Senator Gill

The last sitting of the Grenada Senate wasn't without its usual verbal battle as Opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) Senator, Arley Gill and female government minister, Senator Brenda Hood clashed on allegations that the Keith Mitchell-led government was only hiring croonies of the ruling New National Party (NNP) for State-funded jobs.

The sitting at the Grenada Trade Centre saw heated debate between Hood and Gill on the passage of the Public Procurement and Contract Administration Act, 2007.

Sen. Gill charged that given the NNP's history of corruption he is uncertain that government has the capacity, conscience or the heart to implement the Bill and to make it work. He accused the Mitchell government of appointing only NNP supporters to certain job positions in the country.  

"Sometimes we believe Mr President that persons who do not wear green and white shirts do not have rights in this country," Sen Gill told the house.  

Senator Hood

This brought a sharp reaction from Sen. Hood who asked the opposition member to present the evidence to the House evidence to back up the statement which she claimed was not true.

"As Minister responsible for Works, I will like the Senator (Arley Gill) to produce in this Senate the names of persons who are not NNP who have applied for contracts and were refused", she said.

"You (Gill) are misleading the country, you are misleading the nation when you say here in this Senate there are many people who are not NNPites and all of the jobs are (for) NNP croonies," she added. Sen. Hood told the sitting that although she assumed responsibility for the Works ministry less than three months ago, from what she has heard and seen this is certainly not the case.

"Tell me who are the other persons who have applied for contracts and I will investigate it. If you're saying that there are people outside there who have applied for jobs and is only NNP croonies that are getting the jobs... I need to know", she said. In response, Sen. Gill stated that he could provide the female Senator with a list of names, but added that he has eyes and ears and that he sees it everyday.

"I see who are the poor man and poor woman on the de-bushing programme", he remarked. He also took aim at the person who did the refurbished work on the Gouyave Police Station and other government buildings in the St. John's parish.

Sen. Gill also took issue with Leader of Government Business in the Senate, Major Einstein Louison for allegedly having in his possession the list used for the recent promotion of police officers within the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF).

The statement was quickly denied by Sen. Louison who asked that the statement be withdrawn or that Gill present the evidence to the Senate. Gill was asked by President of the Senate, Kenny Lalsingh to provide proof before the end of the day of the assertion.

The opposition Senator refused to withdraw the statement and promised the House that he would work feverishly to obtain a copy of the statement allegedly made by Leader of Government Business in the Senate.