Caribbean Agency for Media Services

Mother Jessie feeds the children of Belle Isles

Monday, May 3rd, 2010 | Cams | Comments Off

By Milton J. Coy

(L to R) Rev Mother Jessie, Shepherdist Jennifer, Techer Roxann & Sheperdist Joan

Rev Mother Stephenie Prince dishing out some food

Children of Children of the Light International

CAMS NewsLine…..

Belle Isles, St. David –  The normally quiet village of Belle Isles in St. David’s came alive on Sunday May 2^nd as the community turned out to an affairs hosted by the Children of the Light International Arch-Diocese, La Sagesse. A crowd of more than two hundred children, accompanied by parents turned out to take part in what Mother Jessie described as an instruction from the Holy Spirit – Mother Jessie said she had a dream that she should feed the children from that community. Other members of the church assisted her in preparing some very delicious food.

 The community was not only treated to eats and drinks to their leisure but was entertained by the little children who are members of the Spiritual Baptist church. The children put on some very lively performance with singing and drum beating that captivated the attention of the adults who responded with clapping of hands and even dancing.

 Mother Jessie told the gathering that she was very happy for the support of another Spiritual Baptist church in the area – Rock in the Weary Land – and their members. The Pastor in the church, Leader Thaddeus and Mother Patsy told the gathering how happy they were to share in this experience, especially seeing so much children being part of the Spiritual Baptist faith. They added that they could remember when children were not able to be part of the faith. Leader Thaddeus said that when children are part of a church or any organization, it means that the church or organization is growing and has a bright future.

 Mother Jeanette Williams who is a spiritual mother admonished the gathering to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and savior because the signs of the times suggest that Jesus Christ is on his way.

 The Arch-Bishop, Dr. John A. Noel explained that Jesus fed over five thousand people and at His last supper he had a table where he had food, fruits, fish, bread etc. He noted that this is not the first time; rather it’s a continuation of the church’s feeding program.  Similar activities were conducted in Grenville and St. George’s where the members of the church cooked and distributed to the less fortunate and needy in the community. He added that, as God bless us we will continue to ensure that our brothers and sisters – including the little children, in Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique benefit from our feeding program, especially in this hard economic time.,

Spiritual Baptist Patriarch on fact finding mission to West Africa

Sunday, May 2nd, 2010 | Cams | 2 Comments

By Milton J. Coy

CAMSNews Line….

Patriach Dr. John A. Noel

St. George’s: (May 3^rd 2010): His Excellency Dr. John A. Noel, Arch-Bishop and Primate of Children of the Light International Arch Diocese is schedule to leave the state of Grenada some time in August 2010 on a ten day fact finding mission to Ghana and Liberia. 

The Patriarch is expected to lead a delegation of about fifteen (15) Spiritual Baptist ministers from around the world. They include the visionary of the Spiritual Baptist faith – His Grace the Worthy Bishop George Xavier and his wife, Mother Superior of the Spiritual Baptist faith out of California – USA, His Grace Bishop Leon John, chairman of the Universal Ecclesiastical Order of Spiritual Baptist Annual Convention out of Trinidad and Tobago, His Grace Bishop Phillip from Tobago among other high ranking ministers of the Faith. Ministers from the United States, United Kingdom and from other parts of the Caribbean will also form part of the delegation. 

The Patriarch was invited to West Africa by the Liberia-Grenada and Caribbean Friendship Organization which was founded to promote unity and understanding among African and Caribbean people. 

The organization grew out of the fact that the Liberian nation state was bred out of freed and former African descended slaves who had lived and worked in the Americas, including the Caribbean and Grenada. According to Michael Paul Massaley, Executive Director of the Organization, over the years since 1847, many of those who traveled to Liberia have lost touch with relatives and friends on either side. We believe that the time has come to resurrect this link. 

According to the invitation, the Patriarch, His Excellency Dr. John A. Noel was appointed Grand Patron of this Movement because of his prominence in Grenadian and Caribbean affairs. 

As part of the visit, arrangements have been made for the Patriarch to meet with National Leaders and visit places of national significance, including a courtesy call on Her Excellency Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of the Republic of Liberia and other political and religious leaders. He is also expected to address the National Legislature. The delegation will also visit major religious, educational and cultural institutions. 

The invitation also stated that arrangements have been made for the delegation to visit some traditional sites, including Mount Wologisi, ancestral shrines, Kpatawee Falls, Historic Rock Formations, among others. 

The Organization is hopeful that the visit of the Patriarch and his delegation will help to promote a spirit of heritage and inspire virtues of peace making among peoples of both nations. 

Dr. Noel told this reporter that on his visit to Ghana the focus will be on learning more about the practices of the Spiritual Baptist faith which was discovered among the slaves in St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the 17^th century.  According to Dr. Noel the name Spiritual Baptist, which is now practiced throughout the Caribbean, the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom was first coined in Trinidad and Tobago around the same period. The Patriarch added that the real name of the faith is: “The Mystical Order of Melchezidec” of which Jesus Christ is the High Priest. 

Dr. Noel was recently anointed Patriarch of the Faith under the auspices of His Excellency Dr. Norris Ashton, Apostolic Patriarch of the Spiritual Baptist Faith. The Patriarch who is also the Ambassador at Large of the Universal Ecclesiastical Order of Spiritual Baptist (UEOSB) says that the annual convention of the UEOSB will be held in West Africa this year. He anticipates that this visit will be spiritually enlightening and beneficial to the Spiritual Baptist community here in Grenada, the Caribbean and followers world wide. He also promises to hold a press conference when he returns from this historic and important mission to highlight the links developed between the Caribbean generally and Grenada in particular and West Africa.

ZUBLIN’S CASINO LICENCE AND OTHER MATTERS

Saturday, April 17th, 2010 | Cams commentary | 1 Comment

By Sandra C.A. Ferguson 

I thought that the matter of casino gambling as an economic strategy for Grenada had been properly put to rest by the firm declaration of  Prime Minister Thomas on a Beyond the Headlines programme some weeks ago:- “ I will not be part of a Cabinet which conspires against the best interests of the people!”  However, it would seem that this is not the case as Zublin –Grenada continues its round of “consultations”.

 Last week, I attended a panel discussion on “The Potential Impacts of Casino Gambling in Grenada”, organized and hosted by the Business Students Association of the St. George’s University.  It was a well organized and informative event with panelists, including the business students, making presentations on the “pros” and “cons” of casino gambling.  The panel also featured researcher on the impact of casino gambling, Professor Ian Boxhill of the Mona Campus of the University of the West Indies who presented an “Impartial View of Casino Gambling”, both  the pros and cons.  It seemed that Professor Boxhill’s participation was sponsored by Zublin-Grenada, whose “crew” were in full force at the panel discussion.   I was rather startled when Mr. Dick Van Dyke, Chief Executive Officer of Zublin-Grenada commented that support for the panel discussion was part of the continuing efforts of Zublin to promote consultation and  “transparency” (?) on the matter of casino gambling.   Again, this begs the question, “WHO THE HELL IS IN CHARGE?”

Mr. Brian Pitt of the Carenage Business Association was on the February 28^th edition  of Sundays with George Grant  sharing  some very interesting information in respect of a meeting between members of the Carenage Business Association and representatives of Zublin –Grenada.   Among other matters, members of the association had met with Zublin to analyze Phase 1 of the Zublin cruise port and to hear from Zublin about the proposed revitalization project which includes a casino.  The Carenage Business Association and its members were particularly concerned about how the Carenage could be revitalized in the short term.

Among the interesting and insightful information and observations of the meeting, shared by Mr. Pitt on the SWGG programme were the following:

 1.  Revitalizing Business on the Carenage:

• There appeared to be a policy in force which designated St. George’s as the only cruise ship port.
• The designation of St. George’s as the cruise ship port was linked to  the rental agreement with tenants of the Esplande Mall and the rental fee  that they were charged. 
• The tenants at the Esplanade Mall were dissatisfied and also had issues in respect of the rental fee and the actual business that was generated by cruise visitors.
• Small ships and ships of a certain age were AT RISK when docking at the new cruise port, when the water was rolling, particularly in the months of December and January. 
• Ships have had to be moved from St. George’s to Carenage because of this risk.
• Some ships still prefer to dock on the Carenage because it is one of the most picturesque in the world but they are FORCED to dock in St. George’s.

 1.1    Recommendation of the Carenage Business Association:

The Association suggested that the policy should be adjusted to permit smaller ships and those ships desirous of berthing in the inner harbour to do so when a berth was available.  This would permit Carenage businesses to plan for business and would go some way towards regenerating business on the Carenage.

 2.       Zublin Cruise Port Phase 1 :

• The promise of major duty free brands in Grenada had not materialized.  The duty free shops on the Carenage had simply relocated to the Esplanade Mall. 
• Ships also docked on the Carenage because, on the new cruise port, it was   difficult to get people onto tour buses.    The area for tour buses had been decreased in order to put in paid parking.
• Larger ships offered all inclusive packages.  Thus while in fact, visitor numbers had increased, visitor spending had declined. 
• Besides killing business on the Carenage, the cruise port had created a serious congestion problem in St. George’s.

1. 3.       St. George’s Revitalization Project and Casino Gambling:

• According to Mr. Pitt, it appeared that for Zublin, the main purpose of the discussion with the Caribbean Business Association was the issue of a casino licence for Zublin.
• The issuance of a casino licence appeared to be central to the new project, the St. George’s Revitalization Project, being proposed by Zublin.
• It appeared that Zublin had already committed and/or  had already sold a gambling licence to another entity.  
• Plans, other than the casino, in respect of the St. George’s Revitalization Project appeared to be just an “add-on” and it appeared that these plans/proposals  had not gone past the “artist’s  impression”.  Among these proposals were:
  • A ring road proposed to join Melville Street to the Carenage
  • Reclamation of additional lands to relocate vendors from Market Square and those in front of the Zublin Mall
  • A second jetty to accommodate the docking of additional ships  
  • Mr. Pitt shared the comments/queries made  re the proposals:
    • This infrastructure had to be financed by the Government of Grenada.  (I think that Mr. Van Dyke likes to describe that as public-private partnership.  Recall the Phase 1 partnership(?!) – Debt was incurred in the name of we the people (public debt) to pay Zublin to reclaim land and then Zublin was given a  99 year lease of the reclaimed land)
    • The artist’s impressions showed the second jetty projecting into the channel through which ships passed on the way into the inner harbour.
    • The reef in the vicinity of the Islander Hill will be significantly impacted.
    • How will the proposed project impact on the infrastructure of the town?  What will  be the impact on the existing congestion, housing and accommodation, water and sewage facilities?

 Conclusions/Recommendations of Meeting:

• A simple adjustment to the current policy, permitting  some ships to dock on the Carenage would facilitate the revitalization of businesses on the Carenage.
• Zublin had not delivered on its promises for Phase 1.  Could it be trusted to deliver on its promises for Phase 2?
• The proposals for the revitalization evidently had not gone past the artists’ impression.  It was apparent that the requisite impact assessments, environmental and social, had not yet been done to determine the feasibility of the proposals.
• A casino licence was an asset for the Government of Grenada to negotiate what the government wanted.    The issue of a casino licence SHOULD NOT be dictated by Zublin.

 Whose Interests?:

• Since in the minds of we the people, the Hon. Prime Minister has already put to rest the debate as it relates to casino gambling in Grenada – I will not be part of any Cabinet which conspires against the interest of the people – how is it that Zublin is still conducting “consultations” on this matter? 
• Who has suggested to Mr. Van Dyke that it is okay to ignore Prime Minister Thomas’ pubic declaration on the matter of casino gambling?  Is this good  ole’ democracy or is  some “Gang” at work here?
• Has Prime Minister Thomas already communicated this view/decision to his Cabinet and to Zublin?  If not, why not? 
• Whose interests are our Ministers in office to serve?    On December 9^th, 2009, at a stakeholder meeting held at Marryshow House re the Tri-centennial Celebrations,  the Hon. Joseph Gilbert declared that “The Ministry of Physical Development is on Board with the project.”(i.e. the St. George’s Revitalization Project).   How is it that the Ministry of Physical Development( which is in effect a REGULATOR) could be “on board” without being informed by the requisite impact assessment studies? 
• Hon. Glynis Roberts, Minister of Tourism and Hon. Peter David, Member of Parliament for St. George’s, were also there declaring their great excitement and support for proposals by Zublin.  Were we the people being addressed by a  “Gang of Three”?
• Is there UNDUE political interference in the conduct of the business of the Ministry of Physical Development?
• Since ships are getting bigger, carrying more visitors and  offering more all inclusive packages resulting in more visitors but LESS visitor spending , WHY  should  Grenada  build a second jetty?   Is Grenada in business to serve the interests and profits of cruise line owners and speculators like Zublin or to use its resources in the best interests of its people?

 Has good sense departed?

It is quite surprising  that some of the persons, including some of the Prime Minister’s former “counter-revolutionary comrades”  who are supporting Zublin’s call for a casino licence, are suggesting that  the Hon. Prime Minister is not demonstrating good sense in his opposition to casino gambling.!?  Our Prime Minister understands well the old adage , “prevention is better than cure”.  Haven’t we learned from all of those bitter experiences which promised ‘ “bling and more bling” but in fact has robbed Grenada of its assets and brought our country into debt and disrepute?    How much more must we the people endure?

 From We the People:

• Does the Prime Minister and his Cabinet appreciate that we the people voted for CHANGE?  We voted for a government that promised to restore integrity and hope.
• Does the Prime Minister and his Cabinet understand that if we the people wished to pursue the path of development that was being pursued by the New National Party we would have voted the New National Party back into office? 
• Does the Prime Minister and his Cabinet appreciate that pursuing the SAME path (as the NNP) which got us into the economic and financial mess that we now face will not take us out of the crisis?  We the people request that our leaders don their thinking caps and hearing aids and engage their CONSTITUENTS for a change rather than foreign speculators.
• Does the Prime Minister and the members of his Cabinet appreciate that in a Westminister system, the Prime Minister is “first among equals”, i.e. THE PRIME MINISTER IS BOSS and that as “captain”,  he has a particular responsibility for steering the ship of state?
• The Hon Prime Minister has publicly stated his opposition to casino gambling as a strategy to economic development,  “ I will not be part of a Cabinet which conspires against the best interests of the people!”    If the Prime Minister says NO, we the people damn well expect it to be NO!!

 NO TO CASINO GAMBLING!

GRENADA DESERVES BETTER!!

WE STANDING UP FOR GRENADA!!!

Human Rights ‘Awards’ and ‘Appreciation’ ceremony for outstanding Grenadians on March 13th

Thursday, February 25th, 2010 | Cams | Comments Off

Milton J Coy

22^nd February – The Grenada Human Rights Organization Inc is celebrating ten years of human rights activism here in Grenada and the Caribbean with a Human Rights Award ceremony and Concert at the Grenada Boy’s Secondary School (GBSS) on Saturday March 13^th 2010.

The Awards ceremony will feature recognition of outstanding Grenadians who have contributed to human rights education in Grenada during the past ten years. Awardees include Attorney at Law Anslem Clouden and cultural icon and artiste Elwyn ‘Black Wizard’ McQuilkin. Certificate of Appreciation will be presented to human rights and social activists Dr. Winston Thomas, Mrs. Alva Lawrance, Mr. Desmond Andrew, Ms. Violet Bishop and Mr. Milton Coy – President of the organization. Recognition will also be given to the schools and institutions involved with the Student with the Right Attitude (SRA) program.

The Grenada Human Rights Organization Inc was commissioned on December 10th 1999 during a ceremony at Norton’s Hall, Church Street, St. George’s. In what was described as a very ‘impressive’ observance of International Human Rights Day – IHRD – 10th December 1999, president of the St. Vincent & the Grenadines Human Rights Association (SVG-HRA) – Mr. Victor Cuffy gave the CHARGE’ to the emerging leadership of the local human right body as they accepted the human rights mandate – to educate, promote and protect the ‘rights of the vulnerable people’ here in Grenada and the wider Caribbean.

The following ten years – today, GHRO Inc has gone through much trials and challenges in fulfilling its mandate to promote and protect the rights of the vulnerable members of society and to educate citizens about their constitutional, human and inalienable rights.

GHRO Inc is represented on the Grenada National Coalition for the Rights of the Child (GNCRC) and the Civil Society Organization (CSO); GHRO Inc has worked in partnership with the National Aids Directorate (NAD), the Grenada Bar Association (GBA), and the Grenada National Council for the Disabled (GNCD), Amnesty International – Grenada & the Caribbean and the Caribbean Human Rights Network (CHRN). Additionally, in association with the Switzerland based Centre for Housing and Eviction, GHRO Inc organized and coordinated a regional seminar on ‘Housing’ rights here in Grenada in 2002.

GHRO Inc in association with the Grenada Solid Waste Management Authority (GSWMA) organized community clean-up campaigns in the Mt. Pandy community and erected a billboard reminding residents and visitors to keep the beach clean – leave only foot prints. Community education programs were also held at Mt. Pandy.

GHRO Inc has systematically worked with secondary schools with its SRA programs in various secondary schools and other institutions – they include Bishop’s College in Carriacou, Westerhall Secondary school, the Happy Hill Secondary School, the Grenada Boys Secondary School and the St. Patrick’s Multi Purpose Centre in St. Patrick’s (now a TAMCC campus) and the New Life Organization (NEWLO) in Palmiste St. John’s.

The organization has also conducted workshops, public lectures and community sessions on human rights issues with adults and young adults. A workshop was conducted for thirty-five (35) students from the Westerhall Secondary School, the St. David’s Catholic Secondary School and students from the NEWLO Centre in Petite Bacaye on “Fighting the HIV/AIDS Stigma & Discrimination with a Human Rights attitude at the Canal, St. David’s as part of its advocacy and education program.

The human rights body has provided human rights counseling to a number of Grenadians whose human rights were violated in areas of health care, victimization and cruel and inhumane treatment or punishment. The organization continues to call for closure to the Keron ‘Zootie’ Bethel and Arnaldo ‘Ziggy’ Richardson court cases. GHRO Inc has also consistently called for improved conditions for inmates at Her Majesty’s Richmond Hill Prisons. Through its public education and advocacy programs a number of media related programs were held – a newspaper column, “GHRO Corner” in the Grenada Informer newspaper and “Know your Rights” on Spice Capital Radio.

GHRO Inc continues to call for the attitude of respect for individual rights and an end to excessive brutality of innocent Grenadians by members of the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF). The organization condemns all forms of abuse – domestic violence, child and elder abuse, and the open discrimination of persons living with disabilities and HIV AIDS. GHRO Inc is also concerned about the high levels of poverty that exist, the increase in violence – in the homes, schools and communities; and the general break down of law and order within society.

GHRO Inc makes a special appeal to the youth for discipline and tolerance and the government to honor its international and regional obligations in respect to protecting the ‘rights’ of the vulnerable members of the population. Government need to adhere to obligations such as rights to housing, work, to be free from fear, education, social justice and equality of persons before the law.

GHRO Inc welcomes the recent appointment of an Ombudsman – Mr. Agar Alexander, after years of calling for adherence to the Grenada Constitution. The organization will continue to call for the implementation of the recommendations following the truth and reconciliation committee and for human rights education be introduced into the schools system. The organization believes that the Grenada Constitution should be taught in secondary schools and other institutions of learning and that civics should be taught and promoted within groups and organizations within society – including schools.

GHRO Inc is also a partner with the London-based Global Initiative to end all forms of corporal punishment, the Geneva based International Criminal Court’s (ICC) education process, the Inter American Human Rights Commission of the Organization of American States (OAS) and the United Nations Human Rights organizations.

The organization will increase its visibility within the Grenadian society and pursue its human rights education and awareness campaigns.

Be cautious… stay on track… avoid public attack…

Thursday, February 25th, 2010 | Cams | Comments Off

St. George’s, February 23, 2010 – The government of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is shooting itself in the foot by allowing party “advisors’’ to cause it to deviate from its inclusiveness and by the ongoing public attacks on Peter David, says trade unionist Chester Humphrey.

“If the government becomes less and less inclusive it won’t survive,’’ Mr. Humphrey warned Monday night during a live television interview on GBN’s “Beyond The Headlines.’’

Host Lew Smith solicited Mr. Humphrey’s views on two recent reports in The New Today, alleging that there is a “Gang of Four’’ cabinet ministers “bent on destabilising the government’’ of Prime Minister Hon. Tillman Thomas.

The newspaper said the information on the “Gang of Four’’ or “Four Musketeers’’ was received from “someone with close ties’’ to the NDC.

Mr. Humphrey, the Labour Representative in the Senate, called the reports not only “an attempt to divide the government’’ and to “sow confusion,’’ but also an attack on persons perceived to be “progressive,’’ particularly Foreign Minister and NDC General Secretary, Hon. Peter David.

“Both articles actually focus on Peter David. Let’s be clear on that,’’ Senator Humphrey said. “When you read the articles there could be no doubt at all that central to the Gang of Four, the Four Musketeers – whichever name they use – is the focus on Peter David.’’

The Senator said the attacks are coming from political mischief-makers, who are the “same group who left and abandoned the NDC after the 1999 general election’’ in which the party failed to win a single seat.

The veteran labour leader, who is President General of the Technical and Allied Workers Union, claimed that the focused attack on Mr. David is nothing new. It came from the New National Party (NNP) while it was in government and also from some who were on the NDC side during the 2008 general election campaign, charged Senator Humphrey.

“Even in the run up to the elections,’’ the Senator said, “there were those who were what I describe as the loose anti-NNP movement who also had issues with Peter David, an individual who is exceedingly popular. He has a way with ordinary working people. Ordinary working people are attracted to him.’’

Mr. Humphrey pointed out that the NDC never won a general election prior to 2008, and said Minister David’s contribution to the party should not be devalued.

“The fact of the matter is that in 2003 the NDC fell short of office by six votes, and then they won the election subsequently,’’ he said. “On each occasion, Peter David was General Secretary of the party and he played a definite role there.’’

What defeated Dr. Keith Mitchell’s NNP regime in 2008 was a “coalition of forces, of which the progressive forces played a significant role,’’ Senator Humphrey added.

The NDC strength is that the party is led Mr. Thomas, who is accommodating and “very deeply democratic in outlook,’’ he argued.

“I think there are forces outside of government who, for whatever reason, are uncomfortable with that kind of approach of accommodation,’’ the Senator said. “Prime Minister Thomas is the best thing for Grenada now and in the foreseeable future because he practices inclusiveness.’’

Mr. Humphrey lamented the “disintegration’’ of the NDC as a functioning party, and the inability of government to properly communicate its messages and successes.

“The issues confronting Grenada today has absolutely nothing to do with ideology,’’ Senator Humphrey said. “All in all the government has done a significant amount of work but it has failed to promote that work and to explain the difficulties it has encountered. The government is not speaking the language sufficiently of working people and not communicating effectively.’’

FINANCE MINISTER SAYS THERE IS NO “GANG OF FOUR’’

Wednesday, February 24th, 2010 | Cams commentary | Comments Off

St. George’s, Grenada, February 21, 2010 – Grenada’s Finance Minister and deputy leader of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) has dismissed newspaper reports suggesting that the government is seriously divided.

Hon. Nazim Burke said it’s normal for organisations – including governments – to have “differences of opinions on several issues,’’ but he refused to “exaggerate the problem or make it any more than it is.’’

Sowing the seeds of “discord and division,’’ he said, is not helpful to the NDC, the government or the country.

“What we need really at a time like this is a united government,’’ he said. “Nothing that we say that divides the country can help us at this time.’’

Mr. Burke made the remarks when asked to comment on allegations in the February 19 edition The New Today newspaper that “there are elements in the cabinet who are bent on destabilising the government for their own selfish gains.’’

The allegations were contained in a lengthy commentary published on the newspaper’s letters’ page. The so-called “elements in the cabinet’’ were described by the writer as the “Gang of Four.’’

In its editorial, The New Today said it received the letter from “someone with close ties to the ruling National Democratic Congress government of Prime Minister, Tillman Thomas.’’

However, Mr. Burke said he does not think there is anything like a “Gang of Four’’ in the cabinet.

“I do not subscribe to the Gang of Four theory. I would not like to refer to any members of the cabinet as a gang,’’ The Finance Minister said Sunday during an interview with local broadcaster George Grant.

He added that “if what is being suggested is that you have people within the cabinet who do not always agree on all issues, then that is true. That happens in every organisation.’’

The Finance Minister believes that all current government ministers want to remain in cabinet.

“I don’t think that what we are facing is a situation where members do not want to serve under Prime Minister Thomas. That is not my sense,’’ he said.

While there will be disagreements, said Mr. Burke, “how we deal with those disagreements really ultimately comes to the maturity of cabinet members themselves and the leadership of the Prime Minister.’’

Mr. Burke expressed surprise when asked about rumours that some cabinet members were deliberately “blocking’’ attempts to lay charges and prosecute former members of the New National Party administration on allegations of corruption.

“I have never heard it alleged that there is anybody in the cabinet who does not want prosecution,’’ said Mr. Burke. “I don’t think there will be anybody in the cabinet who can stop prosecution if there is going to be prosecution. I don’t have any reason to think that there is anybody in the cabinet who is opposed to prosecution.’’

The Finance Minister said various investigations are ongoing and, in one instance, the probe is “well-advanced.’’

He said investigations require time and urged “patience’’ from the Grenadian public.

“We are working with a forensic accountant who has gathered a significant amount information for us,’’ Mr. Burke revealed. “The police are involved, the DPP is involved, the Financial Intelligence Unit is involved. Investigations are ongoing, I can assure. I’m asking you to take my word.’’

NDC’s problem with itself?

Wednesday, February 24th, 2010 | Cams | Comments Off

Political Analysis
by Hamlet Mark

MAYBE the government of the National Democratic Congress can have George Worme write a book on ‘Political Suicide 101’ because at a time of the toughest economic challenges, we’re being led down a street where we are majoring in minors.
What’s unfolding in Grenada – as evident by a newspaper’s letter and then an editorial to boot — is a short-sighted attempt to divide and rule the government of Prime Minister Tillman Thomas.
And the Prime Minister is inadvertently allowing the divide-and-rule to succeed, by his inaction in failing to defend his own government. He is allowing forces outside of his government – some whom he trusts too much and lets them wield too much influence — to effectively destabilize the administration.
The Prime Minister must speak up now against this external attack on his government – or forever hold the “pieces” of that government.
The NDC must sit down urgently and decide what it wants for itself.
If it is to become a one-term government, it is doing a brilliant job at it – and does not need any further advice.
If it is to satisfy the egos of a few hangers-on – so far, so good.
But if, as many hoped, it is to fundamentally affect the lives of Grenadians for the better, there is need of an urgent strategic reboot, and a more creative and vibrant approach to governance.
For while this phony, manufactured debate is going on in the St George’s media – when I get to Munich the debate and concerns are fundamentally different.
My saintly mother asks how come the miserly “pension” she got under NNP is stopped.
The boys on the Invaders Cricket team ask me how come the hope they voted for two years ago is gone.
Strangely to them, I don’t have an answer. And as far as they are concerned, I am supposed to know.
Maybe the real truth of the matter is not that I don’t have an answer; I have fought mightily not to think this through too hard. It’s my own way to escape this nightmare that’s unfolding.
Whatever my views though, we all have to be careful not to wallow in the politics of personal mischief that is very much at play now.
There are some myths that must be dispelled from the get-go.
The idea that there is some move to remove PM Thomas – something no MP has suggested nor strangely enough perpetuated by the opposition; its perpetuated by so-called friends and advisers to the Grenada cabinet. The idea they are pushing is not only a simplistic way of looking at the local politics, but at it’s core a bunch of hogwash.
No MP has suggested that any way.
But more fundamentally, under the NDC’s own rules, Prime Minister Tillman Thomas cannot be challenged while he remains in power and as Prime Minister. The only way he can be removed is if he is convicted in a court or decides to resign.
The other line that there are factions or gangs in the NDC is also a myth. Factions suggest a level of organization and mobilization. I don’t give this party that credit for being this organized to even have factions.
For all practical purposes, the party has been abandoned since July 8, 2008 – the day the NDC won the last general election.
It’s not just dysfunctional – it’s practically non-existent.
And the new executive that was voted into office in March last year – the political leader, the deputy political leader, the general secretary, the PRO – and all the other officers – all who I call friends – have failed.
There needs to be an uprising from the rank and file – and some obscure person with no other ambition other than to realize the dreams of July 8 – should come forward to lead it.
Maybe — some farmer in Munich or some teacher in La Poterie or some fisherman in Soubise.
At this stage and at this juncture – internal revolt is not such a bad phrase anymore.
For the weakness of the NDC is also its one strength.
It is the only party in Grenada that is democratic enough to withstand that kind of uprising.
NDC’s raging debate is not about power in its simplistic form. It’s about delivery.
There has been progress, but maybe not enough. And if this government was to level with people better, maybe even that too could be understandable, given the cards they have been dealt with coming in.
Another myth that is being put out there is that some members of cabinet are blocking any action against Keith Mitchell and his cronies for alleged corruption.
This is being propagated unfortunately by advisers to ministers (and I suspect with the tacit approval of their bosses); stated clearly in public by a top member of the party at a meeting with housing officers; by executive secretaries and former campaign organizers.
People who have fought against the politics of Mitchell are no doubt eager for some of the accusations to stick.
As far as I understand these things, it is the office of the DPP – which I am told has been working vigorously to see if it can collect enough evidence on a number of fronts – and to some extent the office of the Attorney General to advance on those things.
Thankfully, the work of at the office of the DPP continues independently with no interference from the political directorate.
Nothing has happened through the AG’s office though, since Jimmy Bristol was asked to resign.
In that one stroke when Bristol was sent packing – the NDC cut its nose and spoilt its face when it came to hounding Keith Mitchell.
Let the truth be told that Bristol was working aggressively on a number of fronts, even traveled to the USA in pursuit of evidence – and there was no one Mitchell feared more in this process.
All that work has effectively stopped since he left.
And this has happened not because anyone sat anywhere and said don’t bother. It is just unfortunately another manifestation of a dysfunctional system where things are not followed through on.
To suggest any cabinet official has sought to frustrate the process is at best disingenuous and at worse deliberately spiteful and wicked.
Those card-carrying NDC members and appointed cabinet officials who are publicly perpetuating that non-sense are cheap political hangers-on and high paid political mischief-makers who must be called out on it.
For NDC to save itself, it needs to go back basics – and to its base.
It needs to stop being fundamentally ungrateful to the farmer lady in Birchgrove who struggled through the years; to the youth worker in Grenville; to the young mother in LaBorie who did everything the campaign asked of her; to the rasta man in Mama Cannes who used to roam the night putting up posters; to the shopkeeper in Hermitage who paid campaign bills from his own pocket; to the calypsonian in Chantimelle who wrote protest songs; to the police officer in Central who squealed on the excesses of the last 15 years, and to the pensioner in that old campaign commercial.
These people have one thing in common – they have been forgotten.
Instead, they have been replaced by a ‘Gang of Four’ – not inside the cabinet – but outside of the cabinet.
This ‘gang’ are not members of the party (in fact they refuse to join); not cabinet officials (well actually the second cabinet as Bristol once alluded to).
Their mission is some phony ideological war that is as 70s as is bell-bottom pants and Afros.
They have orchestrated a smear campaign against targeted members of cabinet, and they are seeking to push Prime Minister Thomas to do a bunch of madness – which thankfully to his credit, he has resisted until now.
But they have successfully influenced the party to turn on itself – and hasten the day when it will allow itself to be voted out of office.
Somebody please cry help – because the madmen are now running the asylum.

SPOTLIGHT ON PETER DE SAVIOUR AND PORT LOUIS

Wednesday, February 24th, 2010 | Cams commentary | Comments Off

By Sandra C.A. Ferguson

Citizens in Defence of Grenada’s Lands and Heritage

Peter De Saviour was in town last week DONATING(?!) land for the Belmont/Springs community centre.  Some of we the people might remember that back in 2007 after throwing a fete for the “fellas”, they were traumatized when PDS’ bulldozers move in and demolished the old  building that served as community centre and pan house.  The Grenada Informer, issue of Friday, February 5^th, 2010 carried the story on page 3 – Savvy Grenada Donates Land to Belmont/Springs Community.  According to the story, Member of Parliament for the area, Hon. Roberts thanked Peter De Savary, chairman of Savvy Grenada for his CONTRIBUTION(?!).

I am puzzled as to why all and sundry seem to think that Peter De Saviour is doing the community a great favour.  To the best of my knowledge, every organization and individual whose lands were appropriated by the Port Louis project was paid handsomely.  Why should the people of Belmont/Springs be any different?  Of course the nature of the facility and the fact that it is “common property” makes it a little different.  But that is the role of any  Parliamentary representative – to represent the interests of his/her constituents.

Port Louis Development:

With PDS back in the news, on this Independence week-end, it is as good a time as any to reflect on PDS’ Port Louis development.  The Port Louis development involves the people’s property – Islander Hill and Pandy beach, Ballast Ground, the Lagoon and Lagoon Park.  It was sometime in October 2006 that the  NNP administration of Dr. Keith Mitchell announced the EC$1.6 billion Port Louis project to be undertaken by Peter De Savary, an English millionaire(?), to replace the apparently aborted Port George Development of Poole Capital S.A.  Minister of Finance, Anthony Boatswain, appeared to be ecstatic when he made the announcement in the 2007 Budget Speech.  He told the nation that Grenada was now being referred to as a “millionaires’ playground”.  In his Budget Speech 2007, he advised we the people that the Port Louis project would involve the construction of a world class marina in the Lagoon Road area, a modern five star hotel and night life facilities.

Minister Boatswain added, “That is why I am confident that the investors behind the Port Louis Project, the Four Seasons project and the Levera Project will deliver, because they have been tested internationally and have not been found wanting”.

As usual, we the people were “in the dark”. But PDS loved press conferences. And it was at one of these that he announced his plans to relocate the Pandy road leading to the beach  because it was in the middle of HIS project.  We the people sat up and took notice!!! And started asking questions!!!

• Since when does a private individual, a foreign investor at that, decide to relocate a PUBLIC road?
• How could the road be passing through the middle of HIS property when persons  who lived south of the road had freehold title to their property and the property had been in their families for generations?
• Had the Government of Grenada conveyed private lands to Peter De Savary without consultation with these individual owners?
• Was it true that the Ballast Ground, Lagoon and Island Hill properties been conveyed to Peter De Savary for EC$1.00?
• Was it true that Peter De Savary now owned the Lagoon Park and planned to erect a fence and build cottages on the Lagoon?
• Was it true that Peter De Savary now owned the water rights to the Lagoon for 99 years?  What would happen to traditional users and local boat owners?
• Was there an Environmental Impact Assessment?  Would there be a public consultation on the EIA?
• What about the relocation of persons who lived in the Islander Hill/Mt. Pandy beach area?
• What about persons who had freehold title to certain properties in this area?
• Was it true that fiscal incentives that was granted to Peter De Savary and SUBSEQUENT BUYERS for 20 years?  How much revenue was Grenada giving up?

During the year 2007, without any satisfactory answers to these queries by our Ministers of Government and/or the  regulatory authority, the Physical Planning and Development Authority, the Port Louis project:

• Dislocated /displaced the persons living in the Islander Hill and Pandy beach areas.

  They were relocated in poorly built shacks on the La Sagesse and Beausejour hills and in the Mt. Delice interior without any proper access roads or utilities.  When the plight of these persons were brought to the attention of the nation, Port Louis circulated an e-mail of November 6th, 2007 addressed to the then Hon. Brenda Hood clarifying that USD$1.325 had been spent on the relocation of “the squatters”.  According to the e-mail,   “ Port Louis had contributed an initial $425,000.00 USD.   Government had contributed USD$400,000.00 from funds paid to them by Port Louis and Port Louis had subsequently contributed a further USD$500,000.00.   To that date (November 7^th, 2007), the various installed payments totaled USD$1,325,000.00.

• Undertook the dredging and reclamation of lands in the Ballast Ground area
• Excavated the Islander Hill and undertook dredging and reclamation in the area of excavation.
  In respect of reclamation, we the people are still unclear as to
  (i)      whether the rights for reclamation were given and how these rights were conveyed
  (ii)     how much did Port Louis pay for these rights
  (ii)     was an EIA undertaken ?  What did the EIA have to say about:
  • the reclamation increasing the vulnerability of the Carenage to flooding?
  • The destruction of the sand bank which protected the Lagoon area and was also a breeding ground for various fish species. conch and lobsters?
  • The impact of reclamation on the channel used by ships coming into the commercial port?
• Undertook the removal of wrecks and other debris particularly in the vicinity of Ross Combined workshop which sold and recycled scrap metal
• Bought the property of a number of the existing property holders – e.g. Ross Combined Workshop
• Constructed a jetty and the Victory Bar and village

Sale of Port Louis Marina to Camper and Nicholson:

Then in December 2007, we the people understood that the Peter De Savary had sold the Port Louis marina to Camper and Nicholson Marina Investments for USD24 million.

A conveyance by which Port Louis conveyed hereditaments to Camper and Nicholson Grenada Limited is recorded in the Deeds and Lands Registry, 1233/2008, on March 7^th, 2008, Liber 9-2008, page 706.  What is very interesting and confusing is that the consideration recorded on that conveyance was US$2.15  million!

In November 2008, Camper and Nicholson announced a loan of USD 25 million from the international Bank of Nova Scotia to complete the development of the Port Louis marina which would offer 390 berths, 73 of which would be for superyachts.

Agreement with Park Town:

In May 2008, in the throes of an election frenzy, we the people understood that Peter De Saviour had agreed an investment development plan with Park Town PLC of London, England to develop up to 90 luxury villas and apartments, each between 4,000 and 6,000 square feet, overlooking the Port Louis Village and the Camper and Nicholson yacht marina.  Port Louis visitors and residents would also benefit from luxury hotel services, signature bars and restaurants, an associated golf course as well as an FBO facility at the Point Salines International Airport. It was around that time that we the people heard allegations that the former car park at the Point Salines international airport had passed to the control of Peter De Saviour.  up to now, we still do not know what are the arrangements made with  De Saviour.

It was also announced that Nikki Beach, the internationally renowned hotelier and restaurateur, in partnership with the Peter De Savary group, also planned to construct a 6-star resort/ hotel/club with up to 180 rooms and suites within Port Louis.

Willing to Invest More:

Since his May 2008 announcements of agreements with Park Town and Nikki, we the people do not recall many other public statements from Peter De Saviour till his Willing to Invest More front page story in the Grenada Advocate of August 28^th, 2009.  According to the story, PDS said he was prepared to take more risk and pump more of his money into the struggling local economy .  However, for that to happen, i.e. for him to pump more money into the local economy, “ a team approach  must be initiated through stakeholders like Government, the private sector and the foreign investors.”.

According to the story, Peter De Saviour noted, that “we are lucky with our projects unlike many other companies and developers and investors.  We don’t have any debt, so we don’t owe  bank any money.  We use our own money”, he said.

Notwithstanding these grand declarations, except for the continuing land degradation on the Islander Hill side so that it now looks like an eyesore and tinder box in these dry conditions, we the people have not seen any progress which suggests hotel development. Of course, we are also wondering where is the physical space to accommodate all of those buildings and infrastructure?

Instead of the promised construction, we the people have noted the following advertisements for Grenada’s real estate, clear evidence that Grenada has been accommodating real estate speculators.   Perhaps, these advertisements might shed light on why the economy is struggling, whether Peter De Saviour can pump money into the economy and why De Saviour can offer to pump more money into the economy.

Nu Wire Investor Advertisement:
1.    Caribbean Super Yacht Marina/Residential/Village Investment Opportunity – February 2009:

A posting of February 8^th, 2009 on the website of Nu Wire Investor is quite instructive ( reference – Caribbean Super Yacht Marina/Residential/Village Investment Opportunity – http://www.nuwireinvestor.com/opportunities/caribbean-super-yacht-marinaresidentialvillage-investment-opportunity-52545.aspx ).    It is advertising “a private opportunity to invest with Mr.  Peter de Savary & Camper & Nicholsons  (since 1783) in a marina, residential & resort project in Grenada, the “Last Best Place” in the Caribbean!”

This advertisement provides the following information:

• Bottom line price would be US$15m for both the beach and hill sites;
• Available to interested investors is the initial investment document that outlines the intention and requirements of the fund that is being established to develop the entire Port Louis, Grenada complex.
• The Port Louis project is a truly unique and diverse project built around one of the best natural harbors in the world, offering :
  • over 1.1m sq.ft. of development,
  • a spectacular Nikki Beach Hotel,
  • a comprehensive shopping and retail area in the style of St. Tropez and
  • a beautiful gated residential area built on a headland separating the Caribbean’s largest marina and the ocean (Camper & Nicholsons, since 1782,  is developing the 400 slip mega/superyacht marina).
• A full and detailed independent report from C.B. Richard Ellis (CBRE) for Port Louis places a value on the land in excess of USD $140,000,000, with a Gross Sell-Out Value of US$865,000,000.

• The CBRE report projects a profit of USD$350m for an investment total of just USD$50m

From this advertisement, it would not seem that De Saviour is planning to pump HIS money into the economy.  And it could also tell us how OUR property ( conveyed for EC$1.00)  is making the pockets of Peter De Saviour “heavy”!!

Other Advertisements:

Recall that besides the Port Louis development, four other properties came into the control of Peter De Saviour around the same time.  The Nu Wire also carried the following advertisements which were posted in October 2009:

• Luxury villa, Mt. Cinnamon, Pt. Louis Grenada – described as part of the overall Port Louis Development w/marina, beach and CASINO, Grenada. The asking price is USD$550,000

  Did Peter De Saviour obtain a licence to establish and operate a casino as part of the Port Louis development?  Since when was Mt. Cinnamon, part of the overall Port Louis Development?  I do not recall this association being stated anywhere in Savvy’s Grenada Life brochure.

• Mt.Edgecombe Plantation, Grenada Price: USD$687,500 – fractional Co-Ownership – Only 4 Shares – Ideal for Mega Yacht Owners
• Azurra Castle – Offered at USD$675,000. per deeded co-ownership share (4 shares only) or USD$2,750,000; fractional Co-Ownership Coastal West Indies Estate or Whole Ownership

How does Grenada benefit?  HOW HAS GRENADA BENEFITTED TO DATE?

Vanderbilt Hall, Newport, USA:

It would seem that Peter De Saviour’s pockets are once again heavy. The website of the Barnacle carried a press release of November 25^th, 2009 – on the purchase of Vanderbilt Hall, a luxury mansion hotel, in Newport, Rhode Island by Peter De Savary’s Vanderbilt Hall LLC. According to Newport  Now , www.newport- now.com, Peter De Savary plans to turn his USD $6 million dollar purchase into a private club.  Does this sound familiar?

The website www.meetpie.com carried a story of 8^th February 2010, as follows – Peter de Savary unveils new luxury venues.   According to this story, Peter De Savary has launched two new properties:

• The Cary Arms is a boutique hotel on Babbacombe Beach in Torquay, Devon, U.K
• Vanderbilt Hall, an all-suite hotel in Newport Rhode Island.

The story also advises that “he will also shortly unveil a five-star hotel in Port Louis, Grenada, where he is overseeing a $500m (£319m) residential and leisure development”.

While we wait to see WHAT Peter De Saviour will deliver as he speculates with our property, we the people ought to be reminded of the following:

• that, to the best of our knowledge, Port Louis, OUR PROPERTY was transferred to Peter De Saviour for EC$1.00 (one dollar).

• Peter De Saviour is a SPECULATOR.  To add injury to insult, he obtained an obsence tax exemption package which is applicable to himself and the subsequent purchasers that will purchase property from him  – WHAT DOES THE COUNTRY GET for its property?
• the plight of the persons from Mt. Pandy relocated to shacks on the summit of La Sagesse, Beausejour and in Morne Delice.  Peter De Saviour claimed that USD$1.325 was spent to relocate 70 families.  Was this money actually spent and if so, WHO BENEFITTED?

The question is after three years, what has this “millionaire” speculator DELIVERED to Grenada?  WHO has benefitted?  WHO IS BENEFITTING?

GRENADA DESERVES BETTER!

WE STANDING UP FOR GRENADA!!

Caricom should call on France to repay its debt to Haiti, Rickey Singh

Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010 | Cams | Comments Off

Norman

SENATOR DR. PEMBA BRAVEBOY FROM GRENADA TO VISIT MONTREAL

Tuesday, February 16th, 2010 | Cams | Comments Off

MONTREAL, Canada, February 15, 2010 – Senator Pemba Braveboy of Grenada will address Black law students from across Canada and other local members of the Montreal Black community on February 18th, 2010, at 8:00 PM, as part of Black History Month events and the opening session of the national conference of Black Law Students Association of Canada.

She will address issues of youth and empowerment for racial equality.  The speech will be held at the Moot Court of the McGill Law Faculty, located at Room 100, 3644 Peel Street, New Chancellor Day Hall.

At 30, Senator Dr. Pemba Braveboy, who hails from St. Patrick’s, Grenada, has quite a few major accomplishments under her belt.  She is a medical Doctor with a private practice at Sea Island Medical Clinic in St. George’s, Grenada. Considered a rising star in Grenada and the Caribbean political world, she is also the President of the Democratic Youth Council of her political party (which now forms the Government of Grenada),  Secretary of the Grenada Medical Association and Host of the Youth Radio Programme “Who’s In the Building”

On Friday, February 19, 2010, Senator Braveboy will be the guest of the Mayor of the City of Montreal, Mayor Gérald Tremblay to sign the Golden Book of the City, bringing official greetings from the Prime Minister of Grenada, Hon. Tillman Thomas. 

On Saturday, February 20, 2010 as a Black History Month initiative by the Imani Family and Full Gospel Church, Senior Pastor Reverend Darryl Gray has invited Senator Dr. Braveboy to make a presentation on Diabetes at the “Imani Health Forum and Screening” This will take place at 540 Richmond Street (corner of Notre Dame) at 10:00 a.m.  For more information please call (514) 846-2020.  Everybody’s  welcome!

On Sunday, February 21, 2010, 5:00 p.m. at a reception in her honor, Dr. Braveboy, under the distinguished patronage of Mr. Leonard Wharwood, Honorary Consul for Grenada in Montreal, and the Grenada Association of Montreal will meet with Grenadians living in Montreal and bring greetings from the Prime Minister of Grenada.  She will share with the audience her mandate as Senator and the health care issues affecting their native homeland.  This will take place at the Cote des Neiges Black Community Centre, 6999 Cote Des Neiges Road, 2^nd Floor, Montreal, Qc from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

We are looking forward to welcoming the dynamic, accomplished and energetic Senator Dr. Pemba Braveboy to Montreal for her first visit!!!

For interviews please contact: Fo Nieme at CRAAR (514) 939-3342 or

Gemma Raeburn-Baynes (514) 620-8404 graeburn@yahoo.com