Government Information Service Newsletter - Vol. 2, Issue 23 - 2021

NEWSLETTER GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICE

Friday, December 03, 2021

FINANCE MINISTER PRESENTS

$1.3 BILLION BUDGET Details on page 02

Government provides relief measures to Grenadians

Vol. 2, Issue 23

INSIDE PAGE 03

INCENTIVES FOR FRONTLINE WORKERS

PAGE 04

GRENADA EXPECTS 65 CRUISE CALLS IN THE NEW SEASON

PAGE 07

WORK RESUMES ON HARTMAN UNIVERSITY TOWN AND RESORT PROJECT

AND MUCH MORE...

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Finance Minister Presents $1.3 Billion Budget

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 Sorana Mitchell Annette Moore Shere-Ann Noel June Paul Eugenia Peters Jazelle Sylvester DESIGN & LAYOUT Dwayne Francique EDITOR Annette Moore EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Philomena Robertson

The 2022 budget announced by the Government on November 26 provides for total expenditure in excess of $1.3 billion.

The breakdown of these figures show: - Recurrent revenue of $722.2 million - Total Grants of $175.4 million - Current Expenditure: $661.7 million - Capital Expenditure of $333.8 million - Current Account Surplus: $60.5 million - Principal Repayments/Amortization: $356.7 million.

Government expects an overall deficit, after grants of $97.9 million, and will therefore need more financing to meet its financial obligations. Finance Minister, Hon. Gregory Bowen, explained that Government has already identified the funding to close this gap.

Minister Bowen said new loan disbursements, in budgetary support from the World Bank, will be one source.

The second source of funding, in the

Finance Minister, Hon. Gregory Bowen

amount of $83.6 million, will come from the consolidated fund.

The Finance Minister further explained that Government’s ability to fund the deficit stems from its prudent management of the local economy since 2014, which has enabled the creation of fiscal buffers.

Government Provides Relief Measures to Grenadians Grenadians will soon enjoy lower electricity rates and gas prices, following Government’s announcement on November 26, of further COVID-19 relief measures as part of the 2022 budget.

billing cycle.

He said Government’s ability to provide a reduction in electricity rates is only possible because it now has controlling shares in GRENLEC. A cap of $15 per gallon on gasoline and Finance Minister, Hon. Gregory diesel will also be implemented from Bowen, outlined a three-pronged the next petroleum price change, on approach to reducing the cost of December 18, 2021. electricity, which includes zero-rating the value-added tax on domestic The relief measures will also include electricity consumption for usage removal of value added tax (VAT) up to 500 kilowatt hours per month on saltfish, turkey parts, vegetable - a 25 percent reduction on non-fuel cooking oil, cheddar cheese and split charge per kilowatt hour - and the peas from January 2022. This is in removal of the environmental levy addition to existing VAT exemptions for consumers whose usage does on rice, flour, sugar, bread, provision, not exceed 500-kilowatt hours. These vegetables, and fish, among other changes will take effect from the next items.

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Incentives for Frontline Workers Frontline public sector workers will receive additional salary payments, as a show of appreciation for their hard work and sacrifice during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Police officers, medical professionals and ancillary workers in the Ministry of Health, who consistently performed duties from the onset of the pandemic to date and, who, by virtue of their duties, were exposed to the risk of COVID-19, will receive an additional month’s pay in December 2021.

Finance Minister, Hon. Gregory Bowen, said the gesture is a token of Government’s appreciation for their selfless service in the fight against COVID-19.

consistently from the onset of the pandemic to date, will receive an additional half month’s salary in December 2021. Minister Bowen said, although the initiatives will increase the “There are many other categories of Government’s wage bill, it is warranted. workers across the public sector who augmented the duties of the frontline Reacting to the 2022 presentation of personnel previously mentioned,” Hon. estimates revenue and expenditure on Bowen said, “These workers will receive November 26, Prime Minister, Dr. the similar rewards based on established Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell, who formerly served as Finance Minister, said criteria.”

Government thought it necessary to Other public officers who worked further alleviate the financial impact of

Finance Minister, Hon. Gregory Bowen

the pandemic.

“We see this as a COVID relief package.

I know some people will want to term it an election budget, but we have had several elections before and we never attempted some of those measures, because we did not see that pain that now exists,” the Prime Minister said. “I think it’s a happy day for the country, and certainly I hope people would appreciate and understand the sacrifices.”

Grenada’s Transportation Sector to Get A Boost Grenada’s transportation sector will benefit from a one-year regional pilot project that focuses on the development of a sustainable transport system.

The US $875, 000 Caribbean Development Bank-funded project, which also involves St. Lucia, aims to develop the transport sector, through assessment of structures and policies, from September 2021 to September 2022. CDB has selected consulting firm, Mcrit, from Barcelona Spain, to implement the project.

The Infrastructure Development Minister, Sen. Norland Cox, also highlighted the Engender Project, which addresses the social component of the transportation system and will assess how communities are affected by transportation. It will be implemented in six months.

Infrastructure Development Minister, Sen. Norland Cox

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Grenada Expects 65 Cruise Calls in the New Season Grenada welcomed its first cruise liner on November 9, marking the reopening of the cruise season, following an extended closure due to COVID-19.

Sixty-five cruise calls are scheduled for the upcoming cruise season. During a press conference on November 8, Tourism Minister, Hon. Clarice Modeste Curwen said Grenada was deemed unsafe to accept cruise passengers due to low levels of vaccination. She said, moving forward, passengers, as well as vendors, tour operators and others working within the industry, must be 100 percent vaccinated.

“One of the key priorities for visitors is safety and security,” the Tourism Minister said. “The persons who want the service makes demands and the person who provides the service either meets it and gets the customer or they can lose that customer.”

vaccinated.

vaccinated service providers.”

Petra Roach, CEO of the Grenada GTA Chairman, Barry Collymore, said Tourism Authority, said the focus is on ensuring the safety of passengers and “Many persons in the cruise industry have not worked in over two years and locals. it is extremely tough on themselves,

She said the visitors who are fully vaccinated (stay over passengers) have demanded that the persons who attend to them are also fully

She said, “We’re going to be their families and loved ones, and I Implementing bubble tours which will be restricted to selected locations really feel pleased that we are where on island and interactions limited to we are today.”

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A Call for Education Outreach Programme to Boost Vaccination Uptake Newly appointed Chair of the COVID-19 Sub-Committee and Parliamentary Representative for St. Patrick West, Hon. Anthony Boatswain, calls for more emphasis to be placed on rigorous education outreach programmes to boost vaccination uptake in Grenada.

Addressing members of the Lower House on November 2, Mr. Boatswain said the focus should be on opening up and easing restrictions, after the

Third Vaccine Option Now Available to Grenadians

Grenadians now have a third COVID-19 vaccine option available to them, following a shipment of 2,000 doses of Johnson and Johnson to the island.

As of November 12, the Ministry of Health made the single dose vaccines available to Grenadians, as part of the National Vaccination Programme. Individuals 18 years and older are eligible to receive the vaccine.

The Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shawn Charles, has made an appeal to Grenadians who are still hesitant about taking a COVID vaccine, to consider this single dose option.

Dr. Charles also announced that health officials are now administering a third dose of AstraZeneca, as a booster shot, to individuals 65 years and over and young adults 18 years and older, who have underlying medical conditions.

country reaches herd immunity. He said local statistics show that many unvaccinated Grenadians are from the vulnerable population, who need to be reached.

To date, the Ministry of Health has administered more than 75,400 doses of vaccines cumulatively, since the introduction of the AstraZeneca vaccine in February 2021. More than 34,700 are fully vaccinated.

Representative for St. Patrick West, Hon. Anthony Boatswain

Government Subsidises Cost of PCR Tests Government is now subsidising the cost of the COVID-19 PCR test, which is a requirement for travel to and from the island.

Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Hon. Clarice Modeste Curwen said the high cost of PCR tests, was affecting Grenada’s competitiveness as a destination.

Health and Social Security Minister Hon. Nickolas Steele presented the Quarantine COVID-19 Amendment Regulation 2021 in the Lower House on November 2, to change the cost of the PCR test from EC $405 to $135.

Commissioner of Police Cautions Against Complacency as Government Eases Restrictions In the wake of government’s announcement of a further relaxing of the curfew hours, Commissioner of Police, Edvin Martin, is warning Grenadians not to fall prey to complacency, and a second wave of the coronavirus.

His warning came during an address at the RGPF medal award ceremony at Fort George on November 4.

The Commissioner said while it is important to commend the public for their cooperation during the recent spike that has led to this latest curfew easement, it is important to adhere to protocols.

He said, “The big take away from this experience is that we have learnt first hand how fast our circumstances can change and, as such, I want to urge all of us to continue to comply with the protocols, even as we are witnessing an easing in the restrictions going into the Christmas season. We are not out of the woods, and we are still in a formidable fight against a devious and deadly virus. Let us not become complacent in this effort. I also take the opportunity to recognise and compliment the rank and file of the RGPF for their effort during this period.”

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Census Enumeration Begins Enumeration for Grenada’s National Population and Housing Census has begun.

The Census period runs from November 10, 2021, to April 30, 2022. Teams of officers from the Central Statistical Office have been dispatched to various parishes.

Residents have the option to conduct their census interview via telephone, given the COVID-19

pandemic. However, a field officer must visit their home to acquire their correct contact information, as well as other basic information about the household. If a resident is comfortable conducting a face-to-face interview with an enumerator, he/she is free to do so, but all COVID-19 protocols must be adhered to.

To identify an enumerator or census worker, homeowners are

F.A.Q About National Population and Housing Census

Is my Census information Confidential?

Yes! The Central Statistical Office Grenada places the highest priority on maintaining the confidentiality of individual questionnaires.

All employees are sworn to secrecy when they 2 are hired.

The Statistics Act of 1960 and the Census Regulations of 2021 states that a person can be penalised for revealing personal information.

The data collected in the 2021 Census is processed and stored on a highly restricted internal network and cannot be accessed by anyone who has not taken the oath of secrecy.

Names, addresses and telephone numbers are not part of the census database used for dissemination but are used as a means of validating the data collected.

For more information Visit Stats.gov.gd or call 440-1369

asked to note the following.

• A census enumerator must be wearing a face shield, face mask, Central Statistical Office branded reflector vest, and must be in possession of a Census identification card.

• The Coat of Arms and the official census logo, showing the officer’s full name, picture, signature and signature of the Director of Statistics must be displayed on the ID card.

• Residents have a right to request that an Enumerator lowers his face mask to verify his identity.

All census interviews must be conducted in an open, well-ventilated space, but must not be done in close proximity to anyone, as a level of confidentiality must be maintained.

Contact information from the enumerator should be provided to households, in the event someone falls ill with COVID-19, and tracing is required or if a householder needs clarification on a matter.

If no one is at home when an enumerator visits, a card will be left on the property, so that a follow-up call can be made to arrange for the interview.

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Work Resumes on Hartman University Town and Resort Project

Work has resumed on the multimillion-dollar Grenada Hartman University Town and Resort project at Mt. Hartman St. George, an approved project under the Grenada Citizenship by Investment Programme.

What started as the construction of a billion-dollar resort, has developed into plans for two universities, villas, a medical center, commercial complex and resort hotel.

Construction commenced on the project in July 2020, however, due to the effects of COVID-19 on the economy the project stopped.

Human Resource Manager and Public Relations Specialist, Brenda Baptiste, said the project, which will employ more St. George’s University, through the provision of degrees than 100 local workers by year end, is expected to be in medicine, but to focus on arts, science and technology. completed in five to eight years and will be done in three phases. Work on phase zero is ongoing, with preparations Dialogue is ongoing with Universities in Canada, the in the pipeline for phase 1.

UK and the US to get buy-in and support for Hartman She explained that the intention is not to compete with University.

Investment Migration - An Important Pillar of Economic Development Prime Minister, Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell, has pointed to the importance

of Investment Migration as an economic pillar for Grenada, given that the global investment migration market is estimated at around $21.4 billion.

Addressing a migration investment Conference organised by the Grenada Cooperative Bank Limited and the Citizenship by Investment Unit, at the Grenada Trade Centre on November 4, Dr. Mitchell said investment migration could very well be pandemic proof, because in Grenada, the CBI Unit has reported an increase in the number of applications compared with the corresponding period last year. As of November 4, 450 applications were received.

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

Dr. Mitchell said he expects an increase of 25 percent in applications within the investment migration sector by the end of 2021.

“Government is therefore examining how to increase the sector’s contribution to the overall growth,” Dr. Mitchell said.

“It’s obvious that more investment should take place in projects in agriculture – we’re looking at it for the budget period coming up soon – tourism, of course, manufacturing, health, sports and culture and other areas.”

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Utility Minister Tours GRENLEC Generation Plant Minister with responsibility for Public Utilities, Sen. Norland Cox, was given an official tour of GRENLEC’s Queen’s Park generation plant on November 11, where its new engine was successfully commissioned in September.

The GRENLEC team, who conducted the guided tour, included Acting General Manager, Clive Hosten; Chairman of the Board of Directors, Dr. Shawn Charles, and Plant Generation Manager, Dwane Cenac. The objective of the tour was to bring the Public Utilities Minister up to date on the operations at the plant.

Hosten said the Queen’s Park Generation plant operates 24 hours with a highly dedicated and competent staff. Sen. Cox is satisfied with the work that went into installing the now fully functioning, new engine.

Senator Cox tours the GRENLEC plant

for the work they are doing.”

“As Government we are committed to moving forward. We have given significant commitment towards transitioning and changing the energy mix, looking at mostly renewable,” As Public Utilities Minister said, he intends to play a pivotal Sen. Cox said. “I believe there’s an excellent opportunity role in ensuring that the operations at GRENLEC remain of ahead of us. I also want to commend staff and management a high standard.

Use of Unmanned Aerial Systems Around the Airport The Grenada Airports Authority is making another appeal to people to exercise due regard for aviation safety when engaging in airborne activities, especially in the vicinity of the Maurice Bishop International and Lauriston Airport.

It warns that airborne objects can have a serious impact on the routes of low altitude aircraft, may distract pilots during critical stages of flight, such as take-off or landing, and can also be ingested by aircraft engines or can disturb the balance of the planes, due to sudden avoidance maneuvers.

The authority said these disturbances can all result in serious consequences that may endanger lives and cause harm to property in the air and on the ground. Of particular concern to the GAA is the flying of unmanned aerial systems such as drones, as well as flying kites, sky lanterns and helium balloons to name a few. The Grenada Airports Authority warns that these should not be flown or released within three miles of the airport or the aircraft flight path.

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Ministry of Education Launches E-Books The e-books were launched by the to stay in contact with their teachers.

Ministry of Education on November “Through initiatives of the Ministry 7. of Education and the support from corporate partners almost every child Minister for Education, Hon. Emmalin is now in possession of a device,” Pierre, said the primary school Finlay said. e-books launch is in keeping with the government’s mandate to have The Ministry is implementing a the nation’s students competitive in blended approach to teaching in today’s world. the nation’s schools by using both e-books and textbooks. Some of the She said, “Our government’s vision positives associated with the launch of is to ensure that our students are e-books include the reduction in the well equipped and competitive on number of books carried by students a global level as it relates to the daily; lessening the economic burden transformation that is taking place in on parents who have to purchase education through technology.” new books each year, and the ease of accessing updates with the latest Chief Education Officer, Angella content.

Finlay, said with available devices and connectivity, students are better able Principal of the Woburn Methodist

Chief Education Officer, Angella Finlay

School, Richard Japal, said, “I would really like to compliment the Ministry of Education for this wonderful initiative. In my personal interaction with the e-books, I must say that I find it to be very easy to manipulate and I think the same thing will go for our students.”

MPower 2.0 Breaks Boundaries The all-male programme, Mpower 2.0, has provided opportunities to 224 young men who, after one year of training, are now skilled, certified and ready to enter the job market or establish their own businesses, in the areas of training including bartending, plumbing, general construction and electrical installation.

Mpower 2.0, financed by the Government of Grenada, provides second chance opportunities for marginalized or at-risk youth.

Hon. Kate Lewis with MPower 2.0 participants

A graduation ceremony was held on October 29 at the Grenada Boys Secondary School, where participants received the Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) and National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Level 2.

Those starting a small business could tap into a grant fund, through the YutBiz Programme, and receive a maximum disbursement of $2,400.

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RGPF Awards Bravery and Selfless Service

Commissioner of Police, Edvin Martin, with officials and awardees

Commissioner of Police, Edvin Martin, has presented Police officers Kevon Wickham and Harris Collier were medals to members of the RGPF and civilians who have also presented with medals. provided exemplary and selfless service to the people of Grenada.

Medals for bravery and the Commissioner’s Commendation were awarded to the officers involved These individuals, who the Commissioner said showed bravery and courage and who went beyond the call of in the pursuit and subsequent capture of five men from Trinidad and Tobago, who were involved in the armed duty, were awarded on November 4. robbery of the Carriacou branch of Grenada Co-operative Twenty-one-year-old Reon Barry, of Duquesne St. Mark, Bank. received the Commissioner of Police’s prestigious award for his bravery exhibited when he rescued his 92-year- The officers are Sgt. Milton Edwards, Vincent Joseph, old neighbor from her home that was engulfed in flames. Thompson Matthew, Asran Williams, Jeremy Smart, Nathan Japal, and James Williams from the Levera Coast Receiving medals for lifesaving acts were Jake Edmond, Terron Hazel, Adriel Pursue, Noel Bethel and Frederick Guard PB 04. Officers from Coast Guard PB07 who were Brathwaite for the role they played in saving the lives awarded were Jason Lemo, Kim Lawrence, Leron Andrew, of those onboard an omnibus that plunged into the Bernard Joseph, Codell Beggs, Handel Duncan, and Deon Charles.

Carenage in September 2019.

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Public Consultation Held for Western Main Road Corridor Project A team of professionals from Beston Consulting firm has concluded a series of public consultations with residents from St. George north west, St. John and St. Mark who will be impacted once work commences on the western main road corridor in 2022.

Project team leader, Mandish Singh, told the residents that the work will involve a significant upgrade to the existing twenty-six kilometers of road from the Grenada National Stadium in St. George’s to Waltham, St. Mark.

Civil Engineer, Keeshan Ramkissoon, explained that climate placement of material so that the foundation of structures change is one of the main mitigating factors influencing will not be eroded.” designs for the project.

Ramkissoon said, “We are looking at the construction of Residents were told that they will have to make certain drainage on both sides of the road to capture all runoffs, repairing and replacing all culverts. We are also proposing adjustments, once the project commences, as, unavoidably, channel protection works for rivers and springs, the there will be increased dust, noise and traffic delays.

Temporary Fix for Mt. Craven/Mt. Rodney Coastal Erosion

Government is installing coastline boulders as a temporary deterioration, prior to the multi-million-dollar breakwater response measure at the Mt. Rodney/Mt. Craven area in St. project. More than 40 residents from 12 households Patrick. have been given financial and other assistance from Government, and four of the households were relocated.

During the weekly Post Cabinet Press Briefing on November 16, Infrastructure Development Minister, Hon. Norland Sen. Cox said work on the project started during the week Cox, said that following extensive investigations on the of November 8. coastal erosion, which has impacted several households, Government has decided to implement a temporary fix, Sen. Cox said, “The Government of Grenada did provide until construction designs for a permanent solution are financial support to persons who had to relocate, to the available. tune of $25, 000 per household. We have engaged a Residents and businesses in the vicinity, on the beachfront, contractor to do some work on the coastline, putting in had been affected by rough water and coastline some boulders to reduce the impact that is happening.”

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Tendering Process for Moliniere Land Slippage to Begin Soon Tendering for suitably qualified contractors, to execute work on the Moliniere land slippage, will commence this month.

The project, which will upgrade 26 kilometers of road, construct new bridges, create box and slipper drains and ensure road stabilization, is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2022 and should be complete

by December 2023.

In a Post Cabinet Press Briefing on November 16, Minister for Infrastructure Development, Sen. Norland Cox, said the project will be divided into five packages, but Package C, which will include the Moliniere land slippage area, will be given top priority.

The land slippage in Moliniere began in December 2019 and, with progressive movement of the land, a section of the road was lost along with dwelling

homes. The road was eventually closed, Moliniere land slippage in early 2022. and a detour created through the community of Mt. Moritz.

Documents have already been received from the Beston Consulting firm to Government is working along with the allow for pre-qualification of contractors grant funding agency, United Kingdom Infrastructure Partnership Fund (UKCIF), and the Infrastructure Development and the Caribbean Development Bank Minister said prequalification was for the release of funds to ensure scheduled to begin within the last two the commencement of work on the weeks of November.

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Word Pediatric Project - Heal a Child, Change the World

Pediatric Orthopedic sSurgeon, Dr. Kester Sharps; Senior Eastern Caribbean Programme Director, Ross Silkman; Executive Director of the Eastern Caribbean World Pediatric Project (WPP), Lauren McIntosh, pictured here with Dep DHS, Sr. Swan; DMS, Dr. Donald; WPP Representative for MOH, Sr. Marva Primus-Joseph; Consultant Orthopedist, Dr. Noel and DHS, Dr. Carol McIntosh

The World Pediatric Project has again lent its services and expertise to Grenadian children living with scoliosis, with its second diagnostic clinic on the island, on November 13 and 14.

More than 60 children were seen by an orthopedic surgeon. Executive Director for the Eastern Caribbean, Lauren McIntosh, said the focus is to provide free diagnostic services for the population and cover the cost for those who may need extensive medical treatment.

She said the project allows them to identify those who may need bracing, physical therapy and those who have severe curves that will require surgical intervention. Scoliosis is a condition where the spine twists or curves to the side and usually develops in infancy or early childhood.

Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon, Chester Sharps said, “We look at surgery for people whose curvatures are over 50 degrees, even if they’re done growing.”

McIntosh said, “Those who have severe curves will either be sent to St. Vincent, where we have our surgical hub for the Eastern Caribbean, or the more complicated cases will be referred to one of our partner hospitals in the United States.”

No. 3 September 2021

Fact Sheet

Admissions to the General Hospital, during the period 1January 2021 to 30 June 2021, for health Problems Associated with the Consumption of Drugs

54 43 Males

11 Females

Admissions by drug type 60 40

45

20 0

4 Alcohol

Cannabis

3 Cocaine

Medical Problems Related to Admissions: 39 individuals were admitted for mental and behavioural disorders associated with the use of alcohol and 2 individuals for alcoholic liver disease, among other problems.

Grenada Drug Epidemiology Network (GRENDEN) Fact Sheet is a quarterly publication of the Drug Control Secretariat, Grenada.

Telephone: 1-473-440-2737, E-mail: drugcontrol@moe.gov.gd www.mgovernance.net/moe/national-council-drug-control

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Government Makes Moves Towards Increasing Grenada’s Food Security Minister for Agriculture, Hon. Peter.

David, speaking at the virtual celebration of the United Nations’ World Food Day event on October 15, said hundreds of thousands of dollars will be invested in improving Grenada’s food security, as Government commits to increasing the availability of locally grown food on the island.

This year’s celebrations were held under Minister for Agriculture, Hon Peter David, the theme: “Our Actions Are Our Future: Better Production, Better Nutrition, A rural communities, generate increased levels of foreign exchange from the Better Environment and a Better Life.” export of economic crops, and bolster “Government has approved a 10-year our food security through the expansion rehabilitation plan for the Grand Bras of staple crops.”

Estate. An initial sum of around EC $500,000 will be invested by the end Minister for Fisheries, Hon. Yolande of 2021 and an equivalent sum will be Bain-Horsford, delivering remarks at the allocated to this initiative in 2022,” Hon. ceremony, advised that Grenada models David said. “Government continues its food security strategy to synchronise to work with a private sector investor with the United Nations’ Sustainable to develop the Bellevue Estate into a Development Goals; namely, SDG 1 – profitable economic unit that creates No poverty, SDG 2 – Zero Hunger, and sustainable livelihoods for persons in SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities.

Chief Agricultural Officer (Ag.), Trevor Thompson, in an interactive session with host Godfrey Augustine

FAO’s Trade and Market Officer for the Caribbean, Juan Cheaz, spoke of how the FAO can support dealing with challenges that can potentially prevent better production, nutrition, environments, and livelihoods.

He said, “To achieve this, we need to preserve our biodiversity, address and mitigate the impact of climbing prices and produce the food we eat in a sustainable way.”

Agri-Food Sector Development and Strengthening of the National Food Safety System in Grenada The European Union and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), in collaboration with the Grenada Bureau of Standards and the Marketing and National Importing Board launched the project ‘Agri-Food Sector Development and Strengthening of the National Food Safety System in Grenada’ on September 29.

This is a € 8.75 million resource which will enhance Grenada’s national quality infrastructure and to strengthen Grenada’s obligations to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Sanitary and Phyto-Sanitary Measures for food safety. Grenada is the sixth beneficiary of the CARIFORUM-European Union Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) Standby Facility for Capacity Building, which is financed by the 11th European Development Fund (EDF) and administered by the CDB. The Marketing and National Importing Board, the main beneficiary, will receive three refrigerated trucks. The Grenada Bureau of Standards and the Ministry of Agriculture will benefit from training in the areas of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) and post-harvest handling techniques.

Grenada Bureau of Standards

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Start-up Kits Donated to Youth to Encourage Rabbit Production Encouraging youth involvement in agriculture by promoting rabbit production for personal and commercial use, the Ministry of Agriculture has provided 15 start-up kits to participants in a Rabbit Production course, organised by the Adult and Teen Challenge Grenada.

Funded by the United Kingdom Skills for Youth Empowerment Programme (SKYE), the Ministry views this programme as one which can improve occupational skills and employability of youth ages 15-30, citing prospects for economic growth, food security, job creation, and career progression.

Jude Hector handing over starter kit to participant

The Adult and Teen Challenge Grenada is a registered non-profit organisation, providing faith-based, holistic rehabilitation services to persons encountering life-controlling situations in a safe and caring environment. Director, Jude Hector, emphasised the importance of job creation with this project.

Start-up kits donated to the students include a pair of rabbits, feed, and materials for a cage. It is estimated that within one year of implementation, participants should have their plots up and running with around 400 rabbits and will be able to generate annual revenue between EC $3,200 to $14,000. The participants will receive continued support from the Livestock Department to set up their own rabbitries.

Participants Examining a Kitten

Management of Burning Disease in Tannia - Tips from Agronomist Troy Augustine

• Tolerant cultivars • Clean, disease-free planting material • High soil fertility • Use of Ridomil, Rizolex or Acrobat fungicides as a soil drench • The field must be well drained and easily cultivated.

• Waterlogged soil conditions favour the development of the fungus that causes the disease. Select a field which enjoys moderate rains throughout the year. A location with moderate rains, 140 - 200 cm (56 - 80 inches) during the growing season is ideal.

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Meet the Farmer Siddiqui Sylvester

Siddiqui Sylvester started farming in 1990, in a small orchard with various fruit trees containing soursop, mangoes, cashew nut and others.

After the passage of Hurricane Ivan in 2004, he stopped farming, only resuming in March of 2020.

An advocate for maximising the benefits of local herbs, Sylvester is a cultivator of many species, including tarragon, basil, santa maria, turmeric, stinging nettle, venn-venn, and lemon grass.

“When I lived in the United States, I saw people paying lots of money for things like lemon grass. I realised that more and more people were becoming health conscious. I thought about the teas that you can drink, that can help, and decided to go that direction,” he explained.

Siddiqui Sylvester

In managing his farm, Siddiqui said inorganic fertilisers are not used. Chicken manure and other natural types of fertilisers are preferred. He is using solar energy and solar driers in processing of the herbs.

His concentration, at this time, Sylvester explained, is on the local market. His aspiration is to be one of the main producers of “medicinal herbs that are certified locally and on the international market.”

In addition to the wide variety of herbs, he cultivates several cash crops on his 5-acre plot, employing three persons full-time.

Natural Fertiliser

He said, “At this time, the products are getting tested by the Bureau of Standards. We are hopeful that in the very near future we can launch the products and have them on the shelves and in the hands of vendors who sell to tourists.”

PROJECTS

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Stakeholder Engagement Meeting with SJC St. George for Upcoming Refurbishment Work A ‘Stakeholder Engagement’ meeting was held with representatives of the Ministry of Education, Human Resource Development, Religious Affairs and Information, the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Implementation, as well as with representatives from St. Joseph’s Convent, St. George’s to investigate the work needed to be done to build a retaining wall at the school and to repair the netball court.

Work at St. Joseph’s Convent, St. George’s is scheduled to start in the coming weeks. The work will be locally funded by the Government of Grenada, costing EC $512,330.00.

Mt. Moritz Anglican Primary School Refurbished The Mt. Moritz Anglican Primary School welcomed back students on November 17 to a newly refurbished school with a new toilet block, freshly painted blackboards, new doors and windows and additional railings for students’ safety. The work is funded locally by the Government of Grenada, at a cost of approximately $199, 000.

Refurbishment Work at Happy Hill Secondary School

Happy Hill Secondary will be upgraded with two additional classrooms, three gazebos, a slaughter room to teach slaughtering of animals, ceiling fans in each classroom and the repainting of the entire school, among other work.

PROJECTS

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Planning in Progress for Start of CVQ Level One classes at the Boca Secondary School in 2022 Permanent Secretary with responsibility for Human Resource Development, Religious Affairs and Information, Norman Gilbert, in the computer room at the Programme for Adolescent Mothers (PAM), with Interim Manager, Jacqueline Lorice Pascal, and EDPM Teacher, La Verne Smith, as they discuss plans to start Data Processing for CVQ at PAM in January 2022. Ten students are already registered for the course.

Discussions in Progress to Implement Garment Production for CVQ at Westerhall Secondary School Permanent Secretary with responsibility for Human Resource Development, Religious Affairs and Information, Norman Gilbert, together with Textile, Clothing and Fashion teacher, Fiona Clyne, and CVQ Officer at the Ministry of Education, Eunice Philbert, met to discuss plans to implement Garment Production for CVQ and the materials needed for students at Westerhall Secondary School, on November 19.

Planning in Progress for Start of CVQ Level One classes at the Boca Secondary School in 2022 Permanent Secretary with responsibility for Human Resource Development, Religious Affairs and Information, Norman Gilbert, visited the Boca Secondary School and spoke with the Head of the Technical Department, Shanel Franklyn, to discuss starting CVQ Level One classes there in 2022. New workstations will be commissioned and other equipment procured for the students wanting to study Refrigeration and Air Conditioning CVQ courses. Gilbert said it’s a continuation of government’s push to encourage skills development in the country.

PROJECTS

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Newly Constructed Bathroom Facility at Harvey Vale Primary School in Carriacou The students at Harvey Vale Primary School in Carriacou will soon be using a newly constructed bathroom facility. The work is being funded locally by the Government of Grenada to the tune of EC $226,991.29.

Construction of Bishop’s College in Carriacou Progressing as Expected

Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs and Local Government, Hon. Kindra Maturine-Stewart, visits the construction site

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Lighting of Hillsborough Playing Field in Carriacou

The lighting of the Hillsborough Playing Field in Carriacou was officially commissioned on November 12.

On behalf of the Government of Grenada, Minister Kindra Maturine-Stewart expressed profound thanks to the National Lottery Authority (NLA), the Chinese Embassy in Grenada and GRENLEC for partnering with the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs and Local Government to bring the project to fruition.

The Minister said this gesture forms part of Government's commitment to the development of young people and sports in Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. She also said that in 2022, Government will be embarking on the lighting of the Petite Martinique and Harvey Vale Playing Field.

Limlair Road in Carriacou A Ground-breaking ceremony signalled the start of work on the Limlair road in Carriacou. Constructed under the Government of Grenada’s Agricultural Feeder Road Project, the road will cost $2.8 million and will entail the construction of 3,198 feet of concrete road and drains as well as driveways and culverts. It is expected to be completed within 10 months.

Parliamentary Representative Carriacou and Petite Martinique Hon. Kindra Maturine-Stewart

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Work Progressing on Mt. Kumar Bypass Road The Mt. Kumar bypass road will provide an alternative route for motorists travelling from the western side of the island to St. George.

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Installation of New 128 slice CT Scanner A new 128 slice CT scanner, donated by the Maria Holder Memorial Trust, is being installed at the General Hospital.

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New French Ambassador Commits to Working With Grenada Presenting his credentials to Governor General, Dame Cécile La Grenade, the new Ambassador of the Republic of France to Grenada, His Excellency, Jacque Henry Heuls, said he will build projects that embrace the environment, green energy, the fight against sargassum and waste management and more. He said attention will also be given to the areas of security and defense.

He said, “Apart from developing French language training stimulating access to French speaking media like TV5 and France 24 and bringing live entertainment, music dance theater, this Embassy and myself will help Grenada to benefit from our cultural learning and educational activities.”

In 2005, Grenada and France signed a bilateral agreement for assistance in the agriculture sector, and under the agreement, a project totaling 500,000 Euros was initiated, which helped Grenada’s agriculture industry revive after the Hurricane Ivan in 2004.

The Governor General said Grenada has benefitted from its relationship with France in many areas since diplomatic ties were established in July 1974. France’s bilateral programme has four projects in Grenada - a €45,000 (Euro) rainwater harvesting for climate project; building resilience for reducing flood risks, €85,000; coral restoration at €50,000 and a marine project at a cost of €25,000.

Ambassador of the Republic of France to Grenada, His Excellency, Jacque Henry Heuls

As #COP26 Ends, the Work Begins!

Grenada’s Minister for Climate Resilience and the Environment, Sen. the Hon. Simon Stiell, joined U.S. Special Presidential Envoy, John Kerry, and former U.S. President, Barack Obama, at a roundtable discussion on climate change.

NEWSLETTER GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICE

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Club House for Paradise FC International After years of being one of the top football clubs in Grenada, producing quality national footballers over the years, Paradise FC International Football Club, now has its own clubhouse.

This assistance came from Government, through Parliamentary Representative for St. Andrew North East, Hon. Kate Lewis. The club house is being constructed at Progress Park, the training ground of the club.

The club house is expected to be officially handed over to Paradise FC International during the first quarter of 2022.

Parliamentary Representative for St. Andrew North East, Hon. Kate Lewis