Sen. Einstein Louison

Minister with the responsibility for National Security, Senator Einstein Louison says that government is not satisfied with the Anthem gaffe investigation report that was handed in by the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF).

Sen. Louison commented on the long overdue report on Tuesday during the weekly Ministerial press conference at the Botanical Gardens at Tanteen, St. George's.

He told reporters that the police probe cleared former band leader, Inspector Brian Hurst, of any wrong-doing in the playing of the Taiwanese anthem instead of that of Mainland China at the official handing over of the Chinese-built Cricket Stadium at Queen's Park on February 3.

According to Sen. Louison, the report sent to government by   Commissioner of Police, Winston James did not go all the way and that there were some shortcomings in the report that needed to be addressed. He branded the report as "questionable", saying he hoped that government's response will not be seen as an attack on the police force.

He said the report as submitted by Commissioner James indicated that Insp. Hurst, did not know the differences in the two Chinese anthems. The report pointed out that the anthem that was played much to the annoyance of China's Ambassador to Grenada at the stadium ceremony was the same played at a function held at the Police Headquarters weeks earlier at another official function attended by local dignitaries and Chinese officials.

The James report concluded that the police force was not responsible for the mix-up in the anthems. Sen. Louison announced that the Keith Mitchell-led New Natoinal Party (NNP) government has agreed to commission another "thorough investigation" into the anthem mix-up.

 Among the persons expected to be part of the probe which is due to start next month include Victoria Hughes, a strong supporter of Prime Minister Mitchell, as well as former Police Commissioner Nester Ogilvie, the current National Security Advisor. Insp. Hurst is presently on vacation from the force and could not be reached for comment.

Critics of the government have pointed an accusing finger at the Ministry of External Affairs for the major diplomatic blunder. Prime Minister Mitchell was forced to apologise to the Chinese government during the inauguration of the US$40 million China-financed stadium when the Royal Grenada Police Band played the wrong anthem.

The embarrassing anthem was played in the presence of scores of diplomatic officials including Chinese Ambassador, Qian Hongshan, blue uniformed Chinese labourers who stood at attention as the anthem of their rival was played.

The "Gaffe" had attracted international attention as the world looked on as preparations were at its peak for the hosting of Cricket World Cup, 2007. China paid for the reconstruction of Grenada's stadium, and brought into the country some 500 Chinese workers to help rebuild the venue in time to host Cricket World Cup matches in April following its destruction by Hurricane Ivan in 2004.

Apart from the construction of the stadium, China is providing other assistance to Grenada including a 2,000 unit housing project. Grenada under the leadership of Dr. Mitchell switched diplomatic allegiance from Taiwan to China in 2005, breaking off a 15-year relationship with Taipei after the Mainland agreed to bankroll several major works projects on the island.