Government Information Service Newsletter - Vol. 2, Issue 4 - 2021

NEWSLETTER GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICE

Vol. 2, Issue 04

Monday, Feb. 01 2021

Grenada Government

BOOSTS COAST GUARD CAPACITY

PAGE 03

To Patrol Northern Border

NIGHTLY CURFEW REMAINS

FOR THE TIME BEING DETAILS ON PAGE 02

INSIDE PAGE 04

GRENADA SUBMITS SAMPLES TO TEST FOR NEW COVID-19 VARIANT

PAGE 05

GENERAL HOSPITAL BOOSTS HUMAN RESOURCE NUMBERS

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SECOND PHASE OF ST. GEORGE’S MARKET SQUARE PROJECT MAKING PROGRESS AND MUCH MORE...

Health Minister Hon. Nickolas Steele

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 Jermonne Adams DESIGN & LAYOUT Dwayne Francique EDITOR Leslieann Johnson

Vol. 2, Issue 04

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Nightly Curfew Remains for the Time Being The nightly curfew implemented to help curb the potential spread of COVID-19 through social activities, remains in effect for the time being.

Minister for Health, Hon. Nickolas Steele has confirmed that the Cabinet has agreed to keep the 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. curfew in place.

According to Minister Steele, “The threat of COVID-19 has never been greater from outside of Grenada.”

Health Minister Hon. Nickolas Steele

Reference was made to the increasing number of cases in both Barbados and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, two of Grenada’s closest neighbors.

Minister Steele said despite tremendous improvements made in both the health care system and border control system, weaknesses still exist, as is the case in every other country around the world. He noted too that the virus is getting stronger and claiming more and more victims “I do understand, and I have heard the calls from individuals as there are no active community cluster cases in Grenada, and all of the cases that we have picked up are travel related and are in quarantine, but we have to look at everything else that’s going on, and while we want to, and have always said that we want to find a balance between lives and livelihoods, at this point in time, based on what we see happening throughout the region, based on the changes we’ve seen with this virus, we prefer to err on the side of caution.

Minister Steele encouraged Grenadians and visitors alike to maintain compliance with the COVID-19 protocols, to wear their masks in public spaces, and to respect the curfew.

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Grenada Government Boosts Coast Guard Capacity To Patrol Northern Border

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The Government of Grenada has deployed additional resources to the sister islands to strengthen border control, in the face of a growing number of COVID-19 cases in neighboring St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

A second Coast Guard vessel has been deployed to patrol the area between Carriacou and Petite Martinique and additional persons, particularly wardens, have also been put on the ground on both sister islands. Minister for Health and Social Security, Hon. Nickolas Steele said “We recognize the reality- we are one Caribbean people-and in particular, Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, even more so Carriacou, Petite Martinique and the Southern Grenadine Islands interact as one people, and we’re proud of this, but in this instance, where unfortunately we see our brothers and sisters in St. Vincent and the Grenadines being tried and tested by COVID, we have to take additional measures to control our border between St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada, in particular Carriacou and Petit Martinique”.

In addition to the extra resources deployed, the Ministry of Health is engaged in widespread testing and significant sensitization of the population through public service announcements and direct interaction with residents. Minister Steele said “There are individuals who make an income from interaction between the islands, and based on all the reports that we’ve received, there

is need for compliance, recognising the risks that are involved. We will keep you updated and we will ask any and all of you who are In Carriacou and Petit Martinique to continue to cooperate with us and those who are travelling back and forth to understand

as best as possible the need to do this.”

The Minister empathized with persons who are adversely affected by the new measures but said increased vigilance is important at this time.

HEALTH MATTERS

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Grenada Submits Samples to Test for New COVID-19 Variant

Grenada is awaiting results of COVID-19 samples sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), to determine whether the new strain of COVID-19 is present in the country.

to CARPHA that are undergoing testing for the new variant, and we are expecting to get the results back in two weeks. We need to be more vigilant because this new strain has shown itself in neighboring countries, St. Lucia and Trinidad in particular.”

Many developed countries have already reported cases Health Minister Nickolas Steele reiterated the need for of the new variant, which is said to be more deadly.

Grenadians to be more vigilant. He said it has been provDr. Myanna Charles, Assistant to the Chief Medical Of- en that by the time the news of a new variant is made ficer, says “So far, the new variant has not shown itself in public, the possibility of it being spread is already high.

Grenada. As it stands today, we have sent five samples “We’re very much aware of the risk, that’s why we’re closed to direct flights from the UK. What is worrying is that the cases that they have found with the new variant occurred before the information came to us about the UK variant.

These cases are cases from early and middle December that were in St. Lucia. This is all the more reason why we are saying that we need to be more vigilant, because by the time information on variants become public in most instances those variants have broken out.

We hope that it is not, but that is also one of the reasons why we’re taking these additional measures.”

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Vol. 2, Issue 04

General Hospital Boosts Human Resource Numbers Eight doctors have been added to the team at the General Hospital, to serve in internal medicine, the emergency room, pediatrics and orthopedics.

Medical Director at the hospital, Dr. Tyhiesia Donald says the addition will complement their efforts to provide quality, urgent patient care. The human resource addition comes at a time when the hospital has received state of the art equipment for the new laboratory. Dr. Donald said “With the new doctors on our ward, it will help with patient care.

Recently we spoke about the new equipment that the hospital procured, but in order to improve services we need our human resource. So we’re slowly but surely trying to improve on our human resource capacity by getting residency programs for our doctors to specialize and so be able to offer more specialized services to Grenadians. In addition, three Physicians who were off island, have returned and are volunteering their services at the Hospital, and two doctors are going to Cuba to specialize.”

Dr. Donald is imploring the public to exercise caution and patience as they seek to enhance customer service among other areas. “Of course the public must understand that in hospital services we do have some rules especially during these COVID-19 times, there are some rules and regulations that did not exist before, and are now present especially in terms of visits. So we’re asking for the public’s cooperation in these areas.”

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Vol. 2, Issue 04

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 28, 2021 The following is an update as of 4:00 pm on 28 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

142

Total RT-PCR tests conducted

19,799

Total active cases

5

Total persons in self-isolation

5

Active imported cases

5

Total persons in quarantine facilities

197

Active local cases

0

Hospitalized cases

6

Death(s)

1

GLOBALLY CONFIRMED CASES

NEW CASES

DEATHS

100,455,529

562,001

2,166,440

Covid19.gov.gd|

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

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ICT Devices Handed Over to Ministry of ICT The Ministry of ICT has received next generation IT equipment from the International Telecommunications Union to benefit individuals with sight and hearing impediments.

The assistive devices will be handed over to the Grenada National Council of the Disabled (GNCD).

Programme Coordinator of the International Telecommunications Union, Sylvester Cadette says limited access to technology is one of the deciding factors for their collaboration with the Ministry of ICT. “One of the reasons why we have placed emphasis on persons with disabilities is that fifteen percent of the world’s population live with disabilities, but throughout the world persons living with disabilities are already benefiting from the advantage of ICT enabled applications.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of ICT, Finley Jeffrey is confident the equipment will significantly enhance the lives of the beneficiaries. “The Ministry of ICT, the Ministry of Social Development and indeed the Government; we are very pleased to be at the receiving end of this donation from the International Telecommunications Union. I am sure it will have a profound and lasting fundamental impact on the lives of the disabled community.”

mainstream communication technology, and we know in this period we need technology more than ever. We have many of our families needing assistance from Government, and our Government is committed at this time to ensure that we leave no one behind, even persons with disabilities.”

Social Development Minister, Hon. Delma Thomas welcomes the donation, which will benefit her Ministry and by extent, The presentation was also witnessed by Minister with rethe Grenada National Council of the disabled. sponsibility for ICT, Hon. Pamela Moses, Cleveland Thomas “We are really happy to be a part of this very special initiative Regional Director- International Telecommunications Union, that will provide greater access to knowledge and indepenJervis Dabreo- ICT Officer in the Ministry of Education and dence to persons living with disabilities in Grenada. Those devices will facilitate greater inclusion and accessibility to staff of the Grenada National Council of the Disabled.

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Second Phase of St. George’s Market Square Project Making Progress The second phase of the St. George’s Market square rehabilitation project is progressing despite delays with procurement of material, stemming from the closure of borders as a result of COVID-19.

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section of the market known as ‘Jamrock’ will accommodate as many as 60 vendors. “It is a 3 part canopy design. Each canopy caters for around 20 vendors, so all together we’re looking at 60 vendors under this structure. We have already completed the earth works, the foundation, some of the storm water drain-

Civil Engineer in the Ministry of Infrastruc- age and we moved on to the erection of the columns and roof ture Development Lendon Bullen says upon at this current stage. There’s going to be a canvas finish to the completion, the area that once housed the structure.”

Work is scheduled to be completed in the Jamrock area during the first week of March 2021. “The one that is currently ongoing, we expect that it should be completed towards the end of February/ early March. Where we are right now, we expect a duration of just about a month, but what we have done is try to fast track it by making provisions. For example; the cables for electrical power and plumbing are already prepared, so once we’re finished and there are no obstacles in the way we just fast track to where we are right now for the fountain.”

Civil Engineer, Lendon Bullen

The second phase of the market is being done at a cost of $971, 283 dollars.

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

addresses students at assembly

Plaque of appreciation presented to Prime Minister

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AGRICULTURE CORNER

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Agriculture Feeder Road Project Underway In Carriacou

The government of Grenada has been commended for helping to tackle a major road problem in Carriacou.

Two months after the sod turning ceremony to With no major challenges confronting them, Stafford is signal the start of work on the Cherry Hill Road, work is now underway to improve the condition of the road confident that it will be delivered on or before its 12-month and bring relief to motorists and residents in the area. timeline.

It falls under Government’s Agriculture Feeder Roads Project and entails the construction of 1 kilometre (3280 feet) An alternative route will be opened of concrete road and drains in the Cherry Hill area to the on February 5th. tune of E.C $3.1 million.

Contractor James Stafford of Sky’s Construction, says gov- The project will create employernment must be applauded for helping to alleviate the ment for over 100 construction problems that have been experienced in that area. Despite workers including women. the inconvenience, there is general support and cooperation from residents.

The project also entails the construction of driveways, drains, cross culverts and back walls, all of which, on completion, will bring relief to residents and bus and taxi operators on the northern route who have been clamouring for better road conditions over the years. Stafford says “I can tell you being a resident of Carriacou, the last time this road was worked on would have been forty years ago. So it is a road that is well deserving and long overdue. Now that the Government has secured funding under the feeder roads project we started on the 4th January and work is on the way. The residents have been calling for the road, so now it’s here and it’s like a shock, they cannot believe”.

Contractor, James Stafford

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Vol. 2, Issue 04

Senators add their voice to WRB|GRENLEC issue

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Government was on course to record growth in 2020 and done is to give away your ability to protect the assets so, would have been able to make payments towards the and patrimony of the country. And you’re telling me this repurchase of GRENLEC shares from WRB. is not a strait jacket, it is more than a strait jacket” Senators added their voices to the resolution put forward by Leader of President of the Senate, Chester Humphrey said he Government Business, Sen. Simon Stiell, to affirm the settlement of the did not support the sale in 1994, and his position has award between the Grenada Private never changed. “That Share Purchase Power Limited and WRB Enterprises Inc. as Claimants, and the Government Sen. Simon Stiell Agreement was an obscene and of Grenada as Respondent. atrocious act of sale with nothing in Senator Roland Bhola explained that had it not been for COVID-19, Government would have recorded a surplus and would have been in a better position to make the payments.

the past that equalled it. That was my position then, and it still is now.”

Minister Sen. Roland Bhola

“The report will show that based on the projected earnings for the first quarter of 2020, it surpassed that of what was projected and that of 2019. So in other words it meant that had it not been for COVID-19, again for 2020, if nothing else happened, the Government was on course I believe, to do well so that we could have seen surpluses in our budget and I dare say with the kind of management that we have seen over the years” Senators Norland Cox and Winston Garraway emphasized how the sale in 1994 inhibited the country’s ability to grow. Sen. Cox said “This eighty years, we only had twenty six of it I believe so far, my colleague representing the business sector can attest to the challenges that businesses have to undergo in terms Sen. Norland Cox of meeting their monthly commitments for energy costs. We believe that this has significantly affected the manufacturing sector in Grenada, and more so the Agriculture Sector to a greater extent”.

Sen. Winston Garraway

Sen. Garraway added “When you will have a country giving up its sovereign rights to a foreign entity, what you have actually

for

Foreign

Affairs,

Sen. Chester Humphrey

International Business and CARICOM Affairs, Hon. Oliver Joseph explained in a recent press conference that government had to review all capital projects where money was not spent because of the lockdown, to recoup money for repurchasing the shares.

Min. Oliver Joseph

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Grenadian Young Leader Among Finalists for Commonwealth Youth Awards 2021 Grenadian young leader Bevon Chadel Charles is one of twenty finalists from eighteen countries announced for this year’s Commonwealth Youth Awards.

The awards recognize outstanding young people from Commonwealth countries whose projects are transforming lives in their communities and helping to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

More than 1,000 entries from 43 Commonwealth countries were received last year.

This year, the awards have expanded to include five reThe finalists were selected across each of the award’s regional categories following a rigorous judging pro- gional categories: Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe cess. and Canada, and the Pacific.

The top finalist from each region will be announced as the regional winner at the official awards ceremony on 10 March 2021.

The ceremony will be held virtually for the first time due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Of the five regional winners, one outstanding young person will become

the

Commonwealth

Young Person of the Year 2021.

All 20 finalists will receive a trophy, certificate and £1,000 to expand the impact of their projects. Each regional winner will receive £3,000 and the overall pan-Commonwealth winner will take home a total of £5,000.

Gouyave Improvement Committee Mourns Loss of Trinidadian Calypso Icon Grenada and the rest of the region are mourning the loss of an icon in the calypso world who made appearances at the Gouyave Fisherman’s birthday celebrations.

Calypso Monarch Sandra DesVignes-Milling“Singing Sandra” ton, who goes by the moniker ‘Singing Sandra’ passed away on Thursday January 28.

The sixty-four year-old Trinidadian Calypsonian who won the Calypso Monarch title in Trinidad in 1999 and 2003, will be remembered for her prowess in Calypso over the years, and her appearances at the Gouyave Fishermen’s birthday celebrations.

GIS spoke with David Hopkin, Chairman of the Gouyave Improvement Committee, who remembered Singing Sandra as a respected and well-articulated individual. “She has performed many times at our fisherman’s birthday celebrations. Sometimes, you invite an artiste to Grenada and you have to put them up in a hotel, but Singing Sandra was different; when she comes to Grenada, whether to Gouyave or to perform anywhere, Gouyave is like her home. She moved around like this was her place.

We celebrate her and her music and the lovely renditions that she has put out there. Renditions that touched the soul”.

Mr. Hopkin offered his condolences to the family of Singing Sandra, and those who have been touched by her music.

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Grenadian Born ECCB Governor Reappointed The Monetary Council of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) has approved the reappointment of Timothy N J Antoine as Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank.

The approval came following the submission of a report by the ECCB Subcommittee, which comprises Ministers of Government and leaders from member countries.

Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank Timothy N J Antoine

Governor Dr. Antoine’s new five year term begins on Monday February 1.

Finance Minister Hon. Gregory Bowen told GIS there was unanimous support towards Governor Antoine’s reappointment. “Let me extend very best wishes and congratulations to country-man Timothy Antoine, Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank. I was part of a subcommittee which looked at the terms of his employment, and on Friday 22nd January, we reported that we had reached an agreement, and we presented the terms to the Council in full. Everyone agreed and so Timothy Antoine will be there from February 1st for another five year term” In conveying the Monetary Council’s decision, Chairman and St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris remarked: “The Council commends the Governor for his stewardship over the past five years and especially over the past year. Governor Antoine has led the Bank with vision, empathy and with a keen eye for innovations that have helped to lift the people of our region.”

OECS Director General Dr. Didacus Jules applauded Dr. Antoine’s reappointment, and pointed to the many innovations that he has spearheaded at the ECCB. “Governor Antoine’s tenure has been characterized by a highly collaborative approach to the shaping of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union. He has been a passionate champion of financial inclusion and under his watch, the ECCB is the first Central Bank in the world to have issued a digital version of its currency.”

Dr. Antoine thanked the Monetary Council for its support and confidence in his ability to lead the bank.

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China/Grenada Housing Units Nearing Completion

Three of the China-Grenada low income housing projects to ensure applicants meet could be handed over to the government of Grenada by the criteria to obtain one of the end of February. the units.

Housing and Community Development Minister Hon. Delma Thomas says once they pass the inspection process which gives the green light for occupancy, the units will be handed over. “By the end of February we will have three completed sites…St. Patrick, Carriacou and St. Mark. Although they did the handing over for the St. Patrick units, there was still minor work to be done, but because the Ambassador at the time wanted to do the presentation before he left, we did it a bit earlier before the completion. At the end of April the St. David’s site will be completed and at the end of July, Beausejour will be completed”.

“We have hundreds, even thousands of applications at the Housing Authority of Grenada. The Authority is collecting the applications and the committee reviews with the Housing Author- Housing and Community Development Min.,Hon. Delma Thomas ity in terms of the selection process. This is not done by the Ministry and so they have already started sorting and doing investigation to ensure the participants meet the criteria. The units are very imA committee which comprises Ministry and Housing Auportant for families and are not only low income families thority officials is currently going through applications, but middle income families as well; our teachers, nurses, police officers who are working within the range of three thousand dollars will be able to access that housing scheme. So we look forward to providing these housing units to those very needy families who are waiting patiently”.

The Low-Income Housing Project Phase 2 commenced in January 2018. Six hundred and forty-seven (647) houses have been constructed in 5 sites across the country.

The first phase of the project consisting of three hundred and fifty-three (353) houses was handed over in 2014.

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NEWSLETTER GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICE

Monday, Feb. 01, 2021

Vol. 2, Issue 04

Proper Channels Must Be Followed

The Ministry of Education, Human Resource Development, Religious Affairs and Information is reminding the general public that there is a process to be followed

by Public Officers who have grievances that they wish to have resolved.

particular subject.

The Ministry’s statement comes in response to a local news report aired on Thursday January 28th in which it was alleged that a teacher was banned from teaching a

Employees of the Public Service are reminded that their concerns and grievances must be properly channeled to help facilitate a speedy resolution.

The Ministry of Education says it has no knowledge of this allegation and is not at liberty to discuss administrative details of Public officers in the public domain.