HOME	SEPTEMBER 04th, 2004

SEPT 04

The House of Representatives held a Special Sitting last Wednesday to pass a Bill which will ensure this country meets the European Union (EU) deadline as it relates to the way fish are being exported out of the country.

Communications and Works Minister Dr. Clarice Modeste-Curwen took the Water Quality Act 2004 through all its stages at the sitting.

The House was forced to meet in emergency session to take the Bill through all its stages at the sitting after the EU deadline which was issued since 1998 was not met by the ruling New National Party (NNP) administration of Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell.

It was as a result of this that the Europeans decided to give Grenada another deadline this time August 31 in order for proper structures be put in place as it relates to the way ice for the preservation of fish are made.

Although the Bill was taken through all its stages at the sitting some thirty plus errors were identified by Parliamentary Representative for the Town of St. George Peter David.

Former Agriculture Minister, the current Education Minister Claris Charles encouraged the sitting to pass the Bill inspite of the errors since its content had not changed.

She said that if this is not done then the country will lose its preferential treatment as it relates to fish on the European market. Although the opposition which is led by Barrister at-Law Tillman Thomas supported the Bill they complained about the way it was brought to Parliament by the government.

Parliamentary Representative for St. Andrew's South-east Kenrick Fullerton scolded them for the lateness saying that the European Union directive was given since November of 1998 . He pointed out that if government had acted speedily and decisively then they would not have had to rush the Bill through the sitting.

Opposition Leader Tillman Thomas said that they have no problem with giving support to the Bill once they are provided with the necessary information. However Leader of Government Business in the Lower House Gregory Bowen argued that if the former NDC government had put structures in place during their time in government then the country will not have ended up in that situation.