To Table of Contents go out of their way to breach the protocols . No system is perfect . So , our system is as locked tight as possible , but it is human beings monitoring human beings , and we have to do it in a humane way and make sure that people are as comfortable as possible . We are able to pick up on the breaches quickly and so far , we have only had two instances where individuals who breached protocols infected individuals here in Grenada . By the grace of God and the efficiency of the team , we were able to isolate and prevent the spread .
At the discretion of the judicial system , there is a monetary penalty or potentially prison time if Covid-19 protocols are breached .
Q : What ’ s happening in Grenada in terms of Carnival this year ?
A : Not much right now . It is possible for us to have a late discussion on it , but based on the level of vaccinations right now , we ’ re missing that boat . But it is still possible . I think what we need is all hands on deck with respect to getting to that possibility . So , I will use this opportunity to ask members of the diaspora , to send the message that you want to come home , that it ' s time we have Carnival and in order for this to happen , we need to have that herd immunity .
Q : A very catchy slogan , humourous yet very significant , “ Take the jab to play jab .” Your thoughts ?
A : We have been pushing that forward and I ’ ve encouraged it . What we just need to be clear on is that if only a small percentage of people have taken the jab to play jab , possibly , there still will be no jab ! We as a people have been confined for too long . People need to get vaccinated . This is the last hurdle , and it ’ s a simple hurdle . We don ’ t close our borders for polio , measles , tuberculosis , or any of the other viruses that can spread , wreak havoc and kill many , because of vaccination . And Covid-19 is no different .
Q : A lot of countries have been talking about a shortage of nurses and healthcare workers . Is Grenada experiencing a similar situation , and if so , do you have any plans to attract more people into that industry ?
A : We ’ re experiencing that and it ’ s extreme right now . We have a nursing school here in Grenada . We train nurses at the Bachelor ’ s level . We also have recently restarted our Nursing Assistant Program , as well as specialization training , in combination with TAMCC for midwifery , and we ’ re looking at increasing that through cooperation with TAMCC and St . George ’ s University in other areas . If you look at the percentage of GDP we spend on educating nurses and doctors , it ' s much higher than other first world nations . It ’ s small in actual numbers , but the percentage GDP that we prioritize to medical education is much higher . But we are a developing country and first world nations take our nurses promising them a better life , etc ., and it does affect our system . On the flip side some say , just pay our nurses better - if we could we would . Our nurses , our teachers , all of our public servants , all of our citizens , that is the goal and objective of a government for all of its people . But as a developing country , it does take time .
We really do recognize the patriotism and selflessness of those who have remained to help .
Q : Will you say that Covid-19 is having a negative impact on the mental health of Grenadians ?
A : Most definitely , on various levels . It has made us very anxious individuals , distrusting and