Efforts continue to improve food distribution system

The National Emergency Relief Organization NERO and representatives of the various Non-governmental Organizations are endeavouring to work together to improve the efficiency of the distribution of relief supplies across the country. Today representatives of the many groups – the church, groups, Red Cross, Rotary Club, met for more than ninety-minutes at NERO’s headquarters to review their work and to look at ways in which they could work together. The food distribution and relief program has come under fire in some communities, where residents claim that they have not received any relief. Residents in some rural communities mainly in St. Andrew, and St. David are often heard on talk shows taking issues with the distribution. The National Emergency Relief Organization says that more than sixy thousand persons have received relief thus far.

Curfew eased again

The Curfew in the parishes of St. George and St. Andrew has been further relaxed. It is now in effect from nine in the evening to five in the morning. The Curfew came into effect following the passage of Hurricane Ivan on September. Just over a week ago the Curfew was lifted in the other parishes, but was maintained in St. George and St. Andrew.

Reconstruction team appointed

Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell announced yesterday the establishment of a broad based multi-sector, multi-agency Reconstruction Council and a Reconstruction Agency.  Details on the composition of the team will be published in a subsequent NERO News edition.

Port St Georges a hive of activity again

Port St. George’s continues to experience a hectic schedule with tons and tons of Hurricane Relief being brought into Grenada. Boats are arriving from Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, and St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines with a variety of goods for Grenadians. Hundreds of Grenadians over seas are also sending food items and other basic necessities for their families from the region, North America, and Europe. Throughout the day there is a consistent movement of persons clearing barrels and other items from the Port. From all indications things have generally gone smoothly, with customers being able to clear their good quickly.

Air traffic climbing as Grenadians travel

Scores of Grenadians living overseas have come home to see for themselves the destruction caused by Hurricane Ivan. During the past two weeks the regular flights from New York and other North American destinations have recorded a consistent flow of nationals. The many Grenadians arriving from Canada, Europe and several American states have expressed their shocked at the massive destruction. More than ninety percent of buildings on the island have either being destroyed, or their roof knocked off.  They include schools, churches, and homes. The Point Saline International Airport which operates during the daylight hours is kept busy with both incoming and outgoing passengers. Since the Hurricane many Grenadians have left the country to join their families in various parts of the region, Europe and North America. Scores of form five and A level students have also travelled to neighbouring countries to pursue their studies.

Insurance claims rolling in

Hundreds of Grenadians are filing into their insurance companies seeking compensation for damages suffered during Hurricane Ivan. Insurance Agents have described this period as the most hectic in their history in Grenada. Several persons who have made claims have reported cooperation from their respective companies. Affected persons have been given a form to make their assessment. Many have also reported that representatives from their Insurance companies have already visit and inspect their buildings. Insurance companies are expected to pay out several million dollars in compensation to property owners as a result of the severe damage to the country.

ILO on reconnaissance mission

A high powered team from the International Labour Organization (ILO) is in Grenada to see the severe damage by Hurricane Ivan to the country on September 7. The team is being led by the Director of the Caribbean Office Grace Strachan. The ILO team will spend two days in Grenada. Earlier today it held a tripartite meeting with representatives of the Grenada Trades’ Union Council, the Employers Federation and the Ministry of Labour. According to reports the ILO team expressed its intention to assist Grenada during these difficult times. The ILO delegation was also taken on a tour of many of the devastated areas. The Trades’ Union Council and the Employers will each present a proposal to the ILO for assistance. The ILO delegation is expected to meet with Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell before leaving Grenada.