Category Archives: COMMENTARY

In May 2015, on the insistence of Civil Society and as a precondition to them participating in the so-called Social Compact, Government set up the National Development Plan 2030 (now 2035). The NDC, wholeheartedly believing in long term development planning, have to date participated in this effort. Unfortunately, we doubt Government’s sincerity because very little resources have been allocated and after 6 consecutive years in office, the administration shows no real appetite for long term development planning. A vital component of long term development planning is robust and well thought out urban planning policy, backed by strong laws that are … Continue reading →

In April 2011, Colin Dowe, then Chairman of the newly formed Spicemas Corporation announced that year’s Carnival theme as: “Uniquely rooted in our rich ancestral traditions. Spicemas: Home of 100,000 Jab, Jab”. That theme drew adverse criticism from some quarters, but it was in no way intended to portray Grenada or its people in a negative light. Instead, it was a vision of the then NDC administration, and particularly then Culture Minister, Arley Gill, to harness, promote and capitalise on those unique aspects of our Carnival culture that set us apart from the rest of the region. Eight years later … Continue reading →

The United States of America, Canada and the English-speaking countries of the Caribbean together share the deeply-held values of democracy and human rights more than the majority of other countries in the Western hemisphere. The long history of slavery and indentured bondage in the English-speaking Caribbean, linked to the courageous act of Abraham Lincoln to end slavery in the United States and the immortal recognition in the US Constitution that “all men are created equal”, bind the peoples of the US and the English-speaking Caribbean in jealously safeguarding democracy and human rights. The kinship, born of that experience, has been … Continue reading →

This commentary, being written on Thursday, February 21, is about troubling developments in Haiti and the constraints upon the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries that prohibit them from playing a meaningful role in averting further violence. Since the time of writing, the feared escalation might have occurred. The 13 independent states that, along with Haiti, comprise CARICOM, have a vested interest in events in that country. Not least amongst these interests is the right that CARICOM membership bestows on Haitian nationals to enter CARICOM countries without visas. Already, several CARICOM countries have experienced Haitians remaining illegally after their allowable six-month stay … Continue reading →

Since 1995, Gregory Bowen has been a fixture on the local political landscape and a resolute soldier and loyalist in the Keith Mitchell-led NNP. For an equally long time, has been Minister of Works except for a brief period when he was in Mitchell’s “dog house”. As early as 1996, Bowen started on his disastrous trail that has resulted in dire financial and reputational consequences for our country. Bowen as Minister responsible for Energy, in 1996, entered into the ill-fated arrangement with the superbly litigious oil mogul, Jack Grynberg. That arrangement brought zero benefits to Grenada and landed us in … Continue reading →