CHARGES OF DISCRIMINATION ON FISH MARKET PROJECT

An opposition Senator in Grenada is calling on those responsible for recruiting labour for major projects in the country to include more locals as part of the workforce.

Controversial politician Clarence Rapier is alleging that Grenadian trades men are left out, on national projects under construction. He made the charge during a public meeting of the Grenada United Labour Party (GULP) held in Birch Grove last Sunday. One of the projects identified by Rapier is the Japanese funded Fish Market in the town of Grenville.

The Tokyo government  is pumping some EC $32 million into the project which entails proper storage and ice making facilities. It also involves a road rehabilitation programme resulting in the construction of major bridges at Birch Grove and Balthazar and the strengthening of the small brides at Camblayea in St. Andrew's and Black Forest close to Vendomme.

The new Fish Market Project is not without controversy following demonstrations staged in the town of Grenville last year by students at the St. Andrew's Anglican Primary School. They along with their teachers complained about the loud noises  from the heavy duty equipment used for escavation of the site and the dust it has been generating in the process.

Another sore issue was the concern raised by officials of the St. Andrew's Development Organisation (SADO) and members of the Anglican Church Movement. Some members of the Church have said that they were not informed about any plans by government officials to acquire the lands belonging to the Church for the project.

Over three acres of land was reclaimed on the Grenville sea coast which borders the school for the first phase of the project. Senator Rapier  told the gathering that persons who are not supportive of the ruling New National Party (NNP) administration of Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell are not given jobs on major projects in the country. He said that in order to find a job on any project an individual must show that they are the holder of an NNP party card. 

"The longest day has an end.  The longest prayer has an Amen . Tell him (Dr. Mitchell) to call the election" Rapier challenged. According to the Senator, the work force on the project comprised Vincentian and St. Lucian nationals, while locals are told to wait.

"When this labour party forms the next government, all what these foreigners and them will come here and do, is to enjoy the scenery" the outspoken Rapier noted. He promised that a GULP government will ensure that jobs in the country be given first to locals, before any one else.