FEB 07

Informed sources told GRENADA TODAY that there seems to be some serious bickering between the Foundation and the Department of Culture on the planning and implementation of cultural activities on the island.

Culture Minister Senator Brenda Hood confirmed to reporters at a press conference on Tuesday that Green was on contractual arrangements with the GCF and that when the agreement expired at the end of January it was not renewed by her Ministry.

Hood did not offer any reason for the decision not to renew Green's contract but pointed out that like any institution, the Foundation has its plans and programmes that must be implemented effectively.

She also said that there is need for a closer look to be taken at the relationship existing between GCF and the Department of Culture in order to properly harness the various cultural development in the country.

Hood gave assurances that despite the exodus of Green the foundation will continue to exist. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, Elizabeth Henry-Greenidge who also spoke on the issue brushed asides reports about the foundation having failed in its duties.

She said that when the Foundation came into being it had a mandate but conceded that not all aspects of the mandate were carried out. Greenidge who is also a member of the Board of Directors of the GCF, pointed out that there is a need to re-look the operations of the organisation since it can really co-exist with the Department of Culture like in other countries.

She said that at present an evaluation is being carried out with emphasis on the act establishing the Foundation as well as the staffing situation at the institution.

She announced that very soon advertisements will be placed in the local media for the position of an Executive Director in order to continue the work of the Foundation. The GCF came into being through an Act of Parliament over four years ago by the Keith Mitchell-led New National Party (NNP) government.

It was charged with the responsibility of planning and implementing some of the major cultural events in Grenada.
Since its formation, GCF has been deemed "ineffective" by some organisations in the country due to its failure to plan and successfully stage cultural events.

According to a well-placed source, one of the main reasons for the lack of performance of the foundation was the lacks of a proper organisational structure. He also said that the institution does not have any technical staff and was dependent on the Department of Culture to implement most of its plans and programmes and suggested the need for there to be a clear mandate as it relates to the functions of GCF and the Department of Culture.

Meanwhile, another senior figure whose contract is coimng up for review is Principal of the T.A. Marryshow Community College, Dr. Denis Paul.

He confirmed to GRENADA TODAY that he is currently on six-weeks leave and was not sure whether he would be returning to the job at the expiration of his 3-year contract which ends on March 14. Dr. Paul said that the governing council of TAMCC has not taken any decision as yet on his contract.