Archive for July, 2009

A conflict of interest? Answers needed!!

Monday, July 20th, 2009 | Cams | Comments Off

High life on the lam for fugitive

By Curtis Krueger, Times Staff Writer
Published Thursday, July 16, 2009

Emmanuel Ganpot, a musician and former Eckerd College student, promised to show up in a Pinellas courtroom in April 2003 to start serving nearly six years in prison for dealing drugs.

Instead, he bought a plane ticket to Paris and disappeared, angering the circuit judge who had given him a couple of weeks to get his affairs in order before sentencing.

Unlike fugitives in the movies, most criminals don’t get too far when they try to vanish. With no money and no help, they often are quickly arrested.

Ganpot was a different story. › Continue reading

Open Letter to Prime Minister Tillman Thomas and his Government

Friday, July 17th, 2009 | Cams | Comments Off

Stanley Charles owned the first independent radio station in Grenada.  Radio La Baye, FM 90 – is an all music station.  Charles and Paul Roberts managed the original NDC’s political campaign to be elected – Stanley is quite clear that the NDC undertook to give broadcast licenses and liberate the media in return for his help.

 Stanley has always spoken in support of the training of journalist and playing by the rules – the previous government charged him with Seditious Libel – he went to jail. Stanley says the media in Grenada is rudderless, contemptuous of rules and established standards.  Charles believes Prime Minister Tillman Thomas in his opinion is not getting the best advice – allowing the GBN to escape punishment for its publication of what Stanley calls a Phantom Story – it is repugnant and deeply insidious to the practice of journalism in Grenada he argues – what follows is Stanley Charles open letter to Prime Minister Tillman Thomas and his Government. › Continue reading

NO BACK FILLING! NO FENCING!!

Thursday, July 16th, 2009 | Cams | Comments Off

Protect our Lagoon Park!

Protect our Lagoon Shore!!

 

Citizens in Defense of Grenada’s Lands and Heritage

405-0797/405-0048/457-0872

 

 

Citizens in Defence of Grenada’s Lands and Heritage reiterates its position that there should be no backfilling from the Lagoon shore outwards or fencing of the area.  It is our view that the Camper and Nicholson marina development project can proceed without interference to the Lagoon Park and the Lagoon shore – either backfilling or fencing.  Camper and Nicholson have alternatives available including use of its property or use of a barge to facilitate its construction operations. › Continue reading

LAGOON ISSUES RE PORT LOUIS AND MARINA DEVELOPMENT

Wednesday, July 15th, 2009 | Cams | Comments Off

By Sandra Ferguson

The following lists the letters written to various Ministers and regulatory bodies raising concerns and queries about various aspects of the Port Louis project and later on the Camper and Nicholson marina development. 

 1.    Letter to Hon. Brenda Hood of Feb. 26th, 2007 seeking clarification on the following: › Continue reading

A debt of gratitude – revisited

Wednesday, July 15th, 2009 | Cams | Comments Off

By Stanley Charles 

I will soon be starting a regular column headed “Lets Talk”. As a dress rehearsal or as the North Americans say, I have chosen to preview “Lets Talk” with an encore version of my previously published “A dept of Gratitude”. 

Would you live in Grenada without the Royal Grenada Police Force? Would you live in Grenada without Judiciary – if you accept a democracy is built on well established pillars to include the (4th) FOURTH ESTATE, the media – the guardian of your right to know – free speech – why would you not insist that the 4th Estate must play by the rules – why would you accept the establishment of a rouge culture within the media – why is the media tied to security of the state? Why in the U.S, non Americans are not allowed to own media companies? Why until most recently Australia did not allow non Australians to own controlling shares in media companies. 

The Grenada Broadcast Network (GBN) is owned by a foreign company. They are the majority share holders. The GBN by its news output is not ‘underpinning the state’ – the GBN published a breaking news story devoid of ‘facts’ the lead of news and current affairs Mrs. Odette Campbell fronted the story – Mrs. Campbell is tagged as a ‘veteran journalist’. This so called veteran journalist ended the ‘phantom’ story by arrogantly saying – if it is a rumor so be it. 

Here is a lady breaking all the rules of journalism publishing a story that is devoid of facts – blissful arrogance is on display – why? 

The government is forced to deny the phantom story. In any democracy an immediate review of the GBN’s license is automatically triggered. The GBN would without reserve apologize to the nation – the newsroom people responsible for the phantom story would immediately be sacked but here in Grenada the owners of the GBN are allowed to undermine the state with impunity. The owners of the GBN show no regard for which they are charged to underwrite. 

The GBN elevates itself and its needs above that of the state. This rouge broadcaster does not stop at airing a phantom story, it goes on to devalue Parliamentary broadcast which is sacrosanct to satisfy ‘commercial needs’. 

Grenada is a country with near chronic stay dog problem. Well here is the classic case of the tail wagging the dog. A foreign company promotes its needs ahead of the state and chooses to use the 4th Estate to undermine the stability of the state. Why is this allow – the government appears unable to hold the GBN to account. This rouge broadcaster can do as it pleases, why?

 I have argued and continue to argue there is a great need to train people in Grenada and employment within the media should be based on merit – if this government was not perceived by many to be whimpish the GBN would not dare to undermine the state. For several years the GBN and the former government of Dr. Keith Mitchell allegedly colluded to disconfirm Grenadians and run a bias news operation – in my mind this government is whimpish and does not understand its role to uphold the laws – even a child would know it is in the government’s duty to act in the public’s interest. › Continue reading

Delegation calls on Prime Minister Thomas

Wednesday, July 8th, 2009 | Cams | Comments Off

A five – person delegation – comprising members of Citizens of Defence of Grenada’s Lands and Heritage, the President of the Water Taxi Association, the president of the  Willie Redhead Foundation and persons representing boat owners and the Lagoon community – held a meeting with Prime Minster Thomas, this morning, Tuesday, July 7th.  In attendance at the meeting were:  › Continue reading

Citizens in Defence of Grenada’s Lands and Heritage

Thursday, July 2nd, 2009 | Cams | Comments Off

STATEMENT:  RE BLUE FLAG CERTIFICATION FOR PORT LOUIS CAMPER & NICHOLSON MARINA IN GRENADA

 

Citizens in Defence of Grenada’s Lands and Heritage understands that the Port Louis the Camper & Nicholson marina has applied for Blue Flag certification.

 

It is our understanding that the Blue Flag Programme:

i.        is  “an exclusive, voluntary eco-label for beaches and marinas. 

ii.                 is given to beaches and marina that meet a specific set of criteria concerning environmental information and education, water quality, safety and services and environmental management. 

iii.               has become a symbol of quality recognized by tourists and tour operators.”

 

We understand “eco-label” to imply:
       i.      informed by a credible and thorough environmental impact    assessment

ii.                 respect for the natural and physical heritage

iii.                minimizing  the environmental footprint › Continue reading

The Letter, expressing concerns

Thursday, July 2nd, 2009 | Cams | Comments Off

Citizens in Defence of Grenada’s Lands and Heritage

c/o P.O. Box 750, St. George’s

Tel: 457-0872/405-0048/405-0797

E-mail: citizensgrenada@yahoo.com

 

March 16th, 2009

 

International Blue Flag Co-ordination

Foundation for Environmental Education

c/o Danish Outdoor Council

Scandiagade 13

DK-2450 Copenhagen SV

DENMARK

 

Attn: Finn Bolding Thomsen

          Carrie A. Dean 

 

Dear Sir/Madam,

 

Re Blue Flag Certification – Port Louis Camper & Nicholson Marina, Grenada

 

Greetings from the Citizens in Defence of Grenada’s Lands and Heritage!

 

Citizens in Defence of Grenada’s Lands & Heritage is a small pressure group of concerned individuals who got together in 2008 to advocate on issues of the environment.   The aim of the group is to raise awareness and facilitate public debate on issues of development and environment.  Its particular focus during the last year was on a number of mega-tourism projects and other initiatives which threaten Grenada’s built and natural heritage and trample on the rights of local people.

 

We have noted with interest that the Port Louis Camper & Nicholson marina in Grenada is applying for Blue Flag certification.  Based on information in the Blue Flag information brochure, we understand the Blue Flag programme is an exclusive, voluntary, eco-label for beaches and marina.  Blue flag certification is given to beaches and marinas that meet a specific set of criteria concerning environmental education and information, water quality, environmental management, safety and services.

 

We take this opportunity to bring to the awareness and attention of your organization the following concerns in respect of the environmental impact and practices of the Port Louis Camper & Nicholson Marina. 

 

We trust that that these will be duly considered in respect of the award of Blue Flag certification.  Attached please find our statement.

 

We would be pleased to respond to your queries.

 

Best regards!

 

Sincerely yours,

 

 

 

 

Sandra C.A. Ferguson

Citizens in Defence of Grenada’s Lands and Heritage

 

 

 

Clifford Robertson

Citizens in Defence of Grenada’s Lands and Heritage

 

 

c.c.   The Executive Director

       Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism (CAST)

A CALL TO ACTION – PROTECT OUR LAGOON PARK

Thursday, July 2nd, 2009 | Cams | Comments Off

Citizens in Defence of Grenada’s Lands and Heritage

Contact Nos.:   405-0797/405-0048/457-0872.

 

 

 

 “THE REMOVAL OF YOUR BOAT FROM PORT LOUIS COMPOUND” 

The memorandum advised that from Monday 22nd, June 2009, Camper and Nicholson developers would  be officially occupying the coastal land space which is located on the Lagoon Road.  The memo advised that the space where the boats are docked will be used for the storage of heavy duty equipment and that Camper & Nicholson proposed to relocate the boats lower down.

Fishermen were rather shocked when persons from Camper & Nicholson approached them to remove their boats and advised that the area would be FENCED  right up to the sidewalk since Camper & Nicholson OWNED the land.  This was repeated by the Manager of Camper & Nicholson, Grenada in a news interview

How can Camper & Nicholson own the coastal land and propose to fence  right up to the side walk?  The LAW provides for a 50 metres (150 feet) set back area from the high water mark which is Crown land.  

WHO sold Crown lands to Port Louis/Peter De Savary and HOW MUCH  did Port Louis/Peter De Savary  pay for these lands that has been  purportedly sold to Camper and Nicholson?    WHERE is the sale of these lands recorded?  What is the findings of the REVIEW of contracts by the government?  Why has the government not made these findings public? 

Port Louis marina has already destroyed the playing field in the Ballast Ground area?  Where are our children supposed to play? 

How can fishermen be dislocated/relocated without any consultation/discussions with them? 

An area on the Islander Hotel, opposite MTV studio, is being excavated.  This soil is being used as the fill for the backfilling that Camper & Nicholson has ALREADY started doing.  The C&N Manager advised that this area is going to be the location of a SEWAGE plant and utilities for the marina.

A sewage system and utility area – to be located on HISTORIC Islander Hill, in the middle of a RESIDENTIAL area, on the MAIN road??!!  Where are our planners and regulators??   Is this a plot to devalue the property and force the remaining freeholders off their property?   Is the next step to CLOSE OFF  the Lagoon Road? 

Our people – the people who occupied Mt. Pandy and the Islander Hill -  have been relocated to conditions of SQUALOUR  in Beausejour and La Sagesse to make room for a SEWAGE system!! 

The Citizens in Defence of Grenada’s Lands & Heritage has noted that a FAMILY member of the Minster of Tourism is carrying out the backfilling operations that have already started.  This therefore begs the question as to whether there is a CONFLICT of interests and to whether or not the interests of the people of Grenada have been compromised.  The time has also come to ask the Prime Minister the hard question – Did his party receive any campaign finance from the Peter De Savary and/or Camper & Nicholson ?  And if campaign finance was received, what were these “developers” promised in return?

The Citizens in Defence of Grenada’s Lands and Heritage call on Grenadians everywhere  to take action.  Show your indignation.  Call your parliamentary representatives and express your disgust and opposition to the backfilling of the Lagoon and the fencing of the Lagoon Park.   Demand that the backfilling of the Lagoon CEASE NOW! 

People of Grenada – Get up!  Stand up for our rights and the rights of our children to enjoy the Lagoon Park!!

Last week, fishermen and boat owners in the Lagoon area received a memorandum from the Fisheries Department captioned;