Government Information Service Newsletter - Vol. 2, Issue 13 - 2021

NEWSLETTER GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICE

Vol. 2, Issue 13

Saturday, May 22, 2021

Full Quota

of Doctors at

PRINCESS ALICE HOSPITAL

NIS Pays Millions in Unemployment Assistance Benefits

Page 03

SEE PAGE 02

New Wing at Bishop’s College Ahead of Schedule DETAILS ON PAGE 06

INSIDE PAGE 04

HOTELIER APPLAUDS GOVERNMENT’S VACCINATION PROGRAMME

PAGE 05

RICHMOND HOME RETROFITTED

PAGE 17

NEW ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR VACCINATED PERSONS

AND MUCH MORE...

GIS NEWSLETTER

NEWSLETTER

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NIS Pays Millions in Unemployment Assistance Benefits

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

The National Insurance Scheme has paid with 18,000 out more than $5 million in Unemployment approved and Assistance Benefits since the start of the paid. According COVID-19 pandemic. to Douglas, only Public Relations Officer 2,086 of over 5000 at the NIS, The unemployment benefit falls under the u n e m p l o y m e n t Lisa Douglas umbrella of economic stimulus measures claims were from introduced by the Government of Grenada to cushion the harsh effects of the pandemic. self-employed individuals.

Since March 2020, several businesses were forced to lay off workers and discontinue operation, which left the country’s unemployment levels higher than normal.

Prime Minister, Dr. the Right Hon. Keith Mitchell, had announced during an address to the nation in March 2020, a series of economic stimulus measures, including the introduction of a $10 million Unemployment Assistance Benefit Programme to be administered by the NIS. Public Relations Officer at the NIS, Lisa Douglas, said, “We paid out $5.8 million so far. We still have a few claims left to be paid but the programme has come to an end. It ran for an initial six month period from May 2020 to October, but it was extended to January 2021. So, persons had until the end of February to submit claims for any period that they missed. We’re very happy that we were able to make an impact on persons who were unemployed when they really needed us the most.”

Up to Feb. 26, the deadline for final claims for the Unemployment Assistance Benefit, approximately 25,000 claims were received,

She made a call for more unemployed persons to become self-employed and take advantage of the benefits being offered by the NIS. “That figure is low, so one of the things we’re doing in this period is to remind the self-employed persons again that they are entitled to all the benefits NIS offers, but of course they must register and they must contribute. There are persons who are still unemployed and we know that unemployment has led some persons to be very innovative,” Douglas said. “Persons have gone into farming, cooking, hairdressing and opening other little businesses. It is important to note that whether you’re doing it at home and may think it’s just a little thing so that doesn’t count, it does count. Whatever it is you’re doing right now, once you’re doing it to earn an income then you should register as a self-employed person, because the same benefits that you were enjoying as an employee you can enjoy those same benefits as a self-employed person.”

GIS NEWSLETTER

HEALTH MATTERS

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Full Quota of Doctors at Princess Alice Hospital

The Princess Alice Hospital in St. Andrew is now operating with its full quota of six doctors.

Hannah Julien-St. Paul, Acting Permanent Secretary with responsibility for Hospital and Community Health Services, assured that Government has worked to address the shortage.

Julien-St. Paul said, “Having these six doctors allow for Princess Alice to have two doctors on shift at a particular time - one at the accident and emergency and the other to see the in-patients. We also have a registrar assigned there who is responsible for the supervision of the medical team. We also offer our specialist out-patient clinics, which will allow persons within St. Andrew, St. Patrick, parts of St. David and also parts of St. John and St. Mark to attend.

gynecology, pediatric service, oncology, rheumatoid clinic and we have just introduced our ophthalmology clinic. We are trying to decentralise a lot of our services and we have to do that in a phased approach because of the limited staff that we have. We all know that we have some constraints within the

Highlighting the specialised services to be offered in a phased, country and we can only do it in a phased approach to ensure strategic approach, to ensure consistency and sustainability, Julien-St. Paul said, “We have general surgery, obstetrics and sustainability.”

Diagnostic Technician Hired for Princess Alice Hospital Government, through the Ministry of Health, has addressed the subject of diagnostic services at the Princess Alice Hospital.

Acting Permanent Secretary with responsibility for hospital and community health services, Hannah Julien-St. Paul, said a technician has been hired. She also said the recent arrival of 20 medical personnel from Cuba illustrates Government’s commitment to improve health services offered at the Princess Alice Hospital and other Government-run health facilities across the island.

Julien-St. Paul said, “This will help us to improve our service.

It will build our capacity in different areas, because we are getting some additional specialists. We are also getting some lab technicians because for the last few months, we’ve been challenged with the lab because of the increased amount of testing being done, with the additional COVID-19 testing. The staff there has really been trying hard. We have also recruited eight additional doctors who have been placed within hospital services.”

Acting Permanent Secretary with responsibility for Hospital and Community Health Services, Hannah Julien-St. Paul

HEALTH MATTERS

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Hotelier Applauds Government’s Vaccination Programme

President of the Grenada Hotel and Tourism Association, Leo Garbutt, has applauded the Government of Grenada for its ability to keep the spread of COVID-19 in the country under control.

Garbutt said Grenadians at home and abroad should be proud of the strides the Government is making in this regard.

He said, “We need to recognise how lucky we are. I’ve got friends in Barbados telling me that people are waiting in line for up to nine hours, just to get vaccinated. That’s because they’ve had so many fatalities. Here, we’ve just one death.”

Some persons are apprehensive about the vaccine and Garbutt believes there must be an intensified education drive to ensure that people are given the opportunity to make informed decisions.

“In countries with high numbers of people being vaccinated, hospitals are seeing less people being admitted, and they’re getting back to a situation of normal life,” he said.

President of the Grenada Hotel and Tourism Association, Leo Garbutt

HEALTH MATTERS

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Richmond Home Retrofitted

The Richmond Home for the Elderly is the fourth of five facilities to be retrofitted under the Smart Healthcare Facilities in the Caribbean Project, which is funded by the United Kingdom Department for International Development and implemented by the Pan American Health Organization.

A brief ceremony was held during a visit by health officials, followed by a tour of the facility.

During a recent tour of the facility, British High Commissioner in Grenada, Wendy Freeman, said, “I had the pleasure of going to Carriacou in November last year to see Princess Royal Hospital and Hillsborough Health Centre. I also visited the Princess Alice Hospital in St. Andrew the year before to see that project which, has been completed, and people are really enjoying that now. So, I’m really looking to coming back towards the end of the year to see Richmond Home finished and to see how it compares. I’m just delighted to be here on behalf of the British Government.”

British High Commissioner in Grenada, Wendy Freeman

Minister with responsibility for Hospital and Community Health Services, Hon. Delma Thomas, said we must invest in the wellbeing of the elderly citizens.

She said, “Our elderly citizens have made tremendous contributions to the development of this beautiful nation and therefore providing them with a safe haven, an environment where they can Minister with enjoy their golden years, is so responsibility very important. I am indeed for Hospital and very happy and I want to thank Community Health the UK Government for its Services, Hon. Delma assistance. I also thank PAHO for Thomas implementing that project and all the other projects we have.”

The retrofitting project is funded by the UK Department for International Development.

Desmond John, Contractor at Sonrise Construction Inc.,

said that thorough retrofitting will be done on the building, including changing the galvanise on the roof, refurbishing the ceiling; putting in medical laminated floors that can be easily cleaned and sanitised; refurbishing all the toilet facilities; installing Dade Country-approved, hurricane strength windows; refurbishing the matron’s office and the kitchen facility; installing new Litchfield septic tank facilities; installing a new PV system that will save on electricity and providing all the power that is needed for this facility.

Contractor, Desmond John

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Construction of New Wing at Bishop’s College Ahead of Schedule Copplestone said, “We try to utilise the suppliers in Carriacou, when we can, so we’ve purchased blocks and cement aggregates from Carriacou.

Other materials we have to purchase in Grenada and ship, so that’s a challenge with the timing to make sure we get the materials to the site on time and ready for the guys to use them.”

The delivery date for the project which began in September 2020, is March 2022. Ninety-five percent of the labour force is from Carriacou.

Construction of a new wing at Bishop’s College in Carriacou is slightly ahead of schedule, despite some minor challenges.

The new wing is part of a project funded by the Caribbean Development Bank and the Grenada Education Enhancement Project (GEEP), at a cost of more than $10.4 million.

Peter Copplestone, Senior Project Manager with Hanover Construction Company, said while there were delays as a result of the weather, the team put in extra hours in January and February to cast the first-floor slab.

“We are presently constructing block B, which will house the multi-purpose labs, the staff room, administration and the food and nutrition classrooms, clothing and textiles classrooms. So, we started the foundation in September, completed it in December and we installed the block work from the ground floor up to the first-floor level,” Copplestone said.

He explained that once the roof is completed, the construction team will move to begin the work on the internal finishing of block B. He also said the plan is to begin work on the existing buildings that are now in use by students.

Businesses in Carriacou are benefiting from the construction of the school as most of the materials that are available are purchased there.

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Grenada Dove Population Survey A survey is underway to determine the current population of the Grenada Dove (Lepotila wellsi). The survey by the Forestry Division of the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands and Forestry, will help to determine the level of impact activities in the vicinity are having on the bird’s population at the Mt. Hartman Dove Sanctuary.

Shawn Philbert, Forest Ranger at the Ministry of Forestry, said, “We are collecting data so we can help monitor and manage the dove. For example, if you go to cut down trees on a regular basis here what will happen is that the dove will relocate and you don’t want that to happen, because right here is the sanctuary. Visitors come here to see what we have to offer or to see the behaviour of the Grenada Dove.

After we collect that information, the Forestry Department will process it and also disseminate the information to the general public on the happenings, so that they will be able to help us protect the area. There’s a decline in the dove population so that is why we’re carrying out that survey, so we can put things in place to beef up the population.”

The Mt. Hartman Dove Sanctuary is one of only two locations in world, where this dove can be found. The Grenada Dove has been listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as critically endangered.

The Grenada Dove or Leptotila wellsi is brown with a white belly, a light pinkish brown upper chest and neck and a grayish forehead that extends up from the bill. Its legs, feet and bare skin around the eyes are a bright crimson red. The Mt. Hartman Dove Sanctuary was declared a national park in 1996 by the Government of Grenada, to protect the critically endangered Grenada Dove.

Grenada Dove (Lepotila wellsi)

20-foot viewing tower surrounded by A visitor centre at the sanctuary will dry forests. provide outreach and education to the public on unique species, including Peter Plenty, tour guide and security the Grenada Dove. Visitors can also guard, believes the survey would tour the sanctuary and view and listen contribute to minimising activities to the dove and other species of wild around the area that impact the dove birds in their natural habitat, from the population.

8:30 to 10:00 a.m.

Allow up to 48 hours for results.

GIS NEWSLETTER

EDUCATION CORNER

CPEA External Examination 2021

The final (external) component of the Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA) is scheduled for Thursday May 27 and Friday, May 28, 2021.

One thousand and nine hundred and five (1,905) students are registered for the assessment from 70 schools. In 2020, one thousand, eight hundred and seventy-two (1,872) students were registered for the assessment. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, students did not write the external component of the CPEA in 2020.

In 2020, the top 300 students were awarded placement in the school of their first choice. However, for 2021, the top 200 students will be awarded placement in the school of their first choice, subject to the availability of space.

The CPEA external assessment for 2021 commences at 9:00 a.m. and will be conducted in 52 centres throughout Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. It is expected that all students will finish the examination at 12:15 p.m. each day.

CPEA is open to all primary school students who are at least 11-years-old or will be 11-years-old by Sept. 1, 2021. It will consist of four multiple choice papers in Mathematics, Language Arts, Science and Social Studies, with 50 items in each category.

Each paper will be 75 minutes in duration. Table 1 reflects the schedule for the examination.

Table 1: Examination Schedule SUBJECT/PAPER MATHEMATICS BREAK SOCIAL STUDIES SUBJECT/PAPER LANGUAGE

NB:

THURSDAY 27TH MAY, 2021 START TIME 9:00 A.M. 10:15 A.M. 11:00 A.M. FRIDAY 28TH MAY, 2021 START TIME 9:00 A.M.

FINISH TIME 10:15 A.M. 10:45 A.M. 12:15 P.M. FINISH TIME 10:15 A.M.

BREAK

10:15 A.M

10:45 A.M.

SCIENCE

11:00 A.M.

12:15 P.M.

No mobile telephones and other electronic devices will be allowed at the examination centres.

Electronic calculators are forbidden. Candidates should bring along 3B or 2B pencils to answer multiple choice questions.

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Prime Minister Expresses Concern for Welfare of Students Amidst Current Industrial Action Prime Minister, Dr. the Right Hon. Keith Mitchell, has expressed concern for the well-being of the nation’s students who were left unsupervised when some teachers were engaged in protest action.

Prime Minister Dr. Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell

Dr. Mitchell said while he has no issue with the teachers seeking their increases, the approach being taken could have serious repercussions.

The Prime Minister said, “I don’t believe any serious person, who is concerned about our children’s welfare, would want to create a situation where our students will be unsupervised and can become victims of their circumstances.”

He said it is alarming that the teachers received instructions from their leadership, not to tell students that there would be a sick-out.

“I am therefore calling on the leadership of the Grenada Union of Teachers to have a sense of fairness and concern for the welfare of the students. Government does not have a problem with your demand for your 4 percent increase. It is your right, but we must also be concerned about the wellbeing of our children. Leadership should not lead us into doing something irresponsible,” he said.

The Prime Minister added that this call should not only come from him but from every parent and every community leader who should be similarly concerned, including religious leaders.

The Prime Minister has reiterated Government’s commitment to honour its obligation to pay the 4 percent increase, but he said it must be done at a time when the revenue earnings can facilitate the increased public sector wage bill.

Government remains committed to meeting with the trade unions quarterly, to review the country’s fiscal situation, to collectively determine when the level of revenue collection can accommodate the salary increases.

EDUCATION CORNER

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Ministry of Education Voices Concern The Ministry of Education is extremely concerned about the decision of the Grenada Union of Teachers to ask members to call in sick on Tuesday, April 27, leaving many students in a number of schools unsupervised and at risk.

The Ministry of Education previously raised this concern for students’ safety with the leadership of the union. In that regard, a request was made for parents to be given notification by teachers, of planned industrial action, which would affect the supervision of students, so alternative arrangements can be made to support children.

Minister for Education, Human Resource The union contends that by giving notice, they Development, Religious Affairs and Information, will lose the element of surprise and has therefore Hon. Emmalin Pierre advised teachers not to share their plans to be away from the classroom with parents or students.

Hon. Pierre said, “Any employee, teacher or person that is employed is free to take leave with or without However, the Ministry believes that the risk involved a medical certificate. The law says you’re entitled to is too high just to fulfil the need to create an element up to two days without a medical certificate, so you of surprise. The Ministry notes that while some parents have systems in place for such occurrences, don’t even have to go to the doctor. You can stay many parents have expressed that where there is no away for two days without a medical certificate and emergency, they will prefer to have an opportunity you should not have any difficulty returning to work on the third day. However, the same law guides that to protect their children. after five such days, the employer is not obligated Minister for Education, Human Resource to make payment for any further days without a Development, Religious Affairs and Information, medical certificate. Some teachers have indicated Hon. Emmalin Pierre appealed to the union to that they were not aware of this and the Ministry carefully consider the request by parents. of Education has provided the guidance in that She said, “Not all parents can drive to pick up their regard. The law also speaks about teachers who are child within a couple minutes or send somebody employed in the service for less than 12 months on to pick them up. Consider the parent, for example, a continuous basis and so we continue to educate who works in Grand Anse and has a child going to our teachers.” school in St. Patrick. We are simply saying that while we understand the right of teachers to withhold The Government of Grenada has consistently their labour, we also understand that there are reiterated its commitment to pay the salary increase some risks involved that are extremely high and so of 4 percent to public officers, including teachers as consideration should be given.” it did in 2020, the first year of the current collective Additionally, the Ministry has issued a reminder bargaining agreement. However, due to the current to teachers with reference to the labour laws of economic situation, brought about by a significant reduction in revenue earnings, Government is Grenada, which provides guidance on leave. unable to make the 2021 payment at this time.

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Grenada Government Endorses Launch of School of Hospitality The Government of Grenada has endorsed the launch of the West Indies School of Hospitality (WISH), which, in partnership with eCornell, will make online courses in hospitality available to Grenadians.

At the April launch, Barry Collymore, one of the business partners behind the venture, announced that 6,000 courses will be offered to Grenadians every year, at no cost.

Delivering remarks at the event, Prime Minister, Dr. the Right Hon. Keith Mitchell expressed full support Prime Minister for the initiative, saying education Dr. Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell is fundamental to the quality of the Prime Minister society we are developing. He said Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell Government’s vision is to create a healthy, educated, productive and prosperous society.

opportunities that are available.

When we speak about quality education, we must speak about the development of skills, ensuring that our people realise their fullest potential and empowering them to make a greater contribution to national development.”

Tourism Minister, Hon. Clarice Modeste-Curwen

Tourism Minister, Hon. Clarice Modeste-Curwen noted that although COVID-19 has devastated the global tourism industry, there is hope for the future and the West Indies School of Hospitality initiative complements that ray of hope.

She said, “Tourism is resilient and has rebounded time and time again and this time will be no exception. Surveys shows that a lot of people are just waiting for the right time to travel again. Grenada is listed as one of six destinations that people should have on their Dr. Mitchell stated, “Any initiative that affects the education of our radar when world travel resumes. With this impending increase in people, has enormous impact on the quality of our society. Tourism visitors, everyone should grasp the opportunity that will certainly is important to the success of our country and we need to maximise help to improve the overall quality of service that we deliver.” all of the opportunities that are before us. Grenada’s true potential in tourism has not been tapped. The level of potential that exists, Other speakers at Tuesday’s event included President of the cannot be underestimated. We have not used it optimally and for Grenada Hotel and Tourism Association, Leo Garbutt; Vice Provost us to achieve that optimisation, the training of our people is crucial. for External Education at Cornell and Executive Director of eCornell, It is one of the fundamental factors that will improve our tourism Paul Krause, and Naguib Sawiris, owner of Silversands Grenada, and product.” a founding partner of the West Indies School of Hospitality.

The Prime Minister expects the availability of online professional development courses for persons in the hospitality industry, to eCornell, the external education unit of Cornell University, provides certification in a range of areas including hospitality. Among the bring tremendous benefit to the people of Grenada. courses that will be made available to Grenadians through the He said, “I can see exposure to this educational opportunity West Indies School of Hospitality are service excellence, hospitality inspiring beneficiaries to seek even more education. It is clear that leadership and food and beverage management. this hospitality institution will have a far-reaching, positive impact on the lives of Grenadians and on other Caribbean nationals when Different categories of hospitality workers will be eligible for the the opportunity becomes available to them.” scholarship including managers, supervisors and general service staff.

The courses will be delivered through an online platform and the Prime Minister said the region must continue to harness available Co-founder of Innovate Inc., Barry Collymore said, “We have technology and deploy it as a tool through which Caribbean people established a fund, through Innovate, which will offer these courses can make great strides. at 100 percent scholarship. Every year we will be offering 6000 to the hospitality sector in Grenada and possibly the Caribbean at The Ministries of Education and Tourism have similarly welcomed all levels. I’m looking through the course list. There are general the initiative, acknowledging it as a critical factor in the educational manager courses; supervisor courses; wines of France, Spain; chef advancement and continued empowerment of Grenadians. courses - there are all kinds of eCornell courses available.”

Education Minister, Hon. Emmalin Pierre, cited clear alignment between the hospitality school and her Ministry’s mission and There is also an opportunity for the courses to be designed to vision, which speak to quality education, relevance of education suit the specific needs of a tourism or hospitality business and its employees. and equity of access.

Minister Pierre said, “Relevance in education is a worldwide Collymore is optimistic that the School of Hospitality can improve conversation and we have to ensure that what we teach our the competitiveness, education and quality of service delivery in students, they are able to take it to the job market and access the Grenada and by extension the Caribbean.

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Protect the Nation’s Children The Royal Grenada Police Force said it has recorded a 64 percent increase in reported sexual offences against children.

During a press conference on April 14, Inspector Maureen Stanisclaus said the victims range between the ages of 6 and 11.

She said, “In 2021, of the 51 reports received, 26 were of the age group 11 to 16, as compared to 2020, where there were 33 reports and 16 were from the age group 11 to 16. This is of great concern to us. Major concerns emerging from the data we collected are accused persons over 50 years of age and victims eight years and under.”

The accused perpetrators range in age from 50 to 59.

Stanisclaus said, “This is of great concern. We need the members of the communities to help us reduce these incidences. The RGPF and stakeholders cannot do it alone, we need the community. You must report. Do not stay silent. You must pass the information to us.

This is the only way we will be able to reduce these incidences. We want the parents of these minors to know who you are leaving your children with, because these incidences were persons who were known to the victims.”

Commissioner of Police, Edvin Martin shared other data on crime for the first quarter, which showed that the offence of harm contracted by 11 percent compared with the same period in 2020 when the country had already recorded four homicides.

He said, “This is not to say we do not have concerns.

You will recall, as well, that during this period we had three shooting incidents and we have had a number of wounding crimes that are of concern. I should hasten to indicate that, wounding is the only offence under this category that is showing an increase of 43 percent, moving from 33 crimes in 2020 to 41 in 2021.”

Officer in Charge of the Traffic Department, Superintendent, Randy Connaught, provided an update which noted that for the first quarter of 2021 one fatal accident was recorded. However, the overall number of accidents continue to be alarmingly high.

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Vol. 2, Issue 13

For fully vaccinated travellers now in effect.

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Prime Minister Receives Second AstraZeneca Shot

Minister, Honourable Nickolas Steele, made a call to business owners, union and church leaders to assist in educating the nation on the importance of vaccination, as at this point it is the main strategy for the country to have improved economic activity.

Foreign Affairs, International Business and CARICOM Affairs Minister, Hon. Oliver Joseph, said he experienced very mild side effects following the first dose of the vaccine and he encouraged Grenadians to get vaccinated.

He said, “We have an opportunity here to be vaccinated and to get control over the virus.

We all want to see tourists start coming in large numbers, we want to see St. George’s University reopen, and we want to see businesses build Grenada’s Prime Minister, Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell, back. To achieve that, we all have a part to play continues to lead the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. and that is to take the vaccine. When economy On April 23, Dr. Mitchell, along with Health and Social Security starts booming again, everyone will benefit.”

Minister, Hon Nickolas Steele, and Foreign Affairs Minister, Hon. Oliver Joseph, received their second shot of the Oxford Member of the COVID-19 committee, Dr. Berth AstraZeneca Vaccine.

Braithwaite, who also received his second dose, made the clarion call for people to take the Dr. Mitchell, who has been very vocal on the issue of process seriously. vaccination, said, achieving herd immunity will help the country to return to some form of normalcy.

He said, “I have not felt enough, the pulse The Prime Minister said, “The fact is, the impact of COVID-19 of the leadership of these organisations. We on business has been pretty devastating and the leadership need to have the people at the forefront of in this sector understands that to get back to where they were these organisations, coming out and speaking and to enjoy the level of business activity they did before, forcefully and encouraging their membership they must encourage their people to vaccinate. But I have to get vaccinated. Some members, not heard enough of the business community’s leadership understandably are consumed with a lot of promoting that. Similarly, the trade union leadership has a negative information; the senior membership responsibility, moral and otherwise, to lead in that respect, of these organisations know better and in along with all other organisations, at all levels. The churches have generally played a responsible role but there are still many instances, they themselves have taken the vaccines. Therefore, I am appealing to them some weaknesses.” to come forward and play a more forceful role After receiving his second dose of the vaccine, Health in getting the country vaccinated.”

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Grenada to Introduce New Entry Requirements for Fully Vaccinated Persons Effective May 1, 2021, Grenada introduced new entry travelauth.health.gov.gd. Additionally, the PCR test requirements for fully vaccinated persons entering to be administered in Grenada must be paid for prior Grenada. to this application. Payments are accepted online via the Government’s payment portal: pay.gov.gd Cabinet has agreed that persons entering the country will be required to quarantine for up to 48 hours providing, they have been fully vaccinated, have a Individuals are considered fully vaccinated two weeks negative PCR test within 72 hours of travel and test after the second dose of a two-dose vaccine such as negative for COVID-19 on arrival.

AstraZeneca, Pfizer or Moderna or two weeks after a single-dose, in the case of the Johnson & Johnson Honourable Nickolas Steele said, “The Ministry of Health and COVID-19 committee have recognised the vaccine. benefits and protection given to individuals who have been fully vaccinated and, as such, Grenada is changing Arriving passengers will not be permitted to leave its entry protocols with respect to fully vaccinated quarantine until medical clearance is granted. persons. Individuals are still expected to follow the Individuals who are not fully vaccinated or unable to same procedures prior to coming to Grenada.” provide proof of their vaccination, will be required to An application for travel authorisation must be quarantine for up to seven days, with a PCR test being administered on day five. completed prior to travel, via the website,

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Milder Symptoms Recorded From Second Dose Of AstraZeneca Vaccine Senior Community Health Nurse with responsibility for the Expanded Immunisation Programme, Audrey Lyons, said, to date, people who have received their second dose of the Oxford AstraZeneca have experienced milder reactions.

you can keep your date on your card or

She said, “Most persons indicate that they milder effects after the second dose. The WHO has recommended that persons accessing the second dose do so, between four and twelve weeks. With respect to the side effects of the second dose of AstraZeneca, we notice that persons get milder side effects, more so discomfort at the injection site and rarely they get fever, but most people reported that they got milder side effects.”

card will be stamped with the Ministry

She shared important tips for individuals who are due for their second dose and those desirous of taking the first dose.

you can move it to two weeks further down, and you can access the vaccines in any of the medical facilities or at Radisson. On receiving the second dose the nurse signs the card and the of Health stamp and we advise that you can laminate it. Presently, lamination is done at the Radisson Convention Centre free of cost.”

The Ministry of Health also does pop up clinics at various venues, the details for which can be found on the Ministry of Health its Facebook page (Ministry of Health Grenada).

Lyons said, “For those persons who are concerned about the second dose, we advise that you call in advance. You can call the health facility closest to you so that you can register and once they have the required amount they would call you in for your second dose or, if desirous, your first dose.”

Lyons said, the WHO has advised that the vaccine is more effective if administered within a ten to twelve week period of the first dose instead of the initial four to six weeks.

She said, “WHO recommendations for the second dose is between four to twelve weeks. It is advised that if you take the vaccine closer to twelve weeks it is more effective, however

COVID-19

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Government Honours Promise to Review First Quarter Performance With Trade Unions

Head of the Government Negotiating Team, Hon. Oliver Joseph

The Government of Grenada has fulfilled its promise to meet with trade unions representing public workers, as it seeks to arrive at a date to honour payment of the 4 percent at the meeting by immediate past President, Marvin Andall, maintained salary increase to public officers. its position that it expects payment In keeping with this, Government to be made by the end of this month met with representatives of the and stated that it will continue with Grenada Union of Teachers (GUT) protest action until a date is given for on April 16, 2021 to review the fiscal payment of the increase. Attendees at meeting received a detailed summary performance in the first quarter. of the economic performance from Leader of the Government’s Mike Sylvester, Permanent Secretary Negotiating Team (GNT), Hon. in the Ministry of Finance.

Oliver Joseph, said Government is committed to its promise to pay the Pointing to the country’s dire situation, Sylvester 4 percent increase, but it cannot state economic a definitive date for payment, given revealed that more than EC $8.5 the weak fiscal performance of the million more than what was initially country as a result of the COVID-19 programmed has been spent, and Government has spent EC $0.3 pandemic. million more than it collected in total He pointed out that recurrent revenues and grants, up to the end of revenue, Government’s source of the first quarter. funds for the wage bill, continues to be significantly impacted by the In addition, there has been a significant weakening of the country’s pandemic. fiscal situation and an increase in the However, the GUT, which was led debt to GDP ratio. The Permanent

Secretary also said growth in 2021 will be on a low base, given the significant downturn in economic activity in 2020.

During the meeting, the Ministry of Finance also made a number of recommendations that can help to cushion the effects of the global pandemic. These include accelerating the implementation rate of the Public Sector Investment Programme to support economic recovery, containing recurrent spending and creating space to support capital expenditure.

Government continues to acknowledge its contractual obligation, but it has requested a deferral in payment of the increase given the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the country’s revenue earnings.

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RGPF Dismisses Claims of Trying to Muzzle Union Members The Royal Grenada Police Force has dismissed claims that it is attempting to prevent members of the Grenada Union of Teachers from exercising their right to protest.

The RGPF has sought to clear misconceptions relating to the questioning of the President of the Grenada Union of Teachers, Jude Bartholomew, at the St. David’s Police Station on April 24.

According to a statement issued by the RGPF, the president was not arrested but rather was asked to report to the Police Station, which he did voluntarily.

He was questioned by officers of the Criminal Investigations Department in relation to an ongoing investigation regarding possible violations of the Emergency Powers Act and breaches of the COVID-19 protocols.

measures must be taken to ensure that protests are done in accordance with the COVID-19 regulations.

He said, “We are disappointed, certainly, in the context of how the story has been slanted that the RGPF is on a path to prevent persons from expressing themselves or violation or suppression of their rights. This is totally false.

We have been very patient.

We have activated forbearance and we will continue to pursue that path.

We are in no position and, certainly, I want to state this very clearly, to prevent anyone from having their say or exercising their democratic rights.

However, these are not conventional times and we have to ensure that within the framework of expressing those rights, we do not cause other rights to be violated as well, because we all live in a small society.”

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Franklyn Redhead, dismissed the claims that Bartholomew was arrested and emphasised that the police is in no way trying to prevent any ACP Jesmon Prince said, to date, the individual, union or organisation from RGPF has received no application or exercising their rights, but he said formal request for permission from

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Franklyn Redhead

the union, to stage protest action.

He said, “There have not been applications for permission to do any of those three marches that went before and, as a result of those situations, the executive was engaged and basically pointed in the right direction for future events.”

Additionally, Redhead said senior members of the RGPF have met with the former and current presidents of the GUT on three occasions to outline the process of organising protests and other events.

PSC Removed as Defendant in Case

by Public Officer

2018, at the height of an industrial dispute with Government over pension and gratuity.

The OECS Court of Appeal has upheld the removal of the Grenada Public Service Commission (PSC) as a defendant in a case that seeks to have salary, docked by the Government, returned.

The ruling was made in the case involving Donna Lusan, a teacher at St. Joseph’s Convent, St. George.

Lusan was among several public officers who failed to report for duty for an extended period during

As an employer, Government exercised its right to dock the pay of employees who did not work and Lusan opted to take the matter to court, to recover her docked salary of approximately $500.

The Court of Appeal found no merit in the grounds presented by Lusan’s attorneys, Justis Chambers, for the PSC to be made a party to that suit.

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RGPF Donates to St. Vincent The Royal Grenada Police Force has donated over 500 cases of water, non- perishable items and other personal effects to the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Coast Guard arrived in Grenada on the morning of April 21 to collect the items.

Corporal Kaudina Douglas-McLean, who is attached to the Community Relations Department, told the GIS that this is part of the RGPF’s commitment to humanitarian efforts.

She said, “It is overwhelming to see that members understand the plight of our colleagues and our fellowmen in St. Vincent and they have heeded to the call to assist and they have done so generously from their own personal effects.”

Corporal, Kaudina Douglas-McLean

Lieutenant of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Coast Guard, Enus Hamlet, expressed appreciation for the donation.

He said, “We are here as part of the humanitarian effort that is put on by our colleagues here in Grenada to assist

us with the natural disaster that we are facing right now in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. As of now, water is critically important to us, because most of the reservoirs have been covered with ash and there is a shortage of water supply. So, we are very grateful for the assistance given to us here and it will definitely go a long way for the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.”

Lieutenant of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Coast Guard, Enus Hamlet

RGPF Deploys Officers to St. Vincent will augment CDEMA - Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency. This deployment is on a rotational basis. While in St. Vincent, there are various roles and responsibilities that Ten officers - two sergeants, two corporals they are expected to take on. and six constables - were deployed to St. Vincent and the Grenadines on April 18.

Currently, as I speak, there is not much Superintendent, Vannie Curwen, Head of the RGPF’s Community Relations of a security challenge in St. Vincent, but Department, said once there is a need in every situation we do expect security for security, the deployment efforts will challenges and the RSS is preempting continue. any such challenge and so we are going ahead of time to ensure that we are wellHe said, “Eight of these officers will be deployed directly to the RSS response positioned to deal with whatever is likely security force, while two of the officers to come.”

Grenada has joined forces with the Regional Security System to assist St. Vincent and the Grenadines whose residents continue to face the threat of the La Soufrière volcano.

Superintendent, Vannie Curwen

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St. Martin De Porres R.C. School Gives to St. Vincent The staff and students of the St. Martin De Porres R.C. School have joined local businesses and organizations to lend support to the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, through a donation drive.

A donation comprising of 20 cases of water, non-perishable food items and toiletries will be sent to the staff and students of the CW Prescod Primary School in St. Vincent. Vice Principal, Yvette Calliste, told GIS the initiative augurs well for the establishment of good and lasting relations with the institution.

Vincent well and we pray that they continue to be safe. We

also say thanks to our supportive parents who always respond Calliste said, “We are seeking to establish a relationship that we hope will grow and flourish. We wish the people of St. when they are called upon.”

Carriacou Donates to the SVG Drive The National Disaster Management Agency’s Community Programme Officer, Bernice Date, commends businesses and residents of Carriacou for the successful organisation of a collection drive in support of the Government and people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The Carriacou branch of NaDMA collaborated with the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs & Local Government and business stakeholders to organise the drive.

According to Date, the relief items include water, toiletries and sanitary supplies.

She said, “During our water drive, on April 13-14, we were able to collect $3,576.89 in cash,and the Hillsborough Advent church. also gave a contribution of $1000. So, in all we had a contribution of $4,576.89 that we collected from the people of Carriacou and Petite Martinique. That money was used to purchase relief items for St. Vincent and the Grenadines, which of course included bottled water, toiletries, sanitary napkins and other supplies included on the needs list presented by the National Emergency Management Organisation in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

We commend the humanitarian spirit of

the people here in Carriacou and Petite Martinique, towards our neighbouring islands, St. Vincent and the Grenadines.”

Date said reports from St. Vincent indicate that 90 percent of the water supply on the island has been restored, therefore the needs list has been modified to include more food stuff and toiletries.

She said, “At the moment, we are actually looking for basic supplies

such as disinfectant and food.

They’re asking for other toiletries, but not water as was needed earlier, food, disinfectant, washing soaps, liquid, sanitary pads, adult pampers.

These are some of the things that they are looking at now, because, of course, they do have a lot of people in the shelters at the moment. So, whatever assistance you can give, will be appreciated and we will continue soliciting donations on behalf of the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.”

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RUBIS Supporting Food Security in GIVES The BACK Region The devastating effects of the La Soufrière Volcano to the St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVGs) agricultural sector has been placed under the microscope, due to the concern for food security for the Southern Caribbean.

In this regard, the Government of Grenada through the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands and Forestry, is mobilising support for its CARICOM sister nation and continues to assist the country.

Honourable Peter David, Minister for Agriculture, Lands and Forestry, said, “St. Vincent will come back with a bang. We are here, prepared to help them. This is not a competition between us and St. Vincent, or us and St. Lucia or with Barbados, It is simply all of us, taking advantage of whatever comparative advantages we have, to ensure that food production is increased and to ensure that all of us in the region reduce that enormous food import bill.”

Grenada aims to fill the vacuum, ensuring that food supply and production continues, along with the stabilisation of crops. One of the mechanisms proposed by the Agriculture Minister is beefing up local production to satisfy the market that exists in the region, especially with root crops, a major export crop from SVG.

population, which has been affected by a lack of forage (feed), in that country.

He affirmed that through talks with the Government and a local farmer, accommodations have been made through the Veterinary and Livestock Department, to transport some animals to Grenada.

The Government of Grenada is looking at the Grand Bras Estate as one of the areas that will be used to increase food production, in the wake of the disruption of the agriculture sector in St. Vincent by the La Soufrière volcano.

Minister for Agriculture, Lands and Forestry, Hon. Peter David

During the Government’s weekly post cabinet press briefing on April 21, Minister for Agriculture, Lands and Forestry, Hon. St. Vincent, which is best known for root Peter David, explained some of the crop production, has traditionally been mechanisms that will boost agricultural a major supplier of agricultural products production from Grenada’s end. and livestock to a number of Caribbean countries. In this regard, the Government He said, “We have already looked at of Grenada is mobilising support for its CARICOM sister nation, both in the short- several government estates and we are term and long-term and understanding focusing on the Grand Bras Estate. We the impact of this natural disaster, have looked at the estate and we’ve Grenada will be playing its part, by determined how we will proceed to production. The first step will be to implementing a number of initiatives. decide what we are going to produce.”

Honourable David said, “We know St. Vincent and the Grenadines is known for its root crop production: yam, dasheen, tannia, eddoes. All of these are normally supplied to the Southern Caribbean in large amounts. While there will be a shortage, we have present production in the ground that we can utilise to satisfy the market.”

Local farmers and farmer’s organisations, along with the Marketing and National Importing Board were key players identified by the Agriculture Minister, at the weekly post Cabinet briefing on April 21.

David also disclosed that Grenada’s approach incorporates SVG’s livestock

St. Vincent after the recent eruption of the La Soufrière volcano

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AGRICULTURE CORNER

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Meet the Farmer

FOOD-BASED DIETARY GUIDELINE TRAINING Ragbasingh has advice for individuals

– Lander Ragbasingh

thinking about getting into farming.

He said, “I’m calling on the youths to get into farming. Farming is the way out.

Based on what is happening in the world now, we need food, we need to plant our food.”

He further advised that to receive a fast income from what you plant, start with dasheen as it is a fast crop..

Things to note about Ragbasingh: • He produces crafts together with his farming.

• He likes planting dasheen, cabbage and banana • His crops help to reduce his spending on food.

Lander Ragbasingh in his garden

Knowing that he has a love for farming, 60-yearold Lander Ragbasingh’s mother left the plot of family land in his care.

Ragbasingh, who has been farming for all his life, Unique Ways to Use Cassava devotes most of his time to producing a wide (Grenada Food and Nutrition Council) variety of crops.

Together with his main job as a craftsman, • Ragbasingh farms two plots of land – vegetable crops at a plot of land at Fontenoy, St. George, • and tree and root crops at Clozier, St. John.

•

•

Cassava chips/cassava fries Cassava milkshake Cassava salt-fish salad Cassava pone/cassava pudding

He identified banana, plantain, dasheen, tannia, • Boiled coconut, nutmeg among the crops he grows.

• Roasted

Ragbasingh said he loves planting dasheen, • cabbage, and banana.

“Banana has a good income,” he said. “I always • get something from the land to sell - something for myself. I rarely buy provision from the market.”

Leaves can be sun-dried, ground and used in soups and sauces Extracted cassava juice can be added to sauces and pepper pot

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Prime Minister Says Privatisation of Airport Has Never Been on Government’s Radar The sentiments expressed by an investor suggesting that Grenada’s lone international airport be privatised, are not reflective of any Government position or policy on the matter.

Prime Minister, Dr. the Right Hon. Keith Mitchell, assured the nation, during a live press conference on April 29, that Naguib Sawiris, owner of Silversands Grenada, was not speaking on behalf of the Government, but rather in a private capacity, which he has a right to do.

Endorsing earlier comments by Civil Aviation Minister, Hon. Clarice Modeste-Curwen, Dr. Mitchell noted that many airports around the world are privatized, but said there is no consideration to privatise Grenada’s own.

The Prime Minister said, “In no party meeting throughout my period of service in Government, no parliamentary session, no Cabinet meeting, has there been any discussion about privatisation of the Maurice Bishop International Airport. Does that mean a private sector individual does not have a right to advocate it? Of course, it is their right to express their feelings on philosophical issues but ‘in so doing’, they do not articulate the position of Government. I cannot tell the gentleman what he should or shouldn’t say, but the bottom-line is, he cannot speak for the Government.”

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

see how you can imply that a statement made by a private individual reflects a Government policy. It means that the man controls the Government, which is nonsense. The people who advocate this obviously do not have a lot of respect for me or for the Government.”

The Prime Minister also cited a general lack of balance in Dr. Mitchell further stated, “Are we going to say that everyone media reports in these and other matters, and he recalled who comes here and speaks publicly, is speaking for the the likes of the late Leslie Pierre, who was an exemplary Government? I am amazed; I find it insulting honestly. I don’t journalist.

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Climate-Resilient Water Sector in Grenada Project Engages Accommodation Sector in Carriacou Representatives from the German Development Cooperation, GIZ, the Grenada Tourism Authority and the Grenada Development Bank recently engaged stakeholders in the accommodations sector in Carriacou on the Climate-Resilient Water Sector in Grenada (G-CREWS) project.

The project, which begun in 2019, provides stakeholders in the accommodation sector with a unique opportunity to improve their water storage capacity and water efficiency with grant funds up to U.S. $20,000.00, for upgrading bathrooms and $55,200.00 for the installation or upgrading of rainwater harvesting systems or greywater recycling.

Gennil Reuben, Communication Specialist for the G-CREWS project, outlining the various components of the project, noted that the visit to Carriacou focused on the component that entails the Challenge Fund specifically geared at tourism and awareness.

She said, “Component 1, climate resilient water governance looks at including climate change into our respective legislations. Component 2, climate resilient water users consists of two sub-components: 2.1 - the challenge fund, which includes building climate resilience within the tourism and agriculture sector, while 2.2 speaks to education awareness

and outreach. Component 3, climate resilient water supply system speaks to building infrastructure, so it includes the building of tanks, having more climate resilient medical centres, among others. Component 4, additional contribution to Grenada’s nationally determined contributions which will take into account addressing leakage issues.

Component 5, regional learning and replication, which will look at all the things Grenada has done as it relates to the climate resilient water sector in Grenada project.”

Throughout the six-year project cycle, the people of Carriacou will benefit from two initiatives; the construction of two rainwater harvesting systems and the retrofitting of medical centres to make them more climate-resilient.

Communications Officer at the Grenada Tourism Authority, Ria Murray, said, “This project looks at helping our stakeholders, our hoteliers, be prepared for what is to come, in terms of having enough water storage and also being very efficient in their water use, so as to conserve this precious resource for future generations.”

The EC $135 million G-CREWS project, is funded by the Green Climate Fund, the Government of Grenada and the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety. It is implemented by the Government of Grenada, the Grenada Development Bank and the National Water and Sewerage Authority (NAWASA), in partnership with the German Development Cooperation.

PROJECT UPDATE

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Housing Units Completed at Diamond, St. Mark

Government has reiterated its commitment to provide affordable housing for Grenadians, with a completion ceremony held on April 16 for the China Aid Low-Income Housing Project in Diamond, St. Mark.

housing here today and while we are facing a pandemic and raising less revenue, we are committed as a Government and we continue to provide support for housing assistance for many needy families across the triIsland State of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. We also launched an initiative of providing in-house bathroom and toilet for needy families.

Even in this time of the pandemic, when Government revenue is very low, we are committed to working along with the very poor and vulnerable persons of our tri-island State.”

This is one of five sites in phase two of the project under which 647 units will be constructed. Prime Minister, Dr. the Right Honourable Keith Mitchell, said the project further demonstrates the strength of the relationship between Grenada and the People’s Republic of China and is further evidence that Grenada is on the right track with the One China Policy.

Parliamentary representative for the constituency, Hon. Dr. Clarice ModesteHe said, “We have always said our role Curwen, said it is the belief of her in Government is about building up government that adequate housing is our people; improving the life of the one of the greatest needs. people of the country. So, when you talk about the quality of life of our people, She said, “Great efforts have been you have to talk about the delivery made to satisfy that need and we have of social services as a factor, because accomplished quite a lot and still we in every country there is poverty and see the need, but these 130 units will there are people who need Government’s support.”

Minister for Housing, Hon. Delma Thomas, said Government remains committed to its promise to ensure that low-income families can afford a comfortable home.

She said, “While we are speaking about the Chinese

take us a long way to satisfy the needs in this community. You would have to pay quite a lot. These 130 units will go a long way in satisfying the needs of this community. Our Government, , through the partnership and generosity of the People’s Republic of China, has made that possible and I want to thank you very much Ambassador Wei. Please convey our deepest appreciation in that regard.

Resident Chinese Ambassador, His Excellency, Wei Hongtian, said it feels good to know that families will be made more comfortable, especially during these challenging times.

He said, “With the completion of the St. Patrick site in November last year and now the St. Mark site, we are expecting the other three sites in Carriacou, St. David and Beausejour to be completed respectively in the coming months. Dr. the Right Honorable Prime Minister, dear friends, ladies and gentlemen, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused severe impacts on the entire world and both China and Grenada are facing unprecedented challenges and difficulties. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic cause construction work to be suspended and the shipment of materials was delayed.

ROAD WORKS UPDATE

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Work Underway on Mt. Rush Road

Work is in progress on the Mt. Rush Road to construct cut away, we’ll be bringing in new soil, approved aggregates approximately 900 feet of reinforced concrete pavement properly compacted to engineering standard. We’ll have all over a period of ten weeks. the tests carried out to ensure that this is done properly, While the work is being undertaken, motorists are utilising the Queen’s Park section of the Mt. Rush Road. Since there is no ‘through road’ from the Twin Bridge section of the road.

However, residents near the Twin Bridge section of the road still have access to their properties.

because, as we know, this is a road that is used by heavy trucks and a lot of activities - as we know the quarry is just ahead of us - so we want to ensure that the road is done properly. During construction, the road will be closed off

entirely to the motoring public.”

Peter Charles, Acting Engineering Assistant in the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, Public Utilities, Transport and Implementation, said, “All this would be excavated and The contract was awarded to contractor, Michael Cummings.

Contractor, Michael Cummings

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Ministry of Sports Congratulates Athletes Coordinator of Sports, Kerlon Peters, has congratulated Grenadian athletes who recorded good performances on the international circuit during the last weekend of April.

Olympic gold medalist, Kirani James, opened his 2021 season with a sub 45 in the 400 meters clocking 44:88 seconds during the Canyon invitational in Phoenix Arizona. Anderson Peters won the men’s javelin with a distance of 82.72 meters.

Peters also acknowledged several other Grenadian athletes attending colleges in the U.S., including Keron Charles, Tallan James and Johann Jeremiah who also competed in meets during that weekend.

He said, “We must congratulate them on a well done performance that made them outstanding, getting them to achieve the standard that is required for them to perform at nationals.”

Kirani James

Johann Jermiah Tallan James Keron Charles

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Thailand Scholarship Announcement 2021 The Thai Government under the Thailand International Postgraduate Programme (TIPP), in collaboration with the Government of Grenada, hereby invites suitable applicants to apply for master’s degree scholarships for the academic year 2021.

The TIPP scholarships focus on development under five themes, namely: • Food Security • Climate Change • Public Health • Topics related to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) • Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP) Eligibility All applicants MUST: • be in good physical and mental health.

• be willing to study in Thailand for the duration of the course.

• study full time and NOT be allowed to change the programme topic/study plan.

(Part time employment is not allowed).

• not be allowed to bring any family members to stay with them during study.

• be working in the government sector or in the area related to the course provided.

• have a bachelor’s degree and/or professional experience in the related field or related to graduate degree.

• be less than 50 years of age.

• be willing to follow all TICA rules and regulations.

Please prepare one (1) original with three (3) copies of each document as follows: 1. TIPP application form (Download at: http://www.tica.thaigov. net/main/en/relation/75500-TIPP-Application-form.html) 2. Medical report 3. Three (3) Passport size photos 4. Certified copy of Passport (Bio-data page) 5. Certified copy of Birth Certificate 6. Transcript of bachelor’s degree 7. Certificate of bachelor’s degree 8. English test score (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS) 9. Three (3) recommendation Letters 10. Thesis proposal or other documents (As university requests) Benefit to Awardees: 1.

Return economy class air ticket and airport pick-up service

2.

Monthly subsistence, settlement, books, and thesis allowance

3.

Visa arrangement

4.

Tuition fee

5. Insurance

More details of the scholarship information can be accessed via For further details on these benefits, please download “Guidelines the following link: for TIPP” via the link provided hereunder and read carefully: https://tica-thaigov.mfa.go.th/en/page/cate-7115-what-ishttps://tica-thaigov.mfa.go.th/en/page/99196-guidelines-fortipp?menu=605b1272233f4b075654ba92 tipp-how-to-apply?menu=605b13cb25179c1e6a0f5d73 2021 Programme and Course Details: TIPP is offering ONLY Fourteen (14) Programmes for 2021, being No. 2, 3, 5, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 21, 22 and 23 which Applicants are to submit one (1) original and three (3) copies of are accessible via this link: each document including the downloaded completed application https://tica-thaigov.mfa.go.th/en/content/tipp-2021?page=5f4e2 form to the Scholarship Desk, at the Ministry of Education, Human 2204784115e3a56f142&menu=5f47b173f779d764247d6746 Resource Development, Religious Affairs and Information Application Form: no later than May 26, 2021.

The candidates must fill in the online application form on TICA website: Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA); Menu: Fellowships and Scholarships; Sub-menu: Thailand For further information please contact Scholarship Desk, Ministry International Postgraduate Programme, Click on: TIPP 2021 (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdxDIXEpWSeS of Education and Human Resource, at telephone numbers 473-440-2737/417-9762 or via email hrd@moe.gov.gd MGy19NyV6uZDczFtsghU0Lwv98pAjGyqfr6g/viewform)

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Japan Scholarship Announcement 2021 The Government of Japan, in collaboration with the Government of Grenada, hereby invites suitable applicants to apply for postgraduate/research studies for the academic year 2021/2022.

Details of the scholarship is accessible via: https://www.tt.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/MextScholarship.html Courses Offered in all Japanese Universities are as follows: • Social Science • Engineering • Medical to Health • Arts • Humanities NB: There are No Academic Fields Restrictions Eligible applicants MUST: • be in good physical and mental health • be a citizen of Grenada • be under 35 years of age • have an undergraduate degree in the relevant field • be willing to study in Japan for the duration of the course • be willing to learn the Japanese language Documents required: • Application Form and Placement Preference Application Form • Health/Medical Certificate • Academic Transcript for all academic years of university • Certificate of graduation or degree certificate • Recommendation letter from president/dean or academic advisor at current or last university • Abstract Theses • Certificate of language proficiency (in case of attesting competency in Japanese or English) • Recommendation letter from present employer • Field of Study and Research Plan • Photograph(s) showing applicant’s own works of art or a digitally recorded media of music performance (applicants for fine arts or music) Scholarship Benefits: • Allowance • Education Fees • Travel Expenses Please read the details of the document requirements and scholarship benefits via: https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/_ mt/2021/04/2022_Guidelines_Research_E.pdf Application Form: https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/smap_stopj-applications_research.html Applicants are to submit one (1) original and three (3) copies of each document including downloaded completed application form to the Scholarship Desk, at the Ministry of Education, Human Resource Development, Religious Affairs and Information no later than May 26, 2021.

For further information, please contact Scholarship Desk, Ministry of Education, Human Resource Development, Religious Affairs and Information at telephone number 473-440-2737/417-9762 or via email hrd@moe.gov.gd

NEWSLETTER GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICE

Saturday, May, 22, 2021

Vol. 2, Issue 13

Continued Investor Confidence in Grenada Economy Grenada continues to attract significant investment in the tourism industry, with the latest demonstration of the high level of investor confidence in the local economy coming on April 21, with the ground-breaking ceremony for the Beach House Project.

The US$20 million project is the second hotel development in Grenada for Naguib Sawiris, the owner of Silversands Grenada. Construction will begin in June 2021, with completion anticipated within 18 months.

Prime Minister, Dr. the Right Hon. Keith Mitchell, has welcomed this latest investment in the country, which will create 200 jobs in the construction phase and up to 100 permanent jobs upon completion.

Dr. Mitchell said, “This is Naguib’s second project in Grenada and I must say that to date, he has proven to be a man of his word. Many people present plans and drawings on paper but nothing materialises. Naguib has delivered before and I am fully confident that he will deliver again. He has demonstrated great love for Grenada and has invested his own resources into the country; there has not been a single Citizenship

by Investment application attached to his projects. This clearly demonstrates his personal investment in the country and that is commendable.”

The Prime Minister used the occasion to reiterate the need for vaccination as the key element in getting the economy moving again. He called on persons in the private sector to join the call for Grenadians to be vaccinated.

Dr. Mitchell said, “Not enough of our

people are speaking out on the issue of vaccination, of protecting what we have here. The beauty of the country and the friendliness of our people are well-known, our low COVID-19 infection rate is earning us excellent reviews on the international stage, the critical point now, is maintaining that perception and expanding it in terms of real development. The private sector has a significant role to play in the local economy and they have invested heavily, therefore I cannot understand why they are so silent on the matter. It is also more than hoteliers, the pandemic has affected all sectors of the economy and representatives of all the sectors need to be speaking out on this matter.

We all have a stake in the future of this country.”

Tourism Minister, Hon. Clarice Modeste Curwen welcomed the addition to Grenada’s room stock. Providing figures that illustrate a great disparity between the number of hotel rooms in Grenada and other Caribbean countries, Minister Modeste-Curwen said, “Room stock is a major factor in negotiating with airlines to fly to Grenada; it is what we need as leverage to bring more flights and more people. Therefore, I appreciate the additional rooms that will be coming and in talking to the airlines, we can speak of the significant improvements we are making in that regard.”

Mr. Sawiris also disclosed plans for other developments that will further add to Grenada’s room stock, including a second Silversands at Mt. Cinnamon and The current Beach House facility has 30 two hotels at Port Louis. The Tourism rooms and the investor has declared Minister, he also underscored the his intention to expand, doubling the importance of The Beach House project will include an elegant Italian restaurant, amount of rooms to 60. spa and gym services and water sports.