More than 700 Grenadians have so far benefited from the Covid-19 Economic Stimulus Package announced by government, to provide some measure of relief from the impact of the current pandemic.
The Ministry of Finance has so far processed payroll support payments to benefit 538 employees and income support payments for 196 individuals.
To date, the newly established Covid-19 Economic Support Secretariat has received 1,000 applications for income support and 294 applications for payroll support. However, some of these applications have been redirected to other measures within the stimulus package such as unemployment benefits and the small business soft lending facility at the Grenada Development Bank.
Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Dr the Right Honourable Keith Mitchell said, “It is commendable that within one month of the initial announcement of the stimulus package that government has been able to start delivering on its promise of bringing relief to the people of this country. In this period of uncertainty, it is reassuring that even with government’s reduced earnings, it can help to ease the anxiety among citizens who are experiencing economic hardship due to the pandemic.”
The Prime Minister also commended the staff of the Ministry of Finance, specifically those within the Economic Support Secretariat for the many hours devoted to processing the applications and facilitating the start of payments within the projected timeframe.
Dr Mitchell acknowledged that there is still much work to be done and he encouraged potential beneficiaries to submit their applications.
Under the stimulus package announced by the Prime Minister on 20 March 2020, one of the measures is intended to avoid layoffs and loss of livelihoods in the tourism sector. The income support is intended for public bus operators, taxi drivers, tourist vendors and other such identified hospitality-based business persons, while payroll support is provided to hotels, restaurants, bars and small travel agents.
In addition to the payroll and income support payments, there are several other measures included in the government’s stimulus package. These include unemployment benefits initially estimated at $10 million, provided through the National Insurance Scheme; expansion of the small business soft lending facility at Grenada Development Bank and suspension of the monthly advance payment on Corporate Income Tax and installment payment of the Annual Stamp Tax for the period April to June 2020.
Office of the Prime Minister
I agree, the farmers and fishermen need financial assistance. Why there are left out? They are essential to the Grenadian people
Agriculture is so important. I heard a long time ago this government doesn’t support agriculture. I guess they rather buy imported food, produce which most of them are unhealthy with chemicals feeding our bodies. If we love our bodies so much why would we be eating some of the food out there pack with chemical in the seasonings etc. I hope our farmers are not using artificial manure.
Question! How could a Prime Minister Keith Mitchell is a Prime minister and is also the finance minister of the country? Wah! Who does that. Only in Grenada. Or Maybe a dictatorship. That’s not right. But it seems Grenadians accepted it. Oh is that’s why so many foreigners are buying land to build hotels and getting diplomatic passport etc. where they get away with anything. They get all the rights. Can’t even get arrested for a crime. Citizen by investment program! Grendians need to protect they people, culture and land. They need to be invested into and find work in Grenada.
Look how the Chinese is treating black people and African in China. We always treated as low clasd and worst than animals. Whenwill it stop?. Are Chinese better than us?. They immigrate to other countries and bring their people and stuck to they own community. They want our business thou. Buying they cheap quality stuff.
I hate to see how black people are treated. We are humans!
This is a matter of great concern in regards to the (PM) holding the number on job in the country and also being the head of the finance department ,I raised this question a few month ago after learning of his various responsibilities . This is surely a conflict of interest and double dipping , this position need to be held by someone other than the PM.
Our beloved hard working Farmers keep getting disrespected and forgotten here in this country over AND over and over again we know their dislike for Agriculture but we keep on planting to supply the nation’s with FOOD regardless. ..Soon will see the true. Champion. this has not been posted before
Our beloved hard working Farmers keep getting disrespected and forgotten here in this country over AND over and over again we know their dislike for Agriculture but we keep on planting to supply the nation’s with FOOD regardless. ..Soon will see the true. Champion
Now this stimulus package/payment shouldn’t be looked at as a favour from Government please don’t let them fool you into thinking that .they had to And what was done was far short of what should have been done. Our Farmers. YES THE ONES WHO FEED OUR PEOPLE has gotten nothing. ..Hotels got ..small business got Friends got.. GCNA Board got .. but not the great Farmers But we stand Waiting. patiently
Don’t forget get the fisherman. Or any Grenadian who does labor for cash. They have no income because of shut down.