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PM
Mitchell |
The
New York-based Standard & Poors grouping says that Keith Mitchell’s
ruling New National Party (NNP) government in Grenada is continued
to be badly affected by allegations of corruption.
The organisation in a bulletin on the Spice Isle ruled out the
possibility of Prime Minister Mitchell calling early elections
since there is no significant shift in political support for either
party since the 2003 poll. The NNP enjoys a slim one seat majority
in the House of Representative.
The report dated March 17, 2006 suggested that if anything Grenadians
might have become more cynical about the two leading political
parties on the island. “If anything, Grenadians are becoming
less supportive of any party, rather than changing their political
preferences”, said the report obtained by this newspaper.
Following is an edited version of what Standard & Poors had
to say on the situation existing in Grenada:
“Ongoing
allegations against NNP of corruption, and increased political
polarisation amid the country’s difficult economic situation
color the current political scene in Grenada.
The outcome of the 2003 parliamentary elections (i.e., NNP’s
weakened position versus NDC’s greatly strengthened one)
was expected to create needed dynamism and enhance control over
and transparency to the policy making process.
In reality, while inquiries into past corruption scandals and
lawsuits questioning the validity of 2003 election results have
been launched, little progress has been made or is expected in
concluding these investigations.
Moreover, allegations prevail about the lack of transparency in
the decision-making process. Hence, NNP’s image continues
to suffer as its supporters become more disenchanted.
On the other had, the opposition NDC is not gaining any additional
support, lacking the constructive criticism and proactive stance
to benefit from NNP’s mismanagement. As a result, more and
more of Grenadian population have become embittered and disempowered
regarding their political representation.
In the wake of the devastation from Hurricane Ivan in September
2004, the antagonistic stance between the two parties became even
more damaging for the country. NNP refused NDC’s proposal
to form a united government.
Given that NNP and NDC have mostly similar social and economic
agendas, this resistance is a clear indication the NNP’s
political ambitions prevail over the needs of the country.
NNP’s stance of non-inclusion in the decision-making process
spreads beyond a purely political environment. The ruling party
is also criticised for not establishing good, transparent relationships
with the private sector. Trade unions are also at odds with the
government.
However, early elections are unlikely, as there has been no clear
shift in political support for the two main parties since the
2003 election. If anything, Grenadians are becoming less supportive
of any party, rather than changing their political preferences.
There is also no notable “positive” political figure
or independent party to resolve the current political stalemate
and appeal to the large population. Finally, with the economy
growing and unemployment declining, the social climate is unlikely
to worsen and thereby trigger early elections.In
the international arena, Grenada’s position and image are
more encouraging.
After the 2004 hurricane, the international community pledged
U.S.$290 million of financial support, of which U.S.$10 million
had been disbursed thus far.
Grenada’s relationship with its Caribbean neighbors (especially
the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago) and other countries (e.g.,
the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and People’s Republic
of China) are important, as they are significant providers of
much-needed investment, including that for major capital projects.
