Grenada Today - June 19th, 2004

The Media Workers Association of Grenada (MWAG) has accepted the resignation of its President Carla Briggs of the weekly Grenada Informer newspaper.

Briggs stepped down from office in the face of moves by members to bring a motion of "no Confidence" in her leadership of the organisation. She was under pressure for remaining silent on a number of burning issues including a threat from government to use the "full force" of the law against anyone who reported on a story alleging bribery against Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell.

The Miami-based Offshore Alert publication broke the news of an alleged US$500, 000 pay-off to Dr. Mitchell by German fraudster Eric Resteiner to land an ambassadorial position. Dr. Mitchell vehemently denied the charge in a national radio and television broadcast and said that he had instructed his lawyers to file libel lawsuits against the publication.

In its response to Briggs, MWAG told the former President that it was annoyed with her over a meeting held with Prime Minister Mitchell and newspaper editor, Leslie Pierre without first informing the executive of the organisation.

"...It should be noted that Mr Pierre is not an executive member of MWAG and had previously condemned the action of the media workers and publicly stated he had no problem with the 'friendly warning' from the Government Information Service (GIS)", MWAG told Briggs.

Following is the full text of the letter:

The Media Workers Association of Grenada (MWAG) acknowledges your letter of June 14th 2004.

The executive of MWAG wishes to express its thanks and gratitude for your contribution to the advancement of the association, in particular recruiting new members.

However, the executive reiterates that its concerns were not related to any of the issues raised in your letter. The four major concerns of the executive and most members are:

(1). The president's lack of interest and solidarity with the issues - detention of Leroy Noel and the suspension of the News Director at the Grenada Broadcasting Network (GBN), Mrs Odette Campbell over her alleged 'walk-out' of a press conference.

(2). The president meeting with the Prime Minister with newspaper editor Leslie Pierre without the knowledge of the executive. It should be noted that Mr Pierre is not an executive member of MWAG and had previously condemned the action of the media workers and publicly stated he had no problem with the 'friendly warning' from the Government Information Service (GIS).

(3). The president arranging and participating in a cricket match with the Prime Minister's XI without informing other members of the executive, during a period when the Government through the GIS had threatened to use "the full force of the law" if journalists were to cover a story carried by Offshore Alert.

(4). The President facilitating a meeting of some media managers and at that meeting suggesting that they condemn the action of the media workers who participated in an alleged 'walk out'.

Again we wish to thank you for your contribution towards the association and hope you will continue to support the programmes and activities of MWAG.