Prime Minister Dr.Keith Mitchell seems to be on a path of marginalising the island's Chamber of Industry and Commerce based on the manner in which he chose two private sector representatives to accompany him on his trip to China, said a Chamber official.

The official said that as the private sector umbrella body, the Grenada Chamber of Industry and Commerce (GCIC) was not even consulted so that its members interests could be best represented and looked after during the visit to China.

The GCIC is the leading private sector organisation in the country with a representative in the Upper House of Parliament (Senate).

Prime Minister Mitchell before leaving St. Lucia for his trip to China is reported to have said to the media that he only travels along with people who have one commonality and share the views and vision of his government.

Mitchell's reported statement has not gone down too well with the local chamber members in light of the fact that he allegedly did not consult with them as to who should be their representatives.

He reportedly hand-picked Sauteurs businessman and politician, Kenny Lalsingh and Dr.Winston Mitchell who is not a member of GCIC to fly off with him to Beijing.

The private sector organisation said it intends to follow this matter and seek clarification from the Grenadian leader since it is not a good sign for business and it amounts to marginalisation of the business sector body by government.

One private sector source indicated that the chamber and its members have nothing personal or otherwise against the members who accompanied the Prime Minister but if this is the way business is going to be done, it is a bad signal for the private sector organisation in the country.

Relations have not been warm in recent years between the Mitchell government and the island's leading private sector body.

Dr. Mitchell has consistently refused to meet with GCIC boss who played a pivotal role in calling for an investigation into a controversial June 2000 trip made to Europe by the Grenadian leader when he accepted money from American-born German fraudster, Eric Resteiner.

A former Chief of Security for Resteiner swore in an affidavit that the Grenadian leader accepted a cash bribe of $US500,000.00 from the con-artist in exchange for a diplomatic position with the Grenada government.

Dr. Mitchell told the natoin that he collected "approximately US$15, 000.00 from Resteiner, a one-time Ambassador-at-large for Grenada to re-imburse him for a trip undertaken to several European States and Kuwait.

Barbadian jurist, Dr. Richard Cheltenham is currently conducting a public probe into the allegation made against Prime Minister Mitchell.