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possible to determine the sex of the plant while it is still small , eliminating the several years that may have been spent tending to a plant that will never bear fruit . This is an amazing legacy for our farmers . Another is the ability to test and identify various diseases that affect our crops .
Q : How has Grenada embraced technology during Covid-19 ?
A : From simple border control , where , instead of handwritten forms , we are now asking that health clearance , immigration and customs clearances are done online . When you arrive at the airport , it ’ s a touchless system although we still have to cater for individuals who unable to access the online portal . Before the pandemic we started to move towards electronic medical records . Covid-19 has shown the need even more so for that . Telemedicine is now key . One of the lasting legacies that has come out of Covid-19 , not just here in Grenada , but I think worldwide , is the ability whenever possible for consultation to be done remotely , not only locally but also specialized consultation from outside of Grenada . Covid-19 has accelerated the rollout of laptops for our children and our teachers are doing classes virtually , so those are some of the lasting legacies .
Q : How is the vaccination process rolling out in Grenada ?
A : In the past few weeks , we have had a surge in individuals coming forward . Prior to that , we had an early surge from the middle of February to the middle of March , but in between , we have been suffering from own success . Because we don ’ t currently have community spread and our cases are zero , there is a false sense of security among our population which has resulted in a significant level of vaccine anxiety across the nation . Individuals are saying they need to know more , they ’ ll wait and see , I don ’ t need it right now , you ’ ve given me a choice so I choose not to take it , etc . We have reached out as far as to our diaspora with the hope that influential members there will give our population here firsthand information and encouragement on the need , not just the benefits , but the need to take the vaccine as quickly as possible .
Q : What are your thoughts on how Covid-19 has affected Grenada ’ s tourism ?
A : We need to get ready for tourism and that includes getting our population vaccinated to remove the risk , because we cannot afford to maintain a pendulum-type lifestyle where we ’ re free of Covid , then it enters again and we have to shut down , restrict freedom of movement or close the borders again . We have to get the vaccinations done and it ’ s a race to get it done early so that there isn ’ t an outbreak between now and then . Then we need to speak our story , and that ’ s what our tourism sector is doing through the Grenada Tourism Authority , Ministry of Tourism and all of our agents abroad . They speak of our Covid-19 trials and tribulations like the rest of the world , but share that we remain a safe , pure destination , and once restrictions have been eased , Grenada welcomes you and is still just as beautiful as it ever was .
Q : What about Covid-19 violations and how is that handled ?
A : We monitor , and that is where our risk is . My team and I are consistently telling our population that while we have zero cases , we need to maintain a secure net at our borders . It ’ s possible that someone will inadvertently or purposely try to circumvent the system . We are an island and individuals can come ashore from anywhere as we ’ ve seen happening in Trinidad , St . Lucia and other islands . And then we have individuals who take everything for granted and