JAN 08

The Grenada Trades Union Council (GTUC) is said to have drafted a Motion to be tabled at the next sitting of the Upper House calling on the Keith Mitchell-led government to explain its relationship with the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the Republic of China on Taiwan (ROC).

This was disclosed by TUC Representative in the Senate, Chester Humphrey last week Thursday during a social get together of media practitioners held at the former Mama's Restaurant on the Lagoon road, St. George's.

The relationship between the ROC and the NNP administration has been strained in recent times following last month's official visit by Prime Minister Mitchell to Beijing which angered Taipei.

Political observers believe Grenada is on the verge of ending its fifteen year old relationship with Taiwan and opening up ties with Mainland China.

Taiwan said it is prepared for the worse and has since withdrawn its Ambassador to Grenada accusing the PRC of engaging in dollar diplomacy. In justifying his visit to Beijing, Dr. Mitchell said that the passage of hurricane Ivan last year and the destruction it created left the country with no other choice but to seek aid from all available sources.

ROC Press Attache in Grenada, James Sun and his assistant Donna Pilgrim attended the media event on behalf of Taiwan. The Media Workers Association (MWAG) and the Taiwanese embassy in St.George's have enjoyed a cordial relationship over the years with several media practitioners getting an opportunity to travel to Taipei.

In speaking at the function, Sen. Humphrey said that the Motion will seek an explanation on the latest developments that are unfolding between the NNP government, PRC and the ROC.

In moving a toast to the ROC, Humphrey the President General of the Technical and Allied Workers Union (TAWU) told the Taiwanese envoy that based on the way in which power is dispensed in the country there are "Grenadians and Grenadians".

He stated that true Grenadians are appreciative of the tremendous support given by the ROC government and people in areas such as agriculture, cultural exchange, construction among other areas. In wishing the Taiwanese well, Sen. Humphrey told the gathering that Grenadians will be eternally grateful for the assistance given by the ROC over the years.

Minister of National Security, Sen. Einstein Louison who also spoke at the ceremony brushed aside suggestions that the NNP government had been ungrateful to Taiwan. He pointed out that there was no ingratitude to Taiwan since it is well known by all that the ROC has made significant contributions towards the development of Grenada.

Senator Louison noted however that in the interest of development, countries change positions (sides) and move forward and that is what Grenada is doing at the moment.

GRENADA TODAY has learnt that another ROC envoy Press Attache James Sun is expected to depart the country soon for his homeland as part of the downgrading of the ROC diplomatic presence on the island.