Government Information Service Newsletter - Vol. 2, Issue 10 - 2021

NEWSLETTER GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICE

Monday, Mar. 29, 2021

Vol. 2, Issue 10

Government Invests Millions in Projects to Create Jobs and Spur Development

INSIDE PAGE 04

PRIME MINISTER ENCOURAGES GRENADIANS TO TAKE THE COVID-19 VACCINE

PAGE 08

GRENADA’S PRIME MINISTER ENCOURAGES NEW REGIONAL BUSINESS PARTNERSHIPS

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PURE GRENADA GETTING TOUGHER ON MARINE WASTE

AND MUCH MORE...

GIS NEWSLETTER

NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTORS

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Government invests millions in projects to create jobs and spur development

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

Government continues to invest millions into projects and programmes to stimulate job creation and promote economic growth as part of its overall development strategy.

other side of the jetty.

Dr. Mitchell confirmed that Government will provide relocation assistance to three of the families who have alternative lands to use During a recent interview with the and support will be provided for the media, Prime Minister, Dr. the Rt. Hon. families who are unable to relocate at Keith Mitchell, spoke of key projects this time. that have either commenced, or are nearing completion. These Smith Warner International Group projects include the Presentation was contracted to conduct a study of Brothers College in St. George and the area. The study will be done over Grenada Seventh Day Adventist a three-month period.

Comprehensive School, in Mt. Rose, St. Patrick. Work on both institutions Making reference to the Mt. Kumar is scheduled to be complete by the road project, Dr. Mitchell is optimistic that by 2022, work will commence so end of 2021. that it can be used as an alternative Bishop’s College in Carriacou is route to make access to St. George expected to be completed by early easier.

2022. Other schools to benefit include St. David’s Catholic Secondary, St. He said, “Design on that road will Andrew’s Anglican Primary and the commence in the next two weeks and implementation will begin in the Grenada Christian Academy. third quarter of this year. We certainly A three-month study on the hope that before 2022, we expect to Breakwater Project in St. Patrick has have an alternative route which will commenced. The study will give make access to St. George’s much the Government a clearer picture of easier or access from St. George’s to the main factors contributing to the the western side much easier than it deterioration of the beach on the is at this particular time.”

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Ice Machines at Gouyave Fish Market Now Functional Fishermen operating from the Gouyave Fish Market are happy that the ice machine and cold storage room are again functional.

Last month, the fishermen met with Minister for Fisheries, Hon. Yolande Bain-Horsford, Permanent Secretary with responsibility for Fisheries, Michael Stephen, and Parliamentary Representative, Hon. Alvin Da Breo, to voice concern that the problem led to reduced operations at the facility.

Secretary listened and they got on the ball and this problem is now resolved. I am very pleased that it worked out so quickly and now we are operating the way we should operate. Everything is going to be fine, at least our ability to provide the service that the fishermen need - the ice and cold storage.”

Supervisor at the Facility, Nydanu Joseph

Supervisor at the Facility, Nydanu Joseph, told the GIS, “I feel very happy to know that the Ministry is listening to the fishers on that level, because a lot of the time fishermen don’t speak, because they don’t think that the Ministry has their best interest at heart.

Now it’s good to know that the Minister and the Permanent

we’re in the testing phase. Some have been completed and some we’re doing the final touch-up. We changed the pressure switches in it, repaired leaks and vacuumed and re-gassed the system.”

Fisherman, Mervin Oliver said the entire community will benefit as a Commercial Refrigeration result.

Technician, Emmanuel Bain, provided a brief description of “I feel very proud to see that the what his work entailed. ice machine is being fixed because “Firstly, I did an assessment at it’s been over two years now or the machines and when I began more the ice machine was down working, I realised that most of the and right now I think it’s a project equipment was out of alignment. where the cooperative alongside Some parts were broken and the Government came together needed replacing and so on. Gas and fix the machine so it’s very was needed - we had a couple beneficial for us here in Gouyave leaks that we found. It was repaired so we can get back on track with and we replaced the parts and now ice and our services.”

HEALTH MATTERS

GIS NEWSLETTER

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Prime Minister Advises Grenadians to Take the COVID-19 Vaccine

With Grenada now in possession of 17,000 additional AstraZeneca vaccines, Prime Minister Dr. Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell is encouraging Grenadians to utilise the opportunity to protect themselves by getting vaccinated.

During a meeting of the House of Representatives on March 2, Dr. Mitchell, while acknowledging people’s right to choose freely, appealed for the nation choose wisely on the matter.

He said, “They will be going to communities community centers - asking people to come in.

They’re not forcing anybody but impressing on our brothers and sisters to protect themselves. You do not want to wait to get sick before you think about protecting yourself against the virus. The Cabinet sub-committee, Ministry of Health and the COVID Committee will be working to enhance the vaccination programme throughout the length and breadth of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.”

While he respects the right of everyone to choose, Minister for Health, Hon. Nickolas Steele, is encouraging the public to take the AstraZeneca vaccine to prepare for any future eventuality, whether travel for emergency purposes or otherwise.

During the meeting of the House of Representatives, Minister Steele appealed to those in leadership to lead by example, to help to reduce the level of anxiety many are experiencing about the issue.

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HEALTH MATTERS

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Positive Feedback on Vaccination Programme

To date more than 9,000 Grenadians received their first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine, since the official launch of the National Vaccination Programme on Feb. 12.

Among those receiving their first dose of the vaccine recently was Minister for Sports Culture the Arts Fisheries and Cooperatives, Hon Yolande BainHorsford, and Attorney at law, Arley Gill who is also Grenada’s Ambassador to CARICOM. Hon. Bain-Horsford said, “I’m feeling very good, and I’m happy I took it. I didn’t feel anything. I’m so impressed with Nurse McQueen who did a very good job at administering the vaccine.”

Ambassador Gill also shared his experience.

“I feel perfect, I feel good. I had no after-effects. It was a very smooth shot,” Gill said. “I believe all Grenadians should take the vaccine. It is what I believe will be the game changer with regards to this pandemic. It is what would protect ourselves and loved ones.

I think it is prudent that we take it.”

Similar sentiments of encouragement were also shared by others about the importance of getting vaccinated.

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After the COVID-19 vaccination, you may have some side effects. These are normal signs that your body is building protection.

The side effects from the COVID-19 vaccination may feel like the flu and might even affect your ability to do daily activities. Most of these side effects should go away within 24-48 hours.

You can report adverse reactions following COVID-19 vaccination to the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) Manager, at the Ministry of Health via telephone (473) 440.2649/3485 (Ext: 21053) or (473) 416-0385. #BeCOVID19Smart #getvaxxed #itsyourbestshot

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HEALTH MATTERS

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Sixteen Cuban Doctors Arrive in Grenada

Grenada continues to reap the benefits of a solid friendship with Cuba, welcoming 16 Cuban doctors on March 2, who will serve in the areas of oncology, cardiology, and nephrology.

They arrived on island to a warm welcome from Minister for Health, Hon. Nickolas Steele, and the Cuban Ambassador, Iraida de la Caridad Guerrero.

Minister Steele said in the midst of the challenges of COVID-19, the arrival of the medical team will strengthen the sector through their expertise.

are able to offer that service. We are making sure that Minister for Health Hon. Nickolas Steele

He said, “They are in varying fields from nephrology; oncology; also individuals to assist in the laboratory; to conduct PCR tests and to work as lab technician; medical technicians to help with maintenance and repairs of equipment at the hospital and also in pathology.”

The arrival of the doctors comes at a time when Grenada is preparing to welcome its dialysis centre. Areas that need urgent attention can now be addressed.

Hon. Steele said, “Cardiology and nephrology, in particular, has come to us in preparation for the imminent opening of our Dialysis Centre so we will have a Cuban nephrologist here until we have a Grenadian trained Nephrologist who will be here, but in the meantime we

we have a cardiologist on island who will be able to deal with any and all of the complications that we may have, particularly the diagnosis. Similarly, as we move forward, with respect to our lab team who has been providing years of service, working literally 24/7, we have brought in some individuals who can provide assistances so that they can get some down time, but also so that we can begin to offer the additional services that our brand new lab is able to do now at the General Hospital.”

The Cuban Ambassador said her country is pleased to be assisting Grenada.

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Grenada’s Prime Minister Encourages New Regional Business Partnerships Grenada’s Prime Minister, Dr. the Right Hon. Keith are unprecedented Mitchell, is encouraging the creation of new business opportunities.” partnerships as part of the region’s response to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Prime Minister Addressing members of the regional private sector also noted during the recent Virtual Caribbean Business Forum, that, “Regional Dr. Mitchell said these partnerships should help to integration, as cultivate a spirit of entrepreneurship in members an enabler of of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). Noting that trade is vitally important to reciprocity in Prime Minister the survival of regional countries, Dr. Mitchell relations and Dr. Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell acknowledged the many challenges brought about the aggregation by the pandemic and affirmed that in every sector, of opportunity there are “unprecedented opportunities.” in niche CARICOM and hemispheric spaces, is The Grenadian leader said, “These challenges essential for our sustainability.” carry the seeds of great opportunity and we are particularly pleased with this chance to exchange Dr. Mitchell lamented the fact that regional trade views and brainstorm on concrete measures and has not been optimised. initiatives that we can undertake together to help us all be more resilient, less dependent on externalities He said, “We seem to prefer patronising other and shape a new model of collective prosperity.” people’s business in the global village instead of He also said, “The OECS authority is keen to see strengthening and consolidating the wealth of our an explosion of trade between the OECS and the islands through stronger business ties among each wider region, starting with Trinidad and Tobago.

We would like to encourage new partnerships, other and interacting with the global village from a especially between our respective private sectors, position of consolidated strength. Why do we see and for these partnerships that cultivate a spirit of nothing wrong with the imported food and goods entrepreneurship in the OECS. In every sector there from all around the globe, but express objection and erect barriers to buying from our own? Sisters and brothers, something is fundamentally wrong with that approach.”

The Caribbean Business Forum was organized by the Global Business Leadership Forum and the Confederation of Regional Business Chambers in collaboration with the OECS Commission.

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Pure Grenada Getting Tougher on Marine Waste A new policy is being proposed to further protect the marine environment through collaboration with the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA).

This is part of the Grenada Tourism Authority’s thrust to protect the marine environment for future generations, while creating opportunities for the sector.

The aim is to develop a publicprivate sector partnership to reduce marine waste coming from vessels.

The project, dubbed ‘Integrating Water, Land and Ecosystem Management in the Caribbean for Small Island Developing States,’ will examine current capacity in Grenada and Carriacou and create research-based solutions to deal with waste in an eco-friendly manner.

Organization (IMO), has a small commercial vessel code.

In addition to marine protection, the adoption of the code will achieve cleaner seas and drive “blue economy” initiatives and opportunities. To support the initiatives, a sub-committee was formed from the new board of directors at the Grenada Tourism Authority.

Nautical Development Manager at the Grenada Tourism The sub-committee will be responsible for additional Authority, Nikoyan Roberts, told the Government promotion of Pure Grenada- increase visitors and Information Service about the three components that revenue into the country. will be implemented.

Roberts said, “It is chaired by Board Director, Karen Stiell, who manages the Marine and Yachting Association of Grenada Secretariat. We have the Chairman of the local organising committee, which is a volunteer committee of the Spice Island Billfish Tournament, which has been running effectively and successfully for the past 51 years.

There was not an event this year, because of COVID. We have private sector involvement as well. Sub-committee member Charlotte Fairhead, she is the marina manager for Camper & Nicholson Port Louis Marina and I have been invited to sit on that sub-committee and do the Grenada, being part of the International Maritime necessary work to achieve our marketing objective.”

She said, “There will be, under this code, mandatory physical inspection for all sailing vessels that arrive and received an official customs and immigration clearance into our official ports of entry in Grenada and Carriacou.

That’s the first part. The second part is the physical checks that will be performed on each vessel and there will be recorded monitoring of the environment and the anchorages where these vessels board and the third component will be an integrated enforcement of the IMO Caribbean small commercial vessels code by Stateowned agencies.”

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AGRICULTURE CORNER

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An agricultural plot, a site for teaching and learning agricultural techniques, that has the potential to also tap into the eco-tourism industry, are possibilities being examined by owners of the Samaritan Estate.

The 22-acre property in St. Mark consists of over 16 acres of cocoa and nutmeg along with other traditional crops. Having inherited the estate, the children of Neville Rennie, the former owner, aspire to continue the work undertaken by their father but also have their own ideas.

Ministry of Agriculture Team Visits Samaritan Estate

“We are hoping to do eco-tourism.

We would like to offer our farm as a place for teaching and learning for foreigners coming in and people in the diaspora to come in and understand how farming is done in Grenada,” Alana Hankey-Thomas, one of the owners of the estate, said.

“Right now we have about 16 acres of cocoa and nutmeg on the property and we have some bananas, mangoes and all of that. We’re planning to do short crops. So, we’re planning to get into tomatoes and lettuce and all of those other short crops. My siblings, my sister, Wendy-Ann Hankey, and my brother Curlon Forrester, we are partners in this and we are working closely together quite passionate about agriculture.”

One of the owners of the estate Alana Hankey-Thomas

to having the road done, because it’s a real challenge. The road is our biggest challenge because getting in produce, equipment, taking produce out of the property is a big challenge, because the road stops at one point, so we are hoping we get some help.

We got a lot of technical advice today on how we should do cleaning and pruning for the cocoa and other With their new thrust, the owners crops and we’re really excited to get reached out to the Ministry of those done.”

Agriculture for support.

The team which comprised officers Extension, Agronomy, Hankey-Thomas said, “So we are from really excited that the Ministry is here. Planning and Land Use divisions All of my learning came from doing offered technical advice, and my research online and reading, but recommendations, based on there is nothing like getting on the observations. land and feeling the soil. We need a lot of help. We are looking forward Lauren St. Louis, Senior Agricultural

Senior Agricultural Officer Lauren St. Louis

Officer said, “What we’re doing here is looking at what the present conditions are at the farm and seeing how we can assist the farmers in realising their goals in what they want to do here.

So, we’ve been walking through the farm looking at potential areas where the Ministry can assist and we’re going to eventually come up with a plan on how we can help the farmer, some recommendations on moving forward and to try to come up with a long term plan on how they can be successful in this venture.”

AGRICULTURE CORNER

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SAEP Ruminant Production Course

Belmont Estate Goat Dairy Facility was the practical area Since the SAEP Programme has direct focus on climate for extension assistants attached to the Climate Smart smart practices, the Ruminant Production Course gave Agriculture and Rural Enterprise Programme (SAEP), as they specific emphasis to climate change and goat production. received hands-on experience in ruminant production.

Louison said, “Every animal has a stomach, a rumen and The Ruminant what goes on in the rumen is fermentation and from that Production Course fermentation you get methane gas that is emitted to the highlighted goat air and so if you have a really intense livestock population care, milk, cheese, of course greenhouse gases and so would increase, so that and environmental impacts. is a major impact on the environment. This is something The course is one of 13 being offered to the extension assistants by SAEP, as the programme seeks to adequately equip its officers with the knowledge needed to effectively assist farmers.

Livestock Consultant for the course is Dr. Bowen Louison.

that many of us are not aware of and so it’s something that we want to sensitise our officers to.”

Extension Assistants, Brendalyn Samuel-Chance and Emon Thomas explained how the training will benefit them.

Livestock Consultant Dr. Bowen Louison

He said, “Directly related to the project, we’re looking at the environmental impact of raising goats in terms of their footprint on the environment, greenhouse gas issues and so forth. We want all students, when they leave, to have a good understanding of livestock impact on the environment. We also want to train them in good Plaque of appreciation presentagriculture practice or good production practices so that ed to Prime Minister the farmers themselves can benefit from their activities.”

Samuel-Chance said, “I’ve learnt the different processes that fresh goat milk goes through to reach the end product, which is the cheese. Now I’ll be better able to assist the farmers in preparing the goat pen at the right structure and rearing the right animal to get sufficient milk for sale.”

Thomas added, “Farmers would have to ensure that the goats are healthy. The housing; sanitisation should be on point to make sure the goats and their surroundings do not have anything to contaminate the milk. So, it would be of great importance to help and encourage farmers to have a proper housing facility.”

AGRICULTURE CORNER

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Meet the Farmer – Cathy-Ann Daniel She loved her job as a security officer, but 49-year-old Cathy Ann Daniel was forced into the field of farming, as she was unable to secure employment in her field of choice because of her age.

However, for the past 15 years, this Pearls resident has found joy and stability in planting her own food.

Daniel said, “To get a job was kind of hard for me, so I thought being self-employed would have been better for me.”

According to Daniel, she plants a wide variety of crops but loves putting her time and energy into ochras.

She said, “It has less work and it’s a faster selling crop.”

Along with her crops like corn, butternut squash, pumpkin, eggplant and root crops, she has plans to cultivate watermelon, cauliflower. Her biggest grateful,” she said, speaking about the impact of SAEP. challenge as a farmer is readily accessible water.

Daniel said, “Most of the times when the plants getting It has not been an easy journey for her, but she had ready they don’t get sufficient water, so I don’t get some advice for prospective farmers, especially good quality for the market.” women.

Though she has the issue with water, the practice of mulching has contributed well to the growth of her She said, “Farming is a good thing. It brings in an crops. income. You may not get it the way you expect it, “When I mulch, I use less water. I use dried grass and but at the end of the day you always have something other stuff to conserve water,” she said. coming in; It doesn’t matter how small it is. So, I Her five-year plan includes getting into rainwater would encourage young people, women, who are harvesting and rearing pigs as a means of maximising unemployed and they are home - start somewhere her vegetable production. and eventually, by the grace of God, you will make it.”

Daniel is currently a beneficiary of the Climate Smart Agriculture and Rural Enterprise Programme (SAEP) Things to note about Daniel: and was recently assisted in the construction of a • She loves planting ochra. compost heap.

• “Most of time when I have to plant, I use the same manure, but I have to buy it from farmers. As I am now • able to do it myself, it will assist me greatly, so I am

Mulching is her best farming practice.

She hopes to get into rainwater harvesting and pig rearing.

AGRICULTURE CORNER

GIS NEWSLETTER

Guidelines for Farmer Registration Here’s what you need to know: 1. An application must be filed with the Ministry of Agriculture.

2. Proof of authorised access to land must be provided.

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Deed of the land

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Permission letter from land owner with signature and authorized by a Justice of the Peace (JP) or Notary Public

3. Only one application per farm will be accepted.

4. The farm must be actively maintained and producing.

5. The Ministry reserves the right to reject an application.

6. The card must be surrendered to the Ministry of Agriculture if ownership of the farm is transferred.

7. A farmer’s license can be revoked if he or she is found guilty of stealing from another farmer or receiving stolen produce.

8. The ID Card expires every two years and renewal will be based on a recommendation from your extension officer.

For more information, please call (473) 440-2708.

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AGRICULTURE CORNER

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AGRICULTURE CORNER

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Produce Price Per Pound (lb)

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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

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GIS NEWSLETTER AGRICULTURE CORNER

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Impounded Animals

The Division of Agriculture within the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs & Local Government, informs the general public that seven sheep, five females and two males were impounded in the Caco area in Carriacou on Friday, March 19, 2021.

every day for each animal in addition to the impounding and transportation fees.

Unclaimed animals will be auctioned and sold two weeks after impounding notice in accordance with the stock tresspass act.

Anyone in search of the above mentioned should The Division of Agriculture is calling on all animal contact the Limlair Livestock Station on 443-7375 as farmers and owners to tie their animals to prevent soon as possible. them from destroying the properties and produce of It is important to note that there is a $25.00 charge others.

Vegetable Highlight

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Cauliflower

Cauliflower is like that one shy person who kind of blends into the crowd at a party. It doesn’t have the striking colour of a carrot, nor the great reputation of broccoli. However, once you get to know cauliflower a little better, you’ll soon discover its true value.

However, due to its somewhat bland appearance, it’s often overlooked in favour of other vegetables and that’s a shame.

Let us pay homage to brother cauliflower.

· Purple - filled with anthocyanins, which are the same antioxidants that give purple potatoes their colouring

A cruciferous vegetable, cauliflower is formed of a mass of tiny, tightly packed flower heads (known as · Green – has the appearance of a cauliflower but the curds). These flowers sprout from a thick central stem chlorophyll content of broccoli. to form a single, round head.

Most cauliflowers are white, but it’s possible to In recent times, cauliflower has found culinary fame buy green, purple or orange varieties. Pretty much being used as a ‘rice’ alternative, served as ‘steaks’ or everyone recognises the creamy white cauliflower at taking centre stage in a roast. It’s an easy add to your the supermarket or farmer’s market. diet - enjoyed raw, steamed, pureed, mashed, grated, or roasted.

They are as follows: · Orange - contains the most beta carotene out of all INFORMATION: FAO FOCAL POINT, MICHAEL CHURCH the variants

GIS NEWSLETTER

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In a survey conducted among seventy-one (71) student athletes in March 2020, twenty-four (24) reported that they had used marijuana; this represents thirty-four (34) percent of the athletes who participated in the survey. Average age of first use of marijuana use among the athletes was 14 years.

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NEWSLETTER GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICE

Monday, Mar. 29, 2021

Vol. 2, Issue 10