THE 100 DAYS ALERT
THE 100 DAYS ALERT
Sister
and brothers of Grenada, Thursday May 30th, 2013, marks 100 days since the New
National Party (NNP) took over the reins of Government in our country on
February 19th 2013. They did so amidst an atmosphere of hope and optimism among
large sections of our population. That atmosphere of hope and optimism found
its roots in the campaign promises of the NNP.
During
the campaign, Grenadians were told that the real problem facing our country was
mismanagement of the economy by the NDC administration.
The
NNP Political Leader and now Prime Minister Mitchell told the nation that our
present economic circumstances had nothing to do with the global economic
crisis. The NDC government was incompetent, not doing anything and just didn't
care.
The NNP promised the Grenadian people that a vote for the NNP would put an end to what they referred to as "
the dark days of economic mismanagement, inertia, joblessness, no
investments, lack of transparency and accountability, an end to uncaring government and a "jobs for boys" culture.
As the elections approached the NNP Leader
promised Grenadians that once elected he would fix the problems:
Ø He had a plan to
rescue Grenada-NNP TO THE RESCUE;
Ø The top priority
of his Government was the building of "the new economy";
Ø This new economy
would provide jobs for those who wish to work; JOBS, JOBS AND MORE JOBS;
Ø His Government
would provide at least 1000 jobs in the first 100 days in office;
Ø The new economy
would provide business opportunities for those who choose to invest; INVESTORS ARE ALL LINED UP WAITING TO COME
Ø The new economy
would provide opportunity for wealth creation and prosperity for those who are
prepared to sacrifice and play by the rules.
Ø In the new
economy, we would give the young people what they want.
Ø Each young
person would be given a tablet (computer)
WE
WILL DELIVER!!!!!
The
NNP got the majority of the Grenadian electorate to buy what they were selling.
·
In
our first public appearance following the general elections, we of the NDC
pointed out that in our view, NNP had sold Grenadians a fairy tale during the election
campaign and now elected, they would be trying as hard as they could to dance
out of the fairy tale promises.
·
Within
a matter of weeks of winning the elections the NNP Leadership began to change their tune
·
Before
the Election they were saying
“WE
WILL DELIVER”.
Now, they are saying:
Ø BE PATIENT;
Ø IT WILL TAKE
TIME;
Ø WE HAVE TO SHARE
THE BURDEN;
Ø WE ARE LIVING
BEYOND OUR MEANS;
Ø IT REQUIRES
SACRIFICE ON EVERYBODY'S PART;
Ø THE ECONOMY IS
STILL SUFFERING FROM THE RAVAGES OF HURRICANES IVAN AND EMILY;
Ø GRENADA
CONTINUES TO BE VERY NEGATIVELY AFFECTED
BY THE GLOBAL ECONOMIC CRISIS
Ø THE PROBLEMS
THEY ENCOUNTERED UPON ASSUMING OFFICE WERE OF A GREATER MAGNITUDE THAN THEY HAD
EXPECTED
·
At
the same time, in an attempt to keep the public's confidence, they continued
doling out more promises to the nation. Prime
Minister Mitchell promised:
Ø There would be
no witch-hunt of civil servants
Ø Immediate steps
would be taken to cut out waste and reduce expenditure
Ø People who were
working on contract would be allowed to complete their contracts
Ø Priority would
be given to creating jobs and opportunities for the youth
Ø Everyone would
be included in nation building regardless of political affiliation once they had
the competence and were willing to work.
Ø Our democratic
institutions would be protected and respected.
Ø The new
government would work closely with the private sector in nation building.
·
It
is no secret that the first 100 days in office was set up by the NNP as a
watershed by which it would distinguish itself from the NDC- in terms of what
it would do and not do.
·
The
100 days are now upon us. It is therefore an appropriate time for us to take
stock of what has happened since the NNP came into office on February 19, 2013.
·
At
this time Grenadians must ask themselves whether Dr. Keith Mitchell and the NNP
have so far kept their promises to the nation and whether that government can
be taken at its word.
·
We
must ask ourselves:
ü Where are the
1000 jobs that the Prime Minister and the NNP promised to deliver in the first
100 days?
ü What are the
projects that this caring NNP government has brought to Grenada so as to create
jobs for the young people?
ü Where are the
investors that were lined up waiting to come in to invest in new projects once
the NNP won the election?
ü Where is the
plan that the NNP told the nation they had to rescue Grenada
·
We
in the NDC have expressed the view that the NNP gave Grenadians “basket to
carry water” during the election campaign.
·
That
is why we in the NDC say:
DON'T JUST
LISTEN TO WHAT HE SAYS; LOOK AT HE DOES.
·
However,
in the end, it is for Grenadians to judge for themselves. We in the NDC have been
following the developments since February 19th 2013 and the following is what
we have heard and seen in the first 100 days of the NNP in office:
TREATMENT OF
PUBLIC WORKERS
THE WORDS:
"There will be no witch- hunt of
public officers."
THE
DEEDS
·
Within 24 hours of being sworn in
as Prime Minister, it was reported that the PM advised the Commissioner of
Police told "I can't work with you”. The Commissioner was subsequently sent on an undetermined
period of long leave as is still being paid as Commissioner, while another
officer is being paid to act as
Commissioner of Police
·
For no stated reason, the Cabinet Secretary ,
who was appointed under the former administration was sent on administrative leave and replaced by
one of the Permanent Secretaries whom it is felt is less experienced and less
capable to act in the role.
·
The head of the Department of
Immigration who led a program of reform at the department resulting in that Department
been recognized as one of the best run departments in the world was removed
from the Department and given a desk at the fire station.
·
The Officer in Charge of FIU was told by a
junior officer that he had to hand over the keys for the FIU office to him
within 48 hrs of the swearing in of the PM. He has since been shipped to
Carriacou.
·
There has been a continuous shifting around of
established and appointed public officers and the public service is in a state
of uneasiness. In every ministry there
have been staff movement at all levels- SAOs, AOs, SECRETARIES, EXECUTIVE
OFFICERS AND CLERKS. The ministry most affected is Ministry of National
Security, Public Administration and Home Affairs, Disaster Management where the
majority of the staff has been changed.
·
The net result of this is that
more than 80 middle level and senior public officers have been moved in the
last 2 months affecting the operation of almost every ministry.
·
Some Permanent secretaries have
been effectively marginalized and placed in ministries and departments viewed
as lesser in importance because they are believed to be supporting the NDC.
·
Three (3) senior public officers
perceived as NDC supporters have been returned to their substantive posts as
acting Clerk of Parliament and Acting Permanent Secretaries.
·
At the same time, there have been
a number of appointments to the public sector- in the Ministry of Information.
So far, at least 4 appointments have been made, including the high level
appointment of at least two journalists who have done little to disguise their
allegiance to the NNP.
·
In Carriacou, it is reported that letters of dismissal were issued to Vote 340 employees perceived to be NDC
supporters, some of whom had in excess of 5 years service in Government.
·
The constant movement of these
officers has resulted in an unsettled feeling among public servants. Tension is
high and morale is low. This is affecting productivity in the public sector at
a time when every dollar counts.
MOVES TO CUT OUT WASTE AND REDUCE
EXPENDITURE
THE WORDS
"As a country, we have spent more than we can afford on current
operations...The size of government has grown beyond our capacity to sustain.
While in Opposition, time and again, we cautioned against expanding the government
bureaucracy. The new economy requires that Government puts its fiscal house in
order. That process must begin now. With
laser-like focus, I have led a determined effort to cut recurrent expenditure
in the preparation of the budget"......To facilitate economic revival, it
is imperative that government cuts wasteful expenditure. We have commenced this
cutting exercise."
THE DEEDS
·
18 ministers of Government have been appointed- 12
elected MP'S and 6 parliamentary Secretaries who hold ministerial portfolios.
·
There are 2 Cabinet Secretaries.
·
There are 2 Commissioners of Police
·
There are 2 Commissioners of Prisons
·
Despite all the talk about the NDC wasting money on overseas travel,
to date the Ministers have been traveling frequently and on occasions with sizeable
delegations. The PM recently travelled to Necker Island, BVI accompanied by 2
Permanent Secretaries, technical officers and his Press Secretary.
·
Government is currently paying
full salary and allowances to 2 highly paid officers, the Cabinet Secretary and
the Commissioner of Police while they are at home and paying the persons who
occupy the positions.
·
Persons who are sent home before the end of
their contracts have to be paid full salary and allowances to the end of the
contract, in one case the contract had more than 1 year to completion.
·
At least 3 Parliamentary Representatives are
paid full salary and allowances as ministers of Government while they have no
ministries to report to.
·
The number of persons carrying
Blackberry smart phones paid for by government has more than doubled.
·
Despite all the criticism of the NDC, the NNP
administration has found Jobs
for the boys on an unprecedented
scale:
Ø The hiring of Ashley "Ram" Folkes as Commissioner of Prisons,
Ø Winston Gabriel in the Ministry of Works,
Ø Ann David Antoine as Advisor on Health,
Ø Joslyn Whiteman as Ambassador to London,
Ø Claris Charles as Ambassador to Cuba
Ø Former Senator Karl Caton rehired in the police force as an inspector
and placed in charge of the Sauteurs police station.
HANDLING OF CONTRACT WORKERS IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE
THE WORDS
"People would be allowed to complete their
contracts"..We have kept our promise so far of saving the jobs of everyone......We
have repeatedly said that our approach to building this nation is not to
replace one band of workers with another..."
THE DEEDS
·
Aside from persons whose appointments may be viewed
as political, several contract officers who provided important service to the
various ministries have had their contracts abruptly terminated and sent home-
even though this would have to have been done at a cost to Government, in some
cases where the workers had to be pay in lieu of the notice period under the
contract.
·
Among those who were sent home are
Ø Community
Liaison Officer at the BNTF,
Ø Building
Technologist at the BNTF,
Ø Project
Manager- SEED
Ø Program
Manager, Department of Energy
Ø Chief
Technical Officer, Ministry of Works
Ø Director
of ICT
Ø Program
Manager, MAREP
Ø Supervisors
of the Youth Empowerment Program
Ø Outreach
Officers
THE TREATMENT OF THE YOUTH
THE WORDS
Priority will be given to creating jobs and opportunities for the
youths"....The
future of our country is at stake. Our nation is in serious risk of losing a
generation of our young people if we do not act swiftly and decisively.....Our
young people need education, training, scholarships, jobs and opportunity.
Above all, they need hope."
THE DEEDS
·
1,500 youths under the Youth Upliftment
Programme were sent home.
·
Thousands of youths were called up to the
Grenville Bus Terminus after incurring expenses for photograph, photo copies
and transportation only to be told that there were insufficient forms for
registration. They are now been told that they have to call for an interview. The
telephone numbers they were given to call are constantly busy.
·
The PM and the Minister for Youth both pretended
to be surprised that the number of youths who showed up at the bus terminus
exceeded the 2,000 to 2,500 they had provided for, after they increased the age
limit to 38 and at least 4,000 persons showed up.
·
To date, the young people are
still awaiting the promised Laptops which would later be switched to Tablets.
·
There has been rehiring of retired persons
including the Commissioner of Police, the Commissioner of Prisons, the Chief
Technical Officer in the Ministry of Works, and the Advisor on Health, and
ambassadors to London, Venezuela and Cuba. Some of these persons are
reported to be in receipt of as many as 3 monthly pensions. No consideration was given to hiring young,
educated, bright, competent persons who are unemployed and without an income.
And this is done by a government that claims to be committed to providing
opportunities for young talented people to advance themselves. This is
cronyism, plain and simple.
CREATION OF CONSTRUCTION JOBS
THE WORDS
"At least 1,000 construction jobs will be created within the first
100 days in office of the NNP....I am pleased to announce that Government will
deliver on its promise to start the Agriculture Feeder Roads Project Phase II
within 100 days of our assumption of office. This project will commence in May
2013."
THE DEEDS
·
To date, not a single construction job has been
created.
·
Since the swearing in of the
cabinet, first the Minister of Works said within 3 weeks CCC workers would be
seen on the job, then the PM announced that the CCC project will commence in
May. To date no work has begun and there is no sign of any new activity at the Asphalt
plant/ quarry at Mt. Hartman.
·
While a
so called launching ceremony of the
project has taken place, it has been the practice of the NNP over the years to
stage launches to give the impression that work is about to begin only to
discover that nothing happens.
·
All works on community development and housing
projects were halted and directives were given to remove all material on the
sites to some central location. To date there has been no resumption of work
and no official word on the storage and safe keeping of the material.
·
All de-bushing and road repair works have been
halted since the election.
MANAGEMENT OF THE ECONOMY AND ATTRACTING INVESTORS
THE
WORDS
"NDC
can't manage the economy or attract investors. Only NNP can take Gre nada out of its present economic woes".
THE DEEDS
·
Within
the first 6 weeks of taking office the PM and Minister of Finance
announced that Grenada stopped paying
its debts, telling the world that the NNP Government just
couldn’t repay its debt and they
would be seeking debt restructuring.
·
While
he has said nothing about this to the Grenadian people, at a recent cabinet
press briefing held in Trinidad
he indicated to Trinidadians and the rest of the world that Grenada would be going to the IMF for
an IMF program. This will no doubt have
important implications for wages,
taxes, employment and business in Grenada.
·
To date, the unpaid claims in the
treasury, which the Prime Minister reported was $92 million, remains unpaid.
The private sector will look with interest to see how this administration
manages this matter, since they made so much propaganda over it while in
opposition
·
Investors were reported to be
lined up and just waiting on the NNP to assume office. Since the elections,
there have been no signs or reports of any projects coming from these lined-up
investors. Shortly after an overseas trip the Minister of Foreign Affairs and
International Business announced that most of the investments so far are in the
real estate sector. It should be noted that this Government Minister has more
than just a passing interest in the real estate sector! On a radio programme
he announced that the Government will be seeking to attract investors.
when a caller to the programme told him she was a bit confused because the
investors were supposed to be lined up and waiting to come after the elections,
he told her those who were lined up are already here but he is referring to
additional ones they now have to attract. One is left to conclude that these
investors are an invisible group of people.
POLITICAL INCLUSION AND NATIONAL UNITY
THE WORDS
There will be inclusion of all regardless of political
persuasion once you have the competence and you are willing to work........The elections are over. The
task before each of us is to build a nation of which we can all be proud not
just for ourselves, but for our children and grandchildren. As a small nation,
Grenada needs all her sons and daughters in this task of nation building."
THE DEEDS
·
The effective appointment of two members of the
same household- husband and wife- on 5 boards- GRENLEC, NIS, NAWASA, POSTAL
CORP AND HOUSIG AUTHORITY.
·
The appointment of a Director on
the Board of the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) whose family members have financial interests in a
company which owes over $10.0 million to the NIS and is currently in arrears to
the NIS in respect of its debt service obligations.
·
Persons with experience and
training in corporate governance were replaced by inexperienced NNP supporters
as a reward for their loyalty to the party.
·
Appointments to the state boards are being used
as a source of financial reward to NNP supporters.
·
In at least two (2) cases persons -known to be
very close to the NNP- with questionable past experiences with certain state
enterprises- as former board member or employee) were appointed to the boards of the same enterprises.
This, no doubt will affect the morale of the workers in these entities.
·
The termination of the security contracts
of the company responsible for security at the botanical gardens and their
replacement by persons close to the NNP.
·
The termination of employment of
many persons who are believed to be supporters of the NDC.
RESPECT FOR DEMOCRACY AND NATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
THE WORDS
"We have restored the value
and worth of all local institutions not just in words, but in deeds....A
fresh breeze of democracy (sic) is blowing through our dear land."
THE DEEDS
·
To date, over 100 officers ( more
than 10% of the police force) have been
subjected to internal transfers some of which is reported to be the result of
undue pressure been placed on the Police High Command.
·
The failure or refusal to send an
official invitation to the Former Governor General Sir Carlyle Glean to the
swearing in ceremony for the new Governor General in a timely way resulting in
him being called upon publicly in a certain newspaper known to be supportive of
the NNP administration to account for his absence from the swearing in ceremony
for the new Governor General when in fact an official invitation was not even
sent to him. To date there has been no official apology to this statesman.
·
There was the report of the recent
spying incidents at two private meetings of the NDC. This was followed
by the denial by the Police Force of any spying on the NDC. The statement
from the police also included an admission that plain clothes officers were at
the scene of the meetings.
·
The recent rehiring of the candidate for the NNP in the 2008 elections
for the St. Patrick East constituency into
the Police Force and his placement as
Officer in Charge of the police station in the said constituency.
·
A police officer who was reportedly dismissed
for stealing gasoline was rehired in the force.
·
Moves are afoot to reincorporate into the
police service an officer who was removed from the force due to the
demoralizing effect of his presence on other officers who are aware of his
guilty plea and conviction for the crime of forgery
·
There is no full time Permanent Secretary for
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Business. This comes with the
announcement in the budget of the appointment of a Committee headed by the
Attorney General to oversee the sale of Grenadian passports.
·
Effective dismantling of the FIU
WORKING CLOSELY WITH ALL STAKE HOLDERS IN NATION
BUILDING
THE WORDS
"In this period of economic
revival, our mantra ought to be consultation before con frontation."
THE DEEDS
·
No prior discussions with the owners of the
Rivera Hotel, but an announcement was made in the budget that the hotel will be
developed by investors who are ready to commence bringing construction jobs
that were promised. The owners are reported to be taking legal action to
protect their interests in the said property. This may very likely lead to the
state having to pay compensation more than is necessary which is a repeat of
the NNP's way of doing business in a high handed manner.
·
No consultation with the public and in
particular the religious community on the Government granting casino licenses
which was presented in the budget as a final decision made by the Government.
·
Despite all the support which the NNP then in
opposition had given to the unions when WAGE negotiations were taking place
with the NDC administration, now that the NNP has to implement the agreement
for salary increases they are demanding an extension of time to the point where
teachers at an area meeting to discuss the issue walked out in disgust over the
attitude of the Government representatives.
Sisters and brothers, a careful review of the
record of Prime Minister Mitchell and the NNP administration shows clearly,
that they cannot be taken at their word. They have embarked on a massive game
of conmanship, with the intention of deceiving the Grenadian people.
We are in for a very rough ride with this
administration and Grenadians must brace themselves for it. We expect that it
will get worse with no assurance that it will get better under this NNP
administration. It is important that Grenadians unite and hold the Government
accountable for its actions and promises. After all, Grenada belongs to all of
us, including the over 22,000 who voted against the NNP and the thousands who
chose not to register to vote or to vote. Grenada does not belong to the NNP.
It is true that the majority of the Grenadian electorate elected the NNP to
form the Government. However, they are expected to govern the country in the
best interest of all Grenadians- not only those who voted for the NNP.
We must say:
·
NO to Deceit!
·
NO to Victimization!
·
NO to Spite!
·
NO to Vindictiveness!
·
NO to intimidation!
We call on all patriotic and democratically minded
Grenadians to speak up against what is happening before it gets out of hand.
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