SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT

House of Representatives Votes to Affirm Resolution on GRENLEC Settlement Agreement

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. 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.

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-

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 diesel-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.

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 Friday January 15, 2021, seeks to prevent the frequent renewal of the declaration by Governor General Her Excellency Dame Cecile La Grenade.

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.” The motion was also supported by Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, Hon. Kindra Maturine-Stewart and Opposition Leader Tobias Clement.

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”.

NIGHTLY CURFEW REMAINS IN PLACE,

But Will Begin At 10:00pm

The nightly curfew in Grenada will continue. However, it will now go into effect from 10:00 p.m. nightly.

The curfew will continue to be lifted at 5:00 a.m. daily.

The new time, agreed to on Monday during the weekly Cabinet meeting, allows more time for business operations and recreational activities. hands frequently, maintain physical distance and wear a mask at all times in public spaces. In addition to the extended hours for movement, Cabinet has also approved an increased in the number of persons allowed to attend weddings, funerals and social gatherings.

However, Government continues to encourage the population to follow the protocols - wash or sanitise Business owners and managers are also urged to ensure strict adherence to the COVID-19 protocols, which require them to maintain physical distance among patrons of their respective establishments and also, keeping a daily log which will facilitate prompt and efficient contact tracing, should that become necessary. 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.

GIS NEWSLETTER Vol. 2, Issue 02

Fisheries Division Urges Caution

The Fisheries Division of the Ministry of Sports, Culture and the Arts, Fisheries and Cooperatives is advising seafarers and the general public, to exercise extreme caution in and around the waters of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

In recent days, there has been an increase in sightings of sharks in the marine environment of neighbouring Eastern Caribbean islands. The Division is encouraging all to be vigilant when venturing out to sea.

Fishermen and the general public are also advised to report all sightings of sharks to the Fisheries Division and the Coast Guard.

It warns that if a shark is sighted, persons should 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 applying 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.”

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.”

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

EDUCATION CORNER

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.

Minister Pierre says her ministry has been thinking ahead, and has laid the foundation to provide students with the significant resources for learning. 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 what are we going to be doing? We actually did work with our service providers of course, the kind support of LIME and Digicel, and they zero rated all the sites that we gave to them.”

Priority will also be placed on assisting vulnerable families in different

Minister for Education, Human Resource Development, Religious Affairs and Information

Hon. Emmailin Pierre

constituencies. Hon. Emmalin Pierre said “We have to start using internet connection, no longer as a luxury, 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.

The service included a brief message by the Minister for Education, Hon. Emmalin Pierre, as well as scripture reading and musical renditions by students.

Minister Pierre, who is also the Minister for Religious Affairs, encouraged the students to continue giving of their best, even under the current circumstances. “To our students I encourage you to stay focused, stay strong and don’t worry. I’m sure you heard the song by Bob Marley, ‘don’t worry ab out a thing, because every little thing is going to be alright’. Many people have your back, and we are all working very hard on your behalf. Remember to keep your dreams in sharp focus and work hard, for God is with us as we fight this battle.”

The Ministry of Education is employing the blended approach to learning, which caters for face to face interaction and online sessions, as a means of balancing the health and well-being of students with the need to ensure they are exposed to teaching.

Reflecting on COVID-19 and the challenges presented, Minister Pierre says the Ministry of Education 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 equitable and sustainable development through strong leadership at all levels.”

Minister Pierre said working together, all efforts will be focused on addressing 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.”