PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD: Grenada's Health Minister, Ann David Antoine, said Monday it will cost EC$11 million to rebuild the health sector of the hurricane-devastated island in six months' time. And chief environmental officer Andre Worme said EC$12 million will be necessary for swift clean-up action. Antoine and Worme arrived in Trinidad Monday and briefed reporters on the current state of Grenada at a news conference following which they paid a courtesy call to Minister of Health John Rahael. Antoine said the money needed for the rebuilding of the health sector will be sourced from friendly governments and international agencies. She said the figures were estimated within weeks after the hurricane ravaged the island, but had no doubt that as work continued that cost is likely to rise. She said the majority of hospitals on the island were greatly affected, as well as community clinics and medical facilities. The roof of the St George's Hospital has to be replaced, as well as the roof of the Richmond Home for the elderly. The School of Nursing and the Carlton House for addicts cannot be used, as they were both severely damaged. A temporary roof has been constructed at the greatly affected Princess Alice Hospital in St Andrew's to accommodate patients. The Minister said 30 deaths were registered on September 7-the day which Ivan swept the island-and following that there were deaths, but mostly the elderly because of post-traumatic conditions. "It is heartening that of a population of 100,000 people, only 30 lost their lives," she added. Antoine denied reports that there were infectious diseases, STDs and incidents of food for sex on the island. Antoine said the Ministry of Health has been very active since the passing of Ivan because post-disaster calamities were very great. She said functioning clinics were set up in every parish of various communities to aid the people, adding that there is great concern for pregnant women and they are being closely monitored. Antoine said that psychological aid will be available to the people of Grenada to deal with the trauma of Ivan and that representatives of Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) as well as Petrotrin have organised help so adults, and especially children, will be able to overcome the trauma. According to Worme, Grenada is expected to be cleared up within a month or two. The focus is on removal of garbage to prevent diseases and not so much on the debris at this time, he said, adding that to clean up the waste and to create additional dumping sites will cost EC$7 million (TT$16.1 million). The clearing of drains and vector control is estimated to cost EC$5 million (TT$11.5 million). Seventy per cent of the mangroves in Grenada were affected and efforts will also be made to restore the flora and fauna as many depend on eco-tourism for income, he said. He added that one of the major challenges is to get people into their houses and out of the shelters. Antoine said, on a positive outlook, Ivan has opened up opportunities for Grenada to improve areas in the health sector and other areas as well as to help them prepare better in the face of a disaster. SOURCE: CARIBUPDATE.COM