JAN 31

The wear of words continue unabated between Parliamentary Representative for the South St. George constituency, Glynis Roberts and the current Health Minister Senator Ann-David Antoine over the proposed site for the new Grensave Day Care Center in Grand Anse, St. George's.

Roberts contested the South St. George seat for the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the November 27 general election and convincingly defeated David-Antoine who ran on a ticket of the ruling New National Party (NNP) administration.

Following the poll, Antoine was made Health Minister by Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell. She has since filed a Petition in the High Court challenging the decision of the Parliamentary Electoral Office to name Roberts as winner of the seat on grounds of voter irregularities.

On January 12, Roberts wrote Antoine expressing concern about reports being circulated in the constituency that the GRENSAVE Day Care Center will be moved into the building which once housed the Grand Anse Medical Station.

The building was last year declared "unfit and unsafe" by the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for the delivery of medical care and attention to residents in the area. Sources told GRENADA TODAY that the Health Minister was not happy with the tone of Roberts' letter and the fact that it was leaked to the local media.

Antoine is said to have sent a letter of her own to Roberts alluding to her career with children over the years. "Your expressed concern for the citizens of South St. George and Grenada is admirable", said Antoine in the letter obtained by this newspaper.

"As you are well aware my track record of work with children and families in Grenada is an open book and goes back to 1997 when I started teaching at St. Joseph's Convent, St. George's. Therefore it is surprising that you will even think that I will do anything not in their best interest", she added.

The source said that Roberts is not happy with the tone of the Minister's response since she was raising a genuine concern on an important matter.

He indicated that the M.P did not suggest in her letter to Antoine that she felt that the lady minister will do anything to endanger the lives of children and families in the country.
There are reports that Roberts has despatched a second letter to Minister Antoine asking for "an extensive update" on the repair work to be carried out on the controversial building to house the children.

Roberts is said to be planning to use the information provided to allay the fears and concerns of persons in the constituency on the safety of the building.