{"id":10606,"date":"2022-08-31T14:10:55","date_gmt":"2022-08-31T18:10:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/drealfmgrenada.com\/?p=10606"},"modified":"2022-08-31T14:10:55","modified_gmt":"2022-08-31T18:10:55","slug":"throne-speech-2022-delivered-by-governor-general-dame-cecile-la-grenada","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/drealfmgrenada.com\/index.php\/2022\/08\/31\/throne-speech-2022-delivered-by-governor-general-dame-cecile-la-grenada\/","title":{"rendered":"Throne Speech 2022, Delivered By Governor General, Dame Cecile La Grenada"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Introduction\u00a0<\/b><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Madame President, Mr. Speaker, Members of Parliament.\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n

The new Government of Grenada embarks on this First Session of\u00a0 the Eleventh Parliament at a time of renewed hope for the nation.\u00a0 Amidst the backdrop of a global pandemic and an uncertain\u00a0 economic future, the people of Grenada chose to take control of\u00a0 their destiny \u2014 opting for transformation and the aspiration of a\u00a0 better tomorrow.<\/p>\n

This spirit of empowerment is the essence of what my Government\u00a0 intends to nurture as we seek to build, together, a just nation in\u00a0 which every individual has an equal opportunity to realise his or\u00a0 her full potential.<\/p>\n

To achieve this, my Government\u2019s transformative vision\u00a0 directly addresses our nation\u2019s social and economic challenges.\u00a0 Transformation in the education and health sectors are crucial\u00a0 components in this process of change, as healthy minds and\u00a0 bodies are the foundation on which we must build to achieve\u00a0 sustainable growth and an improved quality of life for all citizens.\u00a0 Transformation to our national development model is also critical\u00a0 as my Government seeks to combat poverty, foster a sense of pride\u00a0 in our heritage and natural resources, and assume our rightful\u00a0 place among the community of nations.<\/p>\n

Consistent with the foregoing, our theme for this new Session\u00a0 of Parliament is:\u00a0\u201cTransformative Development: Towards a\u00a0 Sustainable, Equitable and Prosperous Grenada.\u201d\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Madame President, Mr. Speaker.\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n

My Government\u2019s programme to transform Grenada will provide\u00a0 a balanced and integrated approach to sustainable development,\u00a0 consistent with my Government\u2019s thrust for a sustainable, equitable\u00a0 and prosperous Grenada for all. This is aligned with \u201cVision 2035\u201d<\/p>\n

\u2013\u00a0Grenada, a resilient and prosperous nation, with a conscious and caring\u00a0 citizenry, promoting human dignity, and realising its full potential\u00a0 through sustainable economic, social, and environmental progress for all.\u201d\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n

To transform Grenada, my Government will focus on the holistic\u00a0 development of our people, ensuring that they are equipped and\u00a0 able to produce and deliver new and improved goods and services,\u00a0 utilising modern methods and techniques and generating new\u00a0 sources of employment and income. To this end, my Government\u00a0 will be driven by five overarching pillars:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Citizen Empowerment<\/li>\n
  2. Economic Transformation<\/li>\n
  3. Governance and Institutional Rebuilding<\/li>\n
  4. Environmental Management<\/li>\n
  5. Foreign Policy<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Priorities for the first year are intended to be results-oriented,\u00a0 focusing on the implementation of strategic programmes, projects,\u00a0 and policies to gain the maximum benefits from the resources that\u00a0 are available. Rather than making wish lists and setting overly\u00a0 ambitious targets, my Government will focus instead on identifying\u00a0 priority areas for investment in different sectors. Through this\u00a0 approach, resources can be efficiently channelled to areas with the\u00a0 greatest need.<\/p>\n

    Madame President, Mr. Speaker.\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n

    My Government is keenly aware that there is tremendous work to\u00a0 be done in the areas of primary health care and access to quality\u00a0 health services.<\/p>\n

    Improving public health surveillance and data collection across\u00a0 the health system is a priority for my Government. Dialogue with\u00a0 development partners and key stakeholders has already begun,\u00a0 with the aim of determining the most effective approaches to\u00a0 upgrade the national health infrastructure, and fully implement the\u00a0 National Health Insurance Scheme.<\/p>\n

    My Government also recognises the need to promote healthy\u00a0 living standards and wellness, through food and nutrition security,\u00a0 meditation, and exercise. These are essential components to\u00a0 facilitate preventative lifestyle and behaviour practices, which\u00a0 foster positive social outcomes. Thus, there will be a strong policy\u00a0 focus on preventative, curative and rehabilitative health services.<\/p>\n

    The COVID-19 pandemic, and the resulting economic fallout,\u00a0 negatively affected the mental health of many, and heightened the\u00a0 risk for people already suffering from mental illness and substance\u00a0 use disorders. My Government is committed to combating the\u00a0 stigma of mental illness and intends to collaborate with stakeholders\u00a0 to create safe spaces, across the island, where afflicted persons may\u00a0 seek treatment and repose.<\/p>\n

    In collaboration with relevant stakeholders, including St. George\u2019s\u00a0 University, my Government further intends to construct a new,\u00a0 modern public hospital with teaching facilities as the centrepiece of\u00a0 the development of the Education, Health, and the Wellness Sector.<\/p>\n

    Madame President, Mr. Speaker.\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n

    My Government believes that our human resources are our most\u00a0 precious asset and a fundamental contributor to the social and\u00a0 economic development of our nation. My Government recognises\u00a0 education as a basic right and will take the necessary steps to ensure\u00a0 free universal education up to the community college level.<\/p>\n

    My Government is dedicated to steering the course towards\u00a0 transforming this country from one of underdevelopment and\u00a0 deprivation to one where all citizens can improve their living\u00a0 standards and quality of life \u2014 through equal access to education,\u00a0 training, and employment opportunities. Key to this is the holistic\u00a0 development of our young people. My Government intends to\u00a0 expand the core curriculum around components that build life\u00a0 skills, encourage critical thinking and independent learning, and\u00a0 foster lifelong learning attitudes in our students, teachers, leaders,\u00a0 and community members.<\/p>\n

    My Government will prioritise education infrastructure;\u00a0 technological capacity; and education financing. These priority\u00a0 areas seek to strengthen systems that support blended learning\u00a0 modalities in schools and will include training for teachers and\u00a0 administrators.<\/p>\n

    Additionally, my Government will invest in vocational skills and\u00a0 training to address the disconnect between the skill sets offered in\u00a0 schools, the specific development needs of our country, and labour\u00a0 market trends. My Government is also committed to providing\u00a0 second chance opportunities to all youth who did not complete a\u00a0 primary, secondary, or tertiary education.<\/p>\n

    As it pertains to youth empowerment and deployment, my\u00a0 Government intends to re-imagine the IMANI program to provide\u00a0 more industry-ready training opportunities that will lead to\u00a0 sustainable employment. My Government is excited about the new\u00a0 and ambitious initiatives that are being developed, to be rolled out\u00a0 in the next few years.<\/p>\n

    Madame President, Mr. Speaker.\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n

    The unemployment and poverty rates among citizens continue\u00a0 to be affected by volatile global events. My Government remains\u00a0 committed to cushioning the impact of external economic shocks\u00a0 on our people, especially the most vulnerable, as long as it is\u00a0 warranted.<\/p>\n

    At a more strategic level, my Government will take a comprehensive,\u00a0 coherent, and systematic approach to protecting and empowering\u00a0 the most vulnerable in our society. Accordingly, the pillars of our\u00a0 social services architecture will be substantially bolstered to focus\u00a0 not only on social protection, but also on empowering our most\u00a0 vulnerable.<\/p>\n

    My Government will retain the Support for Education\u00a0 Empowerment and Development (\u201cSEED\u201d) and other Social Safety\u00a0 Net Programmes. The scope and delivery of these core social\u00a0programmes will also be enhanced, and the inclusion of holistic\u00a0 and genuine community empowerment, particularly in rural\u00a0 communities, will be prioritised.<\/p>\n

    Madame President, Mr. Speaker.\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n

    It is important to note that Grenada has a youthful population, with\u00a0 over fifty percent (50%) of Grenadians aged 18 to 35. Youth will\u00a0 therefore play an integral part in national development, providing\u00a0 significant contributions to a growing labour force. In addition\u00a0 to core social programmes, my Government intends to invest\u00a0 in training and development opportunities for young people,\u00a0 fostering an environment where youth have access to the support\u00a0 and facilities needed, to break the cycle of unemployment and\u00a0 poverty.<\/p>\n

    My Government further recognises that land ownership plays\u00a0 a significant role in the development of generational wealth\u00a0 and intends to forge strategic partnerships to provide quality,\u00a0 affordable, climate-resilient Grenadian-styled family homes for\u00a0 our people. Special priority will be given to satisfying the housing\u00a0 demand for people in the lowest income bracket and youth.<\/p>\n

    Madame President, Mr. Speaker.\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n

    My Government is committed to building a solid foundation to\u00a0 grow a more vibrant, dynamic, inclusive, and resilient economy.\u00a0 In 2023, investments will be prioritised to enable transformative\u00a0 shifts in the traditional productive sectors, while simultaneously\u00a0 supporting the expansion of the new areas of economic growth.\u00a0 Particularly, emphasis will be placed on value addition and export\u00a0 sophistication of our agricultural and tourism products.<\/p>\n

    My Government\u2019s transformational agricultural policy will focus\u00a0 on food security by supporting local production and bolstering agro\u00a0 processing. This policy feeds into my Government\u2019s overarching\u00a0 goal to reduce Grenada\u2019s food import bill and nurture a society\u00a0 where citizens turn to local food sources. As such, a national\u00a0campaign that highlights the quality and benefits of locally grown\u00a0 produce will also be explored as my Government seeks to change\u00a0 the mindset surrounding imported food items.<\/p>\n

    Hence, my Government\u2019s thrust to do the following:<\/p>\n

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    • Implement the Spice Replanting Programme and Plant-a Tree Campaign<\/li>\n
    • Enhance the Mirabeau Agricultural School<\/li>\n
    • Restructure the Marketing and National Importing Board\u00a0 (MNIB), to focus on Agricultural Support, Marketing and\u00a0 Procurement Services in collaboration with farmers and\u00a0 commodity boards<\/li>\n
    • Develop an Agro Processing Services Unit to provide advice,\u00a0 coordinate, and assist entrepreneurs in the development and\u00a0 packaging of their products.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Moreover, my Government recognises the need for appropriate\u00a0 pricing of essential public services, such as electricity, to increase\u00a0 the competitiveness of firms, and by extension Grenada\u2019s economic\u00a0 competitiveness.<\/p>\n

      My Government understands that small businesses are the lifeblood\u00a0 of our economy and have the potential to allow our country to\u00a0 weather global economic shocks. Therefore, my Government will\u00a0 promote innovation and entrepreneurship by supporting micro,\u00a0 small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs); socially owned\u00a0 enterprises, such as co-operatives; and village economies that are\u00a0 all critical for economic transformation, inclusive growth, and job\u00a0 creation.<\/p>\n

      Further, my Government will invest in the emerging sector of the\u00a0 Cannabis Industry. Cannabis will be legalised and a legal and\u00a0 regulatory framework for its production and sale will be created\u00a0 to commence and guide the development of the industry. Focus\u00a0 will be on the medical and industrial uses of the plant, to create\u00a0 employment, and generate foreign exchange.<\/p>\n

      Madame President, Mr. Speaker.\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n

      The reopening of borders and our recent Spicemas celebrations\u00a0 have given a much-needed boost to our tourism sector. Although\u00a0 the effects of the pandemic can still be felt, plans are underway to\u00a0 develop a globally competitive tourism sector that will make a more\u00a0 substantial contribution to our Gross Domestic Product (GDP),\u00a0 enhance employment opportunities, and build local capacity.<\/p>\n

      To this end, my Government intends to collaborate with partners in\u00a0 the tourism industry to establish and operate a first-class training\u00a0 institute that will improve the delivery of high-quality service in\u00a0 the tourism industry and provide on and off-island training for\u00a0 young Grenadians to be competitive in the sector.<\/p>\n

      Further, my Government will continue to work with all stakeholders,\u00a0 including the Grenada Tourism Authority, to bolster Grenada\u2019s\u00a0 presence in the established source markets and promote high-end\u00a0 stay-over visitors. The possibility of providing special incentives for\u00a0 development projects in rural communities will also be explored.<\/p>\n

      Madame President, Mr. Speaker.\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n

      Culture is the channel for expression of the rich and unique identity\u00a0 of a people and should instill in us all tremendous pride. My\u00a0 Government is dedicated to the preservation and celebration of\u00a0 Grenadian culture and intends to reinforce local traditions through\u00a0 the creation of institutions dedicated to honouring our heritage.<\/p>\n

      My Government will also seek to trademark aspects of our culture\u00a0 that are uniquely Grenadian, with the aim of protecting our\u00a0 authentic and long-standing traditions and patrimony for future\u00a0 generations.<\/p>\n

      My Government is also committed to imbuing a new generation\u00a0 with an appreciation for traditions that are truly Grenadian, thereby\u00a0 fostering a sense of connection and continuity with our past. To\u00a0this end, cultural studies are currently being integrated into the\u00a0 education curriculum and an enhancement fund will be established\u00a0 to support the development of cultural products.<\/p>\n

      Pivotally, my Government will establish a School for the Performing\u00a0 Arts and reintroduce the National Arts Festival, to encourage a\u00a0 spirit of healthy competition among our young artistes, while\u00a0 helping them to hone their talents in song, poetry, prose, drama,\u00a0 and dance.<\/p>\n

      Madame President, Mr. Speaker.\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n

      The excellence of Grenadian sportsmen and women on the global\u00a0 stage has solidified the quality and discipline of our athletes and\u00a0 highlighted the ability of this industry to empower our young\u00a0 people, connect our communities and build our sense of national\u00a0 pride. The sporting industry also has the potential to be highly\u00a0 profitable, providing avenues to education, travel, and stable\u00a0 employment for our citizens.<\/p>\n

      My Government is fully committed to supporting the success of\u00a0 our athletes through the development of a Sports Tourism sector\u00a0 and the upgrade and implementation of the National Sports Policy\u00a0 to guide the planning, development, and administration of all\u00a0 sporting activities in Grenada. Strategic investments in state-of<\/p>\n

      the-art sporting facilities, training, and physiotherapy services, in\u00a0 addition to financial and educational assistance, will also serve to\u00a0 prepare our young sportsmen and women to play a vanguard role\u00a0 in the revolution in sports.<\/p>\n

      Further, my Government intends to implement a \u201cPay For Play\u201d\u00a0 System, where national teams and sports personalities are paid\u00a0 a monthly stipend when on national training and representing\u00a0 Grenada.<\/p>\n

      Madame President, Mr. Speaker.\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n

      My Government remains committed to the development of a robust\u00a0 ICT and Digital Economy to keep Grenada abreast with the rest of\u00a0 the region, and indeed the world, in the conduct and ease of doing\u00a0 business.<\/p>\n

      A strong Digital Economy supports my Government\u2019s overall\u00a0 strategy to address unemployment and provides avenues for\u00a0 citizens to earn foreign capital without leaving our shores.\u00a0 My Government recognises the global thrust towards remote\u00a0 employment, especially in the creative sector, and welcomes the\u00a0 global opportunities that are now available to Grenadians. My\u00a0 Government intends to actively seek out opportunities for further\u00a0 studies and training in areas such as coding, film, and multimedia,\u00a0 in addition to other digital and creative fields, to support the\u00a0 development of the creative economy. Improving data integrity,\u00a0 as well as strengthening and modernising data systems, are also a\u00a0 priority.<\/p>\n

      As my Government moves towards a paperless future, the\u00a0 understanding and use of ICT will be critical. Therefore, training\u00a0 in the use of computing technologies to conduct basic business will\u00a0 be made available to all citizens at the community level, to ensure\u00a0 that they are appropriately equipped to function in the new digital\u00a0 environment.<\/p>\n

      Additionally, my Government will work with our internet service\u00a0 providers to establish a network of Free Wireless Access Points\u00a0 in every community, school, government office, tourism site and\u00a0 recreational park.<\/p>\n

      Madame President, Mr. Speaker.\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n

      Public investments will prioritise the infrastructure development,\u00a0 rehabilitation, and maintenance needed to guarantee optimal use\u00a0 of our physical assets and ensure that our economy, society and\u00a0 environment benefit from quality, modern, and climate-resilient\u00a0 infrastructure.<\/p>\n

      My Government recognises that adequate and efficient infrastruc ture improves other sectors, such as healthcare and the environment.\u00a0 Accordingly, special emphasis will be placed on the systematic\u00a0 planning of projects in urban and rural areas, ensuring that they are\u00a0 supported by technical studies, including environmental impact\u00a0 assessments and cost benefit analyses.<\/p>\n

      My Government is firmly committed to increasing value for\u00a0 money in public procurement and prioritising productive and\u00a0 efficient spending to enhance the results-oriented Public Sector\u00a0 Investment Programme. Importantly, my Government is mindful\u00a0 that infrastructure costs are likely to remain high and will possibly\u00a0 increase in the context of rampant global inflation, and as such,\u00a0 active expenditure and contract management of infrastructure\u00a0 works will be prioritised.<\/p>\n

      Madame President, Mr. Speaker.\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n

      Our sister isles are endowed with rich natural and human resources,\u00a0 exhibit pristine beauty, and hold rich historical roots. Carriacou\u00a0 and Petite Martinique are our connection to the Grenadines and\u00a0 facilitate the ease of inter-island travel. Thus, my Government\u00a0 remains committed to pursuing efficient, reliable, and cost-effective\u00a0 transportation services; that is, airlift, including night landing, and\u00a0 the daily operations of the Osprey ferry.<\/p>\n

      Moreover, my Government will implement a Local Government\u00a0 Authority in Carriacou and Petite Martinique and prioritise\u00a0 infrastructure development and an equal provision of resources\u00a0 for social, economic, and human development, with an aim for\u00a0 increased efficiencies and its economic stability.<\/p>\n

      The small size of Carriacou and Petite Martinique make the islands\u00a0 uniquely positioned to serve as transformation hubs, allowing\u00a0 for pilot programme testing in the areas of renewable energy and\u00a0 aspects of the blue economy \u2013 fishing and marine industries.<\/p>\n

      The blue economy holds tremendous potential to broaden,\u00a0 diversify and generate sustainable economic growth for Grenada.\u00a0 My Government views the fisheries and marine sector as a viable\u00a0 livelihood for many citizens and intends to position our country as\u00a0 a processing centre for fish exports destined to key international\u00a0 markets. Also, in support of expansive economic growth, my\u00a0 Government will explore potential sectors including aquaculture,\u00a0 waste disposal, marine biotechnology, ocean renewable energy,\u00a0 coral farming, sustainable fisheries, bioprospecting, and marine\u00a0 eco-tourism, among others.<\/p>\n

      Notwithstanding, my Government is aware that the exploitation\u00a0 of coastal and marine resources must be done in a responsible\u00a0 manner to preserve the vitally important resources provided by\u00a0 these ecosystems. Consequently, my Government will establish a\u00a0 mechanism where marine resources are monitored to ensure the\u00a0 natural regeneration of aquatic life in areas where such life has\u00a0 been depleted.<\/p>\n

      Accordingly, my Government will develop and implement a\u00a0 National Fishing Support Program for local Fishermen aimed at\u00a0 providing better training in modern sustainable fishing techniques.<\/p>\n

      Madame President, Mr. Speaker.\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n

      Climate adaptation and mitigation are crucial priorities for my\u00a0 Government. Our land, coastal and marine areas are finite resources\u00a0 which need not only protection, but preservation. My Government\u00a0 will increase emphasis on policies and activities that will lead to\u00a0 the protection of our environment, in particular the health of our\u00a0 coastal waters, the conservation of critical ecosystems for wildlife,\u00a0 and the quality and sustainability of our water supply.<\/p>\n

      My Government will promote a national culture that appreciates\u00a0 the need to maintain balance between human needs and\u00a0 environmental sustainability. In support of this, my Government\u00a0 intends to implement a reforestation program throughout Grenada\u00a0 and encourage the creation of green spaces.<\/p>\n

      Madame President, Mr. Speaker.\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n

      Dependence on traditional energy sources, like crude oil, places\u00a0 Grenada in a vulnerable position given the direct correlation to\u00a0 increase in electricity prices, food costs, and other gas and energy\u00a0 related products. My Government will invest in alternative\u00a0 and renewable energy and create avenues for the use of solar,\u00a0 geothermal, wind and hydro energy, targeted at lowering the cost\u00a0 of energy to consumers.<\/p>\n

      My Government will create legislation that allows citizens to\u00a0 implement alternative energy sources\/products in their businesses\u00a0 and homes. To ensure viability, my Government intends to\u00a0 incentivise individuals and businesses that undertake and fully\u00a0 implement this venture.<\/p>\n

      My Government, with support from the World Bank, will launch\u00a0 a major energy efficiency project in public buildings, which will\u00a0 not only reduce Grenada\u2019s carbon footprint but result in significant\u00a0 savings in electricity costs.<\/p>\n

      Furthermore, my Government is currently working with the\u00a0 World Bank in the area of climate change budget tagging, with\u00a0 the strategic objective of categorising, measuring, and monitoring\u00a0 climate-relevant public expenditure, to better identify and mobilise\u00a0 fiscal resources toward climate resilience building.<\/p>\n

      Madame President, Mr. Speaker.\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n

      My Government is committed to pursuing a foreign policy that\u00a0 is anchored in democratic principles and good governance. My\u00a0 Government values the mutually beneficial relationships Grenada\u00a0 maintains with bilateral and multilateral partners and intends to\u00a0 continue these engagements in support of the implementation of\u00a0 our developmental priorities. My Government will also seek to\u00a0 forge new international relationships that align with its national\u00a0 transformation agenda.<\/p>\n

      Trade is an area of critical importance for my Government as the\u00a0 nation seeks to augment production in the marine and fishing, and\u00a0 agro processing sectors. Therefore, beneficial trade relationships that\u00a0 provide opportunities for growth, development and the creation of\u00a0 sustainable jobs will be explored, with a view to expanding and\u00a0 diversifying our export base.<\/p>\n

      My Government acknowledges the significant achievements\u00a0 towards regional integration in the Caribbean and welcomes these\u00a0 advancements. My Government supports a coordinated regional\u00a0 foreign policy approach to engage the rest of the world and pledges\u00a0 to continue Grenada\u2019s commitment to the integration process by\u00a0 supporting regional institutions, such as the Caribbean Community\u00a0 (CARICOM); the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS);\u00a0 the Association of Caribbean States (ACS); and the Community of\u00a0 Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), all of which seek\u00a0 the betterment of our peoples.<\/p>\n

      My Government further recognises the key role that the Grenadian\u00a0 Diaspora plays in representing Grenada\u2019s culture and talent in\u00a0 countries around the globe and intends to harness the input and\u00a0 contribution of this community, to build foreign partnerships and\u00a0 support local industry.<\/p>\n

      My Government is committed to the inclusion of all Grenadians\u00a0 in the process of national development, regardless of political\u00a0 affiliation. Engagements to encourage increased input and expertise\u00a0 from this community has already begun. A call for Grenadians\u00a0 to serve on local Boards was met with overwhelming support,\u00a0 receiving over 1,600 applications, comprising persons in Grenada\u00a0 and from the Diaspora, some of whom have already been selected\u00a0 and appointed to serve on the Boards.<\/p>\n

      Madame President, Mr. Speaker.\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n

      The promotion of good governance, accountability and\u00a0 citizens\u2019 genuine and active participation in the governance and\u00a0 development process are key priorities for my Government. In\u00a0this regard, specific focus will be given to strengthening public\u00a0 sector governance through coherent and systematic modernisation\u00a0 and reforms that are aimed at increasing citizens\u2019 confidence in\u00a0 the public sector \u2013 which in turn can contribute to enhancing its\u00a0 effectiveness and image, while promoting accountability.<\/p>\n

      My Government intends to lead by example and will honour the\u00a0 Constitution and the ruling of the High Court on the payment of\u00a0 pensions to citizens. Plans to this end are already in motion and the\u00a0 first payments are expected to begin in November, 2022. Pension\u00a0 reform will also be a key part of my Government\u2019s plan to ensure\u00a0 a fiscally sound pension and social security system for public\u00a0 workers. My Government has also prioritised and honoured its\u00a0 commitment to repay $1.2 Million in docked salaries to teachers\u00a0 and other public officers. In addition, my Government has begun\u00a0 the process to regularise the status of unestablished and contract\u00a0 workers operating within the Public Service.<\/p>\n

      Transformation through self-reliance and the creation of wealth is\u00a0 the cornerstone of my Government\u2019s plan to build a sustainable,\u00a0 prosperous society for the benefit of all. Consequently, my\u00a0 Government intends to undertake a review of the Minimum Wage\u00a0 Order through a collaborative review of wages with the private\u00a0 and public sectors, with a view to increase the minimum wage.<\/p>\n

      Additionally, to address cash flow challenges, and to increase the\u00a0 volume of business transactions in the economy, my Government\u00a0 is operationalising its plan to pay public servants twice per month\u00a0 within the first quarter of 2023. This will be done in collaboration with\u00a0 the private sector to have this practice standardised throughout the\u00a0 country and my Government is happy to indicate that some private\u00a0 sector businesses have already begun to pay their employees twice\u00a0 per month.<\/p>\n

      Further, my Government is cognisant of the fact that the\u00a0 implementation of public projects, programmes and policies has\u00a0 differential impacts on women and men that must be considered.\u00a0 Importantly, therefore, gender mainstreaming will be applied\u00a0 across all priority programmes, policies, and projects to reduce\u00a0 gender disparities in keeping with the Sustainable Development\u00a0 Goals (SDGs) and the National Sustainable Development Plan\u00a0 (NSDP).<\/p>\n

      Madame President, Mr. Speaker.\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n

      At present, the economy is facing an unprecedented level of\u00a0 uncertainty. Lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, new\u00a0 public health concerns such as the Monkeypox virus, Russia\u2019s\u00a0 war in Ukraine, high and rising global inflation, global supply\u00a0 chain challenges, geo-political strains, and tighter financial market\u00a0 conditions, pose the greatest risks to the global economy, and by\u00a0 extension, Grenada\u2019s macroeconomic and fiscal outlook.<\/p>\n

      Based on data collected for the first six months of this year, our\u00a0 economy is expected to register positive growth for 2022 and 2023,\u00a0 though the projection for 2023 is for weak growth given the global\u00a0 economic outlook. Total public debt at the end of June 2022 stood at\u00a0 2.1 billion dollars or 66.2 percent of GDP, and the full year estimate\u00a0 is 67.6 percent of GDP.<\/p>\n

      Cognisant of the existing economic realities, my Government will\u00a0 pursue a path of prudent fiscal management to preserve credibility\u00a0 and safeguard medium-term fiscal and debt sustainability, while\u00a0 cushioning the impact of a harsh macroeconomic environment on\u00a0 citizens, especially the most vulnerable.<\/p>\n

      The fiscal position of my Government is projected to improve\u00a0 in 2023 and over the medium term. The underlying objective of\u00a0 my Government\u2019s medium-term fiscal strategy is to support its\u00a0 transformational agenda, while simultaneously safeguarding fiscal\u00a0 credibility and sustainability.<\/p>\n

      The fiscal forecasts are subject to review and revision prior to the\u00a0 Budget presentation later in the year, given the prevailing and\u00a0 potentially grave macroeconomic uncertainties.<\/p>\n

      Madame President, Mr. Speaker.\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n

      The legislative agenda for the upcoming period will be driven by\u00a0 my Government\u2019s focus \u2013\u00a0Transformative Development: Towards\u00a0 a Sustainable, Equitable and Prosperous Grenada.\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

      The proposed legislative agenda will cover the following areas,\u00a0 among others:<\/p>\n