by Dr Clarice Modeste, Minister for Tourism
Yesterday morning I woke up with a sense of gratitude to God that our Grenadian sons and daughters on cruise ships would begin arriving today.
With the halt of cruise sailing due to the Covid-19, the Ministry of Tourism was approached by 3 cruise lines, Royal Caribbean Cruise lines, Disney and MSC, to discuss arrangements for the repatriation of Grenadian crew. Dates of arrival were set for 21 and 25 May.
Government gave its commitment to bring everyone back, without counting the cost.
We began a search for accommodation from the private sector, and to establish a protocol for the management of the process, bearing in mind that there are health implications. The protocol included mandatory quarantine, medical checks and testing, and three meals per day. As both quarantine and testing had a cost, we agreed that the cruise lines would contribute $100 per day towards the quarantine.
We enquired from other countries who said they were using a combination of hotels and schools to accommodate their returnees.
Recently we heard from the media and other sources that there were 2 cruise ships in the Caribbean waters and that they were due to arrive in Grenada on 9 and 10 of May.
Official contact was made with us on short notice and approval was given in spite of the late notice. The established protocol was communicated and agreed to. Hours before the arrival of the first ship, we were informed that they would not pay the contribution to the quarantine.
In the interest of our citizens, we said bring them home, regardless. No money has been paid to the Ministry of Tourism on behalf of any cruise ship worker.
The SGU campus has been used in recent times by paying students.
The facility had been inspected, cleaned and sanitised by a professional firm shortly after we were contacted by the 3 cruise lines mentioned before. We obtained washing machines, drier, and 2 refrigerators, through the kind courtesy of the private sector, cleaning supplies were put in place.
However, dust does gather quickly and in the hasty preparations for the unscheduled ships a final inspection was not done.
We apologise for this oversight. It is never our intention to show any disregard to anyone, especially our citizens.
The shortcomings will be rectified in the shortest possible time. This started last night with the provision of meals and other urgent needs.
I thank the high ranking officials of the Ministry of Health, Tourism, Customs, Immigration, Police, and all those who came to welcome and provide services to our Grenadian citizens. These people took the time off, to come on a shutdown day to ensure the safety of the crew, and of the nation.
I am happy for the mothers who now know where their children are, and those who are looking forward to see others arrive on cruise ships in the following days. This caring government stands ready to bring our sons and daughters home.
Happy Mother’s Day to all.
The government must stop importing so much food for its citizens and invest in agriculture. Planting food is the first step to become self sufficient.
You have land reach soil that can grow so much food for the people.
Maria you’re hotter than pepper sauce. Take a hard look at what we’re facing right now, people are dying every second of a day and you acting like your grandmother’s Chihuahua
I can say I did see some improvements in the country , but there are still room for more. First,
our country needs to invest more in Agriculture and the fishing industry. What do we really need now as we are undergoing Covid-19? FOOD! Time for our people to wake up and do what is best for the people and country. We are building all these tourist attractions and not paying attention to Agriculture and other areas. Too many of these tall buildings block fresh air. Are you trying to make the country a ” Concrete Jungle?
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Maria, I think Mark Twain may have had you in mind when he said ‘the more I learn about people the more I love my dog”
And well said Frank F.
Well said David Gardner. I don’t understand what Maria wrote and I’m not going to bother trying.
Maria, have you ever seen the film “Bambi”? We used it in our household to teach our children a very important lesson: “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say nothing at all”. I can’t commend it too highly.
Aaaa lady who the hell stopping you from going back did the PM of Grenada send for you from the UK? And is he holding you back the cruise ship were there why you never ask for a ride you old fool .like you think people is holding you back where the hell in the world right down plane is flying not even the UK is open all you have to do is call the UK to come get you with they private jet stop stressing up . As a matter of fact is you guys that bring the corona on Grenada so go to hell and don’t come back.
What a truly nasty person Maria must be. It was a Grenadian national that brought it in to start with. Without the tourism and overseas investments Maria would be begging in the streets because that’s a major income for Grenada. I for one wouldn’t give her a cent
Linda theres been an email circulating from the British High Commission in Barbados abour registering with interest in repatriation when the airport closure is lifted. Listening to the news coming from the UK am not sure I would be in too much of a hurry to go back to that kind of chaos! Thankfully we have been spared the full awfulness of this disease with good management. Let’s all prayer that it’s not too much longer.
How about the repatriation of British people who had flights cancelled on the 27th March 2020 who has no idea when there are likely to get back home to their families. I for one would like to know this.