protract on meeting that obligation.”

The 4% wage/salary increase for public officers will add $13.2 million to Government’s annual wage bill, at a rate of about $1.1 million per month.

Ms. Jones explained that the true cost of wage/salary increases goes beyond the additional money public servants receive.

“The real number is actually a combination of the four percent, plus the four percent impact on pensions and the four percent on the social contributions that is payable. So what we are actually looking at is a wage bill that is going to be 337.6 Million dollars for 2021.”

Head of the Government Negotiating Team, Hon. Oliver Joseph

Government first engaged the unions in 2020 when it analysed the impact of the pandemic on revenue collection, combined with the unplanned expenditure, and determined that it would be a challenge to meet the additional recurrent expenditure.

HEALTH MATTERS

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Wear Your Mask Campaign Launched

The Ministry of Health takes its COVID-19 advocacy to als, who are lending their voice to help spread the mesanother level through its “Protect! Respect! Always Wear sage.

Grenada’s Health Minister, Hon. Nickolas Steele who is Your Mask” COVID-19 Prevention Campaign. one of the key messengers in the campaign said, the The objective is to encourage citizens and visitors to Ministry welcomes the support of all stakeholders in wear a face-mask, when in public spaces to prevent the promoting the campaign, which urges everyone to follow the health and safety protocols to protect themspread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). selves, their families, and community members from the The campaign, which promotes the personal, economic, deadly coronavirus. health and social benefits associated with the proper and continued wearing of face masks, has attracted the Minister Steele added that one of the best ways to support of top government officials, business operators, quickly return to some degree of normalcy is by wearcommunity leaders, groups, organizations and individu- ing a mask and curbing the spread of the virus.

The “Protect! Respect!

Always Wear Your Mask.”

Covid-19 campaign

prevention will

utilize

posters, flyers, videos, social media, as well as public and private transportation to ensure that this very important public health message of mask wearing is spread throughout the tri-island state.

The campaign is endorsed by Prime Minister, Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell, whose message to the public is that, “We all have a fundamental responsibility to protect ourselves and loved ones.” The Prime Minister encouraged everyone to follow the protocols.

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Government Provides Clarity on State of Emergency, COVID-19 Regulations and Curfew The Government of Grenada is providing clarity on the current State of Emergency and the Emergency Powers (COVID-19) Regulations, which includes a curfew between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m daily.

Erroneous reports in a television newscast created some confusion among members of the public regarding the duration of the curfew.

Providing clarity on the matter, Attorney General Dia Forrester explained that, “In keeping with Section 17 of the Constitution, the initial proclamation by the Governor General, when parliament is not sitting, lapses 21-days from the date of publication, unless approved by both Houses of Parliament. Subsequent to the Governor General’s proclamation, the Lower House met on 15th January 2021 and approved the resolution.”

When the Senate meets later this month, members will consider the resolution, already approved by their parliamentary colleagues. Once both Houses of Parliament approve the resolution, the proclamation of 11th January, 2021 will remain valid for a maximum of six months.

Both the Governor General and the Houses of Parliament have the discretion to revoke the proclamation in accordance with the provisions of Sections 17(3), (4) and (5) of the Constitution prior to that six-month period lapsing.

Such revocation will be provided as early as the circumstances permit, in the best interest of the public and public safety.

It is during this period that

the COVID-19 Regulations, which contains a curfew amongst other matters, are applicable. However, the actual enforcement, adjustment or removal of the curfew and other matters arising in the COVID-19 Regulations will depend on prevailing conditions.

health and safety. We thank everyone for the continued sacrifices being made and compliance with the Regulations as we all perform our civic duty aimed at keeping each other safe.”

As the nature of this pandemic changes and the threat to lives evolve, the The Attorney General ex- Government must continue plained that, “The Regula- to take steps in the best intions are under constant re- terest of the public. view and will be amended periodically with the consis- The public is reminded to tent aim of ensuring public adhere to the COVID-19 pro-

Attorney General Dia Forrester

tocols, maintain physical distance, wear a mask, especially when physical distancing cannot be maintained, avoid large gatherings and regularly wash or sanitize hands.

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Government of Grenada Ministry of Health Ministerial Complex, Sir Eric Matthew Gairy Botanical Gardens, Tanteen, St. George’s

MEDIA RELEASE COVID-19 Update| GRENADA DASHBOARD| January 23, 2021 The following is an update as of 4:00 pm on 23 January, 2021.

First confirmed case of COVID-19 in Grenada was reported on March 22, 2020.

LOCALLY Total confirmed cases

148

New positive case(s)

0

Imported cases

70

Total patients currently in hospital

0

Total recovered cases

136

Total RT-PCR tests conducted

19,171

Total active cases

11

Total persons in self-isolation

11

Hospitalized cases

6

Total persons in quarantine facilities

271

Death(s)

1

GLOBALLY CONFIRMED CASES

NEW CASES

DEATHS

96,877,399

600,790

2,098,879

Covid19.gov.gd|

COVID-19 Hotline: 45VIRUS (458-4787) OR 53VIRUS (538-4787)

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Government Expresses Disappointment with Behaviour of Service Provider

Infrastructure Development Minister, Senator Norland Cox

The government of Grenada has expressed disappointment with the behaviour of a service provider who removed without permission, items that the company was contracted to provide to vendors operating at the National Stadium car park.

rate than the current provider. However, the current contractor, while his contract was coming to an end it appears that he probably was not happy that the decision was taken to not continue with him. As such, it appears that there was a deliberate attempt to create some discomfort Minister for Infrastructure Development, Sen. Norland for the vendors and to create some embarrassment for Cox says the incident was clearly designed to embar- Government, because the tents were removed while rass the government and make the vendors uncom- the vendors were using them. That is what it appears fortable. to us as Government and we are very disappointed by those actions.”

During the government’s weekly post cabinet press briefing on Tuesday January 19, Sen. Cox said unknowHe said Government has been providing support for ing to the government, the service provider removed the vendors since they were relocated in April 2020, to tents and other amenities, leaving the vendors and facilitate rehabilitation work on the St. George’s Martheir produce exposed to the elements of the weather. ket, where they normally ply their trade.

Explaining what Government became aware of, Minister Cox said the company contracted to provide tents, “We have been supporting the vendors. We have been tables and chairs for the vendors since April 2020, re- paying for services for the rental space of the stadium. moved the items while the vendors were on the com- We have been paying for the tents and chairs as indicated earlier, we have been paying for cleaning.” pound selling their produce.

He described this as unfortunate and a deliberate at- The tents and other amenities have since been reinstated. Following Tuesday’s Press Conference Minister tempt to embarrass the Government.

Cox paid a visit to the vendors at the Stadium car park “In discussion, the Ministry of Infrastructure observed to hear their concerns and assured that Government that the rate for the current service provider was a bit will seek to avoid a reoccurrence. high, and sought to negotiate and look for another service provider. It was observed that another service The Market Square renovation project is expected to provider was providing the service at a much cheaper be completed by March 2021.

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Government Prioritizes Breakwater Project In 2021 The Government of Grenada has engaged a coastal engineering company to conduct a study on a portion of the Sauteurs Breakwater project that is experiencing coastal degradation.

Minister for Infrastructure Development Sen. Hon. Norland Cox says a request has been forwarded to the procurement board for a ‘no objection’ for the company to commence work soon, and government is currently awaiting a response. “The reason why we are requesting a ‘no objection’ for that company to proceed is because there was no tender because of the emergency situation, in terms of the coastal area. It is a company that had done some preliminary work on that area, and so, this work was far advanced. The company had submitted the preliminary work when we started the breakwater restoration project. Because it is a sole source request, and for emergency purposes, we have to get procurement to give the greenlight for us to proceed.”

next 2-3 weeks to conduct a study. The study will take approximately three months to complete and thereafter, we expect to implement work in terms of a solution to coastal erosion. Most importantly, we are advancing, we are looking at doing some remedial work to stay whatever coastal degradation that is taking place currently. So the Ministry of Infrastructure is working on that.”

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Infrastructure Development Minister, Senator Norland Cox

The Ministry is working along with the Parliamentary Representative for the area, to relocate the affected families and provide other assistance to them where necessary.

“We have, through the cabinet, taken a decision to provide financial support to those eight families or persons who will be required to relocate. So we are happy with that and we are working closely with the parliamentary representatives in the St. Patrick’s area to Eight families have been directly affected by have this matter addressed quickly.” the erosion, and Sen. Cox says government has moved swiftly to assist them. “We have Sen. Cox says at least three of the families may opt for a unit at the engaged a coastal engineering company who recently commissioned affordable housing scheme in St. Patrick. will come in very soon, hopefully within the Discussions in this vein are ongoing.

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

addresses students at assembly

Plaque of appreciation presented to Prime Minister

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EDUCATION CORNER

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Government Continues To Invest In Skills Training The New Life Organisation (NEWLO) has received two hundred and fifty thousand dollars from the government of Grenada, through the Climate Smart Agriculture and Rural Enterprise Project to continue its skills training programme.

A cheque was presented to Sister Margaret Yamoah, the organisation’s Executive Director

by SAEP’s Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Kelian Cyrus-Williams.

NEWLO and SAEP have been working together on the delivery of skills training for youth since September 2019. Mrs. Cyrus-Williams said “NEWLO has shown exemplary performance in providing quality training services. Despite the challenges arising from COVID-19, it has demonstrated resilience, adapted and persevered to continue the provision of outstanding services to the students. SAEP commends NEWLO for the dedication thus far and expresses gratitude for their partnership with the Government of Grenada to improve the lives of young people.”

through the various components, is expected to train one hundred and twenty youth. “This investment is very significant due to the fact that technology is an ever growing area in the world, and it is a very expensive course to do anywhere. Giving young persons the opportunity to embark on this area is an ideal opportunity for them”.

More than one hundred young people have already

been trained, and very soon, an invitation will be exSister Margaret told the GIS that NEWLO enjoys a very tended for applicants for the final leg of the programme. good working relationship with SAEP. She said the stakeholders’ dedication and unwavering support for youth development has kept the programme going even in these difficult times. “This money is very significant because even through COVID-19 we kept training, we kept working, staff members kept coming, sometimes online, sometimes face to face. We have to clear some arrears so it really is coming in very handy to take care of that to continue the training. Those you see in the computer engineering, some of them have already taken their first exam; that all comes with a cost. This money has come in the right time for us to continue working”.

Clayton Pierre, Computer Engineering Instructor at NEWLO says the programme,

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Infrastructure Development Among Top Agenda Items

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Recommendations from a feasibility study for the Western Main Road Corridor Project are currently being analysed, and the plan is that remedial work can begin very soon.

Minister for Infrastructure Development Sen. Norland Cox says the study, which was conducted by the Caribbean Civil Engineering Group, will soon be presented to the engineering team. He said “We are looking to include civil society as well as part of the presentation. We want to ensure that we keep the public in tune with what is taking place especially with the Moliniere situation. It’s a very difficult task in terms of having to remedy that situation. We do have all the options presented by the engineering firm; so we’ll be looking at the various options recommended to resolve that issue in Moliniere and a decision on that will be made public as soon as that is concluded”.

The project is being funded by the United Kingdom Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund (UKCIF), and channeled through the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) The Western Main Road Corridor Project stretches from the National Stadium to St. Mark’s Secondary School. “So that whole western corridor will see the upgrade of roads, slope stabilization, but most importantly the Moliniere area”.

Sen. Cox, who provided an update during the Government’s Post Cabinet Press Briefing on Tuesday January 19, also spoke to the flood mitigation project that will cover Grand Anse, Grenville and St. George’s.

He said the tender was done for a study to be conducted, and they are now awaiting the completion of a bid evaluation report.

The Infrastructure Development Minister said the preferred bidder will be announced soon.

The process should be completed in early February, so that work can begin thereafter

Infrastructure Development Minister, Senator Norland Cox

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Ministry For Foreign Affairs Holds One Day Retreat The objective was to unplug from present activities and refocus on the key strategic prioriThe Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Business ties for the Ministry, as well as to and Caricom Affairs held a one day retreat on Tuesday strengthen its collaborative relaJanuary 19, to look at its strategic priorities and how tionship. these can be aligned with the National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP) and the Medium Term Agenda The retreat was addressed by (MTA).

Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Business and Cari-

com Affairs, Hon. Oliver Joseph, Permanent Secretaries, Mrs. Roxie McLeish Hutchinson and Mrs. Merina Jessamy among others.

It was held under the theme ‘Stronger together: Strengthening our Ministry, Serving our Nation, Engaging our World.’

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Handover Of ICT Devices To Grencoda

Sixty HD 8 inch devices equipped with a screen protector and case, have been presented to the Grenada Community Development Agency (GRENCODA) by the National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (NTRC)

ing projects, their latest initiative will further the goal of the Universal Service Fund to expand access to telecommunications to various households. “We urge students who will be recipients of these devices, to take care of them, recognizing the resources that were expended to provide the access to you so that Ms. Christa Burke-Medford is the Administrator of the you can benefit through access to your education.

Universal Service Fund, a program of the NTRC which Your ability to benefit from research also depends on places emphasis on special interest groups, educa- this device being in good working condition”. tional institutions and others in the integration of ICT throughout Grenada.

GRENCODA, which has committed to the development of rural communities in Grenada for more than During the ceremony at the NTRC’s Headquarters on thirty years, partnered with the NTRC, citing the imthe Maurice Bishop Highway, she said they are happortance of the utilization of technology in schools’ py to support GRENCODA’s student assistance programme, which provides support to low income fam- curriculum, especially as online learning has become ilies. “These devices are funded by the NTRC under the norm. our Universal Service Fund program. This programme was established in 2000 under the Telecommunications Act, with the primary goal being to expand access to communication to our unserved and underserved areas”.

Benny Langaigne, Deputy Secretary General, GRENCODA said “I want to assure the NTRC that the tablets will be well utilized. I say that out of the confidence of how students have been able to grasp what the programme offers and really move up and change their Ms. Burke-Medford said as with previous and ongo- socio-economic conditions.”

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Grenada Encouraged To Participate In Youth Art Competition Young people in Grenada are being encouraged to participate in the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) and the Regional Security System Asset Recovery Unit’s 2021 Creative Youth Competition.

tunities for Women in the Workplace and Society; and 3. The Rise of Domestic and Social Ills in the Face of COVID-19.

The competition with focuses on art, is designed to allow students, ages 13-19 within the eight ECCB member countries, to demonstrate their creativity, critical thinking skills and talents through various genres, including essay writing, poetry, song writing and art.

The entries will be judged in two categories: ages 13 to 16 and 17 to 19.

Cash prizes, tokens and trophies amounting to $26,000.00 will be awarded to the top three winners, their respective schools, and teachers who mentor the students in the creation of their piecThis year, students who wish to participate in the es. art contest will be required to create a piece on one of the following focus areas: The submissions must be made by April 2nd, en1. Evolution of Payment Methods: How Will the tries must be submitted to the ECCB Headquarters or the Bank’s Agency Offices in the respective Use of Money Transform in the Future; 2. Women, the Forgotten Resource: Equal Oppor- member countries.

PROJECT UPDATE

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Work Underway On Cherry Hill Road In Carriacou During the Government’s weekly post cabinet Major road work has begun on the Cherry Hill Road in Carriacou, under the government’s agriculture feeder roads project.

The Public Works Department in the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs & Local Government says the road will be inaccessible to the public until Friday, February 5, 2021.

The closure is necessary to facilitate heavy construction taking place in the area.

Motorists are advised to observe the ‘nothrough’ road signs at both junctions of the Cherry-Hill Road and ‘no entry’ signs at the area of construction.

press briefing on Tuesday January, 19, Minister for Infrastructure Development, Sen. Norland Cox commended the contractors for their level of efficiency on the project.

For further information, please contact: • Ms. Rholda Quamina, Permanent Secretary for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs on 443-6026 or via email at ps@cpma.gov.gd; • Jermonne Adams, Communication Officer at 443-6026 or via email at publicrelations@cpma. gov.gd.

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Carriacou Anxious To Benefit From WRB Shares Repurchase

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Carriacou’s 8.6 million dollar solar hybrid project is ex- She described the adunder pected to benefit from the Grenada government’s repur- ministration which the deal was chase of GRENLEC shares from WRB. made, as one that vision, and Through the recent repurchase of the 50% shares in the lacked Grenada Electricity Company, as part of a $63 million whose poor judgement settlement agreement, the government has not only se- placed Grenada at the cured significant cost savings, but has also acquired the losing end of the deal 11.6% shares which WRB purchased through an affiliate for decades. “The share company, and which was used to plough profits back purchase agreement in into the hands of the company and its affiliates, rather my view, demonstrates than into critical ongoing capital investment to maintain that the then adminisParliamentary Representative Hon. Kindra Mathurine tration lacked foresight and improve GRENLEC’s generating capacity.

Stewart and vision as it relates to During a recent meeting of the Lower House, Minister the advancement and for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, Hon. Kindra change of the world focus to that of renewable energy Maturine-Stewart said the Project, which is funded by sources and the liberalization of the energy sector”. the United Arab Emirates, will support Grenada’s thrust towards renewable energy. “It will facilitate the design, The Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs construction and installation of a solar pv battery hybrid commended her Administration on the move to pass the Electricity Supply Act 2016, to provide for the regular, efplant in Belair Carriacou.” ficient, coordinated and economical supply of electricity.

During her contribution to the motion to affirm the set- The Act also establishes a framework for the accelerated tlement award paid to WRB Enterprises to repurchase development of the supply of electricity from renewshares in GRENLEC, Minister Maturine-Stewart also told able energy resources. “The enactment of the Electricity the House that the 1994 share purchase agreement be- Supply Act I believe, was a noble and genuine attempt tween WRB and the Government of the day was a direct to liberalize our energy sector. It was very forward thinking and very progressive bit of legislation, especially for assault on the citizens of the country. small developing islands like ours.”

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NEWSLETTER GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICE

Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2021

Vol. 2, Issue 03

2035 Goals Are Hinged On Energy Discussions Minister for Education, Human Resource Development, Religious Affairs and Information, Hon. Emmalin Pierre says a huge portion of the 2035 strategic goals and plans is hinged on the conversation and decisions Government makes now on the future of Energy.

Minister Pierre said addressing the cost and availability of Electricity to Grenadians now, creates a better avenue for future investments and development.

The Education Minister was addressing colleagues during a recent meeting of the House of Representatives, where she gave support to the Government’s repurchase of GRENLEC shares in a 63 million US dollar settlement agreement with WRB Enterprises. “If we are not able to address this issue now, the 2035 plan that we speak about, we can just forget it, because a lot of

what is in it will never be achieved if we don’t address the issue of high electricity rates in Grenada.

However, this Government must be credited for its foresight, its vision and the boldness of putting people first again”.

Minister Pierre also addressed rumors that have been circulating on social media, citing the Government’s refusal to pay Public officers 4% salary increase, while being willing to pay 60 million dollars to repurchase the shares in GRENLEC. She said the two cannot be compared.

Minister Pierre added that the court’s ruling does not take into account Grenada’s Capital and recurrent expenditure, but rather, that a payment must be made. “Talking about recurrent and capital expenditure and what Government could do and cannot do and can

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

pay and cannot pay is one thing, but I expand my mind to think about ‘what if’ government did not have the savings to meet that expenditure.

We never asked for this, the court ruled that we had to meet this cost; we had to buy back the shares. It was not a request that the government went to make. So you can literally say that the government was forced into this situation.”