The Keith Mitchell government has reacted strongly to claims made by the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) that Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell might be trying to interfere with the next general elections.

Officials of the congress party made the claim following a recent visit paid by Prime Minister Mitchell to the Electoral Office at Woolwich Road, St. George's. The NDC is said to be viewing with suspicion some of the recent persons recruited to work in the office with general election less than twenty-two months away.

 

Nimrod

Speculation is rife that the ruling New National Party (NNP) engaged in voter-padding in some close constituencies to emerge with its slender one seat victory in the 2003 general elections.

Following is the statement issued by Attorney General Elvin Nimrod in reaction to the NDC pronouncements:

The Office of the Attorney General notes with concern and is outraged at the recent attacks on the office of the Governor General by the Opposition, National Democratic Congress, at a press conference which was held on Tuesday 13th February, 2007.

These attacks represent not only a condemnation and disrespect for the high office of the Governor General and by extension Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second but also constitute disrespect for democracy and our democratic institutions.

 The Government believes that the Governor General and his office should at no time be an issue in local partisan politics, and should never be a target of any political party. We therefore call on the Leader of the Opposition to demonstrate his commitment to democracy; respect for institutions; and adherence to the law; by immediately withdrawing the statements made and apologising to the Governor General.

 We expect the Opposition Leader, who promotes himself as the biggest crusader of Accountability, Transparency and Morality to act immediately to apologise for an unfounded, scurrilous, and vicious attack on the Head of State of our beautiful country Grenada. Furthermore, I would also like to inform the Opposition Leader that the Prime Minister of Grenada is free to visit any Government Department, including the Electoral Office.

In fact, the Prime Minister has made it his business to visit many public and private sector offices to chat with workers and hear their concerns and suggestions. It was on the invitation of the workers of the Electoral Office that the Prime Minister visited them. Their concerns have been noted and Government will take action to improve their working conditions.

 Finally, allow me to make it clear that the Prime Minister and other members of Cabinet will continue to visit and interact with all Grenadians. We believe that all of us have a stake in the governance of this country.