Newly appointed Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands and Fisheries, Police Sergeant Carl Caton has pledged to give his fullest assistance toward the development of the agricultural and fishing industries on the island.

Caton was sworn in at a ceremony held at the Governor General¹s residence last week Friday as a replacement for former government minister, Adrian "Spaceman" Mitchell. Amidst his family members, friends and colleagues within the ruling New National Party (NNP) government, the new Senator  took the oath of office, promising to bring much needed assistance to farmers and fishermen throughout the country.

Caton gave assurances that he would work aggressively in helping to advance government¹s agricultural programmes. The ex-policeman thanked God for the guidance given to him over the years and for using him as an instrument to serve with the Prime Minister, as well as other Government Ministers, and the rural St. Patrick¹s East constituency.

Caton was also appreciative of the support received from his many friends and family members for the decision taken to serve with the NNP administration. Speculation is rife that Sgt. Caton had brokered a deal with government after months of intensive negotiations to get him to accept the appointment.

When questioned by this newspaper last week, he declined to comment on whether he had received a financial package including funds to pay off loan commitments on his home, as well as securing a job for his wife. After the ceremony, Caton told GRENADA TODAY that he does not consider himself as being involved in politics but rather as a servant of the people and was honoured to be in a position to serve persons.

"My purpose is to help people and whatever capacity I feel I can make a greater impact in helping persons that is my motivation for being in this position," he remarked. Although Caton was mainly responsible for Police Welfare matters within the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF), during his tenure there, he said that he had to interact with fishermen and farmers from time to time. These experiences, he added, will assist him in his new senatorial position.

According to Sen. Caton, he intends to be "a servant of the people" and pledged to work with farmers and fishermen throughout Grenada to help develop both sectors. He pointed out that there is a lot of work to be done but quickly added that he was up to the challenge. He promised to work tirelessly and to consult with farmers and fishermen to address their concerns and to find solutions to their problems.

In welcoming the new Senator on board the NNP team, Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell said that based on his experience and work with the police force, he is confident that Caton possess the necessary skills and experience that are needed to improve government¹s image in the fishing and agricultural industries.

The Prime Minister underscored the importance of agriculture in the development of the country and stressed the need for an aggressive approach to address the concerns of farmers and fishermen particularly in the wake of two hurricanes which dealt a major blow to these sectors.

Sen. Caton has been a member of the Royal Grenada Police Force for the past 14 years. He is believed to have thrown his support in the 2003 general election to Opposition Leader Tillman Thomas of the National Democratic Congress - the man he intends to dethrone in the upcoming national poll.