Government Information Service Newsletter - Vol. 2, Issue 12 - 2021

NEWSLETTER GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICE

Thursday, April. 29, 2021

Vol. 2, Issue 12

$1.6 Million Smart Health Care Facility Completed in Carriacou INSIDE PAGE 03

SGU INVESTS IN EXPANSION PROJECTS ON TRUE BLUE CAMPUS

PAGE 07

MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS SAY COVID-19 VACCINATION IS THE WAY OUT OF THE PANDEMIC

PAGE 10

GOVERNMENT TO PROVIDE $1 MILLION TO ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES

AND MUCH MORE...

GIS NEWSLETTER

NEWSLETTER

Vol. 2, Issue 12

2

$1.6 Million Smart Health Care Facility Completed in Carriacou

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 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

Work on the newly upgraded and primary health care services to the renamed ‘Hillsborough Smart Health people of Carriacou. She said that as Centre’ in Carriacou is now complete. part of its commitment to improve the health care system, the Government of Keys to the facility were handed over Grenada will continue to partner with to healthcare workers in March, ahead PAHO, UK-DFID and other agencies of an official handover ceremony in on other projects, such as the Petite April. The project was implemented under the Pan American Health Martinique Health Centre.

Organization’s (PAHO) Smart Health Care Facilities in the Caribbean Project, which aims to provide safer and greener health facilities that are more resilient and capable of continuing to deliver care in the aftermath of disasters.

The transformative project involved the installation of a new roof, inner and outer walls, windows and doors, water tank and pump, fuel tank and generator, cupboards, vanity, plumbing, electrical and air conditioning systems.

The EC $1.6 million project was Contractor, Rupert Mc Intosh, of Beqfunded through the United Kingdom Mac Grenada Inc., in outlining the Department for International scope of work, said he is extremely Development (UK-DFID). happy with the quality of work by the Minister for Carriacou and team of construction workers from Petite Martinique Affairs & Local Carriacou. He added that the improved Government, Hon. Kindra Maturine- resilience of the facility will enable it Stewart, is confident that the project to withstand natural disasters such as will positively impact the delivery of hurricanes if or when they occur.

GIS NEWSLETTER

Vol. 2, Issue 12

SGU Invests in Expansion Projects on True Blue Campus

The St. George’s University (SGU) is currently undertaking several expansion and redevelopment projects designed to increase the capacity of student services and academic facilities on the True Blue Campus in Grenada.

the Grenada economy, community and international medical fraternity and it provides confidence that fullfledged on-campus activity will resume as soon as it is safe to do so.”

SGU is the number one provider of licensed physicians in The expansion, led by the university’s operations team the United States, more than any other medical school and several Grenadian design and building contractors, in the world, according to FSMB physician licensure will see the development of new study spaces for up data, 2019, and it is proud to call Grenada home. to 600 students, additional clinical skills rooms and other renovations conducive to student success. Since “Since the True Blue Campus opened its doors to the first campus expansion in 1993, SGU has continued the charter class in January 1977, more than 22,000 to make long-term investments to meet the needs of graduates across all schools have gone on to successful its growing campus community and, in turn, the wider professions and continuing education opportunities in over 50 countries around the world,” said Dr. Charles Grenadian community.

Modica, Chancellor of St. Georges University. “The “The Government of Grenada welcomes news of this university is proud if its long history of mutual support expansion project at St. George’s University. At a time in the Grenada community and we are thrilled that when other sectors of the economy are reeling from so many of our students come back to visit long after the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, construction graduating. This expansion project reinforces the projects provide a ray of hope in the local economy, understanding that we remain committed to being an creating jobs for thousands of Grenadians,” said Prime active and vital member of the Grenada community in the years to come.”

Minister, Dr. the Right Hon. Keith Mitchell.

“This particular project at SGU sends a signal that the The campus expansion projects are scheduled for university remains committed to its long-term role in completion in January 2022.

3

GIS NEWSLETTER

Vol. 2, Issue 12

4

Prime Minister Calls on Public Service Managers to Embrace Change and Versatility Prime Minister, Dr. the Right Hon. Keith Mitchell, encouraged permanent secretaries and senior managers in the public service to embrace change and versatility as key traits of good leaders.

Addressing the senior managers at the recent training session focused on protocol and diplomacy, the Prime Minister said the COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced the fact that change is inevitable.

He said, “In this case, change was forced upon us, but what is important to note here is that we must not be afraid to initiate change and, more importantly, we must be prepared to adapt to change. As the pandemic is a continuously unfolding scenario, so too Government’s operations must evolve to adequately meet the needs of the people we serve.”

Noting that the past year required a significant degree of adaptation due to changes brought about by the pandemic, Dr. Mitchell said the technological changes introduced by the Cabinet Secretariat were quite timely, as they allowed for continuity of Government’s operations.

The Prime Minister also noted that, “Leadership is a critical element in the functioning of any organisation and it is no different in the public service. As leaders, you must be empowered with the critical skills and tools that will not only foster your professional development, but also strengthen your management and leadership functions and position you as worthy examples to be emulated.”

The training session was part of a training and development series organised by the Cabinet Secretariat to strengthen the management capabilities of permanent secretaries and department heads.

In her remarks, Acting Cabinet Secretary, Ruth Rouse, explained the rationale for the session at this time, saying, “Our nation’s development is inextricably linked to its ability to attract foreign direct investment.

Grenada has maintained relationships with a number of development partners whose socio-cultural background differs considerably from ours. Successful relationship management and interaction with representatives of these international bodies and institutions require senior managers to be conversant with the tenets of diplomacy and protocol. One misstep can create enough embarrassment and offense to jeopardize a beneficial relationship.”

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

GIS NEWSLETTER

Vol. 2, Issue 12

5

Caribbean Agro Industries Ltd. Supports School Feeding Programme The Ministry of Education has welcomed ongoing private sector support for its School Feeding Programme.

Caribbean Agro Industries Ltd. resumed support for the School Feeding Programme, with a recent handover of flour and other items to the St. George’s Methodist School.

The handover marks the resumption of the company’s pledge to provide all flour needed, at no cost, for the School Feeding Programme.

“Caribbean Agro Industries Ltd. is proud to be affiliated with the Ministry of Education and the School Feeding Programme. We have been affiliated in the past,” said Gilbert Spooner, Managing Director, Caribbean Agro Industries, Ltd. “We are happy that for two consecutive years we are in a position to assist and we are hoping that this arrangement will be for the long haul; that we will be in a position to contribute to the School Feeding Programme and the nutritional well-being of students.”

The St. George’s Methodist School prepares lunches for more than 120 beneficiaries, inclusive of students from that institution and two neighbouring schools the Park View Pre-school and Wesley College.

Kevin Andall, Permanent Secretary with responsibility for Education, said, “Thousands of Grenadians have benefitted from this programme. Health and wellbeing are important to us in the Ministry and part of

that is nutrition. The school feeding programme delivers quality nutrition to our students, but to do that we must have the support, not only of Government, but also of the private sector and Caribbean Agro is one of the supporters of this programme. Over the years, they have provided us with donations in flour, their main product, and we welcome that as a Ministry.”

Andall said the Ministry of Education is committed to sustaining partnerships like these.

He said, “I would like to thank Caribbean Agro Industries again for its continued donations and we are hoping, in the future, that the donations would continue and increase.”

GIS NEWSLETTER

Vol. 2, Issue 12

6

Carriacou’s Housing Division Hands Over Yet Another Home

The Minister added that since becoming

the

Parliamentary

Representative for Carriacou and Petite Martinique in 2018, her main interest has been to touch and transform many lives in her constituency in a positive way and she reaffirmed her commitment to continue doing so.

Joseph expressed heartfelt gratitude Michael Joseph, received the keys to his new home from Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs & Local Government, Hon. Kindra Maturine-Stewart

to Minister Maturine-Stewart, the staff at the Division of Housing and all stakeholders, for assisting him with a new home.

Michael Joseph is the latest Carriacou resident to benefit from a new home, constructed by the Division of Housing in the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs & Local Government, in collaboration with business entities and stakeholders.

Joseph, who is from the Hillsborough area, received the keys to his new home on March 24, from Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs & Local Government, Hon. Kindra MaturineStewart.

The initiative is part of Government’s commitment to improve the comfort level and standard of living of individuals and families, who are in desperate need of housing repair assistance or in some cases, the construction of a home. At the handover, Minister Maturine-Stewart described Joseph as a deserving beneficiary of the initiative, as she recalled his service to humanity for many years at the Hillsborough Jetty.

GIS NEWSLETTER

Vol. 2, Issue 12

7

Medical Professionals Say COVID-19 Vaccination Is the Way Out of the Pandemic Grenada’s COVID-19 vaccination campaign is continuing at a number of centres across the country.

Ministry of Health teams were at the Kirani James Athletic Stadium and the Radisson Grenada Beach Resort, in St. George, as well as Munich, La Tante, La Poterie, Tivoli and Chantimelle, in St. Andrew. Vaccines were administered between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

On April 9, Grenada received 24, 000 Oxford Astra Zeneca vaccines through the COVAX facility.

Permanent Secretary with responsibility for Hospital and Community Health Services, Hannah Julien-St. Paul, said the Ministry of Health has a responsibility to assist in returning the country to some semblance of normalcy and vaccination is one of the strategies at this time.

She said, “We have seen, as a ministry, that vaccination has worked for us and we have facts to show that, because within our childhood immunisation programme we can boast of the eradication of several communicable diseases from within our region, hence the ministry stands strong behind vaccination. We have seen the result of vaccination and we want to encourage each and every one of our citizens to go out and be vaccinated against COVID-19. We continue to fight and the only way out of this pandemic is vaccination.”

PAHO’s Country Programme Specialist in Grenada, Fiona Anthony, said PAHO is happy to have facilitated the transportation.

Anthony said our region, the Americas, will have to immunise 700 million people, which is a significant public

Prime Minister takes his second dose of the AstraZeneca Vaccine

health undertaking.

“We’re expecting hopefully between 60 to 80 percent of the population in Grenada to be vaccinated. Access to COVID-19 vaccines should not be a privilege for a few but a right that we all share regardless of who we are or where we come from. PAHO is supporting countries in distributing COVID-19 vaccines to their populations, building on their long experience with vaccination campaigns and

immunisation programmes. Around 141.7 million people have received at least one dose of the vaccine in the Americas - 26 percent of this amount in Latin America and the Caribbean,” Anthony said. “As the PAHO director, Dr. Ettienne, recently mentioned, immunisation in Latin America and the Caribbean should be a global priority and our region needs vaccines as soon as possible and as many vaccines as possible to save lives.”

EDUCATION CORNER

GIS NEWSLETTER

Vol. 2, Issue 12

8

Education Sector Financially Challenged Due to COVID-19 COVID-19 has forced the Ministry of Education to find other means of allocating funds to support the facilitation of school cleaners throughout the island.

Minister for Education, Human Resource Development, Religious Affairs and Information, Hon. Emmalin Pierre, said the Ministry had to tap into the School Feeding budget to facilitate additional cleaners in schools for the Hilary Term.

Now, the Ministry will have to seek funds from other areas to ensure the School Feeding Programme does not suffer as a result.

“I believe there are persons who are of the impression that there is so much money available and we are not affected financially, so I needed to make that point to help us to understand that we are in a crisis and finances are not readily available as some persons may think,” the Education Minister explained. “So, it is a fact that Cabinet had to direct the Ministry of Education to use or to repurpose - meaning that Minister for Education, Human Resource Development, Religious Affairs and Information something was budgeted for ‘X’ within Hon. Emmalin Pierre the budget and you moved it over for ‘Y’, because of the emergency that you have to deal with. So, we would have there to ensure that the School Feeding to further repurpose to see where we Programme never closes down in this can take back something and put over school year.”

CSEC Students to Write Most Paper 1 Exams Electronically Even in the midst of the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Grenada is making strides in the education sector.

far more than we did pre-COVID, in that regard. This means that only Math and English will not be done electronically this year. It is a first for Grenada and this, in my opinion, is commendable, given the fact that we are in a crisis.

Last year, we were not able to do any of the exams electronically.”

During the Government’s weekly Post Cabinet Press Briefing on April 13, Minister for Education, Human Resource Development, Religious Affairs and Information, Hon. Emmalin Pierre, said CSEC students will write their Paper 1 exams As it relates to students at the primary electronically. school level who are preparing to Students will write the CXC suite of write the 2021 CPEA examinations, exams, CSEC, CCSLC, CAPE and CPEA, the Ministry of Education has opted out from the electronic aspect of the between May 27 and July 21. exams. The Education Minister said Hon. Pierre said, “This year we more training needs to be conducted are going to be doing paper one in the schools. electronically and the good news is that we are going to be doing She said, “Interestingly, this year we

were going to have our primary school students do their exams electronically, for the very first time, and we took a policy decision not to proceed, even if we have all the resources available to facilitate that.

The decision was taken because we felt our primary school students needed a lot more practice to use the devices. We would be ready for next year’s exams because we are going to be expanding our IT programme at the primary school level, beginning this term.”

EDUCATION CORNER

GIS NEWSLETTER

Vol. 2, Issue 12

9

Disaster Vulnerability Reduction Project Provides Furniture for Grenadian Schools As part of the World Bank-funded Disaster Vulnerability Reduction Project, several schools across the nation will receive new furniture, worth US $1 million.

Disclosing that nine batches of furniture are expected, Angela Finlay, Acting Chief Education Officer, detailed the content of the first shipment.

She said, “We have over 480 size 18 chairs, which are Angella Finlay, hands over furniture to suitable for students at the Grade 5, 6 and secondary CEO, GSS Principal, Ronald Ettienne school level; 400 desks and 200 chairs suitable for the junior level. So, today we are targeting the schools that were challenged to open back to full capacity, due to of Education for this gesture. It’s been a long time coming and we do really appreciate this furniture,” lack of furniture.” he said. “Today, we are in receipt of 168 senior chairs Finlay said these will be for use by both students and and 106 senior tables and this would alleviate a lot of teachers and that filing cabinets will also be provided. problems that we’re currently having. We’ll be able to accommodate more students at the school on a daily “This procurement, I must say, is really commendable, given the times we are in, where there is the need to basis. We’ll be able to bring in more form levels on a allocate so much funds, to so many things relative to the weekly basis. Currently, we have to juggle forms one impact of COVID-19. Schools are challenged, because and two. Some weeks they get one day. Some weeks of the type of furniture which was in schools before. they get two days. Now, we can be a little bit more Some of them are challenged to open up because they regularised – have more students on site – which would had double desks. Now a double desk can only sit one alleviate a lot of the challenges the students have been child, so in those schools we have to move quickly to get experiencing.” furniture in,” Finlay said. “Grenville Secondary School, the Grenada Boys Secondary School are among those Finlay said the Ministry of Education is very grateful for slated to receive from this container.” this provision of furniture which was made possible with Grenville Secondary School Principal, Ronald Ettienne, the support of the World Bank. outlined the current issues faced by the school, saying, “For some time we’ve been having a serious challenge with furniture – lack of furniture, broken furniture. We had classes where there were less than 25 percent seating for students so, in that, we had to rotate classes, so we couldn’t have every form level in on every day, because of the lack of furniture.”

Ettienne expressed gratitude for the new furniture.

“I would love to thank the Ministry

GIS NEWSLETTER

Vol. 2, Issue 12

10

Government to Provide $1 Million to St. Vincent & The Grenadines The Government of Grenada will provide $1 million in support for the Government and people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, to help deal with the impact of the explosive eruptions at the La Soufrière volcano.

Prime Minister, Dr. the Right Hon. Keith Mitchell, confirmed that his Cabinet colleagues unanimously supported the proposal to help the neighbouring country, despite the fiscal challenges Grenada currently faces.

Grenada initially pledged to accept hundreds of Vincentian evacuees if they opted for relocation and immediately began making arrangements to do so, in collaboration with St. George’s University. However, at an emergency meeting of the Organisation of Eastern Prime Minister Dr. Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell Caribbean States (OECS) Authority on April 12, Vincentian Prime Minister, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, advised his colleagues of a general reluctance among Vincentians to relocate to hearts go out to our brothers and sisters in St. Vincent and other countries and, in some cases, to even evacuate the the Grenadines. We have not lost sight of the fact that we high-risk areas. are in the middle of a global pandemic that has affected all economies but, when a crisis of this nature occurs and It is against this backdrop that countries have now started your brothers and sisters are in trouble, we simply have to looking at alternative means of providing support for the extend a helping hand.”

Government and people of St. Vincent.

The La Soufrière volcano has experienced several Dr. Mitchell said, “This is a time of serious crisis and our explosive eruptions since April 9 and, with ongoing uncertainty over how long the situation could continue, Vincentians must be prepared for the long haul. Dr. Mitchell said this is even more reason to help, because the situation is still unfolding and its true extent may not be known for some time. The fact that community spread of COVID-19 has been confirmed in St. Vincent, further compounds the situation.

The Prime Minister said Government’s cash donation will be in addition to all other emergency humanitarian relief that is being coordinated by the National Disaster Management Agency (NaDMA).

The first shipment of supplies left Grenada on Sunday, April 11, arriving in the neighbouring country just hours later. The shipment primarily contained water, as this has become an urgent need given the contamination of St. Vincent’s water supply. It also included non-perishable food, hygiene products, baby products and adult care items.

GIS NEWSLETTER

Vol. 2, Issue 12

11

Grenada Sends Supplies to St. Vincent The Government of Grenada has coordinated an initial shipment of emergency supplies for St. Vincent and the Grenadines, which continues to grapple with the explosive eruptions of the La Soufrière volcano.

With support from various organisations and private individuals, Grenada was able to send a truck containing 4,000 gallons of water and 5,712 cases of water. The water was transported via the Bequia Express, which arrived in Grenada on April 11 with in-transit passengers from the Vincentian island of Canouan.

National Disaster Coordinator, Benedict Peters

Permanent Secretary with responsibility for Disaster Management, Rhonda Jones, is pleased with the outpouring of support.

NaDMA has issued a public appeal for relief items to be donated and, the response so far, has been quite positive. Persons wishing to donate should contact NaDMA to arrange for drop-off at the agency’s warehouse.

The National Emergency Advisory Committee (NEAC) has been activated in response to the unfolding situation in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

National Disaster Coordinator, Benedict Peters, said the committee and by extension, the National Disaster Emergency Agency, will continue to play a coordinating role in Grenada’s response.

He said, “Most of it is water, which I am happy about, because I know water is a major resource at this point in time based on the conditions in St. Vincent. We are happy that persons have responded on such short

notice.”

Several organisations contributed to the initial relief effort including the Rotary Club, Grenada Bar Association, PWU and GUT, La Qua Brothers and Team Generation X. As part of Grenada’s response mechanism, the NEAC has already convened a number of emergency meetings to discuss preparations to accept possible evacuees from St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Tonya Hyacinth, a member of NaDMA’s Covid Response Team said she is also heartened by the generosity of Grenadians.

Vincentian disaster management officials have shared their list of needs which includes hygiene kits, water tanks, portable toilets and respirator masks with filters.

Persons wishing to donate items to the emergency relief effort can call NaDMA.

GIS NEWSLETTER

Vol. 2, Issue 12

12

GIS NEWSLETTER

Vol. 2, Issue 12

13

Chief Medical Officer Cautions Against Exposure to Volcanic Ash The eruption of the La Soufrière volcano may result.” is not only affecting St. Vincent and the Charles said while there is not a heavy Grenadines. concentration of the particles in Grenada, The ash has been travelling to some compared to other Caribbean countries, neighbouring countries, including people with medical conditions should Grenada. Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shawn take the necessary precaution.

Charles spoke about the possible effect this can have on the health of individuals. He said, “For individuals who have medical conditions that can be He said, “The ash particles, when they’re aggravated by the airborne particles, breathed in, can cause irritations to the they should ensure that they have their airway and this can worsen conditions medications, their steroid inhalers and such as asthma and bronchitis, so the other inhaler that relaxes the airway, individuals who have these condition to assist in alleviating the symptoms, but may experience some degree of difficulty as much as possible, if they can avoid breathing. It can cause a bit of coughing exposure to the dirt and the ash this and wheezing, maybe some sore throat, would be the first advice that they would maybe nasal congestion - all of these be given.”

Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shawn Charles

GCNA Lends Support to People of St. Vincent The Grenada Cooperative Nutmeg Association (GCNA) has joined with other organisations and individuals answering the call for assistance for the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, who continue to face the threat of continued explosive eruptions at the La Soufrière volcano.

Since the initial explosive eruption on April 9, the island has been covered with ash and is now dealing with pyroclastic flows. As a result, many people have been displaced and are in need of basic supplies, the most important being water.

Chairman, Leo Cato, said the GCNA will donate 340 cases of water to St. Vincent, through the National Disaster Management Agency.

Cato said, “The water contribution came from the staff and management

of the GCNA, farmers and the board of directors. As Chairman of the board, I am happy that our farmers and staff could respond to a sister isle that has its own challenges. We have had ours and they came to our rescue, and it’s only a blessing on our part today, to be able to make our own contribution to St. Vincent and the Grenadines.”

Cato said, more assistance is forthcoming for the people of St. Vincent.

“There are farmers who are still bringing water and contributions together, but knowing the urgency in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, we have decided that we are going to ship those 340 cases of water in the first instance and, when others come in, we are going to make the other donation in the very near future,” he said.

Chairman of the GCNA, Leo Cato

GIS NEWSLETTER

Vol. 2, Issue 12

14

ECCU Debt to GDP Ratio Progress Wiped Out Within a Year The Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, Dr. Timothy Antoine, said the COVID-19 pandemic has wiped out the last few years of progress made by the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union member states, with respect to debt to GDP ratio.

Addressing the closing ceremony of the 5th Growth and Resilience Dialogue on Thursday, April 15, Dr. Antoine said ECCU economies declined and there was a dramatic increase in debt levels.

Last year, our currency union declined by about 15 percent and we saw a dramatic increase in our debt levels. In fact, as we speak, our Currency Union has increased debt of about EC $1 billion and counting. At the end of 2019, the debt to GDP ratio in the currency union was around 6 to 7.2 percent.

Today, unfortunately, as a result of this pandemic, that ratio is now 85.7 percent. So, what you’re seeing here is that the pandemic literally wiped out all of our progress of the last seven years, in respect of the debt to GDP ratio. Back in 2012, we were around 85/86 percent, we find ourselves right back there one year after the pandemic.”

Antoine said, “Over the past year, the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union economies have had to grapple with the pandemic of a century that has occasioned a major growth shock. The

5th

Growth

and

Resilience

Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank Timothy N. J. Antoine

Dialogue was held under the theme: Building Resilience in the Post-Pandemic Era. It focused on digital skills and jobs as well as food & nutrition security.

Karen Reid-Ballantyne Appointed Solicitor General in Grenada Karen Reid-Ballantyne has been appointed as the Solicitor General of Grenada, having commenced duties on April 1, 2021.

Reid-Ballantyne has more than 17 years’ experience as an Attorney-at-Law, since her admission to the Bar in 2003, in Trinidad and Tobago. She has also been admitted to practice in the OECS territories of the British Virgin Islands since 2011 and Montserrat since 2012. Reid-Ballantyne’s general practice areas are public law, employment law, personal injuries, land law, contract law, company law and tort.

She has gained extensive experience in public law (judicial review of administrative actions and constitutional law), having worked at the Solicitor General’s Department, in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, at the Attorney General’s Chambers in the British Virgin Islands and as the Senior Legal Advisor for the Government of Montserrat.

Solicitor General of Grenada, Karen Reid-Ballantyne

She has appeared before Her Majesty’s Privy Council, the High Court, Family Court and Court of Appeal of Trinidad and Tobago and the High Court and Court of Appeal of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court in various territories.

GIS NEWSLETTER

Vol. 2, Issue 12

15

GIS NEWSLETTER

Vol. 2, Issue 12

16

Public Utilities Regulatory Commission Launches Self-Generator Programme

CEO of the PURC, Dr. George Matthew

Engineer, Davrell Bhola

The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) is encouraging Grenadians to participate in its newly launched self-generator programme, which will run for 12 months.

He said, “Assuming that you’re using five kilowatt hours in a day and you generate two every day from your solar panels, you now no longer have to pay for those two. It is in that investment cost that you would’ve put the panels on your roof. We aim to have an enabling environment where The programme is in keeping with the requirements that Grenadians who also want to be investors in the sector, can were established in the Electricity Act of 2016. get a return on their capital.

Engineer, Davrell Bhola, said under the programme, people will generate energy for their personal use through installation of solar panels on their roofs and, if excess energy is produced, this can be sold to the utility.

Under the arrangement, GRENLEC will be the network licensee which will buy the energy that comes from selfgenerators and independent power producers, which it can in turn sell to consumers.

“The self-generator programme is going to be based on your consumption and the sizing of a self-generator for residential usage is going to be 120 percent of that consumption. So, in essence, your systems will be sized 1.2 times your average annual consumption,” Bhola said, explaining that people who want to participate in that programme have within now and the next 12 months to do so.

Matthew said, “The regulatory mechanisms we have in place would ensure that GRENLEC is not disadvantaged, as the key utility within the sector. We’re going to have what is referred to as ‘competition for the market’ in which we would capture lower prices for the electricity that’s injected into the system that consumers would buy and over time, we’re going to shift to a place where we have more renewables and a lower, sustainable cost for electricity being injected into the system.”

Bhola explained that there will be a cumulative cap of one megawatt for the programme. However, reaching that goal The PURC will launch the small-scale Independent Power does not mean the end of self-generation for the country. Producer (IPP) on May 12. It targets people who are willing to invest in the energy market, selling energy generated to CEO of the PURC, Dr. George Matthew, said the self- the utility under a feed-in tariff. A feed-in tariff is a policy generator programme will eventually result in significant mechanism designed to accelerate investment in renewable cost savings for locals. energy technologies by offering long-term contracts to renewable energy.

GIS NEWSLETTER

Vol. 2, Issue 12

17

AGRICULTURE CORNER

GIS NEWSLETTER

Meet the Farmer – Elvis Paul “Sometimes farming is okay, but other times it might be challenging.

Sometimes we do not get the market for the crops. Other times we plant and there is a flood, because of the weather conditions, and we are affected. Having money to also pay for labour is also one of our challenges,” Paul said.

Since he was sixteen, Elvis Paul started farming and, after almost 30 years of being a farmer, Elvis has over eight acres of land cultivated.

Similar to other farmers, in the area where he farms in Windsor, St. Andrew, Paul cultivates root crops such as dasheen, sweet potatoes and tannia, along with bananas, plantains and cabbages, which he supplies to the Marketing and National Importing Board (MNIB) and local vendors.

While he plants a variety, he prefers planting dasheen and cabbages.

“Dasheen is one of my favourite foods and cabbages are some of the easiest crops to harvest, because you just have to cut and pack,” he explained.

Paul believes the timely fertilisation of crops, cleaning crops and proper irrigation are ideal practices that have contributed to his success today as a farmer.

Paul, a full-time farmer, identified money and labour as two of his major challenges.

He also pays attention to the weather conditions in planting the crops, given that water is one of his other challenges.

Irrespective of these challenges, Paul, a resident of Mirabeau, said he will continue in agriculture and has plans to get into new types of crops in the next five to 10 years.

“I will like to go into ginger and increase my production of cabbages,” he said.

Vol. 2, Issue 12

18

For individuals wishing to become farmers, he encourages them to develop the proper mindset, because this career comes with many challenges.

“You can’t just think about the money.

You have to have a bit of love for it,” he said.

Members of the public who wish to purchase from Paul can contact him by phone on (473) 417-2093.

Things to note about Elvis Paul: • He has been farming since he was 16-years-old.

• He is a full-time root crop farmer.

• He believes the timeliness of fertilisation, crop cleaning and irrigation can contribute to increased crop production.

AGRICULTURE CORNER

GIS NEWSLETTER

Vol. 2, Issue 12

Recommended Practices for the Staking of Yams • In open areas, fully exposed to sunlight, yams have been successfully grown without staking. However, for easier weed control, staking is recommended.

• Planting corn in the furrows provides the yam with live stakes over time. One corn stool can serve as the live stake for two yam plants.

• In places where stakes are readily available, staking yams with poles about seven to eight feet tall is advised.

Wet Cocoa Buying Days and Locations May 2021

Tuesday, May 4 Carlton Mt. Horne

Wednesday, May 5 Bellevue Carriere Diamond Thursday, May 6 Brothers Poyntzfield

19

AGRICULTURE CORNER

GIS NEWSLETTER

Vol. 2, Issue 12

20

Technical Tip: Lining and Spacing for Bananas

These are the actions undertaken by the farmer to line the area to be planted and to determine the distance between plants in the lined area.

The number of plants per acre can affect the profitability of the crop.

Too few plants mean that there is unused space that encourages weed growth; whereas plants that are too close create a local environment conducive to the development of diseases.

To maintain even spacing between plants, the designated area for planting the bananas must be properly lined by following these steps: Step 1: You will need three sticks about 12-16 inches long, a measuring tape and one roll of twine.

Step 2: each of the two sticks in each of the The next step is to square off the area. directions of the right angle established.

At one corner of the field that has been prepared for the banana plants, Step 4: establish a right angle.

At the required spacing intervals, place 2-3 ft length pickets to mark out where Step 3: Then pull the twine to the end of the the holes are to be dug. field in one direction, then in the other direction, ensuring the twines touch

Step 5: A spacing of 8 ft X 8 ft is usually recommended but this could vary based on topography and other factors.

Information taken from the Banana Tech-Pack 2020 developed by Derek Charles-National Specialist at IICA Grenada.

Tomatoes for Sale

AGRICULTURE CORNER

GIS NEWSLETTER

Vol. 2, Issue 12

21

Protecting Animals/Pets from Ashfall Here are some tips to keep your animals healthy, as Grenada is being affected by the ashfall from the La Soufrière volcano on the Caribbean island of St. Vincent.

Here are a couple of things you can do • Provide fresh clean water for animals.

• If animals are exhibiting signs of respiratory illness or difficulty stooling, please contact a Veterinarian.

• Bathe animals to remove ash from their bodies.

NB. That animal should be showered around midday to allow them to dry properly TIP: Vet & Livestock Department - Ministry of Agriculture.

Dr. Kimond Cummings, Chief Vet & Livestock Officer (Ag)

Tannia for Sale

AGRICULTURE CORNER

GIS NEWSLETTER

Vol. 2, Issue 12

22

AGRICULTURE CORNER

GIS NEWSLETTER

Vol. 2, Issue 12

RUBIS GIVES BACK

23

AGRICULTURE CORNER

GIS NEWSLETTER

Vol. 2, Issue 12

24

Produce for Sale in Morne Longue

PUBLIC NOTICE

Fisheries Division Announces Closed Season for Lobsters, Turtles and Sea Urchins The Ministry of Sports, Culture and the Arts, Fisheries and Co-operatives hereby notifies Fishers and the general public of the closed season for:

to the Fisheries (Amendment) Regulations of Grenada 1996, it is illegal to catch, harvest, harm, sell, purchase or be in possession of any species of lobster, sea urchin and turtle, including the poaching of • Turtles and Sea Urchins (Sea Egg) - turtle eggs, during the closed season. the general public to report to the April 01 to August 31, 2021 Failure to comply with the closed Fisheries Division at 440-3814 or to • Lobsters - May 01 to August 31, season regulations may result in a the Royal Grenada Police Force at summary conviction of $5,000.00.

2021 440-3999, anyone observed violating Please be advised that according The Ministry encourages fishers and the closed season regulations.

GIS NEWSLETTER

Vol. 2, Issue 12

25

Grenada and Cuba Celebrate 42 Years of Official Diplomatic Relations April 14, 2021, marked 42 years since the establishment of official diplomatic relations between Grenada and the Republic of Cuba.

This was augmented with the establishment of diplomatic embassies with resident ambassadors in Havana and St. George’s. Under the Technical Cooperation Agreement between both countries, Grenada and Cuba have enjoyed close relations that have been mutually beneficial.

Grenada is particularly grateful to Cuba for its dedication and sacrifice in supporting the health and education sectors by providing countless doctors, nurses, and teachers.

The construction sector has also benefitted from the provision of Cuban engineers and architects.

During the past 42 years, Cuba has also provided numerous scholarships from which many Grenadians have benefitted and which have contributed to the country’s development in various areas including medicine, nursing and engineering and many other educational fields.

The Maurice Bishop International Airport and the General Hospital stand as symbols of Cuba’s contribution to the socio-economic development of Grenada.

During challenging times, such as the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan and the current COVID-19 pandemic, Cuba has been a reliable friend, providing necessary assistance. Indeed, as countries around the world struggle with the impact of COVID-19, Cuba’s provision of medical equipment and personnel to Grenada is highly appreciated.

Grenada cooperates with Cuba bilaterally and at the multilateral level, where we continue to call for an end to the United States blockade against the Government and people of Cuba, which continues to cause severe hardship for the country and its people.

The Government of Grenada remains committed to its longstanding relationship with the Government and people of Cuba and looks forward to continued diplomatic relations for the benefit of both countries.

NEWSLETTER GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICE

Thursday, Apr. 29, 2021

Vol. 2, Issue 12

Prime Minister Welcomes Planned Return of SGU Students

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

Prime Minister, Dr. the Right Hon. Keith Mitchell has welcomed the planned return of St. George’s University (SGU) students for the upcoming semester.

The True Blue-based university has announced that it will welcome back all students in the School of Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, School of Arts and Sciences, and School of Graduate Studies for in-person learning on campus, for the August 2021 term.

Dr. Mitchell, who held the post of Finance Minister for several years, said SGU’s return will be a significant boost for the local economy.

He said, “SGU accounts for a major part of the country’s GDP. The return of students and the resumption of full-scale on-campus operations will therefore significantly boost economic activity in the country. The university’s existence has also created a need for

many ancillary services, so its return to operation will similarly spur activity in the services sector.”

The repatriation of SGU students last year at the start of the pandemic, significantly impacted the accommodation sector, the farming community and supermarket operations among other areas.

The Prime Minister said the return of students will bring welcomed relief to affected persons. “I have personally heard the complaints from property owners, business operators, farmers and many others who felt the brunt of the impact from the departure of students. Quite understandably, for some, their entire livelihood depended on the services they provided to the SGU community and therefore the financial impact was significant. It will certainly be a relief to them to have the students return,” he said.