Minister of Communications and Works, Hon. Joseph Gilbert has announced the start of the 2008 road debushing programme.

The programme started this morning (Monday) with teams of workers starting work in various parts of the country. The Minister says unemployed persons who took part in the voluntary debushing programme over the past five weeks will be offered employment at least for the first fortnight.

“The debushing and road maintenance programme under this administration will provide the opportunity for all persons who need a job as part of the programme to get one. Our policy is based on need not on political support. Every Grenadian who is eligible will be able to access the programme,” said Minister Gilbert.

The Minister pointed out that a clear and transparent policy is being developed to contract the work on the nation’s roads. The Works Minister said while some teething problems may surface in the first week of the programme, these are expected to be ironed out to ensure a smooth operation.

“We are trying to ensure that politics is taken out of the contract process,” he said. 

He pointed out that efforts are being made to start an outreach programme where offices will be established in main towns to provide for the registration of persons seeking employment. This, he said, will move the responsibility of hiring persons for the various programmes away from direct political interference such as was the case in the past. 

“These offices will also provide a database of the various qualifications for those seeking employment, so that we can channel persons to their main area of interest,” the Minister said, acknowledging that in some cases qualified young persons turn to the debushing programme as a last resort.

The current programme, viewed by government as an important safety net programme, is expected to cost of over EC $3 million.

“We are very pleased that we were able to start the programme. Its important to the local economy and to the people because it provides a significant source of income to some of the more vulnerable in our society,” the minister said..