JAN 03

January 9 is the date set for the opening of the new parliament of Grenada following general elections held on November 27 for a new government to take office.

This was one of the agreements reached at a meeting held December 23 by a delegation involving government and the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) of Tillman Thomas.
Prime Minister Mitchell was accompanied to the talks by Deputy Prime Minister Gregory Bowen, Minister of Communication, Works and Transport, Dr. Clarice Modeste Curwen and Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office responsible for Information Senator Einstein Louison.

The other congress members who attended the "historic" meeting were Parliamentarians Nazim Burke, George Prime and Glynis Roberts.

An official government statement said that Dr. Mitchell told the NDC members that in deepening the process of consultation, which is a priority of the Government of Grenada, one of the major factors is building confidence and trust.

"I have to be very straight with you",the Prime Minister explained, and said he was troubled by the fact that correspondence addressed to him from the Opposition Leader was published in the media before he received the letters.

Informed sources told GRENADA TODAY that the Opposition leader informed the Grenadian leader that the NDC did brief the local media on the issue since it intended to always inform the people on its dealings and operations and had nothing to hide.

Prime Minister Mitchell referred to the request by the Opposition delegation to discuss the appointment of the Speaker of the House of Representatives for when the new Session of Parliament is convened.

He explained that when, outgoing speaker, George McGuire agreed to be appointed Speaker, he had two conditions - one that the Opposition Leader concurred and two, that he would not remain in the post after the end of the last Session of Parliament.

"Based on that condition I had to look elsewhere", Prime Minister Mitchell said, adding that the Government was happy with the performance of McGuire. The hour-long meeting was held in an atmosphere of cordiality and frankness, with agreement on several matters.

It was agreed that:

*Parliament would be convened on Friday, January 9;

*A Joint Committee of the House of Representatives would be established to examine the salaries and allowances for Parliamentarians and Ministers of Government;

*That Government and the Opposition would establish a Joint Committee to consult with the local media regarding live coverage of both Houses of Parliament and access to the media by both Government and the Opposition;

*That the Opposition would liaise with Senator Louison regarding a review of the role of Government Information Service;

*That the Opposition would provide a list of persons recommended to serve on statutory bodies for the consideration of Government;

*That the Opposition would consult with the Government regarding the composition of the Public Accounts Committee;

*That Minister Bowen, Leader of Government Business in the House, would consult with Mr. Burke on issues of common interest.

In discussing Electoral Reform, Prime Minister Mitchell pointed out that he had consistently advised the Electoral Office to move the process forward with respect to continuous registration and the overall voting process.
However, the Prime Minister said he did not want to be seen as interfering.
Dr. Mitchell welcomed the Opposition's concerns and expressed the view that it will now be much easier to push for Electoral Reform with the Government and the Opposition working together.