Coronavirus

Ministry of Health awards frontline workers for their hard-work during the pandemic

admin — Sun, 19 Jun 2022 02:50:01 +0000

Ministry of Health awards frontline workers for their hard-work during the pandemic

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admin Sun, 06/19/2022 - 02:50

Thursday, June 16, 2022

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Local – Dominica Vibes News

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Ministry of Health awards frontline workers for their hard-work during the pand…

Prime Minister, Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit

On Friday, the Ministry of Health, Wellness, and New Health Investment held an awards ceremony at the State House to honor the various frontline workers who contributed to the fight against COVID-19. Various awards went to divisions and health districts, labs, units, government ministries, government departments, organizations, temporary units, etc.

Prime Minister Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit stated that he believes that the ceremony is a hopeful sign that in Dominica, we have led a successful fight against COVID-19.

“And because of our diligence, we are moving past the worst of this deadly pandemic. I welcome the occasion to recognize the extraordinary contribution of the men and women in our various sectors who stepped up to protect the health of our people, provide guidance in an unfamiliar health emergency, and deliver effective care to our people who were infected by the COVID-19 Virus. We must always honor people, this is a Christian duty, and we must fight against the spirits of dishonor, which some in our society wish to promote.”

Hon. Skerrit expressed that it is important to say thank you to the various frontline workers, who have worked tirelessly to keep us safe and provide the necessary information.

“It is important to say thank you, it’s important to say you have done a fantastic job, we need to say well done good and faithful servant; it is well done to recognize your sacrifice, and I know so many of you. I recall the many days when people were so fearful of the COVID-19 that we had a few nurses who volunteered and a few doctors who were not yet engaged by the Ministry of Health, who came forward and said they wanted to treat COVID patients.”

He highlighted the hard work of the frontline workers during the pandemic.

“Your services to the state have been both unprecedented and extraordinary in scope, I am reminded of the early days of this pandemic, when officers of the Fire & Ambulance Services, the Ports, and Police Service; showed a high level of bravery, commitment, and dedication in partnership with the Ministry of Health, to manage and contain the spread of the Coronavirus. One might argue that you were simply doing your jobs, but we know it was more than that.”

Meanwhile, the Minister of Health, Wellness, and New Health Investment, Hon. Dr. Irving McIntyre expressed his gratitude and appreciation to everyone who contributed to the fight against COVID-19 and that it was wonderful working with them.

He declared that the next challenge that the Ministry of Health has to tackle is the issue of non-communicable diseases.

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Timely contribution to Princess Royal hospital

admin — Sun, 19 Jun 2022 01:00:01 +0000

Timely contribution to Princess Royal hospital

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admin Sun, 06/19/2022 - 01:00

Thursday, May 19, 2022

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Community | NOW Grenada

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Timely contribution to Princess Royal hospital

A “timely contribution” to Princess Royal, the lone hospital on the island of Carriacou, is how health officials described a contribution of supplies from the New York-based Kayak Roots and Culture Organisation.

The donation, consisting mainly of sanitary items, is particularly useful in combatting the recent surge in Covid-19 cases in the State of Grenada. It was handed over to the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs by Bensford Roberts, the group’s representative in Carriacou.

The Kayak Roots and Culture Organisation was formed in the aftermath of the outbreak of the Covid pandemic in 2020. Although still young, the organisation was able to make the contribution because of donations from its members, Roberts said.

Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, Dr Vernesta Noel-Smart, thanked the group for their contribution, saying it helps in a positive way in fighting the Covid-19 virus on the island.

Among those also present at the handing over ceremony were the Administrator of the Princess Royal Hospital, Marissa Alexis McLawerence, and the hospital’s Matron, Therese Hamlet.

Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs

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The nutrition of food: Building the immune system

admin — Sun, 19 Jun 2022 00:10:01 +0000

The nutrition of food: Building the immune system

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admin Sun, 06/19/2022 - 00:10

Tuesday, March 22, 2022

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Lifestyle | NOW Grenada

Original Article

The nutrition of food: Building the immune system

by Jeaniel Whint for Grenada Agro Tourism

The immune system can be called your body’s soldier!

Did you know that 70–80% of the immune system is in your gut? The gut and immune system support each other to promote a healthy body. The gut microbiome acts as a gatekeeper/trainer to the immune cells also called T-cells. These teach the body how to differentiate between invaders such as viruses, bacteria and other foreign bodies which may attack and weaken your body’s tissues and immune system.

At present, we are in the middle of a global pandemic due to the Covid-19 virus and require foods with nutraceutical value that build our immune system. Nutraceuticals are known as “a substance that may be considered a food or part of a food which provides medical or health benefits, encompassing prevention and treatment of disease.”

Pure Grenada, the Spice of the Caribbean boasts functional foods such as lemongrass, ginger, orange, French cashew, lime, vitamin and minerals such as Vitamin C, zinc and Vitamin D which are packed with immune building properties. They aid the building of the immune system and benefit the gut microbiome. Grenada’s national dish is the ubiquitous “oil down” with the primary ingredient, breadfruit, now touted as a superfood. The reality is that the majority of foods grown in Grenada by farmers, and especially the members of Grenada Agro Tourism are organically grown using traditional methods. Eat seasonally so the foods are fresh.

Adding these functional foods to your diet such as ginger also offers the additional benefits of reducing inflammation, bloating, and alleviating excess gas.

Zinc, which is an essential mineral to multiple functions in the body is especially essential to men’s health as it plays a role in prostate health, testosterone levels, and overall sexual health. Zinc is not produced by the body and must be consumed through foods like fish including tuna. So, on your travels to Grenada visit the Melville Street Fish Market for fresh daily caught tuna for your next meal.

Vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin is both a hormone produced by the body and a nutrient we can consume by eating healthy foods. It also aids the absorption and retention of calcium and phosphorus, both of which are critical for bone building, reducing inflammation, and improving the overall immune system. So, enjoy your time in the sun on one of Grenada’s many beautiful beaches!

French Cashew Lemongrass Smoothie

1 tablespoon lime juice (fresh)
2 French cashews
5 sprigs lemongrass
2 cups coconut water

Instructions: Blend and allow to sit for 15 minutes before consuming.

Orange Lemongrass Grilled Tuna

2-3 steaks Yellow Fin Tuna
¼ cup orange juice
1 lime
20 sprigs lemongrass
Pinch of salt and black pepper
2 tablespoons Olive Oil

Instructions: Marinade (blend the orange juice, lime, lemongrass, salt and pepper together, allow to sit for 15 minutes). Marinade the fish in ¾ of the lemongrass mixture. Grill the tuna for 2-3 minutes on each side. Pour the remainder of the marinade on the grilled fish. Serve with breadfruit, salad or steamed vegetables.

Jeaniel Whint is a Grenadian born Registered Holistic Nutritionist and Chef located in Toronto, Canada and the Director of Cherry Blossom Wellness Services.

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World Social Work Day 2022

admin — Sun, 19 Jun 2022 00:00:02 +0000

World Social Work Day 2022

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admin Sun, 06/19/2022 - 00:00

Tuesday, March 29, 2022

Original Publisher

Lifestyle | NOW Grenada

Original Article

World Social Work Day 2022

World Social Work Day is celebrated across the world every year. This year it took place on 15 March.

This is in recognition of the hard work of Social Workers around the world. The 2022 theme ‘Co-building a New Eco-Social World: Leaving No One Behind’ highlighted an opportunity for the social work profession to engage all social work networks and the community they work within to make contributions to shared values and principles. The theme also presented a vision and action plan to create new global values, policies, and practices that develop trust, security, and confidence for all people and the sustainability of the planet which enable all people to have their dignity and worth respected through shared futures.

The Covid-19 pandemic is a global public health issue; the greatest success in controlling the pandemic has been achieved where there has been a high level of mutual trust between the government, the professionals, and the communities, working towards the same goal.

Therefore, it makes sense to create a partnership to co-design and co-produce a global solution to the Covid-19 pandemic, which in turn can lead to creating global solutions for all kinds of issues resulting in concrete, healthy, socially equitable, and environmentally sustainable solutions for both the short and long term.

Like other professions, social workers have had to battle with the challenges faced by the Covid-19 pandemic and had to find innovative measures in reaching service users; additionally, some countries have had to tackle the refugee crisis and displaced individuals. Social work has taken on a new dimension in Human Rights-based advocacy in responding to issues.

In recent times, Grenada has been faced with its own challenges such as severe flooding and land erosion. There have also been numerous issues of social matters highlighted in social media. Mental health continues to be a grave concern; there are insufficient resources to support persons in crisis in the community.

We have also seen an increase in death by suicide in young men. Possible contributing factors may be the increase in alcohol and drug use among young people, unemployment and unresolved issues resulting from early life traumas.

As social workers, we have an ethical responsibility to raise awareness about these problems. Early intervention will assist in promoting wellbeing and preventing illness, thus reducing the need for hospitalisation and fatality.

GAPSW would therefore like to see the strengthening of services to meet those needs and other requirements of vulnerable individuals and communities. We are pleading with our Government to invest in the development of adequate resources to prevent an escalation of this problem which will definitely have a detrimental impact on society as a whole.

It is no longer feasible to close our eyes and work in our little silos, all vying for small pots of the same money, we have to work in collaboration, across disciplines to create change, a silent revolution that recognises human rights at its core and is inherently respectful of each and every one of us, however different.

What we need is a world which allows politicians, professionals and communities to work beyond national and regional borders, to foster cross-sectoral dialogue and action. We need to address health and economic disparities, nationally, regionally and internationally. This will require the co-design and co-production of effective systems to increase the collective resilience to respond to future challenges. We need to recognise our interdependence as a planet; we need global commitment for concrete action to help advance solutions, for our children and grandchildren to inherit a better world.

This statement is submitted by the Grenada Association of Professional Social Workers (GAPSW), who are recognised members of the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW).

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Covid-19 update: Grenada Dashboard 13 June 2022

admin — Sat, 18 Jun 2022 03:00:01 +0000

Covid-19 update: Grenada Dashboard 13 June 2022

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admin Sat, 06/18/2022 - 03:00

Tuesday, June 14, 2022

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NOW Grenada

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Covid-19 update: Grenada Dashboard 13 June 2022

First confirmed case of Covid-19 in Grenada was reported on 22 March 2020.

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covid19.gov.gd

Covid-19 Hotline: 45VIRUS (458-4787) or 53VIRUS (538-4787)

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Saint Lucia Records 116 New COVID-19 Cases

admin — Wed, 23 Feb 2022 20:30:01 +0000

Saint Lucia Records 116 New COVID-19 Cases

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admin Wed, 02/23/2022 - 20:30

Sunday, February 13, 2022

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St. Lucia Times News

Original Article

Saint Lucia Records 116 New COVID-19 Cases

Press Release:– Saturday February 12, 2022 the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs confirms a total of 116 new cases of COVID-19. These samples were processed on Friday February 11, 2022 from a total of 528 samples of which 425 samples were from the Ezra Long Laboratory and 103 samples from the Laboratory Services […]

This article Saint Lucia Records 116 New COVID-19 Cases appeared first on St. Lucia Times News.

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Covid-19 update: Grenada Dashboard 10 February 2022

admin — Tue, 22 Feb 2022 09:10:01 +0000

Covid-19 update: Grenada Dashboard 10 February 2022

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admin Tue, 02/22/2022 - 09:10

Friday, February 11, 2022

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NOW Grenada

Original Article

Covid-19 update: Grenada Dashboard 10 February 2022

70 new positive cases; 456 active cases
1 new death; 162 new recoveries
37,182 fully vaccinated

View the full post Covid-19 update: Grenada Dashboard 10 February 2022 on NOW Grenada.

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Covid-19 update: Grenada Dashboard 11 February 2022

admin — Tue, 22 Feb 2022 08:50:01 +0000

Covid-19 update: Grenada Dashboard 11 February 2022

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admin Tue, 02/22/2022 - 08:50

Saturday, February 12, 2022

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NOW Grenada

Original Article

Covid-19 update: Grenada Dashboard 11 February 2022

70 new positive cases; 435 active cases
0 new deaths; 91 new recoveries
37,233 fully vaccinated

View the full post Covid-19 update: Grenada Dashboard 11 February 2022 on NOW Grenada.

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Dominica records highest active cases with over a thousand active cases

admin — Mon, 21 Feb 2022 08:00:01 +0000

Dominica records highest active cases with over a thousand active cases admin Mon, 02/21/2022 - 08:00

Saturday, February 5, 2022

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Local – Dominica Vibes News

Original Article

Dominica records highest active cases with over a thousand active cases

Dominica records it highest number of active cases, as the Ministry of Health reported that the country now has 1,005 active cases of COVID-19. This is as of Thursday February 03, 2022.
A total of 101 new cases were reported (Total PCR: 6, Total Antigen: 95). A total of 42 persons were discharged from the COVID-19 Care Complex.
Total Confirmed cases rise to 9,722, with 8,666 individuals recovering from the virus.
Fortunately, with the rise of active cases, the total death toll remain at 51.
To date, 152,095 tests have been conducted (33,779 being PCR Tests, and 118,316 being Antigen Tests).
In terms of vaccination, 31,862 persons have received their first doses, while 29,175 are fully vaccinated.

Dominica

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17 Years through Thick and Thin

admin — Mon, 21 Feb 2022 05:20:01 +0000

17 Years through Thick and Thin

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admin Mon, 02/21/2022 - 05:20

Wednesday, January 19, 2022

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Politics | NOW Grenada

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17 Years through Thick and Thin

by H E Wei Hongtian, Chinese Ambassador to Grenada

Let us travel back in time to 20 January 2005, when 2 foreign ministers, one from the rooster on the Eurasia continent’s east coast and the other from the isle of spice on the Caribbean sea’s edge, shook hands across the Pacific Ocean and smiled broadly to witness a historic moment: the resumption of diplomatic relations between China and Grenada.

As soon as the agreement was reached and the Joint Communiqué was released, both of them were certain that a new era in bilateral ties had begun.

Over the past 17 years, China and Grenada have cooperated on the basis of mutual understanding, mutual respect and equality, setting an excellent example for friendly and win-win ties between countries of different sizes and political systems. 17 years has been long enough for the 2 countries’ friendship to leave its footprint.

The political mutual trust has warmed up. Grenada recognised the one-China principle 17 years ago and has never wavered in its commitments over the years. On this solid foundation, the 2 countries have granted each other their full support on issues that concern their core interests — as China defends its sovereignty and territorial integrity against foreign interference, its position is strengthened by Grenada’s support, and China and Grenada have collaborated to address global challenges such as climate change and to achieve sustainable development goals. More importantly, party-to-party exchanges underpin bilateral mutual trust — the Communist Party of China (CPC) celebrates its centennial in 2021, and the party was honoured and delighted to receive congratulations and blessings from NNP and NDC, as well as have their high-ranking officials participate in online celebrations and experience-sharing meetings.

The practical cooperation has bulked up. In 17 years, a little sapling can grow into a towering tree. So can the fruit-bearing tree of cooperation between our 2 countries. The China-aid low-income housing project, implemented in 2 phases, has delivered a total of 1,000 units of apartments to the people in need in Grenada, improving their living conditions to a large extent. As China contributed in rehabilitating and expanding the National Cricket Stadium and the National Athletic Stadium, it also earmarked grants for community basketball courts and playgrounds as well as donating sports equipment, eyeing on enhancing the cause of sports and youth development in Grenada. Since 2005, China and Grenada have collaborated on agricultural technological cooperation programs for 7 consecutive phases, with the goal of increasing food self-sufficiency and ensuring food security while exploring smart agriculture. To help shore up tourism and boost connectivity between Grenada and the world, China is funding the Maurice Bishop International Airport Runway and Road Rehabilitation Project. As the construction work is going on smoothly, the project will serve to revitalise Grenada’s economy in the post-pandemic era. Furthermore, I wish to re-emphasise that China-Grenada cooperation is based on the need of Grenada and the principle of mutual respect and equality. As many government ministers applauded, China never interfered in the internal affairs of Grenada nor imposed its own module.

The people-to-people exchanges have shot up. Amity between the people holds the key to good state-to-state relations, and heart-to-heart communication contributes to deeper friendship. China’s Ark Peace hospital ship twice visited Grenada, offering free medical care to the locals. About 200 bright young Grenadians have studied in China on Chinese government scholarships to date, and the number of Grenadians who have participated in short-term training courses in various fields in China reached about 2,000. The rich and diverse people-to-people exchanges between our 2 countries have sparked a growing interest in China and Chinese culture among Grenadians — the Confucius Classroom in TAMCC, which opened in 2015, has offered Chinese language and traditional culture classes to thousands of students, and I was particularly impressed by the Grenadian youngsters who participated in the Chinese Bridge Competition last year. Only with intensive care can the tree of friendship and cooperation grow luxuriant, and a job well done in letting the spirit of partnership embraced by all will keep the bilateral relations vibrant.

Moreover, a more enduring and consolidated China-Grenada relationship has been forged on the anvil of the Covid-19 pandemic. Faced with this global pandemic, only by forming a synergy can the world overcome the hardships. We will not forget, that when China was abruptly hit by the virus in early 2020, Grenada lent its helping hand by donating masks and voicing their strong support for the Chinese people. Following that, China has lavished its gratitude on Grenada, providing it with 7 batches of medical supplies and hosting 3 virtual meetings of medical specialists to share experience on Covid-19 response since the first report of Covid-19 case in March 2020. In addition, the 2 countries are actively cooperating on vaccines, which we expect will bear fruit soon.

Despite unprecedented changes and rising risks and uncertainties, the trend of peace, development, openness, and globalisation will continue, so will the friendship and cooperation between China and Grenada. I have 4 aspirations for our bilateral ties as I stand on the new waypoint and look ahead:

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