MP Ken Fullerton

The executive of Grenada¹s main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) is expected to issue a public statement shortly on the latest infraction involving one of its sitting Members of Parliament, Kenrick Fullerton.

Informed sources told GRENADA TODAY that the party¹s executive was due to meet on Tuesday and the Fullerton issue was high on the agenda. A source who preferred to remain anonymous said that it is more than likely that the Disciplinary Committee of the party might be asked to investigate fresh allegations being made against the Member of Parliament for the rural St. Andrew South-east seat.

There are unconfirmed reports that Fullerton had a certain confrontation with his wife that attracted widespread attention within the constituency. A few months ago, the NDC cleared the M.P of any major wrong-doing with monies collected from clients as part of his insurance brokerage business.

A report from the investigating team said that the party was willing to help Fullerton to put proper accounting structures in place to better manage the operation.

The probe was launched against the backdrop of reports that the M.P had collected funds from clients and did not hand them over in time to those insurance companies that hired him as a broker.

The ruling New National Party (NNP) government of Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell is said to be pushing for the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) of the Royal Grenada Police force (RGPF) to look into the matter and see if any criminal charges could be brought against Fullerton.

The unit is headed by the husband of Minister of Youth, Emmalin Pierre who is spearheading the NNP work in the constituency. According to a source close to the hierarchy of the Congress party, the latest incident involving Fullerton is troubling for the party given its stand on a number of issues especially morality in public life. He said the NDC is giving serious consideration to looking for a replacement candidate for the M.P for the next general election.

³It might be better for us as a party to deal with Fullerton now and not later. Perhaps he is not really ready for high office², said the official. The source pointed out that the NDC Political Leader could face difficulties in promoting keys issues such as morality and accountability in light of the Fullerton issue.

³I cannot see Tilly (Tillman Thomas) talking about morality in public office and sitting behind him is someone with a big question mark handing against his name where that is concerned.

³As a party, we have to show respect for our women folk and no one would be allowed to hold high office in our party if they are beating up on our women. This is not what the Congress stands for.

³The NDC would look into the issue (concerning Fullerton) and if there is something there then the Constituency Branch (in St. Andrew South-east) would have to deal with it before the Executive steps in.

Elections must be held in Grenada within the next 20 months.