Government Information Service Newsletter - Vol. 2, Issue 9 - 2021

NEWSLETTER GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICE

Vol. 2, Issue 09

Thursday, Mar. 18, 2021

Prime Minister Reiterates Government’s Commitment to

Pay 4 Percent Increase Details on page 02

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

INSIDE

“

“

Exercise more consideration in the assessment of the current climate, once funds are available, Government will honour its commitment to make the payments.

PAGE 03

EXTENSION ASSISTANTS PRACTICE NEW TECHNIQUES LEARNT

PAGE 04

CXC FORMULATES STRATEGY FOR REGIONAL EXAMS

PAGE 07

GOVERNMENT CONCERNED THAT ARBITRARY PROTESTS COULD DERAIL DEVELOPMENT

AND MUCH MORE...

GIS NEWSLETTER

NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTORS

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

Vol. 2, Issue 09

2

Prime Minister Reiterates Government’s Commitment to Pay 4 Percent Increase Prime Minister, Dr. the Right Hon. Keith Mitchell, has reiterated Government’s commitment to honor the 4 percent salary/wage increase for public officers, once the country’s fiscal situation allows.

Trade Unions representing public officers continue to demand payment of the increase, but Government has asked for a deferral given the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the country’s revenue collection, coupled with increased expenditure necessitated by the fallout from the pandemic.

Prime Minister Mitchell, during a recent interview with members of the media, stated that there was no pandemic or economic fallout in sight when the Government and the unions signed the collective bargaining agreement.

In addition, he noted that the harsh impact of COVID-19 has forced the Government to provide stimulus packages to several sectors, to cushion the effects of job loss.

He said, “We have known that the amount of revenue we earned in 2019, when we agreed to the four percent, is far more than what we’re doing today, so clearly we are not in a position to pay an increase now. In addition to that, we have a tremendous amount of additional support that we have to give to thousands of workers who are marginalised and without income.”

The Prime Minister encouraged union leaders to exercise more consideration in their assessment of the current climate. He said once funds are available, Government will honour its commitment to make the payments.

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

GIS NEWSLETTER

Vol. 2, Issue 09

3

Climate Smart Agriculture and Rural Enterprise Programme Extension Assistants Practice Techniques Learnt Following an in-house session on “Principles of Plant Nutrition in Climate Smart Agriculture”, Extension Assistants, attached to the Climate Smart Agriculture and Rural Enterprise Programme (SAEP), were given the task of implementing what they learnt.

During a recent session at Don Stewart’s Farm at Bay Gardens, St. Paul’s, St. George, facilitator and former Agronomist in the Ministry of Agriculture, Ronald O’Neale, explained the basics of fertiliser application.

According to O’Neale, too much, as well as not enough fertiliser affects nutrient content and performance of the crop. Participants were briefed on the amount, type and stages of fertilisers.

This, he said, is needed so that Extension Assistants can make recommendations to farmers, to help prevent the numerous mistakes that are made in the application of fertilisers.

The session was on the application of fertilisers to short-term crops; another session will highlight the application to long-term crops.

This is the first of three on-the-job consultancy trainings by SAEP, as the programme seeks to ensure that its Extension Assistants are refreshed and ready to assist farmers, while performing their duties in the field.

GIS NEWSLETTER

Vol. 2, Issue 09

4

CXC Formulates Strategy for Regional Examinations

The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) has formulated a strategy for CAPE and CSEC exams that it says will “ensure that the administration of the regional examinations would not disenfranchise the region’s students, in light of the ongoing disruptions to the education system caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

candidates, the broad topics to be assessed on Paper 02, five weeks before the start of examinations.

Following meetings with the Council for Human and Social Development or COHSOD Education, it was agreed that CXC will administer the CAPE, CSEC and CCSLC examinations in their original format. This means for CAPE and CSEC; Papers 01, 02 and 031 School-Based Assessments or Paper 032 for private candidates and for CCSLC Papers 01 and 02.

“The decision is that the examinations will be done this year. However, students will have an opportunity if they wish to defer, so a student or parent decide they’re not ready for 2021, there is the option to every student, every parent on behalf of their child to defer to 2022.

This means that you can do the same examination in 2022, and CXC is saying there will be no cost to do it in 2022.”

CSEC and CAPE written examinations commence on June 14 and end on July 16, 2021. Results will be made available to the Ministries of Education in the last week of September 2021. In addition, an extension will be given for the deadline by which students can decide to defer the sitting of the 2021 examinations.

Candidates will be required to indicate their intent for deferral by May 1, 2021 and taking into consideration the loss of learning many students experienced, CXC will share with Ministries of Education for communication to

Minister for Education, Hon. Emmalin Pierre, spoke to the issue during a meeting of the House of Representatives on March 2.

COHSOD-Education has also approved May 27 to 28 for the Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment or CPEA examinations, and July 19 to 22, 2021 for CCSLC examinations.

The online Training and Assessment Quality Audits for the Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) will be conducted during the period May to August 2021, with dates determined by individual participating territories.

GIS NEWSLETTER

Vol. 2, Issue 09

5

Cautionary Note Regarding Deferral of CSEC Exams In light of the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) recent decision to allow CSEC students to defer their 2021 examinations to May/June 2022, this Ministry wishes to advise that while students can choose that option, the Ministry cannot guarantee that there will be a space for tuition for such student at their current or other public school, past the end of the current school year (2020/2021).

CSEC and CAPE written examinations commence on June 14 and end on July 16, 2021. Results will be made available to Ministries of Education in the last week of September 2021. Students can now decide to defer the sitting of the 2021 examinations, as CXC has taken into consideration the loss of learning many students experienced. Candidates will be required to indicate their intent for deferral by May 1, 2021.

As it relates to Grenada, Form 5 students are expected to exit secondary schools at the end of an academic year and by that action that space is made available for new entrants at the form 1 level. Consequently, this means that the Ministry may be unable to allow form 5 students to remain an additional year at their

school.

Form 5 students who defer may have to seek alternative academic support to sit subjects for which they request deferral. One option is utilization of available spaces in extension schools.

This Ministry assures the public that it will continue to do all within its power to ensure that all students succeed. It is with this in mind that the Ministry alerts the public to the possible challenges that may arise from deferral, to allow parents and guardians to make the best possible decision for their child or children.

Ministry of Education Warns Against Donating Consumables Directly to Schools In light of the recent distribution of expired food items to some schools, by an individual who is affiliated with a local organisation, the Ministry of Education, Human Resource Development, Religious Affairs and Information is once again advising the general public that no food items should be distributed to students at school, without the prior approval of the Ministry.

The Ministry of Education is seeking the full cooperation of the public, to ensure that due process is followed when donating consumables to schools.

The Ministry is grateful for the support extended to schools, by way of donations or otherwise, and encourages the continued tangible and intangible assistance from all stakeholders. Notwithstanding, the health and safety of students within the school environment is of paramount importance and as such, diligence and vigilance are the key watchwords.

GIS NEWSLETTER

Vol. 2, Issue 09

6

Government Aims to Strengthen Collaboration With Fisherfolk The fisheries sector was placed under the microscope on March 4, 2021 as Government examined ways to strengthen its collaboration with fisherfolk and identify opportunities to sustainably build a resilient fisheries sector.

Minister for Sports, Culture and the Arts, Fisheries and Cooperatives, Hon. Yolande Bain-Horsford, and farming and fishing sector representative in the Senate, Roderick St. Clair, met with members of the fishing community to evaluate the industry and chart the way forward.

The session highlighted new and emerging markets, incentives to promote growth, training for fishermen and support initiatives from Government and other agencies for the industry. Minister Bain-Horsford said although the contribution of the fisheries sector to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has been small over the years, it is still pertinent. She anticipates that the sector can be developed to include more exports.

Minister for Sports, Culture and the Arts, Fisheries and Cooperatives, Hon. Yolande Bain-Horsford

assist in moving them forward. The mechanism, the framework, is not there and, so, this is something that we need to find out how to make happen, but you don’t have to wait on Government to do that - if we

She said, “These exports could facilitate the have good organisation and good groupings it can emergence of more sophisticated businesses, for happen.” example, CIF, that would create greater income for fisherfolk and exporters, and in turn the nation via the generation of much needed foreign exchange. As we’re aware, this foreign exchange is needed to purchase our imports. Today’s consultation would bring ideas in order to provide the Ministry with information to address the concerns and challenges of the fisherfolk and, by extension, foster growth in the industry and the economy.”

Senator Roderick St. Clair, highlighted the need to promote more structure, which will give fisherfolk the opportunity to get more out of the sector.

He said, “I want us to leave here with some mechanism, where we could have that dialogue to look at those issues that would come out from today and that we are able to interface with the minister and the ministry on the ideas that we leave here with today to

GIS NEWSLETTER

Vol. 2, Issue 09

7

Government Concerned That Arbitrary Protests Could Derail Development

Dr. Mitchell said, “It did not stop the project, but it created an unfavourable situation that caused an entity to rethink its involvement.

It seems to me that the purpose of these demonstrations is to stop the Government’s commitment is projects and prevent Grenadians from outlined in the country’s National getting jobs. It is selfish, backward Sustainable Development Plan which and politically unwise because you will guide the development process must not be seen as hurting people, Minister for for the next 15 years. Additionally, all Prime Minister, particularly at this time when the International Business, Dr. Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell development projects are required tourism industry is in trouble and Hon. Oliver Joseph to undertake Environmental Impact the construction industry is providing a significant number Assessments (EIA), prior to the actual start of work. of jobs and economic activity. The public sector investment programme and all the private sector projects are going to Grenada’s Prime Minister, Dr. the Right Hon. Keith Mitchell, is be key. In my opinion, there is a deliberate attempt to stop of the view that arbitrary protests can derail the development activity in the one area that presents the most opportunity at process and negatively impact job creation. this time. I can only say this is malicious and intended to hurt people and create damage to the economy of the country.”

During his contribution to the March 2 sitting of the House of Representatives, Dr. Mitchell said, “In all my years in this Hon. Joseph also noted that every major project undertaken parliament, every time the NNP Government starts any project by the Government of Grenada has been met with some to bring development to the country - hundreds of jobs and measure of opposition. economic activity - a certain political organszation, which is opposed to the NNP, has always come out to demonstrate He warned of the potential negative impact of arbitrary against the project, using all sorts of fictitious reasons. Every protests saying, “When you march, regardless of whatever you time there is a project, some armchair environmentalists want to label it, it sends the wrong message to investors that emerge and when the project comes to fruition, they disappear.

Grenada is a hostile place to invest. Government is not in the When another project gets underway, another set of armchair business of building hotels. We create the right environment environmentalists emerge and the cycle continues. This is that is able to attract investors to the country. Some of my sad.” colleagues say they wish their country can attract these hotels.

Both the Prime Minister and the Minister for International Grenada is attracting them because of the stability of the Business, Hon. Oliver Joseph, made reference to the Port country; because of the peaceful nature and the friendliness Louis Marina project which transformed the lagoon and of the people.”

The Government of Grenada has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that environmental considerations are part of the country’s development agenda.

surrounding areas; the Cruise Ship Terminal and most recently, the two hotels being developed by Range Developments in This is the first major hotel development in St. David and, St. David, as projects which have prompted demonstrations according to Minister Joseph, the residents are looking forward to this. by opposition forces.

Dr. Mitchell said, “The Range project will bring two hotels to the area and create hundreds of jobs for Grenadians and the developers are doing everything possible to protect every aspect of the environment. In this period, given the heightened sensitivity to environmental issues, no serious investor would want to invest his money in any country and do anything that would cause environmental concerns.”

He added, “There is a balance between development and protecting the environment that is happening all over the world. It is a topic that is being discussed every day. There is an authority in Grenada that developers submit their plans to and they request an Environmental Impact Assessment to be done before the project can commence.

Everything that had to be done was done and the developer According to the Prime Minister, the developer has disclosed has given assurances that they will do everything as required that because of the noises being made about the St. David by law to protect the environment.” project, one of the hotel chains has declined further involvement, forcing the developer to seek an alternative The project developers have indicated their willingness to hotel chain. meet with groups to discuss any environmental concerns.

GIS NEWSLETTER

Vol. 2, Issue 09

8

Government Expresses Concern About Price Increases by Caribbean Agro Industries The Government of Grenada is very concerned about the decision by Caribbean Agro Industries to effect price increases during the COVID-19 pandemic, even after it was advised against doing so by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Consumer Affairs.

Government is also concerned that increasing the price of basic commodity items will exacerbate the social and economic challenges Grenadians at this time and negatively affect the growth confronting families, as many are already dealing and development of the poultry sector. with reduced income and loss of jobs because of the pandemic.

Industry officials had previously expressed concern about the impact of the monopoly on the development This concern was expressed to Caribbean Agro when the company first communicated the planned price of the poultry sector and the increased cost of feed increase for flour and animal feed and a request was will make it more difficult to generate the jobs and the production capacity that will foster the growth of the made to maintain prices at the current levels. industry.

Government is therefore appalled by the decision to proceed with the implementation of the price Government assures the general public that it will do hike, a move which will cause additional hardship for whatever it can to remedy the situation.

Government and Poultry Industry Stakeholders to Discuss Caribbean Agro Price Increases The Cabinet Sub-committee appointed to work in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Consumer Affairs, on the impact of the price increases announced by Caribbean Agro Industries, will engage with stakeholders in the Poultry Industry as the next step.

This follows a meeting during the week of March 11, among sub-committee members and ministry officials, to discuss the issue.

Government has reiterated its concern about Caribbean Agro’s decision to increase prices during the COVID-19 pandemic. The concern is specifically based on the additional hardship the increases can cause for Grenadians at a time when many are without jobs, as well as the potential impact on the development of the poultry industry.

In addition to the plans to meet with poultry industry stakeholders, Government is also reviewing the monopoly agreement with Caribbean Agro.

GIS NEWSLETTER

Vol. 2, Issue 09

9

Grenada and the Republic of Rwanda Establish Diplomatic Relations On March 3, 2021, Grenada‘s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Her Excellency, Keisha A. McGuire, and her Rwandan counterpart, Her Excellency, Valentine Rugwabiza, executed a Joint Communiqué establishing diplomatic relations between the Governments of Grenada and the Republic of Rwanda.

Prior to signing diplomatic relations, the two ambassadors discussed the potential for digital cooperation between the two countries, recognising the importance of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the current global environment.

The ambassadors further discussed economic

recovery

from

the

impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of strengthening collaboration countries

between

and

other

the areas

two of

cooperation and mutual interest.

The signing of the Joint Communiqué further complements the actions of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the African Group’s initiatives for enhancing relations between the two regions.

In accordance with Grenada’s foreign policy, the establishment of diplomatic relations with Rwanda further echoes the re-energising of the strengthening of friendly relations and cooperation with other states.

HEALTH MATTERS

GIS NEWSLETTER

Vol. 2, Issue 09

Orthopedic Surgeon Pleased With New Equipment Available at General Hospital

10

Medicines and healthcare require a significant amount of The new equipment was recently used for two patients financing and Government is always trying to do more as who had serious bones injuries. it relates to maintenance and upgrade of equipment and services at the General Hospital.

Dr. Noel said, “One of the patients who is from Carriacou, Those were the words of orthopedic surgeon at the General was on a bicycle and unfortunately had an accident with Hospital, Dr. Douglas Noel, who has been in practice for a vehicle and he sustained a very nasty fracture to the more than 26 years. thigh bone - the femur. The other patient was climbing a Noel made the comments during an interview with the golden apple tree and fell off the tree and sustained two Government Information Service (GIS), after completing fractures to the upper limb - one at the elbow and one at two successful surgeries using new and updated the wrist. Thankfully, with the new equipment we have, I equipment at the theatre of the General Hospital. used them on both patients to get the bones back into the He said, “The equipment is very expensive. We actually best position possible and we’re lucky to have it, because have what the Americans call C-arm and the Europeans without that equipment it’s difficult to get the bones back say image intensifier which we just managed to get about two months ago, at a cost of close to US $100,000. I’m into the perfect position.” delighted to have this equipment installed at the General Hospital in the operating theatre. It’s like an X-ray unit, but Dr. Noel said through the Ministry of Health, Government it gives what’s called real-time imaging, so you could can actually see the bone move under the X-ray unit, which is always trying to source other equipment to improve on lets you know when it’s in the perfect position.” health services offered at the General Hospital.

Plaque of appreciation presented to Prime Minister

GIS NEWSLETTER

Vol. 2, Issue 09

11

Third Shipment of 17,000 AstraZeneca Vaccines Received Grenada has received its third shipment of the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine, this time, a total of 17, 000 doses.

Receiving the vaccines at the Maurice Bishop International Airport on March 2, Health Minister, Hon. Nickolas Steele said the donation comes graciously from the Government and people of India and in this instance, from the allocation for some of the other OECS countries that shared with Grenada.

Hon. Steele said the vaccines are administered free, but collectively the OECS islands contributed US $250,000 dollars for the transportation of the vaccines from India to the Caribbean.

The Health Minister again encourages all Grenadians to come forward and be vaccinated. He said once there are vaccines in stock, no one will be turned away. However, priority is being given to individuals over the age of 65, those with underlying conditions and frontline workers.

AGRICULTURE CORNER

GIS NEWSLETTER

Vol. 2, Issue 09

12

Ministry of Agriculture Hosts Third Tissue Cultured Banana Pilot Project Training Grenada, through the Ministry of Agriculture, moves forward with the implementation of the Tissue Cultured Banana Pilot Project, launched last year, to promote the resurgence of the local banana industry.

Following up on work already completed through the pilot project, and understanding the progress made to date by beneficiary farmers, the Ministry of Agriculture continued the knowledge sharing and learning exchange, with the hosting of the third training session on February 23.

At the Ministry’s demonstration plot at the Mirabeau Propagation Farmer Carlton Gulley explaining the Station, farmers and field officers were process of deflowering the plants to the educated and shared their experiences staff at Ministry of Agriculture in a variety of areas, including Field and Clive Lewis from the Marketing and National Importing Management, Harvesting, Post-harvest Board (MNIB) - all players in the move to resuscitate the Handling, Quality Assurance and Record-Keeping. banana industry.

Presentations were done by resource persons from the Ministry of Agriculture: Senior Agricultural Officer, Lauren Chair of the Committee set up to manage the pilot project St. Louis; Chief Pest Management Officer, Thaddeus Peters; and Chief Extension Officer, Randolph Shears, said the National Specialist for the Inter-American Cooperation on training was significant at this time, “as many of the farmers Agriculture (IICA), Derek Charles; along with Kenly Edward have reached the critical point of harvesting and marketing of their bananas.”

Fourteen of the established tissue cultured plots are fruiting, three farmers are now harvesting significant quantities from their field, while one of the benefiting farmers recently harvested more than 100 boxes of the improved varieties and sold them to the MNIB.

Mr. Douglas a farmer, using footbath before entering the Banana Tissue Culture plot at Mirabeau

Marcia Lord, handling the registration of one of the participants, Officer Melissa Tyson

Carlton Gulley, one of the 14 farmers who benefitted, contributed to the discussions during the training saying, “This is very important for us. These lessons here today are things we must learn and implement in the management of our farms. Any banana plants we purchase from now on, we must be able to manage them to full maturity, to get some benefits.”

Continued on page 13

AGRICULTURE CORNER

GIS NEWSLETTER

Vol. 2, Issue 09

13

Ministry of Agriculture Hosts Third Tissue Cultured Banana Pilot Project Training

Agriculture Minister, Hon.Peter David; Senior Agricultural Officer, Lauren St. Louis; IICA National Specialist, Derek Charles and Melissa Tyson visiting the demonstration plot

Continued from page 12 The Ministry of Agriculture continues to follow up with Gulley and the 13 other farmers by conducting routine site visits and providing other technical and physical support, such as in the management of pests and diseases.

Extension Assistant, Prince Matthew, who supports the farmers, participated in the training as well.

“I work a lot with with banana farmers, so the information I got here at the training will be very timely,” he said.

In the ministry’s efforts to resuscitate the industry, the Inter-American Institute of Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) also provided support, through the development of a Banana Tech Pack, a technical guide that includes recommendations on pest and disease control, follower setting and the timing of applications of key banana inputs, including irrigation, along with illustrations of some of the key banana production practices.

This training follows two practical sessions held in 2020, which focused on areas such as Pest and Disease Management and Control Measures for the Management of the Moko Disease and Black Sigatoka. This Tissue Cultured Banana Pilot Project forms part of the Government of Grenada’s COVID-19 Response and Mitigation Plan for the Agricultural sector. A total of fifteen (15) plots were established using the Tissue Cultured Plants (William Variety) received.

National Specialist at IICA Grenada, Derek Charles, making a presentation

Pest Management Officer, Thaddeus Peters

Kerryann Frank, Agronomist at the Ministry of Agriculture

AGRICULTURE CORNER

GIS NEWSLETTER

Vol. 2, Issue 09

14

Farmer, David “Son” Clarke,

Schedules Sweet Potato Production

Farmer in the higher belt is making use of the above normal rainfall predicted for the first quarter of this year. David “Son” Clarke planted sweet potatoes in three different phases. He is practicing Production Scheduling so that all his crop will not be ready for harvesting at the same time.

AGRICULTURE CORNER

• Loose, deep, fertile clay loam soil is preferred.

• Avoid steep, stony, gravely, or waterlogged soil.

• A well-distributed rainfall of at least 60 inches is required.

GIS NEWSLETTER

Vol. 2, Issue 09

15

• Prepare land early (March/April); using a fork or tractor to plough the area and then make ridges or mounds (hills).

• Establish drains where necessary.

• Space ridges 3-4 feet apart and mounds 4-6 feet apart.

GIS NEWSLETTER

The aim is to create a new breed of nutmeg farmers to meet the new demands, competent in business approach, record keeping, propagation, climate smart, food safety and more.

It would also provide an opportunity to modernise agriculture through innovation and implementation of new technologies.

Persons with disabilities

-

Vol. 2, Issue 09

16

GIS NEWSLETTER PROJECT UPDATE

Vol. 2, Issue 09

17

Expansion of Paraclete Bridge

Work is 95 percent complete on the re-footing and “When the engineer came, based on his judgement, expansion of the Paraclete Bridge in St. Andrew. he thought we should do another five feett so that two The $114,000 project falls under the Special Projects vehicles can traverse on a smooth path. Prior to the recomponent of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development. footing, we also did a five-foot extension; and a pedestrian Contractor Lennox Thomas said, “That bridge has been there from time immemorial and over the years it has deteriorated.

Because of the water streaming down to the area, there was a lot of erosion on the bridge. After the engineer inspected the bridge we realised we have to do what we call Contractor re-footing. We undertake Lennox Thomas that project in terms of the Paraclete Bridge re-footing.

We had to do some heavy excavating to get out all the stone. We’ll do what we call a base on both ends and then we do all the stem walls at an angle that will actually prevent the erosion on the four sides.”

walk there that will actually be safe for the pedestrians who use the bridge,” Thomas said.

While plans to rehabilitate the bridge were in the pipeline, it was decisive action by Parliamentary Representative for St. Andrew North East, Hon. Kate Lewis, that got the project moving.

Thomas said, “It was in the pipeline a very long time, but kudos to the Hon. Kate Lewis, who tried her best through trying times, as we know the economic situation, and we can safely say that the people of Paraclete were clamoring for the two bridges here. Now, their dream has become a

reality. So, kudos to her and the Government, of course, In addition to re-footing the bridge, work has been done to include a pedestrian walkway. for their initiative in terms of executing the project.”

PROJECT UPDATE

GIS NEWSLETTER

Vol. 2, Issue 09

18

Prime Minister Pleased With Upgrade of Willis Playing Field Prime Minister, Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell, has expressed satisfaction with the quality of work done so far on the Willis Playing Field, in New Hampshire, St. George.

Dr. Mitchell visited the field recently and was provided with an update on the progress of work. He said, historically, New Hampshire has produced some outstanding sportsmen and women, but the facilities have never been of a first-class standard.

With the emergence of more young people in the community, Dr. Mitchell said Government, through the Ministry of Sports, saw the urgency in upgrading the facility.

He said, “Having Hanover Company here, we felt that they have the expertise to give us that help. So, I’m particularly pleased with the development of this facility - the way it looks today, because this ground, when it is completed and grassed, could be one of the best facilities in the country, comparable with Progress Park, Beausejour and other places around the country.”

Dr. Mitchell said the scope of works goes beyond the upgrade of the physical playing field, to include some bleachers on a section of the perimeter of the field.

He said, “Sports is an important part of the development of young people and when you invest in that development, you would always gain a reward for it, because the growth of the young people is certainly aligned with the growth of a nation on a whole. So, I’m happy to see this and I want to compliment the attempt at enhancing the drainage system to minimise the disruption caused by rain., Doing that here is also key for the community, as a whole. So, I’m very happy with this and I also want to compliment Hanover Company and the Ministry

of Sports and the community, as a whole, for the progress of this project so far.”

Dr. Mitchell was accompanied by Acting Coordinator of Sports, Kerlon Peters, and representatives from Hanover Construction Company Grenada Limited, which is executing the project.

Mr. Peters is also very pleased with the progress of the work.

“We are planting grass that we have taken out from Vendome,” he said. “We are also applying verticut grass on the areas.

We’re hoping to get some seeds by the next two weeks that we can throw on the area. The beautiful thing about here is that rain is falling. So, we expect here to be grassed properly, but it would take a little time. I must say I’m very pleased with the work.”

Construction Manager at Hanover Construction Company Grenada Ltd. is Anand Ramnanan, he told the GIS that his team is also pleased to have executed the job in keeping with the stipulated guidelines presented by the Ministry of Sports.

He said, “We placed four inches of half-inch gravel on the entire playing field parallel to that well-graded sub-grade layer. The half-inch gravel is going to filter the water from the surface into the drains, which will then run off to the perimeter drains.

Part of our scope as well is to re-establish the perimeter drains around the playing field. After putting the half-inch gravel, we replaced the topsoil between 3 to 4 inches thick on the playing field. ” Once completed, the various football clubs will no longer have to journey to Beausejour, St. George, for training.

PROJECT UPDATE

GIS NEWSLETTER

Vol. 2, Issue 09

19

Photographs show the progress of work on the Brother’s by-pass road in St. John. The project, valued at $528,873.63, is funded by Caribbean Development Bank and the Government of Grenada. It includes the construction of 38 feet of box drains and 480 feet of slipper drains and two retaining walls.

GIS NEWSLETTER

Vol. 2, Issue 09

20

Remarks by Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell Prime Minister of Grenada on the Occasion of International Women’s Day March 8, 2021 It is certainly my pleasure to join with the Minister of Social Development, Housing and Community Empowerment, Honourable Delma Thomas in wishing all women, Happy International Women’s Day. Fellow Grenadians, as I reflect on this year’s theme for International Women’s Day, it brings to mind a history of strong, transformational female leadership which continues to leave an indelible mark, from which subsequent generations of women can draw valuable lessons.

The significant role played by women in a country’s development process is clearly demonstrated in Grenada, with almost equal representation in the highest decisionmaking bodies – the country’s parliament and the Cabinet.

As the Prime Minister and an advocate for equal opportunity, I find it necessary to speak in support of the empowerment of the nation’s women, recognising the very diverse contributions being made. At the same time, I must acknowledge that there is still a lot of work to be done to ensure that our women and girls are valued, as provided for in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Women’s voices are critical to a nation’s progress. And so today, on the occasion of International Women’s Day, I recognise the contributions made by female leaders, not just in politics and Government or as business executives, but also, in our homes, in villages and communities, working miracles every day to care for families, being the glue that keeps us all connected.

We must also acknowledge the matriarchs in our families who nurture us; farmers and fisherwomen who feed us; the young, bold and determined women who are eager to forge paths with fresh ideas; the brave women who challenge traditional mindsets and norms by entering non-traditional fields of work; the female members of civil society and non-governmental organisations who hold us accountable; micro-business owners; teachers; policewomen; healthcare workers; social workers, and all of the women on the team of frontline personnel, fighting hard to keep Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique safe and secure, especially during this time.

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

I see you.

The Cabinet sees you.

All of Grenada sees you.

We value you.

We appreciate your sacrifices.

We applaud your commitment. We thank you for your contribution to building this place we call home.

Grenada has a lot to be proud of and I am extremely honoured to be leading the country at a time when we are making significant strides with respect to effective participation and equal opportunities for women in leadership and decision-making in public life.

My friends, I continue to pledge support for this; I pledge support for women being able to live a life free of violence and discrimination and I encourage all brothers, fathers, sons, all men, to do the same. Become an ally for our women.

To my Grenadian sisters, continue to be part of the conversation, continue to rise, continue to lead. I stand with you, today and always. I thank you.

GIS NEWSLETTER

Vol. 2, Issue 09

21

NEWSLETTER GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICE

Thursday, Mar. 18, 2021

Vol. 2, Issue 09

COVID-19 Vaccination Programme Update

Ministers of Government, Permanent Secretaries and religious leaders are among the thousands of Grenadians who have received their first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine, as the Government continues to roll out its COVID-19 vaccination programme.