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

NEWSLETTER GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICE

Vol. 2, Issue 02

Monday, Jan. 18 2021

Government Proposes a

DEFERRAL OF PAYMENT

of the 4% SALARY INCREASE FOR PUBLIC OFFICERS

“

INSIDE

The reality of the situation is that Government must actually find 13.2 million to fund the increase in recurrent personnel expenditure.

“

- Hon. Oliver Joseph

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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES VOTES TO AFFIRM RESOLUTION ON GRENLEC SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT

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PRIME MINISTER MITCHELL HINTS INTENTIONS FOR NEXT ELECTION

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NEW EQUIPMENT FOR THE GENERAL HOSPITAL

AND MUCH MORE...

Head of the Government Negotiating Team, Hon. Oliver Joseph

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GIS NEWSLETTER

NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTORS

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

Vol. 2 Issue 02

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Government Proposes Deferral The Government of Grenada is requesting a deferral of payment of the 4% salary increase for public officers for 2021, which amounts to 13.2 million dollars.

In a statement issued on Tuesday January 12, government said while the increases were agreed upon in good faith, it is asking Trade Unions and Staff Associations that consideration be given to deferring any significant increase in recurrent expenditure, given the uncertainty of the economic climate as a result of COVID-19.

Government has had to bear the brunt of the impact of COVID-19, and took immediate, emergency policy action to provide support to households and businesses, which involved significant unplanned expenditure.

At the same time, Government continued to protect its workforce from the loss of jobs and wage cuts, while providing bailouts for others.

Wages and salaries for all public officers have also been paid in full and on time every month.

Head of the Government Negotiating Team, Hon. Oliver Joseph says the reality of the situation is that Government must actually find 13.2 million to fund the increase in recurrent personnel expenditure. “The 4 percent salary increase is a permanent addition to Government’s wage bill, unlike the repurchase of the WRB shares in Grenlec which was a one off expenditure of the revenue generating capital asset. To equate the two is ill-informed and willfully misleading. Further, the funds used for the Grenlec repurchase came from grants and soft loans which were intended for capital development projects in the 2020 budget, and any deviation can jeopardize Grenada’s future ability for such funding.”

Head of the Government Negotiating Team, Hon. Oliver Joseph

Joseph says it is not in the government’s interest to defer the 4%, since that will mean the return of retroactive salary payments and 8% compounded interest, payable in January 2022.

But he says in its discretion, government deems it a reasonable ask to defer salary increases for 2021. “It is important to say that Government is in no way attempting to shrug its legal obligation. In fact, the Government of Grenada accepts that we will have to pay the increase. However, what we are saying is that we are not able to afford payment in 2021, and based on the ongoing economic uncertainty due to the pandemic, we cannot project when Government will be able to pay same. However, we hope the economy will recover sooner rather than later. Government reassures the nation of its commitment to secure the jobs of all its employees. Government has a responsibility to make the payment and we also have a responsibility to manage the country’s financial resources in the best interest of the nation. Government therefore kindly requests the understanding and acceptance of bargaining agents to defer the payment of the four percent salary wage increases for the year 2021.”

GIS NEWSLETTER

Vol. 2, Issue 02

House of Representatives Votes to Affirm Resolution on GRENLEC Settlement Agreement

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The House of Representatives has voted in favor of the motion seeking to affirm the settlement award paid to WRB Enterprises to repurchase majority shares in the Grenada Electricity Services Limited (GRENLEC).

Under the negotiated settlement which was reached after the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes ruled in favor of WRB, Government has already paid US $60 million, with another US $3 million due in two years.

Contributing to the debate on the motion on Friday January 15, 2021, Prime Minister, Dr. the Right Honorable Keith Mitchell provided historical insight into immense work done through the rural electrification programme between 1985 and 1990, significantly increasing the availability of electricity in many communities across the country, which meant that when WRB purchased the company, it was well poised for further development.

Dr. Mitchell described it as the worst sale undertaken by any Government of a national asset which guides the development of the country. He also questioned the decision by the then Government to rush into the sale of a monopoly national security asset just before an election.

Quoting from the Hansard, which is the official record of Parliament, Dr. Mitchell said his sentiments regarding the sale of GRENLEC then, and his sentiments today, are the same, the conditions of the sale were not in the best interest of the country.

This view was shared by all parliamentary representatives of the ruling New National Party as they contributed to Friday’s debate. They all lamented the unfortunate fact that the dis-

cussion about GRENLEC has become an NDC verses NNP debate, rather than remain a subject of national conversation as it affects all Grenadians.

There is also general optimism about the future of GRENLEC and its ability to fulfil its role as a national asset. Together with the liberalization of the energy sector to bring tremendous

benefits to the people of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

However, the parliamentary representatives also warned that persons must be reasonable in their expectations as the price of electricity will not decrease overnight; the process must be carefully managed because the company must remain viable.

GIS NEWSLETTER

Vol. 2, Issue 02

Government Solidifying Principles for Divestment of GRENLEC The Government of Grenada is solidifying the principles that will guide the divestment of its majority shares in the newly repurchased Grenada Electricity Services Limited (GRENLEC).

It is Government’s desire to see that as many locals as possible have an opportunity to invest in this national asset.

In a meeting with the representatives of the Grenada Trades Union Council (GTUC), a number of broad principles for divestment were discussed, chief of which were providing opportunities for Grenadians at home and abroad to purchase shares in the company, gradually transitioning GRENLEC from a die-

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sel-powered system to renewable energy, and engaging in consultations with relevant stakeholders as part of the divestment process.

Minister for Finance, Hon. Gregory Bowen said the transition to renewable energy, will significantly reduce the cost of electricity, and spur economic growth particularly in the manufacturing and hotel sectors, which will be of substantial benefit for all Grenadians.

The government’s repurchase of the utility company is expected to create tremendous opportunities for locals to be trained in renewable energy, a sector with great potential for business development and job creation.

Minister for Finance Hon. Gregory Bowen

The government team consisting of Minister for Finance and Public utilities, Hon. Gregory Bowen, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Business, Hon. Oliver Joseph and Permanent Secretary, Ms. Patricia Clarke facilitated what was mutually described as a very fruitful exchange with representatives of the GTUC. The GTUC team comprising seven members and led by its President, Senator Andre Lewis recommended that shares should be sold only to Grenadians.

On Friday during the sitting of the House of Representatives, Minister Bowen reported on the meeting held with the Trades Union Council and stressed that priority should be given to Grenadians to avoid a repeat of the current situation.“We reiterated the point that Grenadians must come first. And again I could see why now the Grenada Trades Union Council is calling on us and any Administration to discuss for fear that anybody will again fall into this dismal situation”.

Both Government and the GTUC highlighted the importance of regular exchanges going forward.

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Vol. 2, Issue 02

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Declaration Of Emergency Powers 2021 Extended Members of the Lower House have given support to the motion to approve the extension of the declaration of Emergency Powers COVID-19 Proclamation 2021 to July 14th 2021.

The motion, presented by Leader of Government Business Hon. Gregory Bowen, during a meeting of the House of Representatives on tite Martinique Affairs, Hon. KinFriday January 15, 2021, seeks to prevent the frequent renewal of the declaration by Gover- The motion was also supported dra Maturine-Stewart and Opnor General Her Excellency Dame Cecile La Gre- by Minister for Carriacou and Pe- position Leader Tobias Clement. nade.

The previous declaration which was made in December, was revoked and a new one was announced on Monday January 11th.

Minister Bowen says the constitution provides for the execution of a state of emergency of up to 6 months.

“The Governor General could proclaim a state of emergency, and it is only during that state of emergency that we could curtail the freedom of movement of persons under the Constitution. When the Parliament is not sitting then this is only for a limited period, but we do not wish to come here every time, especially since it is evident that we will need an extended period.”

Health Minister Hon. Nickolas Steele reiterated that Grenada is not immune to the virus and its effects. He explained that the curfew and regulations are imposed to restrict movement and avoid the spread of COVID-19.

Minister Steele assured that at no point will Grenadians be restricted for an entire 6 month period.

“While this has been extended until July, it is my sincere hope and expectation that we will not have to go all that distance, but the law prescribes six months, and the law also clearly states that it can be revoked at any point in time. The curfew is not listed in this because we do believe that we should, and will exercise that flexibility, based on the fact that at any given time, the local epidemiological situation can become a threat, so there is no need to write it in, in the hope that there is no need to keep it on”.

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NIGHTLY CURFEW REMAINS IN PLACE, But Will Begin At 10:00pm

In addition to the extended hours for movement, Cabinet has also apThe nightly curfew in Grenada will hands frequently, maintain physical proved an increased in the number of continue. However, it will now go distance and wear a mask at all times persons allowed to attend weddings, into effect from 10:00 p.m. nightly. in public spaces. funerals and social gatherings.

The curfew will continue to be lifted Business owners and managers are at 5:00 a.m. daily. also urged to ensure strict adherence to the COVID-19 protocols, which The new time, agreed to on Monday require them to maintain physical during the weekly Cabinet meeting, distance among patrons of their reallows more time for business opera- spective establishments and also, tions and recreational activities. keeping a daily log which will facilitate prompt and efficient contact However, Government continues tracing, should that become necesto encourage the population to fol- sary. low the protocols - wash or sanitise

The permitted number is now 20. For any number exceeding that, permission must be sought and granted.

The public is also advised that the ban on all commercial flights between Grenada and the United Kingdom will remain in effect, at least until January 31, 2021.

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Vol. 2, Issue 02

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Fisheries Division Urges Caution

The Fisheries Division of the Ministry of Sports, The Division is encouraging all to be vigilant when Culture and the Arts, Fisheries and Cooperatives venturing out to sea. is advising seafarers and the general public, to exercise extreme caution in and around the waters Fishermen and the general public are also advised of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. to report all sightings of sharks to the Fisheries DiIn recent days, there has been an increase in vision and the Coast Guard. sightings of sharks in the marine environment of It warns that if a shark is sighted, persons should neighbouring Eastern Caribbean islands. immediately leave the water

GIS NEWSLETTER

Vol. 2, Issue 02

Emergency Proclamation Is Legitimate Adjustments were also made to the Emergency powers COVID-19 Regulations 2020. The daily curfew was changed from 8pm to 10pm. The Attorney General said “For funerals, weddings and private gatherings, up to twenty persons are now allowed, and if you need to have anything beyond that number, then it’s merely a matter of ap-

Attorney General, Dia Forrester

Grenada’s Attorney General Dia Forrester says the new Emergency Powers covid-19 Proclamation 2021 which was announced on Monday January 11th is legal, as it was done within the ambits of the law, by the Governor General Her Excellency Dame Cecile La Grenade, and gazetted.

The new proclamation will last for twenty one days, which will bring it to February 2nd 2021.

Ms. Forrester’s statement follows concerns raised on social media that the proclamation was done by the Cabinet and is not legitimate.

The Attorney General explained that the Emergency powers COVID-19 proclamation 2021 went through all the legal procedures before it was announced.

“The initial declaration of emergency was actually revoked and a new declaration was done by the Governor General, which was done on January 11, 2021, and of course it was properly gazetted and all necessary steps that had to be taken for it to come into effect were in fact undertaken.”

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plying to the Chief Medical Officer and the Commissioner of Police for permission to get the additional numbers. So I encourage everyone to familiarize themselves with the regulations, so you will know what you are required to do as a matter of law.”

Acting Permanent Secretary, Dr. Francis Martin

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

addresses students at assembly

Plaque of appreciation presented to Prime Minister

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EDUCATION CORNER

GIS NEWSLETTER

Vol. 2, Issue 02

MOE Addresses Connectivity

Minister for Education Hon. Emmalin Pierre says Government will continue to address the subject of adequate internet connectivity, as the Ministry distributes devices to students and teachers at various institutions.

Prior to the 2020 lockdown in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry partnered with the Caribbean Regional Communications Infrastructure Program (CARCIP) and service providers to install high speed internet in schools across the island.

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ing. She said “So you go to school; you don’t have internet at home, so of course you can download everything that you need to use at home.

But another thing that is also beautiful is that when into E-Books, we ensure that those books do not require internet. But what if a child wants to use YouTube to look at educational videos, or some other site? Now, that remains a challenge for us, and so Minister for Education, Human Resource what are we going to be doing? We Development, Religious Affairs and Information Hon. Emmailin Pierre actually did work with our service providers of course, the kind support of LIME and Digicel, and they zero rat- constituencies. Hon. Emmalin Pierre ed all the sites that we gave to them.” said “We have to start using internet

Minister Pierre says her ministry has been thinking ahead, and has laid the connection, no longer as a luxury, foundation to provide students with Priority will also be placed on assistthe significant resources for learn- ing vulnerable families in different but as a necessity.”

Ministry of Education Welcomes the 2021 Hilary Term

An hour of prayer on Monday January 11, 2021, ushered the opening of schools for the Hilary term.

and other stakeholders will be working to ensure that all students have access to quality education. “COVID-19 must not stop us from advancing the agenda for the development of our education system. We must continue to work aggressively with all of our partners as we push ahead.

Our focus will be on building a resilient education system so that we can withstand any crisis that may be ahead of us. We will focus on equiis going to be alright’. Many peo- table and sustainable development ple have your back, and we are all through strong leadership at all levworking very hard on your behalf. els.”

Remember to keep your dreams in sharp focus and work hard, for God Minister Pierre said working togethis with us as we fight this battle.” er, all efforts will be focused on ad-

The service included a brief message by the Minister for Education, Hon. Emmalin Pierre, as well as scripture reading and musical renditions by stu- The Ministry of Education is emdents. ploying the blended approach to learning, which caters for face to Minister Pierre, who is also the Minister face interaction and online sessions, for Religious Affairs, encouraged the as a means of balancing the health students to continue giving of their and well-being of students with the best, even under the current circum- need to ensure they are exposed to stances. “To our students I encourage teaching. you to stay focused, stay strong and don’t worry. I’m sure you heard the Reflecting on COVID-19 and the song by Bob Marley, ‘don’t worry ab challenges presented, Minister out a thing, because every little thing Pierre says the Ministry of Education

dressing learning losses, preventing school dropouts, addressing education reform that focuses on offering skills for employability and supporting the teaching profession to adopt to the new norm.

The devotional exercise to bring in the new school term was held under the theme: “When we rest on God’s promises, we can let our faith be bigger than our fears.”

GIS NEWSLETTER

Vol. 2, Issue 02

Prime Minister Mitchell Hints Intentions For Next Election

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Prime Minister Dr. the Right Hon. Keith Mitchell hints that the possibilities are high that he will contest the next general elections, which are constitutionally due in 2023.

He made the announcement during a recent special interview with Members of the media.

Dr. Mitchell’s political career began in the 1980’s. He became Prime Minister from 1995 – 2008, then again in 2013 to present, making his ruling New National Party the only political party to obtain landslide victories.

Dr. Mitchell said his retirement was discussed with his cabinet colleagues, however, once he is in good health when the time comes around, he will represent his constituents.

“I think there are rationales based on my own colleagues’ views and general perception and that it might be the right time after the next election to hand over the reins to someone. So it looks highly likely that I would certainly run, unless of course I have some health issues or some physical problems.”

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

The Grenadian Leader holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics and Chemistry from the University of the West Indies, a master’s degree from Howard University and a doctorate in mathematics and statistics from the American University.

HEALTH MATTERS

GIS NEWSLETTER

Vol. 2, Issue 02

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New Equipment For The General Hospital

Minister for Hospital Services Hon. Delma Thomas

The General Hospital has received a donation of equipment procured by the Ministry of Health, which will be distributed among the various departments.

It includes nebulizers, infusion pumps, and syringe pumps, all which will contribute to the effective delivery of duties among staff.

Minister with responsibility for Hospital and Community Health Services, Hon. Delma Thomas said “The equipment we received are for the General Hospital. They will be given to the surgical department, urology department, and ophthalmology. The equipment will assist the medical and surgical teams at the hospital to efficiently provide services for the community. We received the first batch this week and within this month the rest will be here.”

The Ministry of Health has also boosted its human resource numbers, with the addition of twenty nurses island-wide.

The addition comes at a time when

the Ministry is working on staff regularization. Minister Thomas said “We have employed twenty more nurses, and we are in the process also of dealing with the issue of staff regularization. There are members of staff who were without a contract as far back as 2009, so we are working to ensure that we deal with all the human resource issues that confront the Ministry so that we can boost

the staff and also provide quality services for the people of our triisland state.”

Minister Thomas says services will also be boosted at the Princess Alice hospital, and focus will be on the decentralization of services which will take place in Gouyave and St. David’s as well as Carriacou and Princess Alice hospital.

SPORTS CORNER

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Vol. 2, Issue 02

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Anderson Peters Leaves To Complete Studies

Grenadian Javelin thrower and World Champion Anderson Peters has returned to the United States to complete his studies, while heptathlete Jonair Thomas is heading out for the first time to a Junior College in South Plains Texas.

Anderson who has been at home for some time due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus has been in training with his coach Paul Phillip.

During an interview with the GIS, Coach Phillip provided an update on the athlete’s status “He is on his last semester as he seeks to complete his Bachelor’s Degree and some of his courses require physical interactions, so he will be departing today along with Jonair Thomas one of our outstanding heptathletes.

She will be departing to a school at South Plains, it’s a junior college in Texas. Anderson has undertaken a Bachelors in Management, I think his emphasis will be sports management sometime later on, but primarily it’s about management.”

on coping within this period and remaining safe and healthy. “It’s been a challenge even working here with COVID restrictions and so. There’s a lot of uncertainty when going into the U.S. to actually train, because from time to time, universities close their doors and their tracks, so you’re restricted from training, so that will be a challenge for Peters ahead of important competitions like the Olympics. The challenge will be to keep strong, stay motivated and not get discouraged.”

Jonair Thomas has represented Grenada on the regional stage and has medaled on more than one occasion at the Coach Phillip said during the time that the athletes Carifta Games. spent in training, there were a number of sessions

“Imagine leaving a warm and sunny location for this weather” Anderson via Facebook

AGRICULTURE CORNER

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Vol. 2, Issue 02

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Applications For Plant Distribution Season 2021 Interested in plants during The Ministry of Agriculture and Lands says applications are now being accepted for the 2021 Plant Distribution Season.

Persons interested in obtaining plants are asked to collect and submit their application forms. Applications can be submitted at the District Agriculture offices: - Plains, St. Patrick - Petit Becaye-St.David - Seaton James Street, Grenville - Black Bay, St.John Also at: - Propagation Stations – Maran, Mirabeau, Boulougne and Ashenden - the main office at the Botanical Gardens.

Deadline for applications is January 31st, 2021. Please be reminded that All COVID-19 Protocols will be enforced at each location.

the 2021 Plant Distribution Season?

Please be reminded that the deadline for the applications is January 31, 2021.

Application forms can be collected at all the District Extension Offices, the propagation stations and the Ministry of Agriculture’s main office at the Botanical Gardens.

Upon receipt of applications, an assessment of your farm will be conducted by and Extension Officer to determine suitability.

GRENADA FOOD AND NUTRITION COUNCIL CORNER

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PROJECT UPDATE

GIS NEWSLETTER

Vol. 2, Issue 02

Paradise Pre-Primary School

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The Paradise Pre-Primary School, constructed education institution was awarded to Haunder the 9th BNTF project, funded in part nover construction company limited. by the Caribbean Development Bank and the Government of Grenada at a cost of 1.7 Million EC dollars.

The Paradise Pre-Primary School will be

The New structure is located at Paradise, St. handed over to the Ministry of Education in Andrew. The contract for the construction of the coming week.

Parliamentary Representative Hon. Emmalin Pierre

PROJECT UPDATE

GIS NEWSLETTER

Vol. 2, Issue 01

Happy Hill/Brizan Pre-Primary School

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The Happy Hill/Brizan Pre-Primary School, schoolers from the Happy Hill, Beausejour constructed under the 9th BNTF project, and Brizan communities was awarded to funded in part by the Caribbean Development Bank and the Government of Grenada Hanover construction company limited. at a cost of 1.8 Million EC dollars.

The Happy Hill/Brizan Pre-Primary School will The New structure is located at Beausejour St. George. The contract for the construction be handed over to the Ministry of Education of education institution that will serve pre- in the coming week.

Parliamentary Representative Prime Minister Dr. Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell

NEWSLETTER GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICE

Monday, Jan. 18, 2020

Vol. 2, Issue 02

Grenadians Urged to be Aware of Social Media Scams Using the Name of Government Officials The Government of Grenada is urging Grenadians to be vigilant given the detection of an apparent increase in the impersonation of Government Ministers on social media platforms.

This practice is referred to as spoofing and technology experts define it as “the act of disguising communication from an unknown source, as coming from a known or trusted source�.

Government advises that Ministers are not in the practice of initiating contact with members of the public via private or direct messages on social media platforms. Ministers will respond to queries submitted by persons via private messages but will not initiate contact using such means.

Further, the public is advised that no Government process requires persons to use money transfer agencies to

send money to receive any Government document or promise of financial assistance.

The population is advised to stay alert while using social media and to be aware of scammers.