Step closer to new multi-purpose complex

ST GEORGE’S, January 27, 2012 – The people of Mont Toute and Grand Anse Valley are one step closer to getting new facilities for educational and recreational activities.

A symbolic sod turning ceremony was held Thursday, January 26, on the site where a multi-purpose complex will be constructed with funding from the Government and people of Venezuela.

When completed, the Mont Toute/Grand Anse Valley Development Complex will include a modern library with access to computers and other information technology. The project will also involve upgrading of the community’s playing field.

Thursday’s ceremony was attended by community representatives, as well as by Prime Minister Hon. Tillman Thomas.

The Prime Minister was joined by Labour Minister and MP for St. George South, Glynis Roberts; Foreign Minister Karl Hood, who chaired the event; Sports Minister Patrick Simmons; Tourism Minister Peter David; Agriculture Minister Denis Lett; and MP for St. Patrick West, Joseph Gilbert.

In brief remarks at the ceremony, the Prime Minister and his Ministers of Sports, Foreign Affairs and Labour, underscored the importance of the complex to the people of Mont Toute and other parts of South St. George’s.

They also thanked President Hugo Chavez and Venezuela for financing the construction of the complex and several other projects across Grenada.

Venezuela’s Ambassador, His Excellency Carlos Amador Perez Silva, said his country was pleased to help Grenada, with whom it has had diplomatic relations for 35 years.

Snell Hall can expect playing field this year, MP says

ST GEORGE’S, January 5, 2012 – Member of Parliament for St. Patrick West, Hon. Joseph Gilbert, has assured constituents that one of the commitments made to them will be fulfilled in 2012.

“I am confident that the people of Snell Hall and surrounding areas will have their own playing field later this year,’’ Mr. Gilbert said on Wednesday, January 4.

He made the comments after a pre-tenders meeting with prospective contractors who are vying for the playing field’s construction contract. The meeting was convened on the project site in Snell Hall, St. Patrick.

According to Ministry of Works personnel, who facilitated the bidders' meeting, “all three pre-qualified contractors are expected to submit sealed bids for the project to the Ministry by the stipulated deadline of Monday, January 9, 2012’’.

Mr. Gilbert, who is also Environment, Foreign Trade and Export Development Minister, has said that he “expects that a contract for the construction of the playing field could be awarded within a matter of a couple weeks.’’

The Snell Hall project is one of five community initiatives being funded by the Government of President Hugo Chavez of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

The other projects include the Forde Bridge in St. Andrew, the St. George's Market redevelopment, the Tanteen Pavilion and Bleachers, and the Mon Tout Resource Centre.

Approximately EC$10 million in grant funding has been made available by Venezuela to undertake the five projects.

UN environmental workshop for Grenada

ST GEORGE’S, December 26, 2011 – Grenada is to be the venue of a United Nations’ environmental workshop.

It will be held here around June 2012, Environment Minister Joseph Gilbert has announced.

“This workshop, which will be funded by the United Nations Environment Programme, will put Grenada on the map as being the first country in the western hemisphere to host  such a meeting. Environmentalists from all over the world will converge on Grenada for that important forum on the environment,’’ Minister Gilbert said in his 2011 Christmas Message.

He said Grenada has been getting increased international support from countries such as Germany, South Korea, Japan and China for projects aimed at preserving the nation’s natural environment.

“One of the critical tasks for us now, as a government, is to ensure that when these environmental projects come on-stream, that as many persons as possible obtain some degree of employment,’’ said Hon. Gilbert, who is also Minister for Foreign Trade and Export Development  

The outlook, he said, is that “things would get better’’ in 2012 for Grenadians, including the people of the Parish of St. Patrick.

“For us in St. Patrick, this New Year would see the commencement of work on the St. Patrick's Road Network Upgrade Project. It is also the year when the people of Snell Hall, La Fortune, Madeys and Morne Fendue will see their age-old dream to have their own playing field and resource center become a reality,’’ said Mr. Gilbert who MP for St. Patrick West. The MP for St. Patrick East is Prime Minister Hon. Tillman Thomas.

In his message, MP Gilbert thanked his constituents for their “clear demonstration of solidarity, love and patriotism.’’

“Your support for me as your MP since 2008, and particularly over the  past three months, has been a source of strength and consolation,’’ he added. “I look forward to serving you with even greater commitment and fervour in 2012.’’

Here’s the text of the Christmas Message delivered by MP Joseph Gilbert, Minister for the Environment, Foreign Trade and Export Development.

Fellow Grenadians:

As we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, I bring you warm and fraternal season's greetings.

Christmas for most of us is a time of sharing. It is a time when we remember the less fortunate in our society and ensure that they, too, share in the joys and festivities of the season.  For many of us, Christmas is celebrated as one of the most important time in the Christian calendar: a time of praise and worship; a time to refocus our lives, and make the extra effort to reflect on the mysteries of man's salvation – a salvation that was ushered in with the birth of Jesus Christ more than two thousand years ago.

Brothers and Sisters, we are celebrating yet another Christmas in a world that continues to struggle to cope with one of the worst economic recessions in history.  Several of the major world economic powers are grappling with the problem of high unemployment and social unrest.

Despite all these global challenges, we in Grenada still have much to be thankful for in the year 2011: our country rose to world fame as we captured the spotlight on the stage of international athletics.   Kirani James, Rondell Bartholomew and other national sports men and women did Grenada proud. At home, notwithstanding localised flooding and its associated problems in some parts of our country, by the grace of God and through His blessings, we suffered no hurricane whatsoever. Bearing in mind the negative impact of the effect of green-house gas emission on global weather patterns – such as the increased frequency and severity of storms and other adverse weather conditions – we in Grenada must indeed be truly grateful that in 2011 we were  spared the worst of these negative impacts.

Since assuming my new portfolio as Minister with responsibility for Environment, Foreign Trade and Export Development, we have consistently informed you of the growing international support that Grenada is receiving to undertake several projects related to the preservation of our natural environment.

In this season of sharing and thanksgiving, I want to take this opportunity to thank the several countries that have committed to help us with our local environmental challenges. These countries include Germany, South Korea, Japan and the People's Republic of China, to name but a few.  One of the critical tasks for us now, as a government, is to ensure that when these environmental projects come on-stream, that as many persons as possible obtain some degree of employment.

Grenada is also expected to host an international workshop on the environment in the middle of 2012.  This workshop, which will be funded by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), will put Grenada on the map as being the first country in the western hemisphere to host  such a meeting. Environmentalists from all over the world will converge on Grenada for that important forum on the environment.

In 2012, also, my Ministry is expected to participate in an important trade expo in South Korea. The opportunity for our local manufacturers and entrepreneurs to capitalise on this exposure to international markets is tremendous. The point I am making, is that there is great prospect that things would get better for us as a Nation and as a people in 2012.

I take this opportunity to extend special season's greetings to all my constituents of St. Patrick West. You have been there for me in good times and in tough times. Your support for me as your MP since 2008, and particularly over the past three months, has been a source of strength and consolation. Your clear demonstration of solidarity, love and patriotism must never go unnoticed. I look forward to serving you with even greater commitment and fervour in 2012.

For us in St. Patrick, this New Year would see the commencement of work on the St. Patrick's Road Network Upgrade Project. It is also the year when the people of Snell Hall, La Fortune, Madeys and Morne Fendue will see their age-old dream to have their own playing field and resource center become a reality. 2012 will also feature important progress with regard to the Sauteurs Road Network Expansion Project; that would ultimately result in the construction of several new streets in the Town of Sauteurs.

 The coming on-stream of these major projects in St. Patrick is intended to complement the long list of small infrastructure projects that would be undertaken at the village level in the New Year, with God's help.

Brothers and Sisters, as we continue to celebrate this festive season,  I admonish you to also remember the true reason for Christmas. Let us show others that we truly care. Let us ensure that our neighbours have a decent meal. Let us ensure that every child has a toy. Let us ensure that the elderly and the shut-ins are visited and taken care of. Let the true spirit of “good will among men’’ manifest itself by our unselfish giving from the heart.

I take this opportunity, also, to wish the diligent management and staff of the Ministry of Environment, Foreign Trade and Export Development a very happy Christmas, and a bright and productive New Year.

To all my fellow Grenadians at home and abroad, on behalf of the Staff of the Ministry of Environment, Foreign Trade and Export Development and myself and family, I wish you a Blessed, Peaceful and Enjoyable Christmas; and a Healthy and Prosperous New Year.

Grenada signs concept agreement for Climate Change Projects

St. George’s, November 1, 2011 - Environment Minister, the Hon. Joseph Gilbert, on Monday October 31, signed a five (5) million Euro "concept agreement'' for projects in climate change with German Government representative, Michael Scholze.

Mr. Scholze, who is leading a visiting mission to Grenada, signed the agreement on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety.

One of the main objectives of the new programme will be to deliver funds to local communities in Grenada to help them combat and adapt to the adverse effects of climate change, such as droughts and sea level rise.

The concept agreement is titled “Programme of Integrated Adaptation Strategies in Grenada.”

 Mr. Scholze and his appraisal mission team, comprising representatives from the German Development Agency known as GIZ, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Climate Analytics, spent over a week in Grenada to jointly develop, with their Grenadian partners, an overall concept for the project. The exercise included a national stakeholders' consultation process.

The programme concept will be used by GIZ and UNDP as the basis for the preparation of their project offer that will be presented for consideration and approval to the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety.

Four proposed components for the programme – including the setting up of a Community Climate Change Adaptation Fund – were developed to utilize the 5 million Euros – EC$19 million – promised by Germany.

Component 1:         Strategic national approach to integrating and mainstreaming climate

resilience across sectors.

Component 2:          Climate resilient integrated Water and Coastal Resource Management.

Component 3:     Implementing pilot adaptation and climate resilience activities on the ground supporting communities to improve livelihoods and combat the effects of droughts, extreme floods and sea level rise.

Component 4:            Knowledge management and establishment of capacity to access climate

Finance.

The project will support an integrated approach to water and coastal resource management, mainstreaming climate change considerations into the water and coastal resource sector.

Included in the overall objectives of the programme are fostering inter-sectoral coordination and collaboration, and implementing concrete on-the-ground measures for climate change risk management in highly vulnerable communities.

Apart from a national consultation held on October 27 to develop the general concept of the project, the visitors’ itinerary included a field trip throughout the island and interviews with various government officials and technical partners. Several sites affected and vulnerable to future climate change were visited.

PHOTO: Joseph Gilbert and Michael Scholze shake hands after signing concept agreement

SOURCE: Kareen Morain, Ministry of Environment, Foreign Trade and Export Development

Grenadian Minister praises staff support, looks forward to tenure

St. George’s, October 31, 2011 – Minister for Environment, Foreign Trade and Export Development,  Hon. Joseph Gilbert,  is “extremely happy with the level of support’’ he has been getting from management and staff since taking up his new assignment at the Ministry about three weeks ago.

Mr. Gilbert was warmly received at the Ministry on his first day on the job, with staff putting on a “sumptuous welcoming breakfast.’’

Since then, Mr. Gilbert has been treated to several briefing sessions, and  said he is “looking forward to having as good a tenure in this new Ministry as I had in the Ministry of Works.’’

He held the Works’ portfolio for three years until an October 7 Cabinet reshuffle in which Prime Minister Tillman Thomas moved Mr. Gilbert to the Ministry for Environment, Foreign Trade and Export Development. The new Minister for Works, Physical Development and Public Utilities is Senator Dennoth Modeste.

Among Minister Gilbert’s most recent briefing sessions was one held last Friday, October 28, with climate change negotiators, Dr. Spencer Thomas and Mr. Leon Charles. The two have been very instrumental in asserting Grenada's role as an important world leader on climate change matters.

Others participating in last Friday’s briefing with the Minister were Dr. Bill Hare, Technical Consultant to the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), and Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of the Environment, Ms. Helen Roden.

Grenada currently holds the chairmanship of AOSIS and has been intimately involved in meetings of COP – the Conferences of the Parties – where assessment is done annually on progress being made in dealing with climate change.

Minister Gilbert is due to sit as chair for the group of countries in the upcoming COP 17 climate change negotiations and meeting in Durban, South Africa, later this year.

At the Durban meeting, the Minister will also sign an important bilateral agreement with Germany. Under the agreement, Grenada will receive five million Euros – about EC$19 million – in grant funds.

The money will be used to undertake several climate change adaptation projects in Grenada, starting next year.

These projects, according to Minister Gilbert, would be implemented through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Germany's Society for International Cooperation (GIZ).

Left – right are Dr. Bill Hare, Dr. Spencer Thomas, Minister Joseph Gilbert, Mr. Leon Charles and Permanent Secretary, Helen Roden.


Source: Kareen Morain, Ministry of Environment, Foreign Trade & Export Development.

Grenada to benefit from five million euros for climate change projects

St. George’s, 26 October, 2011 - Grenada is one of two countries that will benefit from five million Euros – approximately EC$19 million – in bilateral support for climate change adaptation projects from the Government of Germany.
German environmental specialists met with Minister of Environment Hon. Joseph Gilbert on Monday and have been meeting with various stakeholders (government and civil society) in Grenada to discuss project ideas and proposals and to hold a national stakeholder consultation.
The opportunity for bilateral funding first presented itself at a climate change meeting held recently in Panama City, Panama, where Grenada was selected along with Mali as one of two pilot study countries.
Support to Grenada came because of its current position as Chairman of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS).
The German scoping mission is following up on initial contact made in Panama, to identify in an inclusive, party driven manner adaptation projects that are “on the ground”, "visible" and most importantly "sustainable" that both governments through their Ministries of Environment could support.
Pertinent “adaptation” projects to address issues relating to the devastating impact of climate change on vulnerable sectors in the Tri-Island state will be discussed and crystallized into projects to be implemented through the United Nation Development Programme (UNDP) and Germany’s Society for International Cooperation (GIZ). Cross cutting issues like capacity building, environmental awareness and education will also be discussed.
UNDP is the United Nations’ global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build better lives. GIZ supports the German Government in achieving its objectives in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development.
The Ministry of Environment, Foreign Trade and Export Development has been working in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to organize the meetings and gather feedback.
The mission is headed by Mr. Michael Scholze of GIZ and includes Ms Diana Salvemine (UNDP Adaptation specialist); Dr Bill Hare and Ms Henrike Doebert (Climate Analyst), Dr Renold Murray (UNDP) and Ms Margit Potgieter (Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany in Grenada).

PHOTO: Minister for the Environment Hon Joseph Gilbert flanked by Ag. Permanent Secretary Helen Roden, Ministry of Environment Staff and German Environmental Officials

SOURCE: Kareen Morain, Ministry of Environment, Foreign Trade & Export Development

Trade Minister Optimistic Export Sector Could Experience Growth

L-R Hon. Joseph Gilbert, 
Ag. Permanent Secretary Helen Roden;
Trade Officer, Aarona Moses
and Ag. Director of Trade Junior Mahon

St. George’s, October 26, 2011 – Grenada’s new Minister for Environment, Foreign Trade and Export Development, Hon. Joseph Gilbert, is amazed that not much has been done to get Grenada and other Less Developed Countries (LDCs) of the Caribbean Community to access and make use of the Direct Assistance Grant Scheme made available through the Caribbean Export Development Agency (CEDA).

Minister Gilbert made the observation after participating in a meeting with a three-member consultancy team from A-Z Jamaica Limited. The consultancy company has been contracted by the CARICOM Secretariat to conduct a Consultancy to Design a Programme for Development of Protected LDC Industries. The team comprised Dr. Noel Watson, CEO, Bryan Aikman BSc., EMBA, and Janette M. Lodge, Chartered Accountant.

The money from the Caribbean Export is in the form of grants, Hon. Gilbert explained. "But what came out clearly from the meeting,'' he revealed, "is that the information about the existence of such a fund has never reached our manufacturers.''

“Manufacturers,” Minister Gilbert argued, "have been kept in total ignorance of the vast potential that is available through this CARICOM initiative to help improve their business opportunities, especially in the areas of product development and export market.''

The team of consultants has been charged with putting together a strategy that would foster the development of these industries and implementation of Article 164 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas in CARICOM’s Less Developed Countries (LDCs). The overall objective of Article 164 is to promote industrial development in CARICOM’s LDCs, including Grenada.

In 2006, the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) agreed to implement a tariff regime which was meant to protect the industries under Article 164. It was due to come into effect in 2006, but, according to the consultants, it has not been implemented by any of the LDCs to date. In addition, support measures and the necessary programmes for achieving competitiveness have not been implemented to facilitate the development of these industries as provided for in the Article.

"These are the sort of issues that the consultancy is required to identify and to recommend creative ways on how best to resolve them,'' said Dr. Watson, team leader of the consultancy team.

Minister Gilbert said that as the new Minister for Environment, Foreign Trade and Export Development, he intends to help develop the productive sector in Grenada.

One way to do that, according to the Minister, is by providing the necessary leadership to ensure that Grenada takes full advantage of current technical and financial assistance available through CARICOM.

"It would not be business as usual going forward,'' pledged Mr. Gilbert, who served as Minister for Works, Physical Development and Public Utilities until October 7, 2011, when he was reassigned by Prime Minister Hon. Tillman Thomas in a cabinet reshuffle.

Minister Gilbert is optimistic that Grenada's relatively weak export sector could see impressive growth in the next few years.

Over a period of three days, the consultancy team met with the various institutions that provide some measure of support to the Article 164 industries which included the Grenada Exporters Association, Grenada Chamber of Industry and Commerce (GCIC), the Central Statistics Office and the Ministry of Environment, Foreign Trade and Export Development.

The team also met with representatives from the Article 164 industries in Grenada, which included water, furniture and aerated beverages.  The flour and industrial gases industries of Grenada have been selected to participate in the CARICOM pilot project to Design a Development Programme for Protected LDCs.  As part of their visit, the team made onsite visits to Caribbean Agro Industries and L&M Investments Ltd. to conduct in depth assessment of their business operations.

The overall objective of the consultancy is to contribute towards the reduction of economic disparities in CARICOM by increasing production capacity, and improving efficiency and competiveness of industries in the LDCs, particularly OECS countries.

The purpose of this contract is to support the development of selected, protected industries of the OECS into competitive entities through recommendation of an improved Community supported industrial development strategy, recommend changes in business plans, accounting systems and the identification of additional technical assistance requirements.

The expected results from this intervention are as follows:

·         An Inception Report on the preliminary findings of the consultant concerning protected industries in the relevant OECS Member States

·         A Draft Report which

evaluates the efficacy of the Article 164 application in the OECS confirms enjoying protection under Article 164.

o   recommends measures to enhance the efficacy of the application of Article 164 protection

o   on the basis of interaction at the level of the protected firms set out a programme and plan of action to enhance performance which may be considered in a CARICOM Development Fund Country Assistance Programming including:

§  changes in accounting and financial systems;

§  a strategy for mobilizing resources to assist protected firms;

§  a Programme for coaching and mentoring of selected firms;

§  a programme for acquiring international certification and exploitation of environmentally friendly technologies in production

§  objective indicators for evaluating the performance of protected firms within the context of Article 164

A Final Report which takes on board feedback from the beneficiary Government and firm as well as the CARICOM Development Fund.         

Grenada, Japan talk Environmental Cooperation

St. George’s, October 11, 2011 – Grenada and Japan have held discussions on ways for further collaboration on environmental-related matters.

The latest round of discussions took place Monday between visiting Japanese Ambassador for Civil Society, Akira Yamada, and Honourable Joseph Gilbert, Minister for the Environment, Foreign Trade and Export Development.

It was Mr. Gilbert’s first official engagement as Environment Minister, following a breakfast welcoming reception hosted by his staff.

During their meeting, Minister Gilbert and Ambassador Yamada examined a number of issues, including the impact of climate change on vulnerable islands such as Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

The ambassador noted that Japan itself is also an island and faces many similar environmental problems to Grenada’s.  He pledged to work with Grenada on identifying areas of convergence in the environment portfolio.

The two sides also discussed the possibility of Japan sharing technology for renewable energy options with Grenada’s Energy Unit, and in providing expertise in coastal and biodiversity management and in conservation matters.

Ambassador Yamada, accompanied by officials of the Grenada Solid Waste Management Authority, also visited the Perseverance dumping site in St. George’s.

Solid waste management, as well as water availability and infrastructure development in the Grenada water sector, were also part of the discussions held with the Japanese Ambassador, who is Deputy Director General for Global Issues.

Global Issues is a non-governmental world organization concerned with environmental, social, political and economic issues – including poverty, racism and food and agriculture – and their effects on people and nations.

Photo: Minister for the Environment Hon. Joseph Gilbert and Deputy Director General for Global Issues, Akira Yamada


Source: Kareen Morain, Ministry of Environment, Foreign Trade & Export Development

Grenada Government turns sod in Venezuelan-funded market project

St. George’s, October 4, 2011 – President Hugo Chavez and the government and people of Venezuela have been highly commended by Prime Minister, Honourable Tillman Thomas, and other members of the Grenada government for supply funding to complete the refurbishing of the St. George’s Market Square.

Prime Minister Thomas and his cabinet colleagues – Tourism Minister Peter David and Works’ Minister Joseph Gilbert – were speaking Tuesday at a sod-turning ceremony for the recommencement of work on the St. George’s Market Redevelopment Project.

For many years, citizens and visitors have been complaining about the dilapidated state of the market which was once Grenada’s leading outdoor fruit and vegetable market, as well a venue of social and political activities.

The Venezuelan-funded project, the Prime Minister said, is another indication of his government’s commitment to improving the physical, educational, social and cultural infrastructure of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

Venezuela is providing US$16.5 million in grant funding for several projects across the nation. Of the amount, US$1.6 million has been allocated for the St. George’s Market Redevelopment Project.

Tourism Minister David, who is credited with negotiating the Venezuelan assistance when he served as Foreign Minister, praised Venezuela’s top diplomat in Grenada for his patience and hard work in ensuring the funding was made available.

Ambassador Carlos Perez was among Venezuelan and Grenadian officials who attended Tuesday’s sod-turning ceremony, which was chaired by Senator Arley Gill, Grenada’s Minister responsible for Information and Culture.

Among the crowd of spectators and observers were Market Square vendors; residents of the Town of St. George; as well as Youth Empowerment and Sports Minister, Patrick Simmons; Labour Minister Glynis Roberts; Social Development Minister Sylvester Quarless; Minister of State in the Ministry of Housing and Lands, Senator Glen Noel; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Senator Dennoth Modeste.

Minister David, who is also MP for the Town of St. George, said ownership of the market belongs to all Grenadians and urged care and proper maintenance of the property. His call was echoed by Hon. Gilbert, Minister of Works and Physical Development.

“This market, when completed, must be a showpiece for the Town of St. George,’’ said Mr. Gilbert, who noted that it was his “final public activity as Minister of Works.’’

He has been reassigned to the portfolio of Minister of Environment, Foreign Trade and Export Development. Sen. Modeste has been made the new Minister of Works, Physical Development and Public Utilities.

“The work on this market will certainly provide some jobs,’’ Hon. Gilbert said. “I want to make a plea to those of you who would be fortunate to find employment with this project to work hard and to work well.’’

Minister Gilbert cautioned that it “cannot be business as usual’’ when the refurbishing of the St. George’s Market is completed.

“With the new building must come change; there must be new attitudes,’’ he said. “You, the vendors, must be partners with government to free the market from illegal activities; to keep the market clean; and take care of the facilities when completed.’’

Mr. Gilbert said recommencing the project with a view to finishing it is in keeping with a pledge made by the National Democratic Congress when it took office following the party’s general election victory of 2008.

“Today, that promise we made in 2008 is being fulfilled,’’ he said. “I want to join in expressing sincere gratitude for the generous assistance provided by the government and people of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela for making it all happen.’’

Minister Gilbert also recognized the “personal intervention’’ of Hon. David in “spearheading the process of seeking the financial assistance necessary to undertake the completion of this project as Minister of Foreign Affairs at the time.’’

PM Thomas announces Cabinet changes

Address by Grenada's Prime Minister Tillman Thomas regarding Ministerial Portfolio Adjustments.

Chinese offer called “golden opportunity’’ for infrastructural development

St. George’s, September 16, 2011 – Grenada’s Works and Physical Development Minister, the Hon. Joseph Gilbert, is excited about a Chinese offer of monetary assistance for regional infrastructural development.

“Grenada and other Caribbean countries now have a golden opportunity to undertake much-needed investment in developing their physical infrastructure,’’ said Hon. Gilbert, who is also the Minister of Public Utilities.

He made the comment on his return from Trinidad where he was part of Prime Minister Tillman Thomas’ joint government/private delegation that attended the Third China-Caribbean Economic and Trade Forum on September 12 and 13.

Minister Gilbert attended the second day of the forum at the invitation of his Trinidad counterpart, the Hon. Jack Warner, Minister of Works and Infrastructure. A Structural Engineer, Mr. Gilbert was specially invited to attend a seminar on “Cooperation in Finance and Infrastructure.’’

China intends to pump more than US$1 billion into the region over the next five years. The package includes a “Special Purpose Fund’’ for infrastructure development, and would be accessible to governments as well as private sector enterprises at competitive interest rates.

As a condition of the loan arrangement, the borrower would be required to contribute 30 percent of the cost of the project to be funded, Minister Gilbert explained.

“It is also a requirement that the project be viable so as to satisfy the loan repayment plan,’’ he elaborated. “I, therefore, want  to encourage our private sector, in particular, to grasp the opportunity provided under this initiative by the Chinese,  to undertake as many major infrastructure development works in  Grenada as practicable; either on their own as private enterprise, or, in partnership with government.’’

Two other special seminars were held simultaneously; one was on “Cooperation in Tourism,’’ which was attended by Grenada’s Tourism Minister, the Hon. Peter David; and another on “Cooperation in Agriculture and Fisheries,’’ which included participation from Minister Denis Lett.

Other government officials in the Prime Minister’s delegation to the China-Caribbean Forum were Foreign Affairs Minister  Karl Hood, and Minister for Finance, Nazim Burke.

GPC looks to stay viable as U.S. Postal Service plans job cuts

ST GEORGE’S, August 26, 2011 (GIS)  – Minister of Works and Public Utilities, Hon. Joseph Gilbert, has commended the management of the Grenada Postal Corporation (GPC) for its leadership of the company, including the introduction of new initiatives to keep the corporation viable.

Mr. Gilbert, who is the Minister responsible for the GPC, made the remarks against the background of reports that the United States Postal Corporation (USPC) is planning to eliminate about 220,000 full-time jobs by 2015.

In addition, some 300 USPC processing facilities could be closed within the next four years as part of Wa proposal to bring the corporation’s finances in order.

The USPC, which receives no taxpayer funds, has been struggling with falling mail volumes as people communicate increasingly by email and pay bills online, Reuters News Agency said.

According to Reuters, the USPC reported a US$3.1 billion net loss in its most recent quarter. “It expects to be insolvent next month and default on a $5.5 billion retiree health payment,’’ the news agency added.

Among measures the USPC has suggested to address its woes are ending mail-delivery service on Saturday, and asking the U.S. Congress to give the corporation more control over its finances and hiring.

Minister Gilbert, commenting on the challenges of the U.S. Postal Corporation, warned that “the GPC, too, continues to grapple with the problem of falling revenues due to the increased use of electronic means to communicate, and less and less dependence on traditional mail.’’

So far, the Minister continued, “our Postal Corporation has been able to avoid any downsizing of staff whatsoever; and the management must be highly commended for this." 

However, Hon. Gilbert cautioned that “the issue of downsizing at the GPC cannot be ruled out completely, given the current trend of the growing decline in traditional mail service and falling revenues – locally, regionally and globally.’’

GPC Chairman, Adrian Francis, said that for the moment, the local Postal Corporation has been “cutting back where we can.’’ However, it has taken the position of retaining its existing staff but there will be “no new employment,’’ Mr. Francis disclosed.

He said Grenada is also more fortunate because its operations are much less automated than in the U.S., and the GPC has to deal with lower volumes of mail – especially international mail – compared to the USPC.

With respect to the finances of the GPC, Mr. Francis described its balance sheet as being at the “higher end of moderate, with the hope that it doesn’t get to desperation.’’

As a revenue-generating mechanism, the corporation recently introduced GPC Global – a service that allows Grenadians to shop online.

GPC Global shoppers are guaranteed to have their parceled goods delivered to their homes by the local postal corporation within 48 hours of a purchase.

Both Minister Gilbert and Chairman Francis are optimistic about the potential of GPC Global.

“This undertaking is having some success in transforming and improving the revenue base of the Postal Corporation,’’ the Minister said.

Mr. Francis said the corporation is hopeful that there’ll be a “marked improvement’’ in revenue from GPC Global in the upcoming Christmas shopping season.

The GPC Chairman said the corporation faces a shortfall in revenue from local billing and related mail service conducted inside the Tri-island State.

Since the 1980s, Grenadians have paid 25 cents to post a one-ounce piece of mail.

Mr. Francis said the GPC wants to increase the local postage rate and has applied to government for permission to do.

If approved, the new rate could take effect before yearend.

Grenville Project continues government’s job creation, infrastructural development

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, June 25, 2011 – Government has commenced the first phase of the Greater Grenville Project, calling it the continuation of a series of job-creation and infrastructural development initiatives that has been taking place in the last three years.

Works Minister Joseph Gilbert has dismissed as “old talk,’’ suggestions that “nothing’’ has been happening in the country.

“Perhaps things have not been implemented as quickly as we would have liked, but be assured that we have not forgotten the promises we made in our campaign. We intend to continue to work with you, the people, to deliver on those promises and to continue the infrastructural, socio and economic development of Grenada,’’ Mr. Gilbert said June 24 in St. Andrew.

He was speaking at a sod-turning ceremony to mark the commencement of work on the Grenville Market Development Project.

The first component of the project is the construction of an abattoir. The contract for building the abattoir has been awarded to Classic Designs and Construction, a St. Andrew-based company.

Prime Minister Hon. Tillman Thomas, who turned the sod to market the official start of the project, joined Mr. Gilbert and other speakers in celebrating the occasion.

The event was also attended by scores of St. Andrew residents, including the three NDC MPs for the parish, and many of their cabinet colleagues.

“This is your government at work, developing the nation community by community; investing your money wisely; and trying its utmost to put its people to work despite extremely difficult economic times,’’ said Mr. Gilbert, who is also Minister of Physical Development and Public Utilities.

It is the second time a contract for a major project has been given to a local company. The first, to Kenny’s Trucking, was for Brizan/Perseverance Rockfall and Landslip Project.

Mr. Gilbert described the award of the two contracts as a demonstration of government’s confidence in the “growing competence of our local labour force.’’

“This government,’’ the Minister said, “Unlike those who are seeking to return to office, believes in the competence, skill and resilience of our local contractors. When this government came into office, the criteria for bidding for projects funded by the Caribbean Development Bank were so high, that it excluded most local contractors from the bidding process.’’

In response to the situation, “the Ministries of Works and Finance negotiated with CDB for adjustment in the criteria which resulted in more local contractors being able to bid for CDB projects, not just locally, bur in other CDB member-states,’’ Minister Gilbert said.

The project commencement in Grenville, he explained, is the continuation of initiatives such as the CDB-funded schools’ rehabilitation that involves classroom and laboratory construction, and the building of sewage and water storage facilities.

Other project that have led to infrastructural improvement and provided jobs, to the tune of several million dollars, include the rebuilding of the Youth and Cultural Development Centre at Morne Rouge; the refurbishing of several government offices; the successful completion of the Southern Grenada Water Supply Project; and the Ministry of Works’ Concrete Program.

Starting this month, government has also expanded its Road Maintenance Program. “A total of 380 crews and 126 supervisors are now dispersed throughout the country,’’ Mr. Gilbert said. “This phase will continue until the end of July and will cost approximately $2.9 million.’’ Another phase of the Road Maintenance Program will begin in October.

“This, ladies and gentlemen, is a vast improvement to what existed prior to us assuming office, when the program was a mere one fortnight before or after carnival, and two fortnights in November/December,’’ said Minister Gilbert.

“This government, your government, has extended the program to three fortnights in this period and four fortnights in November/December. It means, therefore, that more persons can find jobs on a rotation basis. This is in addition to the regular program which is implemented continuously throughout the year.’’

The Grenville Project has long been delayed with claims by the former administration that it was set to commence when the then government was ousted from office in general elections in 2008.

Minister Gilbert flatly denied the claims of the previous government, labeling the allegations as “election gimmick.’’

“The previous sod-turning which took place here in 2008 will go down in history as the start of the NNP’s campaign for a fourth term in office,’’ Mr. Gilbert charged.

“That is what it truly was – an election gimmick,’’ the Minister said. “Was a contract awarded at the time? No! Was the construction design completed? No! Was the drainage study that would advise on how the project should treat with the flooding problem in the Town of Grenville undertaken? No! Luckily for Grenada, the people of Grenville did not take the bait.’’

                                                                         

Photos:

Housing Minister and MP for St. Andrew North-West, Alleyne Walker (left), and Prime Minister Tillman Thomas, turning the sod to mark the commencement of the Grenville Market Development Project.

(left - right) are Works Minister Joseph Gilbert; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Works, Dennis Clarke; Prime Minister Tillman Thomas; MP for St. Andrew South-West and Social Development Minister, Sylvester Quarless; and Kenrick Fullerton, who served as MC at the sod-turning ceremony