Government Information Service Newsletter - Vol. 2, Issue 20 - 2021

NEWSLETTER GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICE

Thursday, October 14, 2021

Prime Minister Announces

Changes to COVID-19 Regulations, Activity Resumes in Some Sectors Details on page 02

Vol. 2, Issue 20

INSIDE PAGE 03

GRENADIANS ENCOURAGED TO GUARD AGAINST COMPLACENCY AS ACTIVE COVID-19 CASES DECLINE

PAGE 04

GOVERNMENT, IN CONSULTATION WITH RELIGIOUS COMMUNITY, PERMITS REOPENING OF CHURCHES

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VACCINATION STATUS NOW NECESSARY FOR SOME BUSINESSES AND CLIENTS

AND MUCH MORE...

GIS NEWSLETTER

NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTORS

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

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Prime Minister Announces Changes to COVID-19 Regulations, Activity Resumes in Some Sectors Prime Minister and Minister for National Security, Dr. the Right Hon. Keith Mitchell, has announced several changes to Grenada’s COVID-19 Regulations.

The nightly curfew will remain in effect, but with an adjustment in the time to 7:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. The nomovement weekends intended to help curb the spread of the virus, have been discontinued.

The Prime Minister explained that Prime Minister, Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell according to health experts, “we must learn to live with COVID-19, therefore it is imperative that we seek to resume operations.” a degree of normalcy while continuing He further stated that, “Having to safeguard our people.” consulted with stakeholders in the Dine-in services at restaurants will following industries and acting on their resume for fully vaccinated persons general recommendation, employees only and beach access has been in the food service, accommodation, extended, the new time being 4:00 a.m. fitness, beauty, child and elderly care to 4:00 p.m. Dr. Mitchell announced sectors must be fully-vaccinated, or in the re-opening of retail stores across cases where they have received only the country, but he encouraged store one dose, the second dose must be managers to maintain 50 percent administered within a specific period capacity and ensure that employees after the resumption of operations. and customers are adhering to the Given the fluidity of the pandemic and recommended protocols. the need for flexibility and agility in Outlining other changes, the Prime responding and adapting to its impact, Minister said, “Gyms and fitness Government is continuously engaged centres are also permitted to resume in consultation with stakeholders as it operation, likewise, day care centres seeks to balance the protection of lives and businesses in the beauty sector, and livelihood. including hairdresser salons and barber shops. However, there is one caveat, On the subject of vaccination, the Prime which is based on consultation with Minister noted the ongoing increase representatives in the private sector, to in the number of fully vaccinated help facilitate continuity of operations Grenadians, but he said Grenada is still in the event of future spikes that could a long way from where it needs to be in otherwise force another shut down of terms of achieving herd immunity.

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Grenadians Encouraged to Guard Against Complacency as Active COVID-19 Cases Decline Grenadians are being urged to guard against complacency as the country experiences a decline in the number of active COVID-19 cases.

Looking optimistically to the future, the Prime Minister also reiterated the need for collaboration in the fight against COVID-19.

Exceeding 2,600 active cases at one point, the country’s total number of active cases is now under 400 and the number of new cases identified daily has also declined significantly.

He said, “These unprecedented times require equally extraordinary fortitude.

For individuals and organisations alike, it is not a period for the faint of heart, but we have persevered thus far, and I must reiterate the need for us to continue working collaboratively, in the interest of our people and our country. It is imperative that we join hands regardless of political, religious or other affiliation.”

The positive trend in the statistics and the ongoing need to balance lives and livelihoods has led Government to make some adjustments to the COVID-19 Regulations. However, Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Dr. the Right Hon. Keith Mitchell, is encouraging the population not to allow complacency to undermine the gains made.

In his address to the nation on October 5, Dr. Mitchell said, “The reduction in active cases should motivate us to become even more cognizant of the protocols, ensuring that we safeguard ourselves and our loved ones, as we seek a return to some sense of normalcy.”

Acknowledging that the past few weeks could be recorded as one of the darkest periods in the country’s history, Dr. Mitchell expressed confidence in the resilience of Grenadians.

He said, “The crisis is far from over, but there is certainly a rainbow peeking through the stormy cloud of sickness, death, unemployment, business closures and every other impact this pandemic has wrought on our country.

The road to recovery will be long and steep, maybe with some undulating periods where we may seem to regress, but ultimately, sisters and brothers, we will get through this.”

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

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Government, in Consultation With Religious Community, Permits Reopening of Churches Acting under the guidance of the Ministry of Health and following consultation with the religious community, the Government of Grenada has approved the re-opening of churches and other places of worship.

With immediate effect, a maximum of twenty people will be allowed to congregate. That number must include technical persons responsible for facilitating the live broadcast of services. This adjusted regulation will only be allowed in churches and other places of worship where the congregation will be able to observe the recommended physical distancing protocol.

Religious leaders are encouraged to ensure that the physical distance and mandatory mask-wearing protocols are strictly adhered to, to guard against the potential spread of COVID-19.

The amended regulation, like the other changes announced earlier this week, will remain in effect until October 19, 2021.

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HEALTH MATTERS

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Attorney General Says Adherence to Protocols Is Key

With retail stores and other businesses allowed to open as part of new regulations, Attorney General, Dia Forrester is encouraging the owners and operators of these businesses to ensure strict adherence to COVID-19 protocols.

homes and that purpose must be for conducting legitimate business, as there continues to be a general prohibition on social activities and large gatherings. That maintains as the general framework of the COVID-19 regulations.”

Forrester said the mandate of Government is to permit and promote purposeful movement to control the spread of the virus. She added that individuals with existing approvals from previous regulations are not required to obtain new ones, since provisions have been made for their validity going forward.

Professional offices will be open on an appointment only basis. The general business hours across sectors is 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Government is appealing to businesses to ensure strict compliance to the protocols, which includes maintaining a capacity of no more than 50 percent.

She said, “Notwithstanding that, between 4:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. daily, individuals are allowed to move around, we continue to request that people restrict their movement to that which is necessary. We must be purposeful when leaving our

Forrester said, “Businesses are required to follow the physical distancing and safety protocols. Your businesses must have the six feet markers in place.

The patrons must wear a face mask, covering the nose, mouth and chin.

Customers must sanitise hands on entry. Businesses must keep proper

Attorney General, Dia Forrester

legible records of names, telephone numbers and addresses of people entering their businesses. As the Prime Minister indicated, we suggest that the safest option for businesses is to ensure that at no time, you have no more than 50 percent capacity in your establishment.”

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HEALTH MATTERS

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Vaccination Status Now Necessary for Some Businesses and Clients

status of their employees to be able to open or reopen their businesses.

Employees must present their vaccination status to be able to discharge their duties at those businesses. The businesses in question include restaurants, hotels, guesthouses, bars and those in the For businesses offering dine-in services, beauty industry,” Forrester said. patrons are required to present their vaccination card to gain entry. However, She further noted that, “Residential care this does not extend to take away and establishments, including elderly nursing drive-through services, which will remain homes, also have the requirement accessible to all regardless of vaccination for the vaccination of all individuals working and living there to present their status. vaccination status, to be able to offer The Attorney General referenced other services or to continue to reside there. businesses that will be required to provide Thirdly, day care centers also have the their employees’ vaccination status. requirement to present the vaccination status of individuals working there, to “All businesses where health permits or be able to open or to discharge duties at food handlers’ certificates are required, that business as an employee. There is a employers must present the vaccination further requirement for day care centres, Attorney General, Dia Forrester, said, some businesses and clients will be required to provide proof of their vaccination status, as part of the updated COVID-19 Regulations that seek to ensure the protection of lives and livelihoods.

Attorney General, Dia Forrester

that is, individuals dropping off and picking up infants must also present their vaccination status to be able to access the day-care centres.”

The Attorney General said employees with at least one dose of either vaccines will be permitted to work, however they will have a fixed time period to present proof of the second dose.

Grenada Receives Donation of 2,000 AstraZeneca Vaccines The Ministry of Health received a donation a donation of 2,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, from the Canadian Government, through the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, on October 8.

Health officials started administering doses from the latest donation on October 10.

The Government of Grenada assures the public of its commitment to ensuring the continued availability of COVID-19 vaccines and that vaccine options remain exist.

Government is grateful to its counterparts in Canada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines for this timely donation, as Grenada heightens vaccine uptake efforts in the ongoing fight against COVID-19.

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US-Based Grenadian Doctor Encourages Citizens to Get Vaccinated

US-based Grenadian medical professional, Dr. George Wilson, is appealing to his colleagues, both at home and in the diaspora, to give the Government and people of Grenada their full support, as they continue to battle against COVID-19.

globally, he did not expect this level of vaccine hesitancy.

He said, “The degree of vaccine hesitancy I have seen is more than I expected, but I hope with time, with public awareness, that persons will realise the need to seek early treatment and also to try Dr. Wilson visited Grenada recently for to prevent the spread of the virus to the funeral of his father, Brother George enhance vaccination efforts.”

Wilson, a former principal of the St. John’s Christian Secondary School, who Dr. Wilson also warned against died from COVID-19. The doctor spent complacency in the face of encouraging some of his time here, assisting with recovery numbers, which exceed 5000. vaccination and testing at a pop-up The statistics show that active cases have dropped to less than 400. clinic in St. Mark.

US-based Grenadian Medical Professional, Dr. George Wilson

dip in the surge and people let their guard down and when that happens, an uptick follows in the subsequent weeks. We expect this first wave to continue until it runs its course. Until Dr. Wilson said given that Grenadians He said, “We need to not let our guard then, we need not to be complacent had more than 18 months to observe down, for example, in the United States, and we need to continue following all what was happening with the virus there have been times where we see a protocols.”

COVID-19 Economic Support Secretariat Deadline Announcement The Ministry of Finance, through the COVID-19 Economic Support Secretariat (CESS) has announced Wednesday, October 20, as the deadline for receipt of applications for the month of September under the various components of the Stimulus package.

All applications must be received by 4:00 p.m.

The deadline pertains to the following components: • Temporary Unemployment Benefit Assistance • Income Support • Payroll Support • Small Business Grant The public is advised that the deadline for submission of monthly applications is the 20th of each month.

Applicants can continue to make their monthly applications for the period October to December 2021.

The public is asked to note that this deadline is for receipt of applications to the programme only and that payments will continue to all eligible beneficiaries for the period for which applications have been approved.

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SGU Students Participate in Vaccination and Testing Clinics The increase in COVID-19 cases in Grenada has mobilised St. George’s University School of Medicine students to use their passion for medicine and acquired skills toward helping their beloved host country and its communities.

During the past several weeks, many aspiring physicians heeded the call to help those in need by volunteering at mobile testing and vaccination clinics organized by Grenada’s Ministry of Health (MOH) across the island.

“I could not have leaped up fast enough at the opportunity to assist in combatting COVID-19 in Grenada, not only to act in my capacity as an epidemiologist and medical student, but to give back to the community that gives me and the broader SGU community so much and allows us to call their home, our home,” said Term 4 SOM student, Cameron Rattray, MPH. “We are one people, one community, and we all must band together in these turbulent times to fight COVID-19 and win this war.”

Under the direction of Dr. Carol McIntosh, the Ministry of Health’s director of hospital services, students traveled in teams across the island to serve in the MOH’s pop-up clinics.

Students ranged from Term 1 through Term 5, with School of Medicine faculty advisors also onsite to oversee them.

“We are so proud of these students who selflessly gave their time to give back to the Grenadian community,” said Dr. Marios Loukas, dean of the School of Medicine. “Offering to assist Grenada’s healthcare workers during this time of need is the sign of a true calling as a physician. These experiences will become invaluable as they continue their training.”

lines of communication to the physicians onsite and working as a cohesive unit with a common purpose. They also learned the importance of extending compassion and respect to the Grenadians in need, Mr. Hawkins-Zafarina noted.

“Many students were exposed firsthand to communities that harbor mixed levels of skepticism in the available vaccines,” he said. “During our Friday evening briefing, Dr. McIntosh shared with the group of volunteers some wise words, and I think they were apparent in their relevance all weekend long: “Compassion cannot be taught, but it can be learned.”

That said, “The Grenadians we encountered were incredibly kind and grateful,” Mr. Hawkins-Zafarnia added. “We encountered many that were vaccine-hesitant for both themselves and their families, and we tried our best to inform them of the benefits of getting vaccinated, if eligible. Health literacy is a challenge around the world, but there can be Among the student volunteer responsibilities were success when you approach people at their level and explain vaccination and COVID-19 testing, registration and site setup, concepts in a culturally sensitive manner.” assisting the physicians administer tests and vaccinations, providing results and educational material, monitoring As attempts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 continues, patients who received the vaccine for any adverse reactions SGU remains a trusted ally to the Government of Grenada. to the injection and helping clinic attendees maintain social SGU faculty members have stepped up to volunteer their distancing while waiting for the vaccine. skills and expertise at the mobile vaccination sites. In addition, Members of SGU’s Emergency Medicine Club (EMC) were students in the School of Arts and Sciences nursing program among the student volunteers eager to help. According to have been volunteering at health centers across the country, EMC President, Arya Hawkins-Zafarnia, the lessons learned providing Grenada’s healthcare professionals with muchby students were innumerable and invaluable, falling into needed assistance, a chance for a break and camaraderie. two camps: disaster response/emergency preparedness/ management and compassionate community engagement.

“Altruism is in the DNA of any healthcare worker,” Dr. Solomon While everyone’s roles varied, volunteers learned the said. “It’s wonderful to see students across schools working importance remaining flexible and adaptable to meet the together to learn about each other’s roles. These are the needs of each community’s situation, maintaining direct doctors and nurses of tomorrow.”

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HEALTH MATTERS

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Designation of Grand Anse Facility to House Prisoners is a Temporary COVID-19 Measure

The Government of Grenada is providing clarity on the newly designated holding facility for prisoners, established in Morne Rouge.

The facility, located on a compound that has been used to house persons in quarantine and isolation since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, is now known as the Grand Anse Prisons and Lockups, as outlined in Statutory Rules and Orders No. 39 of 2021. It is a temporary measure designed to reduce the potential spread of COVID-19 at the Her Majesty’s Prisons.

In response to media queries on October 6, Commissioner of Police, Edvin Martin, said the facility may never even be used for its designated purpose. However, he explained that before housing a prisoner in any facility, it must be appropriately designated.

Further explaining the forward-thinking measure, the Commissioner confirmed that there are no prisoners in the temporary facility at present, as the in-house isolation facility at Richmond Hill is currently sufficient.

He said, “This is a temporary mechanism to serve as a half-way point for persons sentenced or remanded to Her Majesty’s Prisons, who may be positive for COVID-19. The intention here is to reduce the risk of sending positive cases to our prisons, potentially running the risk of infecting the prison population.”

designated for the intended purpose.

The fact is Her Majesty’s Prisons has made adjustment in its own facility to currently isolate a limited number of such persons. Therefore, this is a redundancy measure in case of Her Majesty’s Prisons in-house isolation facility reaches capacity.”

The Police Commissioner added, “It He is optimistic that once the current must be made clear that to legally hold level of community spread is reduced, persons there the facility has to be this measure will be rescinded.

RGPF Tickets Non-Compliant Individuals The Royal Grenada Police Force has issued 403 tickets to people in the last He said, “These are persons comprise three weeks for their failure to comply a very small section of our community, who violate for one reason or the other. with the COVID-19 Regulations.

In the Northern District, Carriacou and Assistant Commissioner of Police, John Petit Martinique, 10 tickets were issued.

Mitchell, commended the public for We have our Special Services Unit adhering to the regulations, noting that augmenting the Central, Western and the number of those ticketed represents Eastern divisions and they have issued a small fraction of the population. a total of 31 tickets. We have the Rapid Response Unit, which has taken on the Members of the RGPF have been brunt of the work. They have issued in deployed at strategic locations excess of 229 tickets.” throughout the island during curfew periods and no-movement weekends. The RGPF was placed under stress in During a press conference, ACP Mitchell recent weeks, after more than 100 provided a breakdown of the number of officers contracted COVID-19. Three tickets issued per district during the last officers succumbed to the disease. ACP three weeks.

Mitchell is optimistic that the recovery

rate of officers will facilitate a return to more effective operations.

He said, “The recovery rate of Assistant Commissioner of police officers, Police, John Mitchell in general, has been going very well. Over 84 percent of our police officers have recovered, and, in that light, I think it sends a good message that we are in a good place as it relates to numbers for law enforcement.

I want to say to the general public that without your effort of cooperation, reporting consistencies, we would not be in this place today.”

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Good News for Tourism

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The three days of operation will now be Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

We can recall that they previously added a Charlotte route and we expect them to resume those operations from November 27.”

In January, Grenada welcomed 1609 persons, travelling out of Miami, Florida.

Since then, the numbers have increased to more than 7, 000. Discussions continue regarding daily flights from Miami.

Minister Modeste-Curwen also announced the possibility of cruise lines resuming their calls before the end of 2021.

Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Dr. Clarice Modeste-Curwen, said Grenada will welcome new flights from the United States, via American Airlines, from November 1.

In addition to this, flights will resume from Charlotte, North Carolina, beginning November 27. The Minister shared this good news, which she believes can transform the sector, on October 5, during the weekly Post Cabinet Press Briefing.

The news is a welcomed development for the industry which has seen hotels and guest houses close their doors and send workers home, due to the low visitor arrivals rate and the recent spike in the spread of COVID-19.

Minister Modeste-Curwen said, “We are expecting some new flights from American Airlines from November 1. In less than a month, they will be adding Friday to their weekly operational schedule.

She said, “A few months ago it was too early for us, because we didn’t have the level of vaccination in our country.

Certainly, we were nowhere near herd immunity, and we are hoping that we would get the support of persons in and outside of the industry to increase the level of vaccination and to decrease the infection rate to the point where we can feel confident that they can come in.”

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Grenada Is Ready for the Dubai Expo 2020 Grenada is among more than 190 countries that will use the Dubai Expo 2020 forum to showcase art, music, food, culture, and talents.

The theme for the expo is “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future,” with three sub-themes: opportunity, mobility and sustainability - each with its own pavilion. Grenada’s pavilion is in the Mobility District, with the theme “Grenada, Enhancing Our Environment, Through the Movement of Our People, Culture, Products, And Services.”

Consul General in Dubai, Her Excellency Rose-Ann Benjamin, said she is impressed with the efforts made for Grenada’s display. She commends the United Arab Emirates Government for its commitment to the success of the event.

She said, “Special thanks to the UAE Government for making this a reality for Grenada. The Government and people of Grenada are very grateful for this opportunity which we know will definitely enhance our bilateral relations as we focus on Grenada’s economy and diplomacy. As Grenadians, we are focusing on the development and growth in the sectors of tourism, agriculture, energy, infrastructure and manufacturing industry. The Dubai Expo creates a platform for investment and opportunity for growth and connectivity. I take this opportunity to invite everyone to visit; to learn and connect. The Dubai expo is an excellent platform that will create linkages across the world, therefore, we need to take full advantage of this opportunity.”

Minister for Trade, Industry and Consumer Affairs, Hon. Alvin Dabreo, travelled to Dubai for the opening event and he will be present at the Expo for a couple weeks.

The event is scheduled to run until March 2022.

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Grenada’s Ministry for Climate Resilience and the Environment Building Momentum Ahead of COP26 Grenada’s Ministry for Climate Resilience and the Environment is actively engaged in building momentum ahead of the United Nations climate change conference, COP26, taking place in Glasgow from October 31.

In the last few weeks, Minister responsible for Climate Resilience and the Environment, Senator the Honorable Simon Stiell, participated in international meetings in the United States and Italy.

In New York, on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly, his itinerary included meetings with leaders from the Alliance of Small Island States, the United Nations Secretary General’s office, and members of the High Ambition Coalition (HAC), which the Minister is currently cochairing with his counterpart Tina Stege, Climate Envoy for the Marshall Islands.

The Minister engaged with key international counterparts to push for the urgent action needed to keep the 1.5oC goal within reach and to increase and improve access to finance for developing countries already struggling with the impacts of climate change.

During the pre-COP26 in Milan, Minister Stiell co-led a breakout group on how countries must take more action on climate change in line with the 1.5°C goal of the Paris Agreement. The group included ministerial representatives from China, the U.S., India, Russia, the European Union, and Japan, amongst others.

In the discussion, the gap between governments’ current targets for 2030 emissions and where they need to be to

Minister for Climate Resilience and the Environment, Senator the Honourable Simon Stiell, is pictured at pre-COP26 in Milan, with US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, John Kerry and Tina Stege, Climate Ambassador for the Marshall Islands.

halt warming at 1.5°C, was unanimously highlighted as an issue to be tackled ahead of COP26 and in the ensuing years as the 2030 deadline approaches.

The Minister’s summary of the discussion emphasised to all national representatives that those countries who have not yet submitted updated 2030 climate targets and plans, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), should do so as soon as possible before COP26.

He also stressed the need for a paradigm shift in the global response to adaptation, and the importance of dedicated financing for loss and damage – those impacts from climate change that can no longer be

avoided or reduced – given the grave risks that vulnerable countries are facing in a warming world.

The G20 meeting in late October was also acknowledged as an important opportunity for countries, which have some of the highest historical responsibility for emissions, to announce more ambitious climate plans.

“As a small island, which is incredibly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, it is really important that Grenada’s voice and perspective is heard in these international discussions,” Minister Stiell commented.

He added, “In Grenada, we are already seeing devastating impacts of climate change at 1.1°C of warming – so the global effort to reduce emissions and keeping to the 1.5°C temperature limit is really critical for the protection of our environment and our economy.”

The Minister will travel to Glasgow, Scotland, in late October to represent Grenada at COP26 and further engage to push for more ambitious action on climate change.

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Government Negotiates Auto Dealer Support for Public Transport Sector The Ministry of Infrastructure Development, Public Utilities, Transport and Implementation is continuing its efforts to provide further support to the public transport sector.

The Ministry has initiated a programme of support through businesses to offer relief to bus operators to purchase tyres, batteries, automotive parts and lubricants. To date, four auto part dealers have pledged their support.

Discount Auto Parts is offering 15 percent off on all parts for buses, effective October 1, until further notice. Jonas Browne & Hubbard (G’da) Ltd. is providing 12.5 percent discount on Torque and Farroad tyres and Power Max batteries from October 1 to November 15, 2021. Quality Services Ltd., for the period October 1 to December 31, 2021, is offering a discount of 15 – 20 percent on auto parts, batteries, windscreens, front, rear and side glasses.

Geo. F. Huggins & Co. (G’da) Ltd. will also make available discounts and best prices on all Nissan Urvan differential parts and up to 20 percent on all other Urvan parts. In addition, the company is offering all bus operators, regardless of vehicle brand, a volume discount on tyre purchases up to 12 percent for a full set.

The Ministry of Transport and, by extension, the Government of Grenada, expresses sincere gratitude to all participating businesses for providing critical support to the public transport sector, and encourages all bus operators to take full advantage of these offers.

Bus operators and commuters are also encouraged to be vigilant and to follow the COVID-19 health and safety protocols issued by the Ministry of Health.

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EDUCATION CORNER

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Education and TAMCC Acts Under Review Minister for Education, Hon. Emmalin the process was going to commence in Pierre, said the Education Act and the September, is pleased that the process T.A Marryshow Community College is now moving forward.

Act are both now under review.

Former Education Minister, Ambassador Claris Charles, has been appointed Chair of the TAMCC Review Committee and Gertrude Niles, a retired education official, will head the Education Act Review Committee.

The Education Minister, who Both committees will include officials previously gave the commitment that from the Ministry of Legal Affairs.

A special committee has been appointed to consult with all relevant stakeholders and is expected to submit a preliminary report to the Minister by December 31, 2021.

Distribution of E-Learning Devices to All Form 1 Students in Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique The Ministry of Education, Human Resource Development, Religious Affairs and Information started distributing eLearning Devices to all Form one students attending public secondary schools in Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique from Monday, October 11.

Parents are reminded that payment of administrative fees for the devices should be made at the Inland Revenue Department or its sub-offices island wide. Parents with children who are part of the School Books Programme are required to pay EC$25.00, while those who are not, must pay a sum of EC$50.00. In order to collect the devices, parents must present the receipt to the distribution centre assigned to their child’s secondary school.

They must also have in their possession a valid photo ID and will be required to sign the eLearning Device User Agreement.

Due to the restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, parents will be advised by their child/children’s school of the allotted time for device distribution, which will be done based on the student’s last name. Virtual learning is ongoing in keeping with the regulations set out by the Ministry of Health.

Scheduling of Appointments for Device Collection - Michaelmas Term 2021 The Ministry of Education, Human Resource Development, Religious Affairs and Information is again inviting parents/guardians who have not yet collected devices for students, who were within primary Grades 1 to 5 and Forms 1 to 4 during the last academic year, to schedule an appointment via the webform https://gov.gd/moe/devicecollection.

They can also contact the eLearning Help Desk at (473) 440-2737, extension 27122.

EDUCATION CORNER

Thursday, October 14, 2021

5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

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EDUCATION CORNER

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EDUCATION CORNER

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Child Month 2021 To Be Observed in November The Ministry of Education, Human Resource Development, Religious Affairs and Information hereby informs the public that due to extenuating circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 situation in Grenada, Child Month celebrations, traditionally held during the month of October, will now be observed from November 1 to 30, 2021.

This was a joint decision taken by the Child Month Committee, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Human Resource Development, Religious Affairs and Information.

The broader theme for Child Month continues to be “Love the Child.” However, the sub-theme for Child Month 2021 is: “Children’s Care and Education Matter: Let Children Grow, Glow and Flourish.” The focus will be on quality education and care for all children while promoting health and safety.

In addition to the change of date, the Ministry is scaling down activities to keep everyone as safe as possible, ensuring that all activities adhere to COVID-19 guidelines. Masks and t-shirts will be available by order. Child Sabbath/Child Sunday is confirmed for Nov. 13 and 14.

This Ministry thanks the public for its kind understanding as it continues to make the necessary adjustments to keep our students safe, while allowing them to maintain a semblance of normalcy, amid current restrictions.

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U.S. Internal Revenue Service conducts Offshore Tax Evasion Training in Grenada On September 9, 2021, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) presented the Offshore Tax Evasion Case Study training course to the Grenada Inland Revenue Division and Financial Intelligence Unit.

The course incorporated multiple areas of transnational financial crimes specific to offshore banking schemes, tax evasion, and Klein conspiracy, while specifically focusing on an offshore tax evasion investigation involving a complex yet classic pyramid scheme. The course also highlighted how international efforts, such as the Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Initiative (OVDI) and the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), aid in combating tax evasion and serve to dismantle and disrupt a criminal conspiracy built upon greed. The training session generated intense discussions about conducting investigations to secure the Grenada tax system and financial system.

At the opening of the event, Randy Boyke, Deputy Comptroller,

Ministry of Finance Inland Revenue Division of Grenada and Leticia James, Deputy Constable, Financial Intelligence Unit Grenada welcomed training participants.

Principal Officer U.S. Embassy Grenada, Karl Duckworth addressed the financial professionals, “As international criminals develop more sophisticated techniques, everyone benefits from sharing information on how to detect, investigate, and ultimately bring to justice lawbreakers.”

Duckworth continued, “As Grenada continues to grapple with the real challenges presented by COVID, it is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the revenue collection and financial professionals from the United States and Grenada that they were able to hold this important training safely online. We all look forward and pray for the day when it is safe to conduct international exchanges like this in person. Meanwhile, the United States will continue to be a friend to Grenada in these trying times.”

U.S. Embassy in Barbados Pauses Routine Nonimmigrant Visa Services Source: US Embassy, Barbados

The U.S. Embassy in Barbados has paused routine nonimmigrant visa services effective Tuesday, October 12 due to COVID-19 local conditions. While the Embassy continues to provide emergency and mission-critical nonimmigrant visa services, these appointments are extremely limited. Routine visa services will resume as soon as possible but the Embassy is unable to provide a specific date at this time.

ais.usvisa-info.com/en-bb/niv, or call 246-623-9832 or 246-6239833 to request an emergency appointment for B1/B2, C1/D, F, J, and M visa categories only.

Health and Safety In order to protect the health and safety of personnel and the public, the U.S. Embassy will follow strict social distancing

If the U.S. Embassy is unable to honor an appointment, practices in our facilities. All applicants must wear face masks applicants will receive an email providing instructions on how at all times while visiting the Embassy. Applicants must also to reschedule their appointment for a later date. adhere to all local health protocols including any mandatory If a MRV fee was paid, it will remain valid until September 30, quarantine requirements. If an applicant is feeling ill or has 2022. MRV fees are non-transferable. The U.S. Embassy cannot reason to believe they have been exposed to COVID-19 accept MRV fees from outside our consular district. please do not visit the Embassy and instead contact us at The Embassy continues to process Interview Waiver (IW) and Renewal Interview Waiver (RIW) cases. The eligibility of this program was recently expanded, and applicants MAY now qualify to renew their visa by mail. To find the qualification to renew a visa by mail, please scroll to the additional RIW information below which details all eligibility criteria.

BridgetownNIV@state.gov to reschedule the appointment for a later date. Please note that there are no exceptions for local mandatory quarantine requirements – applicants will be turned away and not allowed entry into the Embassy.

For the latest information regarding Presidential Proclamations Emergency Requests If an applicant has an urgent matter and needs to travel and other visa issues, please visit: https://travel.state.gov/ immediately, please follow the guidance provided at https:// content/travel/en/News/visas-news.html

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IRD: Answering Your Call - Receiving Your Bills Online - tax.gov.gd The Inland Revenue Division (IRD) of the Ministry of Finance is offering taxpayers another opportunity to utilise its online services.

Taxpayers who own property can now receive their property tax bills or demand notices online via a new portal. Tax.gov. gd forms part of the IRD’s paperless initiative to reduce the use of paper in its daily operations.

To make their payments, taxpayers can view and/or download demand notices of the properties listed in their name or properties that they manage. Taxpayers are required to register with their email address or mobile number to ensure they receive their 2022 property tax notice in a timely manner.

Here are some simple steps to receive property tax bills/demand notices online via https://tax.gov.gd/.

Step 1 --- Enter your email address or mobile number.

Step 2 --- Enter the verification code received on your email or by text message Step 3--- For additional security, validate your phone number or email address (Optional) Step 4--- To locate your property, link one or more tax numbers to your account, by selecting any of the applicable options.

For further information, contact the Inland Revenue Division, Ministry of Finance via email - pro@ird.gov.gd.

IICA’s CORNER

GIS NEWSLETTER

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IICA Caribbean Bio-economy Project (Composting) Submitted by Derek Charles- National Specialist at IICA Grenada

This project is aimed at using the bioeconomic model for waste management in the Caribbean thus promoting and expanding the development and commercialisation of products derived from agricultural waste, based on the circular bioeconomic model in the Caribbean region to facilitate private sector investment and the generation of external resources.

One training session on composting has been conducted for farmers, backyard gardeners and other stakeholders who are interested in composting the organic waste that are produced in their kitchens, gardens, or businesses.

Participants will soon be setting up their own composting piles that will be supervised by IICA National Specialist and supported by a composting

consultant.

Participants will be trained on using the tools for monitoring the moisture and temperature of the compost piles through to completion. Based on the outcome of this activity additional training will be provided by IICA in developing business plans for commercial composting operations.

Resumption of the Sale of Plants The Ministry of Agriculture, Lands and Forestry advises farmers and the public of the resumption of the Sale of Plants at the Ashenden Propagation Station, St. David, with effect from Thursday, October 14, 2021.

While adhering to COVID-19 protocols, the following guidelines should be followed by persons to facilitate seamless transactions: • October 14 – 21, 2021- Plants will be sold to cocoa and nutmeg farmers approved by GCA and GCNA and farmers with application, approved

by Extension Division.

• October 22 – 29, 2021 - Ornamentals and spices will sold on an appointment basis. Farmers and flower enthusiasts are encouraged to call the station to arrange a date to visit.

• From the week beginning November 1, 2021 and onwards – Plants will be sold to the public only on Thursdays, by appointment only.

must be done at the District • Please call telephone numbers Revenue Office in St. David.

444-7216 or 417-9359 to book appointments, between the Ministry of Agriculture… hours of 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. ensuring food and nutrition security • Payment for the sale of plants

for all.

AGRICULTURE CORNER

Thursday, October 14, 2021

GIS NEWSLETTER

Vol. 2, Issue 20

• Traditionally, sweet potatoes are planted towards the end of the rainy season to the beginning of the dry season (November to January). During this period, sweet potatoes have higher yields. Farmers with irrigation should stagger planting from January to April to target the off season market and higher prices.

• Stem cuttings approximately 9 inches in length are planted at a 450 angle to promote root development and up to half of the cutting should be buried.

•Cuttings should be spaced one foot apart in the rows. Rows should be spaced three feet. apart. Averages of 12,00014,000 cuttings are required to establish one acre of sweet potatoes, depending on the planting distance.

• Cuttings should be watered during the dry season, since low soil moisture content would cause them to dry.

Tip - Troy Augustine-Agronomist

for October

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AGRICULTURE CORNER

Thursday, October 14, 2021

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GRENADA FOOD AND NUTRITION COUNCIL CORNER

Thursday, October 14, 2021

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PROJECT UPDATE

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Construction of Retaining Wall and Box Drains at Mt. Gay, St. George

Completion of Pavement Bedrock Community Grand Anse, St. George

PROJECT UPDATE

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Construction of 455 Feet of Pavement at Frequente, St. George

Parliamentary Representative Hon. Nickolas Steele

358 Feet of Pavement and Slipper Drains Under Construction at Mt. Hartman, St. George

The project, supervised by Chris Joseph, began approximately three weeks ago, but has been delayed due to the inclement weather and the COVID-19 situation. It is approximately 60 percent complete.

PROJECT UPDATE

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Construction of 1,000 Feet of Pavement Mt. Hartman By-Road, in St. George The contractor for this project is David Benjamin. Approximately six weeks’ worth of work has been completed on this project.

Parliamentary Representative Hon. Nickolas Steele

PROJECT UPDATE

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Construction of 150 Feet of Retaining Wall and 400 feet of Box Drains at Top Belmont, St. George The contractor for the retaining wall is Pastor Stanford Simon of One Call Construction Company Ltd. and the contractor for the box drains is Alister James. The box drains are seventy percent complete and the retaining wall is complete.

Parliamentary Representative Hon. Nickolas Steele

NEWSLETTER GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICE

Thursday, October 14, 2021

Vol. 2, Issue 20

Tribute to Peter Bain Ministry of Sports, Culture and the Arts, Fisheries and Cooperatives

The Ministry of Sports, Culture & the Arts, Fisheries and Cooperatives is deeply saddened by the death of Sports & Cultural icon, Peter Bain.

improve future activities.

Peter Bain has and will remain one of the cultural community’s great assets and guardians of our heritage. We salute this great and amazing human being.

Mr. Bain was a popular and successful businessman who was quite supportive of his family, like his father, the late Norris Bain, a former Minister in the People’s Revolutionary Government.

He has made noteworthy contributions to society especially in the development of sports and culture. Mr. Bain’s contribution to culture over the past thirty or more years is unequalled, having contributed to the development of the art form of masquerade. His creativity in the development of the Rainbow City Mas Promoters speaks to his ability to rise above the mere talent of others in the field. The presentations made throughout the years have been adjudged Mas Band of the Year, in both junior and senior categories, and his portrayals also earned the King and Queen of the Band titles on multiple occasions.

Mr. Bain worked hard towards the preservation of Grenada’s culture through portrayals in carnival mas bands. His love for the art form not only propelled him to participate but allowed for participants to present at non-competitive forums like the Carriacou Carnival, Rainbow City and St. Patrick’s Day. His most commendable trait was his humble and approachable manner. He was a quiet and reasonable man and aired his concerns for the plight of the art form and its participants with such controlled

In addition to his love for culture, Peter Bain was also a lover of sports. As a former student of the St. Andrew’s Anglican Secondary School, under Principal Creswell Julien, he was a keen competitor in high jump and cricket.

passion that it was almost impossible not to listen and assent to his request for support for his fellow mas band leaders and their players.

His work with the Division of Culture extended beyond the annual showcase of mas. He readily made Bain’s Hall available to the Ministry to host several events and ensured his personal contribution to the success of the activities. The Ministry could always expect a call from Mr. Bain soon after an activity, whether at his facility or when his establishment provided hospitality services, commending the effort and suggesting how all parties could

He has been a long-standing sponsor of the innovative five-a-side, St. Andrew night small goal football competition.

Mr. Bain also served as a member of the Competition Committee of the Grenada Football Association and provided assistance in any capacity towards the development of the game, whenever he was called upon.

Mr. Bain was a charitable man, and was described by many as a man who could not say ‘no’ to anyone who sought his help.

The Ministry of Sports, Culture & the Arts, Fisheries and Cooperatives extends sincere condolences to our very own Minister, Hon. Yolande Bain-Horsford, a sister of Peter Bain, along with other family members and friends. We hope that the love of friends and family will comfort you in this time of bereavement.

May he rest in eternal peace.