MAY 22

May 11th, 2004

Hon. Elvin Nimrod
Minister for Foreign Affairs
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Botanical Gardens St. George's

Subject: Special Meeting of the Permanent Council of the OAS on the Promotion of Women's Human Rights and Gender Equity and Equality

Dear Minister Nimrod,

I feel constrained to write to you on a matter that has caused me a great deal of concern. That matter had to do with a recent visit as part of an NDC delegation among other places Washington DC.

Grenada is a member of the Permanent Council of the OAS and with the Ambassador to Washington not being in town the Charge'' had to seek permission from Grenada. Very hopeful as the chorus these days is: "we are willing to work together" all hopes were dashed as the Charge' responded that the "Minister says, sorry but he cannot entertain your request at this time".

Hon. Nimrod, I am not an Iranian asking to participate in something for Grenada. I am an elected Member of Parliament in Grenada and whatever knowledge I gain at such an event I will no doubt impart for the benefit of the citizens of our dear country. It will please you to know that I was already in Washington, with the greatest of respect.

Minister, to add insult to injury upon our appearance, later in the afternoon at a meeting with the Assistant Secretary General of the OAS, we were told that we were free and unimpeded to attend any Sessions of the OAS body once it is of a public nature which this particular session was. To add insult to injury again Grenada's position was empty.

However the Leader of the Opposition Hon. Tillman Thomas, Dep. Leader George Prime and myself were able to be part of the afternoon session for about one hour. So how can we really move forward? Let's stop talking and simply work for our country. Such sessions are good for our hard-working women in this country to be exposed to.

I appeal to all Ministers please share with us (Opposition, NGOs, Agencies) when seminars are available so that we can find the appropriate persons and resources to be able to attend, so that we are not left behind. With this sort of behaviour we will definitely not be helping develop our country. Do not look at the political side. Look at the development side.

Based on statistics we know the magnitude of discomfort our women in this country undergo. They need our help so I appeal once more for us to be broad-minded and work in earnest to develop our country by sharing information.

Best wishes.

Sincerely Yours,

Hon Glynis Roberts,
M.P. St. George's South