As Minister for Tourism, I am deeply concerned at the toll the corona pandemic is taking on our country at large, and the tourism industry.
I am, however, heartened by the quick response of the government to not only safeguard our shores, but also to put mechanisms in place to bring help and relief to a broad cross-section of the citizens who are most vulnerable, and to open the doors of opportunity for business start-up and business improvement.
I am well aware that the revenues of government are negatively affected and it will require prudent fiscal management to continue to pay the salaries of all staff in the public service, and meet new commitments to provide payroll support to a large number of persons who are out of income at this time. In addition, the necessary functions of government have to be accomplished, including the funding of Covid-19 activities.
Payroll support will be provided for a wide category of workers including hotels, restaurants, bars, public buses, tourist vendors, taxi drivers and market vendors. The details are being finalised for roll out in the shortest possible time.
It is important to note that the stimulus measures outlined by the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, were stated to be preliminary and that further review will occur as we go forward. No one knows how long this global health crisis will persist, and as a government, we must be prudent and flexible in our approach. The Prime Minister and Minister for Finance continues to hold discussions with regional and international partners and financial institutions, such as the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB), World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), to explore further ways of bolstering the economy in the short and medium term.
The Grenada Development Bank (GDB) soft loan facility for small hotels will be significantly increased, and the requirements for qualification considerably relaxed. In addition, the other soft loan provided by the same facility has increased available funds with very favourable conditions from which the tourism sector can benefit. Besides, the ECCB under the chairmanship of Dr the Right Honourable Keith Mitchell, will be providing loans at concessionary rates to aid in the recovery process.
The Government of Grenada has come to the rescue of the tourism industry many times before, and even in the recent past has intervened to ensure that flights continue to come to our shores.
The Ministry of Tourism and the Grenada Tourism Authority are reviewing plans and preparing for a renewed tourism industry. It would require innovation, commitment and sacrifice on the part of everyone. We look forward to strengthened public-private partnership because we’re all in this together. I urge all stakeholders to work with us as we explore ways to get this critical sector back on its feet in the shortest possible time.
This is a time to put the country first, and not give in to personal persuasions. Let us ensure that whatever is put out in the public domain is factual.
I express appreciation to those in the industry who have offered advice and other means of support in these difficult times and I invite everyone to join us in this battle against Covid-19.
May God continue to bless you and keep you safe.
GIS
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Let me hasten to say that I am a TAXI operator myself, who has registered my business. But, there are a lot of taxis on the streets of Grenada that are not registered and hence not paying their dues to the Government of the day. Also, there are many private vehicles(Noah, Alphard, etc.) that are doing more taxi work than some registered taxi operators, should they be given any help by the Government when they are not giving the Government what belongs to them? I think you know my answer to this question.
I blame the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) for allowing this nonsense to continue on our roads. Some of them even have TAXI written on their PRIVATE vehicles and the police is doing nothing about it. Probably because some of their own Officers are doing it too!
I think it’s time we put our house in order. If we want the Government to help us, we must register our business for the service we are providing so that they get their dues.
The RGPF, I think you need to clamp down on the many private so-called taxi operators and make them obtain the correct registration if they want to do taxi business.
Let me end by say “give unto Caesar what is due unto Caesar”.
All tourism businesses are being affected – scuba diving, sport fishing, hiking, jeep tours, etc etc. I hope the government can help pay some of their staff at least something to help them make it through… it seems logical that NIS should be able to help?
I foresee that the borders will remain closed for a good while yet and I have to say that even though I am in tourism myself and losing money right now I AGREE that they should remain closed until it’s safe to open them again..
I want to know will there be any flight’s from Grenada to the UK anytime soon. I came to Grenada for 2 weeks for a family funeral and I’m now here 4 weeks.
Glenna
Will there be any flights out of Grenada anytime soon? I’m hoping my parents will be able to get back to Canada from the region at some point. Also, any idea if pleasure sailing vessels be able to come into port assuming they have had the required 2 weeks quarantine off the coast? Thanks!
I doubt government will contemplate opening the airport prior to August 2020, likely a very limited opening. Students need to return to SGU in August, otherwise, another semester will be lost. In a recent briefing, it was said that even if a scaled down version of Carnival happens, it will be without any visitors. As Grenada has done a fairly good job of keeping the virus in check, I think they will be very cautious in starting up the tourism industry too soon. Most of the visitors come from the US, UK and Canada, all of whom do NOT yet have a handle on their infections. The last thing Grenada needs is to start up flights, then having to quarantine all visitors for 14 days.
When will the airport be open for those scheduled to travel to Grenada
What about the taxi drivers who are not registered and are doing taxi at the major supermarkets.