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Minister Hood |
Opposition Member of Parliament for St. George South, Glynis Roberts has reacted to statements made by Minister of Communications and Works, Brenda Hood on some community projects undertaken last week by the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The government minister expressed disappointment with the failure of Congress to dialogue with her ministry on the projects conducted by the party as part of its National Service Day that got started on January 20.
Speaking to reporters at a press conference last week, the Minister of Works chided the NDC for not first consulting with her ministry and the Department of Community Development before proceeding with the National Service Day.
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Parliamentary Rep. Roberts |
Roberts who co-ordinated the programme told GRENADA TODAY in an exclusive interview that she was getting mixed signals from what Hood was trying to inform the nation.
The opposition M.P said that in one avenue Hood was applauding the effort, but at the same time she was chiding the NDC for not holding consultation with the ministry on the projects.
"We have to understand that all of us are Grenadians and will contribute towards its development from different angles," she added.
Roberts made available to this newspaper the copy of a letter dated January 10 which she sent to the Minister of Sports, Community Development and Cooperatives, Roland Bhola from her constituency office about a project to upgrade the playing field at Grand Anse Valley which they were undertaking.
She said that Minister Bhola called her to acknowledge receipt of the letter, and applauded her on the initiative but also wanted her
to write to the Ministry of Works.
But according to Roberts, she impressed upon Minister Bhola that as a Member of Government he should pass on the letter to the Ministry of Works.
The female M.P pointed out that as Opposition Members of Parliament they do not receive the same courtesy that Hood is now asking of them to first consult with government before undertaking community projects.
She said from time to time things will happen in their constituencies and they are not even consulted on the plan.
"If the ministry or the government does not want confrontation, why, instead of a press conference, we were not called...", she remarked.
"The mere fact that you go on the media, it creates (a) stir within the country," she said.
The NDC Opposition Member defended the initiative undertaken by NDC as "a brilliant one" for the country.
She said that people are ready to engage in community building and want to be part of the process.
"This is not about a fight between NNP (New National Party) and NDC. It is leading up to our 34th anniversary of independence. We should be aspiring to achieve as one country, and I believe we have to do all in our powers to unite our people rather than divide," Roberts said.
Minister Hood also spoke out against the erection of a metal guard rail at Hermitage, St. Patrick's that was jointly undertaken by the St. Patrick East and St. Patrick West constituencies.
She said it is possible that it can be removed by her ministry.
According to Roberts, this area needed the guard rail for a long time now and she does not believe that the work carried out on the project was below par.
She cautioned Hood against removing the rail.
"I am saying they should guard against destroying something that is good, just to say that you had plans for it," she said.
"I don't believe, in my judgement, that an engineer like Mr. (Joseph) Gilbert would put up something substandard," she added.
The Cuban-trained Gilbert who previously worked with the Ministry of Communications and Works is the NDC Caretaker Candidate for St. Patrick's West.
He is trying to unseat Minister of Economic Development and Planning, Anthony Boatswain.
