St. George’s, September 19, 2012 – A former senior Grenada government public officer says there is fertile ground in the country for a viable alternative to the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the main parliamentary opposition New National Party (NNP).
“If a good team comes up with capable individuals, people will go with that party,’’ said the former ministry of finance official who did not want his name mentioned.
Among the problems with the existing parties, he argued, are their leaders – Dr. Keith Mitchell of the NNP and NDC’s Tillman Thomas, Grenada’s Prime Minister.
“People are suffering from Keith fatigue,’’ said the university-trained professional whose public service tenure spanned the period of the NNP government from 1995 – 2008.
Thomas, who became prime minister in July 2008, “has really disappointed us,’’ he said.
He added that he’ll be willing to be part of a new political entity with people “who have done work in the community,’’ and who can put their heads together and their thoughts and ideas for the betterment of the country.
Among the criticism against the current administration is its inability to stimulate the economy and put more people to work.
The former ministry of finance official claims that there are opportunities for government to “bring money in as quickly as possible.’’
Part of the government’s problem, he charged, is implementation.
“They don’t get things done, and one of the reasons is the lack of competent personnel,’’ he said.
He noted that government has so far failed to utilize a European Union grant of five million Euros for local projects.
The former top public officer has also called for the strengthening of the Public Sector Investment Program in the ministry of finance; greater use of grants available under the Caribbean Development Bank’s Basic Needs Trust Fund; and the immediate identification and implementation of “small capital projects,’’ – such as fixing drains and sidewalks, and renovating public buildings – that can be financed by government.
Grenadians are expected to vote in general election by next year.
Supervisor of Elections, Judy Benoit, has said that there are already 16 registered political parties.
There are rumours that another party, which will include some former NDC government ministers, could be formed ahead of the next national polls.
Meanwhile, reliable sources are reporting that government could face another resignation on Thursday. Reports are that Environment Minister Glynis Roberts will submit her resignation to Governor General, Sir Carlyle Glean.