NEWSLETTER GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICE
Monday, January 31, 2022
Vol. 3, Issue 03
Government Makes It Easy for Contract Workers to Access Credit
Beneficiaries such as IMANI Trainees and traffic wardens, who are paid directly by the Government, can qualify for loans of up to $375,000.
INSIDE PAGE 04
GRENADA AND THE UNITED NATIONS SIGN NEW FIVE-YEAR REGIONAL COOPERATION
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SEVENTEEN YEARS OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS BETWEEN GRENADA AND THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA
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CHILDREN ARE SAFE AT SCHOOLS
AND MUCH MORE...
Monday, January 31, 2022
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 DESIGN & LAYOUT Dwayne Francique EDITOR Annette Moore EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Philomena Robertson
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Government Makes It Easy for Contract Workers to Access Credit The Government of Grenada is making a capital injection of $10 million into a loan facility at the Grenada Development Bank, which will make it easier for contract workers in the public service to access credit, through the regularization of salaries.
Beneficiaries such as IMANI Trainees and traffic wardens, who are paid directly by the Government, can Finance Minister, qualify for loans of up to $375,000, to Hon. Gregory Bowen be repaid within 30 years or up to the period of retirement, whichever is less. for future home construction; so if you cannot afford to purchase the land Finance Minister, Hon. Gregory and build at the same time, you can Bowen said the loan facility is part of actually purchase the land to build in Government’s initiatives to improve the future. The loan can also be used the standard of living of contract for legal fees, bank charges, property workers. insurance, then a moratorium can He said, “It’s an interest rate of 3% be given on principal or principal and an option for a moratorium on and interest for up to one year. For interest and principal payment for example, if you’re coming to build, up to one year. There’s up to 100% but you are renting at the same time, financing. The application process will while you are renting you may not be easy and Government ministries be able to pay the full interest or pay will be collaborating to ensure that anything at all and this programme both fees and charges are kept to the will allow for such.” minimum.” Alister Bain who represents the Ministry of Finance on the GDB Board, said the interest rate is indeed concessionary when compared to that of commercial financial institutions. He said, with interest rates at these institutions ranging from approximately 4.5% to 13% and given that financing for things like a mortgage is driven by job security, with the interest rate being determined by the level of risk being taken, most contract workers would face at least a 10% interest rate when securing financing from other Lord said, “Persons can purchase land institutions. General Manager of the Grenada Development Bank, Mervyn Lord, said applications will be processed within 10 workings days. Applicants must submit a completed application form, a current job letter, pay slip and two types of photo identification. According to Lord, a 50% reduction is available on legal fees and a 100% waiver on bank charges, both for the first six months. Applicants can use the loan facility to construct, furnish or upgrade existing properties among other things.
Monday, January 31, 2022
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Grenada and the United Nations Sign New Five-Year Regional Cooperation Framework
Prime Minister Signs UN Multi-Country Sustainable Development Framework
is consultative, engages all facets of society and facilitates removal of all barriers”. Prime Minister Mitchell, while acknowledging the support of the UN agencies over the years, referred to their reassuring presence and contributions relevant to the socioeconomic impact of COVID-19, conveyed his pledge of support “to work collaboratively with the UN in the implementation of Multicountry Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (MSDCF) 2022-2026 [and other ensuing implementation plans].”
Present at the Signing Ceremony in the Cabinet Room, Grenada (L-R): Merina Jessamy, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security, Public Administration, Home Affairs, Information & Communications Technology; Ruth Elizabeth Rouse, Secretary to the Cabinet; Prime Minister, Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell; Philomena Robertson, Prime Minister’s Press Secretary; and Adrian Joseph, Chief of Protocol
On January 27, the Government of ǡ ȋ Ǧ Ȍǣ Ǥ ǡ Grenada joined the British Virgin ǡ ǡ ǡ Ƭ Islands, Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, Ǣ Ǥ ǡ Ǣ Ǣ Ǥ ǡ ime Minister’s Press Secretary; and and St. Lucia to become a signatory toMr. Adrian Joseph, Chief of Protocol a new United Nations Multi-Country Sustainable Development Framework (MSDCF) for the Caribbean for the years 2022 to 2026.
The framework, which will align with individual Country Implementation Plans, will govern UN collaboration in the region for the next five years, to support countries to recover and rebuild from the COVID-19 pandemic, climate shocks and other vulnerabilities in a sustainable ǣ way, that leaves no one behind.
Resident Coordinator, Didier Trebucq, displays signed MSDCF
ǡ ǡ
Ǥ UN Sub-regional Team. ǡ framework was The new cooperation In delivering opening remarks, Mr. ǡ signed by Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell, Trebucq stated that “the MSDCF ǣ Ǧ Ǥ ̷ Ǥ ǣΪͳȋʹͶȌͶǦͳͳͲǢ ΪͳȋʹͶȌͺ͵ʹǦͳͳͲ
Members of the UN sub-regional team from UNDP, UN Women, FAO, UNOPS, WFP, UNESCO, UNICEF, and UNEP also participated in the signing ceremony, and offered congratulations to the Government, while giving assurances of their continued support.
The MSDCF identifies four key priorities for achieving resilient sustainable development in the region: increased support to the Prime Minister of Grenada and Didier represents the beginning of a new economic resilience agenda; Trebucq, UN Resident Coordinator era of cooperation for the UN and the during a hybrid ceremony between Caribbean” in terms of reflecting the intensified efforts to ensure UN House in Barbados and Grenada’s challenges and priorities of the Region realization of human rights for all; Cabinet Office, via zoom. strong commitment to enhancing and its• Tel: approach to • Email: implementing • United Nations House • Marine Gardens • Christ Church • Barbados 246 467 -6000 rco.bb@one.un.org inclusive disaster risk reduction and initiatives to address same. Mr. Trebucq was joined by several climate change adaptation; and members of the UN Sub-regional Team The Resident Coordinator, further scaled up support to ensure that in commending the Government of reaffirmed the committed support of Caribbean societies remain peaceful Grenada for its substantive contribution the UN to the Government of Grenada and just societies. to the Cooperation Framework and for in “charting the course to ensure that its strengthened partnership with the the process to achieve national priorities United Nations Press Release • United Nations House • Marine Gardens • Christ Church • Barbados • Tel: 246 467 -6000 • Email: rco.bb@one.un.org
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
Monday, January 31, 2022
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Seventeen Years of Diplomatic Relations
Partnerships and speeding up development in the economy have been identified as key factors in advancing the bilateral relationship between Grenada and the People’s Republic of China.
Acknowledging the 17th anniversary the resumption of bilateral ties between the two countries in 2005, since Chinese Ambassador, His Excellency Wei Hongtian, said the friendship is based on mutual respect and understanding.
Chinese Ambassador, His Excellency Wei Hongtian
Engaging members of the media on January 25, China has provided assistance to various sectors of the Ambassador Hongtian said that the support of each Grenadian economy, since the resumption of diplomatic other’s interests plays a key role in safeguarding relations and the ambassador pledged his country’s economies. ongoing commitment to lend support and assistance to the Government and people of Grenada. He said, “I think both China and Grenada are facing the same challenges. I think for achieving a common goal of development, we need to support each other to consolidate our unity or cooperation to safeguard our common interests.” He also spoke about the Global Development Initiative (GDI) which seeks to speed up development and implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals to be achieved by the year 2030. “We know that Grenada also has its 2035 Sustainable Development Plan, so I think the two countries have many to share to cooperate in this area,” Ambassador Hongtian said.
E-mail: nisgrenada@nisgrenada.org - Web address: www.nisgrenada.org
TOURISM
Monday, January 31, 2022
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Grenada Not Daunted by CDC Very High Risk Rating Following Grenada’s recent listing at Level 4 by United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Chief Executive Officer at the Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA), Petra Roach, said Government and tourism officials will continue to dialogue with international partners about what is going on locally to attract visitors who are interested in travelling to the island. During a recent engagement with the media, Roach said now is the time for the authorities to increase the marketing strategy and encourage international visitors to come to Grenada. “What we’ve done is continue to liaise very closely with our travel partners in North America, especially because, at the end of the day, they are the ones in whom their customers place utmost confidence. We’ve seen the CDC guidelines change frequently and I think that customers are very aware that, at the end of the day, they are for guidance,” Roach said. “We continue to speak to our travel partners and I think that the reality is that COVID is here to stay and we need to learn to live with that.”
Chief Executive Officer at the Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA), Petra Roach
EDUCATION CORNER
Monday, January 31, 2022
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Children Are Safe at Schools
Acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shawn Charles has assured the public that schools are among the safest environments for children, with the probability of disease spread and outbreak being significantly lower.
safe for churches to continue because they are operating with protocols to prevent infections,” Dr. Charles explained. “Schools are opened, you are going to get the student that will get infected. We all have to do our best in order to protect each other.”
During the January 19 Post Cabinet Press Briefing, Dr. Charles explained He reiterated that Grenada and the that the protocols and rules for world will be affected by COVID-19 schools require strict compliance, for months, even years to come making it less likely for diseases and Acting Chief Medical Officer, and schools cannot remain closed viruses to spread. His comments Dr. Shawn Charles indefinitely. were made as concerns continue to surface on the Government’s Dr. Charles said, “Schools don’t just logic for reopening schools and keeping them open, educate, they socialise, offer nutrition, offer a safe amidst rising COVID-19 cases. environment where some students can escape the Dr. Charles said, while there may be cases within the nightmares they are living, offer counselling. Now we school system, the initial contact with the virus often have postponed school for two years to the detriment of the students, however, when we look at the risks and emanates from the household. the benefits, which do you prefer - a dysfunctional, “We knew it was safe to open schools. We knew it was uneducated individual or the opposite?”
EDUCATION CORNER
Monday, January 31, 2022
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GrenVet Donates Computers to St. Martin de Porres Catholic School
Education Minister, Hon. Emmalin Pierre and other dignitaries at the St. Martin de Porres Catholic School Computer Lab
Principal of St. Martin de Porres Catholic School, Kester Lyons presenting a plaque of appreciation to Dr. Heather Douglas
Seventeen desktop computers, GrenVet hosts yearly fundraisers, in 2015. The next school to receive a three laptops, one projector and a mainly in the United States, to donation is the Hillsborough Primary printer, all valued at US$20, 000 were support this project, which it started School in Carriacou. handed over to St. Martin de Porres Catholic School on January 27 by the non-profit organisation, GrenVet, more than 30 years after the school made history for being the first primary school in the country to have a computer lab. Executive Director of GrenVet, Dr. Heather Douglas said that coming to Grenada and seeing schools without technology facilities was the impetus for her to start the initiative six years ago. Dr. Douglas was presented with a plaque of appreciation by the principal of the school, Kester Lyons. Minister for Education, Hon. Emmalin Pierre, who is also the Parliamentary Representative for St. Andrew SouthEast where the school is located, welcomed the contribution by GrenVet, stating that partnerships like these help the Government in the building of the country.
Monday, January 31, 2022
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Construction of Roof on Government Printery Building Complete
The construction of a temporary roof on the building that houses the Government Printery has been completed two weeks ahead of the scheduled four-week contractual agreement. The work was done to remedy a problem of leakage when it rains. Speaking to GIS on January 21, Desmond John of Sonrise Construction Inc., said it was important for his team to put in the extra hours to complete the job, knowing the importance of having a comfortable work environment for employees at the Government Printery. “There is a major plan by the government to go up with another floor, so that will solve the problem and give more occupational space. We erected a false roof to completely seal the top of the existing concrete and have the water runoff as fast as it comes on.” Government is making plans to undertake the second phase of the project, which is to replace soiled ceiling tiles, install extractor fans and address other structural issues that need to be addressed to ensure a safe working environment.
Monday, January 31, 2022
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Almost $200, 000 Invested in Boca Playing Field Upgrade
The Government of Grenada, through the Ministry of Sports, be very happy, because when we have to do training we make continues to upgrade playing fields to adequately serve use of other fields. This one is not levelled and it is always water soaked. So, we welcome the upgrade.” communities throughout the country. Cecelia St. Louis-Donald, Principal of Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic School said, “Previously, we had opportunities to use this facility when it was in a better condition, to do our field events. So, developing this would be extremely beneficial to our students. It would give them a place for recreation. We will be happy to see this project go through. Normally, we go to Tanteen or Tempe, which would Peters said, “It will be properly drained, the bleachers will be cost us in terms of transportation, so it would be easier if we erected with covers, and the field will be lifted. We will also have this field available to us.” do a second phase with some upgrades of the basketball court, including the re-fencing and lighting for community The lifting of the playing field, which will form part of the second phase or the project, will be completed in four to activities.” eight months. Construction supervisor, Anthony Douglas, explained the scope of work, saying, “It’s a job that comes with a lot of challenges. The soil is falling down while we’re working, and the water is coming from a drain consistently. So, it is a lot of work, but we have some good workers who are committed to the job, so we believe that we will be able to deliver a complete project within three to four months.” An investment of $190,000 has been made for phase one of the Boca Playing Field upgrade. On January 26, a site visit was held with principals of the Boca Secondary School and Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic School in Beaulieu, Coordinator of Sports Kerlon Peters and representatives of community support groups, to highlight the work done.
The drain is 360 feet long and three feet wide. A new threefoot culvert will also be constructed. Acting Principal of the Boca Secondary School, Cephas Belfon, is delighted to see the work commence. He said, “It will mean a lot for the school. Our athletes would
AGRICULTURE CORNER
Monday, January 31, 2022
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Extension Staff Participate In G-Crews CFA Training Grenada has the potential to become one of the regional front runners for climate resilient water management, through the successful implementation of the Grenada Climate Resilient Water Sector in Grenada (G-CREWS), Challenge Fund for Agriculture (CFA). This project aims to increase the resilience of the agricultural sector which is highly vulnerable to projected climate change impacts such as reduced precipitation and droughts. Officers from the Northern, Eastern, Western and Southern Districts were given the Technical advisor to the opportunity to share information with the GIZ and G-CREWS project, Astrid G-Crews technicians on Reglar, said, “We are aware customs, traditions and general that the components would perceptions of farmers as it impact water availability relates to water management. The interaction also left them and disaster preparedness; with an understanding of the critical impediments in the project and how they can assist production of sustainable Natasha Joseph farmers in its implementation. food.” “Farmers will be able to farm Glenville Lambert throughout the year, along Chief Agricultural Officer, with purchasing the right type of equipment for their farms,” explained Glenville Lambert, an extension officer. Trevor Thompson, is excited about the implementation Denis Baptiste, another of this project, as it extension officer, spoke of strengthens the overall the proposed impact of the water governance of the triproject, saying, “In our district, a lot of farmers are involved in island state. Trevor Tompson vegetable production. Once we talk vegetables we have to This project, implemented over a six-year period, will mention irrigation. ” Denis Baptiste ensure resilience to climate variability and expected The extension officers will aid the farmers to capitalise future climate change until 2050. The Climateon the 50 percent grant financing being offered through Resilient Water Sector in Grenada (G-CREWS) project the Grenada Development Bank (GDB). is jointly financed by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) According to GDB representative Natasha Joseph, the and the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, “Challenge Fund looks towards technical solutions Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU) to improve the availability of water and efficient use through rainwater harvesting initiatives, drip and micro- under its International Climate Initiative (IKI), and the irrigation systems and hydroponics.” Government of Grenada.
AGRICULTURE CORNER
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Meet Joan Clarke-Regis - The Farine Lady
corky periderm. She said, “You can use a knife too, but the metal pot spoon works better, because it is sharp.” Washing: After scraping the cassava, she washes the cassava one by one. Grating: She then moves on to grating with a large metal grater. She said, “The speed at which you grate, depends on your concentration. You can simply miss and cut your fingers. I think this is the only way to get the best texture for your farine, so this is my preferred technique, before pressing it.”
Joan Clarke-Regis
Munich resident, Joan Clarke-Regis, has been involved in farine production for quite a while. Joan, or Miss Tourist as she is affectionately called, started producing farine at age of 24. “When I started manioc (cassava), it was $8.00 for 100 pounds of the tuber. When you make it into farine, you would then sell it for 50 cents per pound,” Joan said. According to Regis, she learned by observing, then doing. “I watched a lady, Ms. Edith Walcott, a few times. Then I said maybe I can get into it. When I started, I developed a love for it and it continued and helped me sustain my family,” she said. The process starts with the cassava tree, which takes between 10 to 12 months to harvest. After harvesting, Regis would take the cassava to the copper kitchen, a structure outside her home.
Pressing: She then places the grated cassava onto a bag for pressing and lined with green banana leaves, and stones. Pieces of board are then used in this process to add weight to squeeze out the starch from the grated cassava. Sifting: The stones would then be removed, and she sifts the grated cassava from the press. This process helps remove big lumps and pieces of sticks. Preparing the Copper: The sifted cassava then goes into a heated copper to make the farine. “You usually use oil or lard and start with moderate heat, then transfer the sifted cassava with a calabash into the copper,” she said. “From day one, because of tradition, we have been using the calabash to transfer the farine.” Cooking: She said, “We then use a ‘raboo’ to stir the farine until it is dried. This process is usually one hour long. This depends on the type of cassava and the type of dried wood used to make the fire.” The farine is then cooled and packaged for sale.
Explanation of the Steps: Scraping: She uses a metal object, which looks somewhat like an old metal pot spoon to scrape the cassava skin or the
Regis and her family are well known in Munich for their farine. If you would like to purchase from her, please call (473) 442-8409.
GRENADA FOOD AND NUTRITION COUNCIL CORNER
Monday, January 31, 2022
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GRENADA FOOD AND NUTRITION COUNCIL CORNER
Monday, January 31, 2022
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GRENADA FOOD AND NUTRITION COUNCIL CORNER
Monday, January 31, 2022
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Monday, January 31, 2022
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NEWSLETTER GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICE
Monday, January 31, 2022
Vol. 3, Issue 03
Grenada’s Prime Minister Reiterates Need for Collective Action Among OECS States in Confronting Challenges
On January 26, Chairman of the OECS Authority, Grenada’s Prime Minister Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell, reiterated the need for unity as member states confront a mix of challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic as well as existing threats, such as the impact of climate change. In his opening remarks at the 71st Meeting of the OECS Authority, Dr. Mitchell said the pandemic has helped to underscore the need for collective action.
this sub-regional organisation, are forced to adopt greater agility in their decision-making and this can only be achieved through more frequent dialogue among regional leaders and between leaders, their ministers and public service officials.” Given the increased frequency of dialogue, Dr. Mitchell said, “It is therefore imperative for us to find ways of conducting our meetings with greater precision, more focused discussion and clear, decisive outcomes.”
The OECS Authority Chairman also noted that, “The successive shortening waves of crises has forced governments to be preoccupied with the immediate and urgent and there is a real danger that in addressing these, we run the risk of missing out on the medium to longterm strategies that are necessary to The Grenadian leader acknowledged further and accelerate the process of that the meeting was held against the development in global conditions of backdrop of the ongoing challenges uncertainty and volatility.” brought about by COVID-19. Compounding this already Noting the regularity of ongoing concerning impact, Dr. Mitchell also crises due to the pandemic, Dr. acknowledged the psychological Mitchell said, “Our governments, like impact of the pandemic but noted He said, “Let us be clear and united, standing together to shape common solutions and acting with collective determination to succeed against the forces of nature, as well as the geopolitical dynamic that remains insensitive to us as small island developing and vulnerable states.”
Prime Minister, Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell
several examples of hope and what is possible with courage and fortitude. The agenda items for the 71st Meeting of the OECS Authority included a number of regional integration matters relating to the free circulation of goods and the free movement of persons; the OECS work programme and budget, the adoption of the report of the 70th meeting and the Chairman’s Report for the period 2020-2021 from the previous chairman.