GIS NEWSLETTER
Vol. 2, Issue 06
8
Prime Minister Makes Proposal for Social Fund cial partners through the establishment of an independent committee.
The Government of Grenada will propose the creation of a social fund to be managed by the country’s social partners to bring a measure of financial relief to Grenadians directly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. During his address to mark Grenada’s 47th anniversary of independence on Sunday, Feb. 7, Prime Minister, Dr. Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell, said Government alone will not be able to assist everyone in need, but if they collaborate with the business community and members of the public, some relief will be possible. Dr. Mitchell said the funds will be managed and disbursed by so-
“For this reason, I plan to present a proposal to the social partners, for the creation of a social fund that will be used to help the most vulnerable in our society. The concept is that everyone who is working will contribute towards this fund. I will lead by example, contributing a portion of my salary every month to help those in need and I will be encouraging my Cabinet colleagues to do the same. Similarly, I will be encouraging everyone who is able to make a contribution, to do so. This is by no means mandatory. It is simply a suggestion made in trying to come up with creative ways to help those in need. We are a Christian society, after all, and we are called upon to be our brothers’ keeper,” the Prime Minister
Prime Minister, Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell
said. Dr. Mitchell said while everyone may not be able to get assistance citizens must try, as a Christian nation, to help those in need. He identified some of the categories where individuals were affected. He said, “Any beneficiary of this initiative must be someone with justifiable need. It will be verified and there are many who fit that category – farmers, fishermen, workers in hotels, restaurants and bars, tourism and market vendors, taxi drivers, water taxi operators, tour operators and tour guides, other industry service providers, including operators of marine-based businesses, LIAT workers and others involved in aviation services, hairdressers, barbers, entertainers, school-based vendors, shopkeepers, small travel agencies, other business owners; property owners. The list goes on and on. They are all hurting.”
