Grenada is among host venues offering accredited media tax-free accommodation

KINGSTON, Jamaica, Dec 19 - Antigua & Barbuda and Grenada have joined the growing list of Host Venues which have granted accredited media a tax waiver on hotel accommodation for next year’s ICC Cricket World Cup. At their Cabinet meeting last week, the Government of Antigua & Barbuda agreed that accredited members of the media who travel to that country to cover CWC matches will be exempt from paying hotel taxes. A similar decision was taken by the Government of Grenada recently and was likewise communicated to ICC Cricket World Cup West Indies 2007 Inc. Reacting to the news, ICC CWC 2007 Managing Director & CEO, Chris Dehring, said he is pleased that “two more Host Venues have embraced Operation Media Welcome by granting this exemption which will significantly reduce costs to media”. “This totals four Host Venues which have done so; first, Saint Lucia and then Jamaica and now Grenada and Antigua & Barbuda. “The media are a very important and influential element of this tournament and CWC hopes that other Host Venues will recognise the benefit of such a concession to accredited media who will be coming to the Caribbean to work and, apart from covering games, to showcase our unique region to the world,” he said, adding that CWC will continue to liaise with regional governments regarding this matter.

Murray to retire from international cricket

by Michael Bascombe

ST GEORGE'S, Grenada, Dec 15 – Former West Indies wicketkeeper/batsman Junior Murray has announced his retirement from regional and international cricket following the completion of the 2007 cricket season, according to Julian Jack, chairman of the selection committee of the Windward Islands' Cricket Board of Control. Jack said that the selectors recently held discussion with Murray and he indicated that he would be retiring from first class cricket. "He has also indicated that he would write to the effect," Jack said in a brief statement. Murray has been included in the Windward Islands' 14-member squad for the upcoming regional tournament. The 38 year-old Grenadian custodian has already relieved himself of the wicket keeping duties allowing West Indies youth player and countryman Andre Fletcher to hold the gloves. Murray has played 88 matches for the West Indies, scoring 1596 runs and collected 145 catches and 10 stumpings behind the wicket. He made his debut for the West Indies in the first One-Day International against Pakistan in Perth in 1992 and then played in his first test against Australia in Sydney in 1993. But Murray lost his place on the team to Antiguan Ridley Jacobs who became a key player on the West Indies team. Jacobs retired from international cricket last year.

Grenada gets six picks on Windwards

ST GEORGE'S, Grenada, Dec 15 – West Indies players Devon Smith and Daren Sammy have been named in the Windward Islands' 14-member squad for the opening round of matches in the regional first-class tournament starting next month. The team was selected following an aborted Windward Islands' tournament in Grenada last week. Rain affected most of the matches with the organisers forcing to abandon the tournament. Grenadian leg-spinner Rawl Lewis will captain the Windwards, with Smith as the Vice-Captain. The other players selected are Henron Campbell, Junior Murray, Hyron Shallow, Andre Fletcher, Sammy, Miles Bascombe, Roland Ettienne, Deighton Butler, Jean Paul, Kenroy Peters, Dennis George and Liam Sebastien. The selectors have also chosen eight reserves and have urged the cricket boards in the four territories to ensure that the players and reserves continue their training to remain match ready. "In addition, when there is a match in a country they will like the reserves from the country to join them in the training session," said Julian Jack, chief selector. The Windward Islands play Guyana in their opening Carib Beer Series match in Grenada from January 4-7 before both teams clashing in the KFC Cup one-day series on January 9. Squad: Rawl Lewis (capt); Devon Smith (v/capt); Henron Campbell, Junior Murray, Hyron Shallow, Andre Fletcher, Daren Sammy, Miles Bascombe, Roland Ettienne, Deighton Butler, Jean Paul, Kenroy Peters, Dennis George, Liam Sebastien.

Grenada to earn EC$5.9 million profit from tournament

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, Dec 15 – Grenada’s government says it stands to make a profit of EC$5.9 million (US$2.1 million) from hosting its leg of next year’s Cricket World Cup. Finance minister Anthony Boatswain made the announcement as he presented the 2007 budget of EC$632.5 million (US$234 million) to parliament Friday. “In keeping with the Host Venue Agreement, all gate receipts belong to the host government,” Boatswain said. “In the case of Grenada, Mr. Speaker, our Stadium has a seating capacity of 16,000; the average price of a ticket is EC$195.75; and the games are to be played over a six day period. “If we assume a 100 per cent attendance on each day, then government can collect EC$18.8 million from gate receipts alone. When we subtract EC$12.9 million in expenditure incurred to date, there is a profit of EC$5.9 million.” The Finance Minister said the expenditure included EC$6.5 million for preparation and secretarial support; EC$2.7 million in preparatory works; EC$3.3 million for rural sport facilities; EC$300 000 for cultural activities and EC$100 000 in craft initiatives. He said expenditures related to security and anti-doping were covered by CARICOM. Boatswain also revealed that the US$40 million cricket stadium being constructed to stage matches during the tournament, had been a gift from China. “The cost of the stadium, which is approximately US$40 million, is a gift to the People of Grenada from the government and People of the People’s Republic of China,” Boatswain said. Grenada will host Group B matches in the Super Eight, second round from April 10-21.

Grenada government says World Cup will improve economy

ST GEORGE'S, Grenada, Dec 15 - The Grenada government Friday said that the US$40 million cricket stadium being constructed to stage matches in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 was a gift from China that would help improve the island's economy. "The cost of the stadium, which is approximately US$40 million, is a gift to the People of Grenada from the Government and People of the People's Republic of China," Finance Minister Anthony Boatswain said as he delivered an EC$632.5 million (US$225.8 million) budget to Parliament. Boatswain said Grenada stands to collect substantial revenue from the event which runs from March to April next year. "In keeping with the Host Venue Agreement, all gate receipts belong to the host Government. In the case of Grenada, our stadium has a seating capacity of 16,000; the average price of a ticket is EC$195.75 (US$69) and the games are to be played over a six day period. "If we assume a 100 per cent attendance on each day, then government can collect EC$18.8 million (US$6.7 million) from gate receipts alone. When we subtract EC$12.9 million (US$4.6 million) in expenditure incurred to date, there is a profit of EC$5.9 million (US$2.1 million)" "But that's not all Mr. Speaker. Through WICB, Grenada is to receive a share of the profit from the entire event to be used for the development of cricket in the islands. With the international media coverage of the games, Grenada will receive exposure to the rest of the world which under normal circumstances would have cost the Government millions of dollars." The Finance Minister was critical of persons who felt that the island, because of the damage caused by the hurricanes, would not have been able to host the games. "One year ago, when our economy was still in an early stage of recovery, many doubted our ability to stage this spectacular event. But once again, we have confounded the skeptics, and silenced the "doubting Thomases". He said Grenada has come in for high praise from the International Cricket Council (ICC) officials for its advanced state of preparedness and that the National Stadium, which is now substantially structurally complete "is rated as one of the most spectacular in the region, and maybe, in the cricketing world". "It stands as a monument to the strong desire of a people, as a vision of the country's future growth and development and of the commitment of our leaders to bring the best possible development to our country". Boatswains aid that the stadium does not only reveal the generosity of the Chinese government, "but also it demonstrates through the Chinese workers, a work ethic that we as a nation and people must emulate". "This positive work attitude, notwithstanding the economic benefits to be derived from this project, is perhaps the greatest lesson that we as a people can learn from the construction of the National Stadium." He said that the stadium would have a long lasting impact on the economic development of the island, since in preparation for the games, hotels have been increased both quality and the number of rooms. Boatswain said that other sectors of the economy would also benefit from the cricket matches.

Grenada government presents EC$ 632.5 million budget to Parliament

ST GEORGE'S, Grenada, Dec 15 - The Grenada government Friday presented an EC$632.5 million (US$225.8 million) budget to parliament promising to strengthen tax collection measures and warning citizens that the island can no longer depend on donor countries to finance its development. Finance Minister Anthony Boatswain said that it was also important for Grenada to demonstrate to the international community its own efforts to rebuilding the economy devastated by two hurricanes and that the current account surplus generated from this budget would be used to finance capital programmes. The Finance Minister said that for the fiscal year 2007, current revenue is budgeted at EC$441.1 million (US$157.5 million) approximately 9.9 per cent higher than the budgeted figure of 2006. He said this growth is largely due to measures contemplated in the Inland Revenue and Customs Departments to improve administration of tax collection. The Grenada government said current expenditure is budgeted at EC$350.7 million (US$125.2 million), nearly 6.9 per cent above the budgeted figure of the previous year. "The rise in current expenditure is largely explained by higher anticipated outlays on wages and salaries, interest payments and current transfers. Notwithstanding these increases, the Ministry of Finance will continue its effort to exercise control on discretionary recurrent expenditure on goods and services," Boatswain said. He said that it therefore meant that in 2007, the Grenada government has budgeted for a current account surplus of EC$90.5 million (US$32.3 million) or 5.9 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which is above the established benchmark of five per cent of GDP. "This surplus on government's current operations will be used primarily to finance the country's capital programme of EC$225.5 million (US$80.5 million). It must be stated that now that the country is on its recovery path, government can no longer continue to depend fully on donor support to finance the country's development. "We have to continue to demonstrate to the international community our own efforts in rebuilding our economy as the basis for receiving their further support. Hence the importance of the current account surplus to be dedicated to financing the capital programmes. "In addition, the capital budget will be financed by capital grants from friendly governments and institutions amounting to EC$92.5 million (US$33.05 million) leaving an overall deficit after grants of EC$39.8 million (US$14.2 million) which is just under the established benchmark of three per cent of GDP, and will be financed from external and domestic loans," Boatswain added. Boatswain said that the government would seek to improve on its revenue collection by establishing a Recoveries and Collection Unit within the Ministry of Finance. He said the reconstruction effort occasioned by the hurricane had placed greater burden on the government and as a result while the Keith Mitchell administration is aware that "there there are many persons who can afford but have not been contributing their fair share to the consolidated fund, some others have been delinquent in the payment of their taxes". He said a recent study showed that the amount of outstanding arrears owed to government by delinquent tax payers was in excess of EC$170 million (US$60.7 million). "This cannot be right at a time when everyone needs to play his/her part in nation building. Government has therefore taken the decision to restructure the existing collection unit in the Ministry of Finance to a Recoveries and Collection Unit and to increase the number of tax collectors. This Unit will be charged with the responsibility of collecting all arrears of Government taxes, in addition to registering new and potential tax payers." Boatswain said that while it is not the intention to impose any additional taxes on the population, the Mitchell administration would be "relying heavily on higher levels of tax compliance and efficiency in collections rather than additional tax measures to meet its revenue needs". "We therefore urge all registered and potential tax payers to comply fully with the Law," he said. The Finance Minister said that in keeping with the Sir Alister McIntyre Report, the government has taken the firm decision to re-introduce Value Added Tax (VAT) by October 2007, and not January 1st 2008 as had been previously announced. He said this new date coincides with most business' new financial year and would allow for a smoother transition to the new system. "I want to make it abundantly clear, that while VAT is being reintroduced, it is not intended to place additional burden on the population. This is because VAT will replace three existing taxes," including the General Consumption Tax (GCT), the Airline Ticket Tax, and Motor Vehicle Purchase Tax. "To the extent that VAT will be revenue neutral, its broad base would allow for an increase in Government revenue as more items will be taxable but at a lower rate. In addition, our preliminary calculations suggest that the introduction of VAT would lead to a reduction in prices on a wide range of goods," Boatswain said, noting that the VAT is expected to raise approximately $44.5 million (US$15.8 million) in 2007. Boatswain said that one of the major policy measures of the governments three-year Economic Reform Programme, was the implementation of the National Reconstruction Levy and that at the end of November EC$6.9 million (US$2.4 million) had been collected. "For 2007 we are projecting that the NRL will generate approximately EC$12 million (US$4.2 million), resulting primarily from an increase in economic activity, higher wages, and from the self employed, whose contributions are made in arrears," Boatswain said. The Finance Minister also announced that the government was carrying out an island-wide re-evaluation of all properties land and buildings, so as to establish their true market values. The exercise will end in January 2008. Boatswain said that the local economy had grown by 1.3 per cent last year "compared to an unsustained rate of 12.1 per cent recorded in the previous year". He said all the major productive and services sectors had shown signs of recovery and had contributed to the economic growth. "For example, the agricultural sector grew by 20.5 per cent in 2006 following decline of 38.1 per cent in the previous year, and reflected increased production of crops, livestock, forestry and fishing," he told legislators. He said the higher levels of output have impacted positively on Government's revenue with preliminary data indicate that the Grenada government would achieve a surplus on its current operations of EC$63.8 million (US$23.6 million) or 4.5 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which is higher than what was achieved last year. He said current revenues increased by 6.6 per cent to EC$383.7 million (US$137.05 million) due mainly to higher collections from property tax and the National Reconstruction Levy. However, current expenditure grew by 5.5 per cent to EC$319.8 million (US$118.4 million) on account of growth in all categories of current expenditure except outlays on discretionary spending on goods and services which declined relative to the previous year. Boatswain said that on the other hand, capital expenditure increased substantially by 31.8 per cent to EC$270.5 million (US$96.6 million) reflecting the acceleration in the implementation of ongoing and reconstruction projects.

OBITUARIES

Obituaries

Thursday Dec 14 - Joan Pivott, a sporting and cultural icon in Grenada, has died, close relatives and friends reported on Thursday. She was one of Grenada's most famous netballer playing in the centre position and an instrumental member of the Commancheros Steelband and the St Paul's Community.

Wednesday Dec 13 - Angelo Sylvester, the brother of national cricketers, John and Kester Sylvester died today. He was 30.

Sunday Dec 03 - Grenada's Clerk of Parliament and former national cricketer Kenny Hobson died here Saturday after a long illness. He was 49.

Privy Council reserves judgement in ‘Grenada 13’ case

LONDON, Dec 13 - The Judicial Committee of the Privy Council Wednesday reserved judgment until February 2007 in the appeal brought by ‘the Grenada 13’ who were convicted for the murders of Grenada Prime Minister Maurice Bishop and 11 others during the 1983 coup. After three days of hearing, President Lord Bingham said the Board needed time to arrive at a decision. Lawyers argued for the release of Bernard Coard and 12 others for their roles in the execution of Bishop and members of his government on October 19, 1983. Bishop and others were killed during an internal battle among members of the People’s Revolutionary Government in St George’s. The appeal was heard before Lords Bingham, Hoffmann, Carswell, Brown, and Chief Justice Lord Phillips. The appellants were Coard, Callistus Bernard, Lester Redhead, Christopher Stroude, Hudson Austin, Liam James, Leon Cornwall, John Anthony Ventour, Dave Bartholomew, Ewart Layne, Colville Mc Barnett, Selwyn Strachan, and Cecil Prime. The appeal was heard days after three others involved in the 1983 coup - Andy Mitchell, Vincent Joseph, and Cosmos Richardson- were freed after spending their court imposed jail sentences. Coard and the others argued, should they not be released, they were entitled to be re-sentenced in Grenada. They also argued that the Governor General’s imposition of an order that they be detained for the rest of their natural lives was unconstitutional. They contend that it was a breach of the rules of natural justice to impose a life sentence without allowing them an opportunity to make representations.

Judges' Report on MWAG Media Awards 2006

JUDGES’ REPORT MEDIA WORKERS ASSOCIATION OF GRENADA ANNUAL AWARDS 2006

The judges wish to recognise the efforts of the Grenadian media fraternity, the Media Workers Association of Grenada, and particularly all those who submitted entries for the several awards. The volume of entries indicated significantly great enthusiasm among the country’s media workers, as much as it did, perhaps, an appetite for some professional recognition that has been missing for many years. It is in this regard, however, that the judges would like to make a recommendation to the Media Workers Association, and to media workers. It is a request for a form of quality control. There were in some categories up to eight entries for the same category from the same media house. In one case, one journalist submitted six entries in the same category. The judges felt it necessary to advise media workers that in future efforts, they should be selective in their entries. Quality, not quantity, is what the judges are looking for. Consequently, the judges suggest that media houses and individuals should exercise their own quality control and submit their best work for consideration. The judges found also that there was confusion about a distinction between news and commentary. Most entrants in the news and features categories appeared not to recognise the difference. There also appeared to be difficulty in recognising the essential differences between the news feature and a long news story – both in structure and content. Submissions in the features category are expected to give broader treatment to a news story or subject of interest. This should include some background, analysis, and context or consideration of implications of the subject matter and of the current approaches related to the issue. The judges were disappointed also that many of the entries for the news story categories were limited to routine coverage of press conferences, speeches and statements, road accidents or based on interviews. These did not give any indication of the ability of the journalist to provide context that would have given added news value to the listener, viewer and reader. The judges did not make awards in all categories. Although some of these categories were enthusiastically supported by the volume of entries, the judges concluded that the criterion of quality was not met, and refrained from making an award. However, this is not to be taken negatively by Grenadian media workers. The judges hope that, rather than supporting entries that did not meet basic criteria, the absence of awards in some categories will lead Grenadian media workers to improve the quality of their entries next year. Again, the judges would like to congratulate the Media Workers Association and all workers in the Grenadian media for this sterling effort that inevitably will lift the quality of the profession in the country.

Photo caption: Wesley Gibbings presenting the judges' report, courtesy GrenadianConnection

MWAG's President Addresses Media Awards

It is a wonderful moment to be able to say a few words on this historic night, which is in effect a significant pause on a never ending journey in the pursuit of journalistic excellence. What we are gathered here tonight for, is not just to honor those who have reach a particular standard in their work in the year under the review, but beginning the setting of a higher bar on excellence. If we are serious about achieving and maintaining excellence in this demand profession of ours, tonight is not the end of anything. It is the start of everything. This award ceremony comes at a time when our organization – MWAG – is pushing forward on a number of fronts. At the end of last year, MWAG threw out a challenge to the local media to prepare to meet the challenges ahead. Collectively, we can say we have made strides, but there is always room for improvement. The Media Awards is just one of the things we set out to achieve this time a year ago. The initial arrangements for the Training programme with TAMCC have been completed and soon the First Vice President Rawle Titus would be updating the general membership. Once again I call on media managers to understand the importance of training initiative, and work closely with MWAG to improve the standard of the profession. While we demand of our members to put more time and effort to their own personal development, we also call on managers to put their own money where their mouth is, and budget more for the training of their staff. It is only through such initiatives, that the respective media houses will maintain and improve on their relevancy and competitiveness. It is an investment that would improve on the bottom line in the long run. We want to congratulate everyone who has been nominated, and who would win awards here tonight. This award is also a commitment on behalf of MWAG to encourage this new drive for excellence we are seeing in many quarters. The awards, plus the new training initiatives that will come on stream in the New Year, are all aimed at the same thing. While we can boast of the collective strides we have made in the last year, we would appreciate that starting with a serious deficit on quality; we have a long way to go. We celebrate every new milestone. But we also use the opportunity to re-energize ourselves, knowing that these are just few important beginning steps on a journey that has no end. I also want to say thanks to all those directly responsible in making such a night as this possible. The MWAG team led by Mr Rae Roberts, who has become an internet wiz overnight and the ACM team who deliberated over the judging process. MWAG appreciates the assistance from you - Canute James, Dale Enoch, Peter Richards and Wesley Gibbings. I am so pleased, sisters and brothers, to see us all shining tonight. Thank you very much. Michael Bascombe President

Photo caption: Michael Bascombe addressing Sunday's Media Awards Ceremony - Courtesy GrenadianConnection.

ACM's President Address at MWAG's Awards Ceremony

President of the Media Workers Association of Grenada, Michael Bascombe, executive members of the association, Members of MWAG, Senator Brenda Hood, Minister of Tourism, Members of Parliament, all Media workers of Grenada, Mr. Wesley Gibbings, General Secretary of the Association of Caribbean Mediaworkers, Sponsors of this event, specially invited guests...... It is always a good thing when your peers seek to honour the work that you have done. Opportunities like this one must be applauded because what MWAG is doing is really putting a mirror on itself and its members. To award excellence is really a form of introspection. In order to celebrate the work, there must be scrutiny. Over the past weeks, Media Workers here in Grenada have been taking a closer look at the work they have been churning out. That scrutiny had to take place before you made your submissions. You needed to go back in the files and pull out the work, select the best and then put it up for consideration. ...that exercise, ladies and gentlemen put the spotlight on the quality of the work you have been doing on behalf of the people of Grenada, the region and indeed the world. But as we all know, introspection does not always produce the kind of results we want...so obviously some of the work w as less than acceptable while others were good and worthy of tag of excellence. On behalf of the ACM I congratulate each and every participant for doing what would have been a difficult thing......looking into the mirror of the profession. I am told the objectives of the awards were among other things, to improve standards of journalism and all other areas of the media. This must be the mandate of any organization like MWAG. It should be the reason for our very existence as organizations and professionals. Standards in media have not been as good as they should be. Certainly the work is being done, but in many parts of the region our standards have been falling miserably. There appears to be, in some instances, cloudiness over what our roles are and we may be losing our way as to what we should be doing and how it should be done. This uncertainty could only bring suffering to the work. Going back to basics and understanding your role in a free society is necessary. The time is now for us all to do that. If we don't the powers that be would recognise the weakness and seek to capitalise on this. The integrity and credibility of the work must be protected. I urge MWAG and indeed every media association affiliated to the ACM to lead the charge of ensuring standards improve. I have said it in my own country, that the standards in radio cause me serious concerns. We have more radio, but the quality leaves alot to be desired. The almost always limited submissions from radio in awards like this are indicative of that poor and unacceptable standard of work. It is important that we do our part in lifting standards, so that challenges to the work can be effectively fought. Those challenges include some of the laws which are still on the books of some countries. Those laws which seek to prohibit a free media, those laws which continue to be nurtured by governments and over zealous leaders. It is not bad enough that the laws remain in effect, but in some jurisdictions there are attempts to introduce more restrictive laws. It is your association's responsibility to monitor those attempts and be prepared to fight them vigorously. There was a victory of sought in ST. Lucia recently with the withdrawal of a piece of legislation which had serious implications for a free media. The archaic criminal defamation, libel and slander laws must also be eliminated. They exist in just about every member country and we need to lobby for their removal. WE cannot depend on politicians to bring them to an end....afterall it suits their purpose to keep, nurture and even propose those laws. The ACM has been quietly paying particular attention to the so called sunset legislation which governs security arrangements for the region's hosting of the cricket world cup tournament next year. We have to be very careful that in the interest of fighting George Bush's war on terrorism we do not allow for the erosion of the rights of media workers. We need to consider what impact, if any, this legislation could have on the free movement of journalists during the tournament. The ACM will comment on this in due course. And while we are on cricket....how involved are media practitioners in the planning of this tournament.. ...of course as far as coverage goes? We have to be very careful we are not used as public relations officers for the various local organising committees. MWAG, and indeed all media associations must play a role in ensuring the profession is not damaged when the tournament is over. I am also hearing of restrictive accreditation fees. THE ACM has taken steps to better the network. Media passes are soon to be dealt with in a different way, thereby allowing easy access. Your membership cards will be easier to get and you would be able to enjoy the benefits of being part of the organization. Alliances continue to show that the ACM is credible and critical to media issues in the region. We are in the process now of organising a major training workshop with emphasis on HIV-AIDS reporting. We are collaborating with the American based Keiser Family Foundation and the Caribbean Broadcast Media Partnership to host that event in Trinidad and Tobago in January. In the coming months more collaborations are being planned. We will keep you informed via MWAG. I cannot leave this podium without calling on all media practitioners in Grenada to give support to your association. I know of the challenges all our organizations face, believe me, but it is important for us all to overcome the bad times and the struggles and the hard work. Strong associations can only be a benefit to the profession, the publics we serve and the democracy. MWAG is certainly one of the strong pillars of this regional network that make up the ACM. President Bascombe's involvement at the executive level of the association has been tremendous. I commend his work and his commitment. You have to support those efforts. Those of you who are not members should sign up, because by doing so you not only help build a strong local body, but the regional network is strengthened as well. Again I congratulate all participants and applaud MWAG for this initiative. I would also suggest that President Bascombe and his executive utilise the skill and experience of the so-called veterans of the media, some of whom are with us this evening. I thank you for the invitation. Dale Enoch President.

Photo caption: Leslie Pierre, Dale Enoch and Wesley Gibbings. Courtesy GrenadianConnection.

Photos of Prisoners' Release

Taken by Michael Bascombe

Bishop killers released!

by Michael Bascombe

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, Dec 2 – Three men convicted for the 1983 murder of Grenada’s former Prime Minister Maurice Bishop and some of his cabinet colleagues were released here on Saturday. Andy Mitchell, Vincent Joseph and Cosmos Richardson walked out of Her Majesty’s Prisons with their lawyers after they were convicted on 11 counts of manslaughter and sentenced to 30 years in prison. They served 23 years of the sentence. They refused to give comments as some family members and friends greeted them but their lawyer Keith Scotland said it’s an historic moment in their lives. "My clients Messrs Andy Mitchell, Vincent Joseph and Cosmos Richardson express their relief and happiness on being released from prison," Scotland said. "They express their thanks to family, friends and other well-wishers in and out of Grenada, who have supported them in many different ways over the years. They desire to put the terrible and traumatic past behind them and to re-unite with their families and loved ones and to re-build their lives in a peaceful, disciplined and productive manner," Scotland said a briefing. Under the law governing sentencing regulations, inmates’ sentences are reduced by one third if they have been deemed as being industrious and well behaved. The three men were convicted along with Bishop’s former deputy, Bernard Coard and 13 others for the deaths during the military coup. However, the Ministry of National Security said that the release of these men is not based on any court action but is instead as a direct result of the sentences being completed. “It is Government’s hope that Mr. Joseph, Mr. Mitchell and Mr. Richardson will rejoin society as productive members of the community and will live a peaceful life having learned from their experience,” according to a statement.

Grenada preparing to meet high electricity demand

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, Nov 27, CMC – Grenada’s main electricity company says it is preparing to meet the challenge of increased power supply during next year’s ICC Cricket World Cup. Thousands of visitors are expected during the 10-day sporting spectacle and power consumption is expected to surpass normal usage, especially at hotels. However, GRENLEC’s managing director, Vernon Lawrence said the priority was ensuring that the stadium had a reliable supply of power during the tournament. “Our focus is on the stadium,” he said. “We are installing a back-up feeder for the stadium so there won’t be a failure.” Lawrence said that crews were now working on ensuring that the company could meet the demands for the World Cup. He said that while the stadium was a high priority area with its close proximity to the main generating plant, the company would still be able to provide a sustainable supply island wide. “What we’re doing is preventative maintenance, so when April comes the likelihood of faults are almost eliminated,” Lawrence said. Grenada will host Group B matches in the Super Eight, second round from April 10-21.

Grenada Government says no to homosexuality

by Michael Bascombe ST GEORGE'S, Grenada, Nov 27 – Health Minister Ann David-Antoine says the Grenada government will not consider a recommendation to decriminalise homosexuality and prostitution on the island.

A recent study has recommended the decriminalisation of homosexuality and prostitution.

However, David-Antoine said that this is not among the government's immediate agenda noting religious and cultural considerations.

"Not at this time, we're not" the Minister remarked. "Every sovereign country has to take on board its own cultural situation, the faith and religious situation within the country".

David-Antoine also mooted a recent suggestion for the government to legislate commercial sex workers for the 2007 Cricket World Cup.

"At this point that is not on our books neither is the situation regarding drawing up a register of commercial sex workers for World Cup. That is definitely not on our agenda in Grenada, at this time," she told a radio programme.

The study also concluded HIV remains highly stigmatised in Grenada and discrimination is prevalent at different levels of the society.

The report said there is no clear mechanism for complaint and redress relating to abuse of vulnerability, breach of human rights and discrimination.

It also warns about a relatively low level of testing in Grenada. It also suggested that a study be undertaken to evaluate the impact of sexual offences on HIV transmission, given the high incidence of sexual offences which appear in the assizes annually.

The study was conducted during the month of September and involved roundtable discussions and focus group meetings.

Graham Roope dies in Grenada

Cricinfo staff Nov 27, 2006 - Graham Roope, the former Surrey and England allrounder, collapsed and died in Grenada yesterday. He was 60. Roope will probably be best remembered for his outstanding close catching - he was one of the best slip fielders of his generation - and it was this as much as his batting that won him 21 Test and eight ODI caps between 1973 and 1978. He scored 860 runs in Tests at 30.71 as well as holding 35 catches, and was unlucky in that he seemed to be on the verge of finding his feet when he was discarded - he made seven fifties, but never reached three figures. He was at his best in backs-against-the-wall situations. At Karachi in 1977-78 he batted for almost five hours in making 56 (ended by a shocking lbw decision) to bail England out after they had collapsed to 107 for 5. And in 1975 at The Oval he made his Test-best of 77 against Australia after England followed-on. They saved the match, but England did not tour that winter and Roope was given a torrid working over by West Indies early the following season in a warm-up match and that cost him his place when the Test series started. He toured twice with England. In 1972-73 he visited India and Pakistan, where he made his Test debut, and in 1977-78 was on the trip to Pakistan and New Zealand. The corkscrew-curled Roope was also a bit of a lucky charm - England only lost twice when he played. He was also the man at the other end when Geoff Boycott completed his 100th first-class hundred at Headingley in 1977. A front-foot middle-order batsman, Roope was a mainstay for Surrey for a decade and a half, and his best season came in 1971 when his 1641 runs at 44.35 were key to the county winning the Championship ( he also took 59 catches in that summer). His medium-pace bowling was also effective, more so in his early career. In 1968 he captured 50 wickets. He appeared in four one-day finals, finishing on the winning side only the once in the 1974 Benson & Hedges Cup. He represented Berkshire both before and after his first-class career, and was also a decent football goalkeeper, playing for Wimbledon, Kingstonian, Woking and Corinthian Casuals. After retiring he coached and did some commentary work. © Cricinfo

Unionisation holds up merger talks between Caribbean airlines

by Desmond Brown BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Nov 25 CMC – The issue of unionisation remains a major sticking point in merger talks between officials of Leeward Islands Air Transport (LIAT) and its main competitor Caribbean Star, owned by Texan billionaire, Sir Allen Stanford. Following a meeting late Friday at the Grantley Adams International Airport between LIAT’s Chairman Jean Holder and officials of the Regional Trade Union Consultative Group, the group’s coordinator, Chester Humphrey told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) that he was satisfied that the LIAT board understands their concerns. However, he said they were still not sure about the position of the Caribbean Star chairman on the issue of the rights of trade unions. "Trade Unions will be guided by what actually occurs on the ground," Humphrey said. "We are not oblivious to the occurrence not too long ago of the dismissal of several Caribbean workers by Mr. Stanford for the very simple act of joining a trade union. That to us speaks more than any declaration of intent, but unions will have to do what they have to do." The Regional Trade Union Consultative Group comprises trade unions which represent LIAT workers in all the islands where the airline operates. Friday’s meeting was also attended by Sir Leroy Trotman, the Secretary General of the Barbados Workers Union. For several weeks now, LIAT and Caribbean Star have been holding discussions about the merger and the three major Caribbean government shareholders in LIAT have said that they expect the new entity to become operational early next year. However, a few weeks ago the talks were said to be in jeopardy because of Stanford’s no-union policy. Both Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer of Antigua and his Vincentian counterpart, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves have publicly stated that workers in a merged entity should not be denied their right to join a trade union of their choice. The governments of Antigua and Barbuda and St. Vincent and the Grenadines are two of the three major shareholders in LIAT, with the Barbados government being the third. "When you meet someone with an attitude as reflective as that, quite often, that individual may have to learn the hard way," Humphrey said of Mr. Stanford. "While we don’t intend for that necessarily to happen, if it is necessary for trade unions to go back to the classroom in order to teach a student then that is what we would have to do. "We have no philosophical problem with the LIAT side, there is no difficulty there, there’s difficulty on the other side and sometimes life presents us with lessons that we have to learn in a very practical way." The LIAT chairman said that the airline has worked with trade unions for 50 years and his "mandate going into discussions with our partners on the other side has really been that the workers of LIAT certainly have the right to join a trade union of their choice." "We have been negotiating with that as a mandate from our principals and cannot resign from it as we go forward into discussions," Mr. Holder told CMC.

How the first black F1 driver realised his boyhood dream

by Edward Gorman, Motor Racing Correspondent, Times Online

The son of a former British Rail worker is to become the first black man to race in Formula One, The Times has learnt. Lewis Hamilton, 21, is expected to get his first drive with McLaren Mercedes at the start of the next Grand Prix season in Melbourne. Hamilton — who, at the age of 10, approached McLaren to say that his ambition was to race for them — is seen as one of the most talented drivers of his generation. If successful, he could become a black sporting icon of the stature of the American golfer Tiger Woods, with the potential to earn millions. He comes to Formula One from a modest family background. His father, whose parents emigrated to Britain from the Caribbean island of Grenada in the mid-1950s, worked for British Rail before setting up his own successful IT business in London. He lives with his father at Tewin Wood in Hertfordshire and has a younger brother, Nicolas, who has cerebral palsy. Although his parents have divorced, he is still close to his mother. Ron Dennis, the McLaren Mercedes team principal, confirmed Hamilton’s selection alongside the world champion, Fernando Alonso, and at the expense of Pedro de la Rosa who returns to testdriver duties. He made the decision in the past few days. The relationship between Dennis and the Hamilton family began when, aged 10, Hamilton approached Dennis at an awards dinner and told him that his ambition was to race for McLaren in Formula One. Within a couple of years Dennis had responded, offering advice and financial help — money that has underpinned Hamilton’s successful racing career through karting and junior formulas. Since those early days Hamilton has been legally contracted to McLaren and the relationship has been mutually beneficial. Recently Hamilton spoke of the benefits of his long tutelage at McLaren. “I’ve been taught by Ron and Martin Whitmarsh (managing director) that patience is a key virtue,” he said. “Look at my career; McLaren have made me wait and be patient in everything I’ve done — and I’ve won everything. “The trust I have in Ron and Martin and in McLaren Mercedes goes way beyond anything else. They have guided me all the way.” The decision to go with Hamilton, who won this year’s GP2 Series in impressive style, follows months of uncertainty during which Dennis appeared unsure whether to promote Hamilton straight into a race seat in his Formula One team or have him learn his trade as a test driver for a season. Dennis was particularly concerned at the expected avalanche of media attention that Hamilton is likely to attract as he takes his place as the first driver of Afro-Caribbean descent to race in Formula One. However, it seems that the combination of Hamilton’s maturity out of the car and brilliance in it have persuad- ed him to take the plunge. While Dennis may see Hamilton’s elevation as risky, many others have no doubt that the former karting world No 1 and Formula Renault and Formula 3 Euro Series champion is a driver of the highest quality who could be Britain’s best young prospect in the sport since the young Jackie Stewart emerged in the mid-1960s. In the past year Hamilton has shown all the qualities that are required of an aspiring champion at the top level, combining an aggressive and courageous style (which reminds some of Hamilton’s hero, the great Ayrton Senna) with a cool head under pressure and a fine tactical sense. He is also, most importantly, frighteningly quick.

Lewis Hamilton Born: Stevenage, Jan 7, 1985 Age: 21 Lives: Tewin, Hertfordshire Status: Single Height: 1.74m Weight: 67kg Started racing: 1993, aged 8 in karts 1995: Wins first British kart championship 1995: Meets Ron Dennis and tells him his ambition is to race in F1 for McLaren 1996-1997: Wins a further four British kart titles 1998: Dennis offers his patronage, Lewis signs long term contract with McLaren 1998-2000: wins European and World karting titles 2003: Champion, Formula Renault UK 2005: Champion, Formula 3 Euro Series 2006: Champion, GP2 Series Favourite music: Hip-hop, R&B, Reggae, Funky House Favourite artists: The Roots, Bob Marley, UB40, Chaka Demus & Pliers Hobbies: Music, guitar, books, gym, cyling, squash, tennis, karting Social: Partying, chilling with family and friends, cinema, watching DVDs

PM Mitchell says he is not ready to quit!

by Michael Bascombe

NEW YORK, USA, Nov 20 - Grenada's Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell said he is not ready to quit active politics but will plan his departure. Dr Mitchell, who is into his third consecutive term as Prime Minister, said that he wants to ensure that he leaves Grenada in ‘safe hands’ when he decides to exit the political arena. Speaking during a ceremony in New York on Sunday to honour his 60th birthday, Dr Mitchell said he had wished for one birthday give which is the continued peace and stability of the island. In recounting his political life Dr Mitchell said that he plans his exit well, noting that he has never been forced out during the 36 years he has been involved in politics. He says that too often Grenadians forget their history, saying he is worried about the peace and stability of Grenada, making reference to the periods of instability especially in the 1970s and 80s. “I wished for one birthday gift, and that gift is the continued peace and stability of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique,” he said. “Everything I have done in my life I have never been pushed out. In other words I leave in my time, Dr Mitchell added. “I plan my exit well and I like to plan it when I am on top. In other words, there can be a lot a lot of years left in this exercise”. “I worried a little bit about my country because sometimes I believe we forget too easily”. Dr Mitchell warns about returning to that dark period of Grenada’s history. “We have seen the period of instability this country has gone through over the years, my friend we ought not to back down that road again. And therefore, the birthday gift that I would want to have is to know that at the end of my period of service the leadership that comes forward will continue with the stability and good order of Grenada,” he said. At a special ceremony held in his honour, a youth centre to assist in the recreational and educational development of young people in Grenada was initiated in his honour. A New York College also announced the awarding of two scholarships in his name, as a gift to the Prime Minister. But despite the absence of Prime Minister Patrick Manning of Trinidad and Tobago, Senator Hillary Clinton, New York’s Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Harry Belafonte, among the high-profiled guests who were listed to attend, the Prime Minister and his special guest, his mother, were treated to tributes in words and songs.An array of artistes led by Grenadian-born Dr Slinger Francisco, the Mighty Sparrow, performed at the event.

Grenada to get Youth Centre

by Michael Bascombe

NEW YORK, Nov 20, CMC – A New York-based Children Foundation says it will build a youth centre in Grenada. The centre is among various gifts Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell received here Sunday at a special event, organised by the Grenada Planning Committee, marking his 60th birthday. The youth centre, which is in tribute to the late Bartholomew J. Lawson, a former Grenada Ambassador-at-Large, will offer recreational, educational and health care opportunities for the children of Grenada. The Bartholomew J. Lawson Foundation for Children and the Windward Islands Research and Education Foundation, which is based at the St George's University, will coordinate efforts to ensure that this project takes hold and inspires the young people of Grenada to seek high goals and reach success. "Prime Minister Mitchell, you may consider this announcement a birthday gift, as we believe that our planned project reflects your vision of a forward-moving nation," said Dr Lawson. In addition, the President of Medgar-Evers College in Brooklyn, Dr Edison Jackson announced that two scholarships would be given to Grenadian students in honour of Dr Mitchell. "Mr Prime Minister, I know how passionate you are about education so this evening I would like to announce the establishment of a scholarship in your honour and you may select two graduating seniors who will graduate this Spring and they can enter Medgar-Evers College," Dr Jackson said. Despite the absence of Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Patrick Manning and other high-profiled guests that were slated to attend the function, the Prime Minister and his special guest, his mother, were treated to tributes in words and songs. An array of artistes led by Grenadian-born Dr Slinger Francisco, the Mighty Sparrow, performed at the event.

Opposition Leader raises concerns about bribery allegations against Energy Minister

by Michael Bascombe

ST GEORGE’s, Nov 19, CMC - Grenada's Opposition Leader Tillman Thomas says allegations of bribery against Energy Minister Gregory Bowen could affect the development of the energy sector here. Bowen has been accused by RSM Production Corporation, a United States-based oil production company, of denying the company an exploration licence because it refused to offer him a bribe. The claim was made in a US$500 million lawsuit filed in a New York court earlier this month. Bowen said the refusal to grant RSM a licence was based on investigations that indicated that the company had no intentions of oil and natural gas exploration but was following a method of making agreements and selling off interests in those agreements to others. However, Thomas said that the lawsuit would prevent any potential interest in oil exploration in Grenada’s territorial waters. "We see this as having serious implications for the energy sector," he said. "This will affect the credibility and frustrate the development of the sector while the matter is in court." Government said it took the decision to terminate the agreement with RSM in the best interest of the country. Bowen said there were doubts whether RSM had the financial resources to undertake such an exploration.

Grenada looking to Europe for more visitors

by Michael Bascombe

ST GEORGE'S, Grenada, Nov 17, CMC – Grenada is looking to secure additional airlift from Europe to cushion the effects of a possible decline in the number of visitors from the United States because of new passport regulations announced by Washington. Caribbean and local tourism officials have expressed disappointment over the decision by Washington to implement the measure by as early as next year. Tourism Minister Brenda Hood said that recent negotiations with a number of European airlines could result in increased arrivals from Europe. Hood, who led a 34-member delegation to the World Travel Market in London earlier this month, said negotiations were concluded with Condor Airline of Germany for year-round services. "We've Condor which will be flying all year round starting in November so you will see the numbers increasing. We are also hoping to get some flights out of Miami, that is important," she added. Jocelyn Sylvester-Gairy, director of the Grenada Board of Tourism, said that Excel Airways, Virgin Atlantic Airways and British Airways have all added additional flights to Grenada this winter. Sylvester-Gairy said that tourism officials were optimistic about increased airlift from Europe following the heavy interest shown by visitors to Grenada's booth at the WTM. "Given the success achieved this year, Grenada has already requested a bigger stand for the 2007 exhibition which is carded for November 12–15," she said.

DEHRING RAISES CONCERN OVER LOST LUGGAGE ON ICC VENUE TOUR

FRIDAY Nov 18 - Managing Director and CEO of ICC Cricket World Cup West Indies 2007 Inc., Chris Dehring, has pleaded with Caribbean airlines to ensure their operations are “world-class standard” in order for next year’s Event to be a success. This statement comes in the wake of several members of the ICC Venue Tour arriving in Grenada this morning without their luggage. The team landed in the Spice Isle on Caribbean Star early this morning from Trinidad, where they were in-transit overnight after completing the Guyana leg of the tour yesterday, only to discover that a significant portion of their baggage was missing. Among the items left behind was key equipment used to test pitches and outfields and other important equipment belonging to the Global Cricket Corporation (GCC), which was needed to conduct the venue assessment. However, with the assistance of the Government of Grenada Protocol Office, the luggage was sent to Grenada on a flight later in the morning and quickly despatched to the Venue Tour party. Still, Dehring stressed the crux of the matter should not be overlooked. “Here we are, on the third day of the tour, with this most embarrassing example of one of the pivotal concerns which has been repeatedly expressed – and CWC and, more importantly the entire Caribbean, has been let down. It's extremely disappointing since it caused the team to lose valuable time in Grenada,” he added. “The ICC and its partners are making their final and crucial assessment of whether the Caribbean is capable of and ready to host the Cricket World Cup to world-class standards. This is not what we want them – or for that matter anyone attending Cricket World Cup next year – to remember about the Caribbean." “The airline authorities have been on notice for a long time that this very important tour would be taking place and have been told how much depends on all of us raising our game and showing that the region can deliver in all areas, not just in building fantastic stadia.” The CWC Managing Director said “such occurrences exemplify the challenges and why we need everyone in every service to focus individually and collectively on what we have to deliver”. “The Governments and people of the Caribbean have sacrificed a lot for the opportunity to host this tournament and for anyone to operate in a manner that would put this project at risk is reckless. I have said before – and I say it again now – failure is not an option. “The success of this Event will depend on everyone, including regional service providers playing their part in a diligent, meticulous and timely fashion,” noted Dehring, who has been in the vanguard of the region’s Cricket World Cup quest for the past decade.

Grenada's LOC remains confident ahead of ICC Inspection

by Michael Bascombe

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, Nov 16, CMC – Officials of Grenada’s Local Organising Committee are confident of meeting the requirements for staging matches in the next year’s Cricket World Cup, ahead of a planned inspection visit. An International Cricket Council inspection team is set to visit Grenada on Friday to assess the venue’s preparedness for the event. “Some works are going to schedule, others area little behind but we feel pretty confident that come April 2007 that everything will be in placed,” said Roy O’Neale, managing director of the LOC. The local officials have been engaged in a series of meetings and reviews during the week and will give the media a pre-inspection tour on Thursday. Only last week, Chris Dehring, managing director and CEO of CWC 2007, singled out Grenada’s preparations for the World Cup despite the setback following Hurricanes Ivan and Emily. “They have shown how badly they want to host matches and Grenada is a great example of just how much the region wants to shine in our time on the world stage,” he said. There were doubts over the country’s recovery efforts and its ability to stage matches. However, the stadium is near completion and ICC officials gave the thumbs up on recent visits to the island. Grenada will host Group B matches in the Super Eight, second round from April 10-21.

St Lucians vote in general elections on Dec 11

by Ernie Seon

CASTRIES, St Lucia, Nov 16, CMC – Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony Thursday night announced that general elections will be held in St. Lucia on December 11. Speaking to supporters at the Castries Market steps in the heart of the capital, Anthony, whose St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP) is seeking an unprecedented third term in office, said that Nomination Day will be on November 30. With a school bell in hand, the Prime Minister said that Parliament will be dissolved on Friday. The elections will be a straight fight between the ruling SLP and the main opposition United Workers Party (UWP) led by veteran politician and former prime minister Sir John Compton. The SLP controls 13 seats in the Parliament and the UWP controlling three seats, with support from one independent member, a former UWP candidate. The Electoral Commission last week announced that it was ready for the polls and that 135,958 persons had been registered, an increase of 14,599 electors over the 2001 figure.

GIVE A GIFT OF ICC CWC 2007 TICKETS FOR CHRISTMAS!

Nov 16 - More Caribbean cricket fans are now buying tickets for next year’s ICC Cricket World Cup as Phase 2 of Public Ticketing draws to a close. The latest sales trends have shown an increase in ticket purchases by Host Venue nationals as the tournament draws nearer; with five countries which will stage matches in ICC CWC 2007 ranking among the top-ten nations worldwide for the most tickets bought. In fact, collectively the number of tickets purchased by all Host Venue nationals exceeds that of the UK, which has been the top-ranked country for ticket purchases from the outset of Public Ticketing. Commenting on this surge, ICC CWC 2007 Commercial Manager, Stephen Price, noted that “obviously Caribbean residents are now getting excited about the Cricket World Cup…and sitting up and buying tickets”. “They don’t want to miss out on the most amazing event to ever come to the Caribbean so they are making sure they have their tickets,” he said. At present, fans from the UK, USA, Trinidad & Tobago, Australia, Barbados, Jamaica, India, Canada, Guyana and Grenada respectively lead the way in numbers of tickets purchased. They are followed by South Africa and then three more Host Venues – St. Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia and Antigua & Barbuda. “Anticipation is building towards the (Cricket) World Cup, especially with fans watching the stadiums and other CWC-related projects coming to fruition. Also, the strong showing of the West Indies team in the ICC Champions Trophy – establishing themselves as contenders for the title next year – has intensified the interest among regional fans.” Stressing that there are just two weeks until the close of Phase 2 of Public Ticketing on November 30, 2006, Price urged fans globally to seize the opportunity to give a unique gift of CWC match tickets as Christmas presents – and get their Yuletide shopping done early. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get family and friends an unusual present – something they will remember for a lifetime: tickets to the Cricket World Cup in the Caribbean. Ticket prices compare favourably with other traditional gift options – US$10 can buy a ticket to the West Indies-India Warm-up game in Jamaica or the Australia-England Warm-up in St. Vincent and US$40 can get four Warm-up tickets at one venue. There are also Group Stage tickets for as low as US$15 and US$25 and Super 8 tickets for US$25,” stated the CWC Commercial Manager, reminding that the third and final phase of Public Ticketing will not open until mid-January 2007. Price said interest in the Event is high partially because of the exotic Caribbean destinations which will be hosting matches. “Look at the excitement in the crowds at the ICC Champions Trophy in India. The expectation is that the atmosphere in the Caribbean will be even better, because of our reputation for great hospitality, fun and partying. People are coming from all over the world – from more than a hundred countries – to participate in what will be an unforgettable experience. “It’s going to be the best Cricket World Cup and we want fans to come for the cricket – and stay for the party,” he declared.

Three more teams in GFA's KO Round of 16

By Michael Bascombe & Lester Smith

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, Nov 16 - Three more teams qualified to the round of 16 in the GFA Open Knock Out Football Tournament on Wednesday. ASOMS Paradise edged Police 1-0 in a nail-biting game at the Grenville Recreation Ground. Glenelg Spring Water GBSS and D'Sports Shop Morne Jaloux decided their outcome by penalty kicks. GBSS won 4-3. The score at the end of normal playing time was 2-2. In the other game, Hard Rock won by default over Sunshine Flour Happy Hill. In the latest draw for the next round of Competition starting on Saturday, CableVision St Andrew’s Football League plays South Stars at the GRG; and on Sunday Dano Eagles Super Strikers host Digicel Premier League Champions Carib Hurricanes at the Fond Recreation Ground; Hard Rock and North Stars at Plains in a St Patrick derby and Queen’s Park Rangers host neighbours FUTGOF at the Queen’s Park.

PM Mitchell to be honoured in NY

by Nelson King

NEW YORK, Nov 16, CMC - Grenada’s Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell and his Trinidadian counterpart Patrick Manning will this Sunday be saluted and honored, respectively, at an elaborate 60th birthday celebration for Mitchell in New York. Grenadian organisers of the event, which will be held at Astoria World Manor in Astoria, Queens, said it is fitting to salute and honor both leaders for their respective contributions to Grenada. "We particularly wish to congratulate the Prime Minister (Mitchell) on the level of political stability he has been able to maintain as well as the popular support he continues to receive from the majority of Grenadians at home and aboard," the Planning Committee said in a statement. "Congratulations, too, for the rapid rate at which the country’s economic recovery is taking place and the level of infrastructural development realised to date following the havoc caused by two of the worst hurricanes to hit our country," it added. On Manning, the committee said the Trinidad and Tobago prime minister, a "long-standing friend and regional counterpart" of Mitchell, was the first regional leader to call the Grenada leader and visit the island in the immediate aftermath of the destruction by Hurricane Ivan, noting that this visit was "one of the most important morale boosters" for Mitchell. "The government of Trinidad and Tobago, under the distinguished leadership of Prime Minister Manning did not hesitate to voluntarily provide unconditional assistance to the ‘Spice Isle’ at some of the most critical and challenging times Grenada has ever experienced," it said. The committee said Trinidad and Tobago provided to Grenada over US$30 million in grant, channeled through the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Petroleum Fund, which were used for budgetary support and reconstruction efforts. Port-of-Spain also furnished a soft loan to the Keith Mitchell administration to the tune of US$16.5 million, which aided housing and business re-activation, the committee said. A host of dignitaries, investors, nationals and friends of Grenada and Trinidad & Tobago have been invited to attend the gala birthday event. Among them are US Senator Hillary Clinton, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Harlem Congressman Charles Rangel, and New Jersey Congressman Donald Payne (D-NJ). Invitations have also been extended to renowned actors Danny Glover, Morgan Freeman, and Harry Belafonte.

Grenada preparing to 'Spice Up'

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, Nov 15, CMC – The Grenada government is to initiate a national beautification campaign ahead of the country’s staging of matches during next year’s Cricket World Cup. Tourism Minister Brenda Hood said a national committee is to be named to co-ordinate the project. Hood said the objective was to mobilise Grenadians and to get them to contribute to the staging of a successful World Cup. “We’ve started to write letters to the business community asking them to get involved,” she said. Hood noted the opportunity would also be used to beautify the island with the national flower – Bougainvillea. “We want people to paint up. We want to encourage as many people as possible to also use our national flower in their decorations,” Hood said. “It’s going to be a very aggressive campaign over the next few months. It’s the rainy season so we’re ensuring that they take advantage of the conditions.” Grenada will host Group B matches in the Super Eight, second round from April 10-21.

Carib Hurricanes take Digicel Premier League

by Michael Bascombe & Lester Smith

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, Nov 13 – Carib Hurricanes FC are the champions of Premier League football in Grenada, after a 2-0 victory in their final match of the 2006 season on Sunday. The win took the team to 38 points, one more than second placed Queen’s Park Rangers FC, who edged Hard Rock FC 1-0 in another of the final round of matches on the weekend. Hundreds of spectators journeyed from St Mark and other parishes to support Hurricanes against GBSS FC at the Tanteen Recreation Ground, in the game which had more interest in the Digicel Premier League. Hurricanes scored a goal in each half to spark an evening of celebrations, including a motorcade for the players. In another game played, eight goals were scored between Morne Jaloux and Springs. Although Morne Jaloux won 5-3, their faith will be determined when Fontenoy United FC and Police play later this week. Both Fontenoy and Morne Jaloux are trying to avoid relegation next season. Springs have already been demoted to the First Division after finishing on a mere 11 points from 18 games played. But what might be considered unimaginable in local football is the fact that Eagles Super Strikers started the second round of the tournament on three points and completed their fixture of matches on 23 points and in fifth position in the 10-team championship. ESS FC defeated defending champions Paradise FC 3-0. The teams will now contest the Open Knock Out Tournament which will be played during this month. CARIB HURRICANES 38 Q.P.R. 37 HARD ROCK 34 ASOMS PARADISE 30 DANO E.S.S. 23 POLICE 19 (one game left) GLENELG G.B.S.S. 18 D’SPORTS MORNE JALOUX 18 FONTENOY UNITED 17 (one game left) SPRINGS 11

Grenada to host OECS Swim Champ in '07

by Ryan O'Brien

CASTRIES, St Lucia, Nov 13 (CMC) – Officials of the OECS Swimming Congress have decided to expand the annual OECS swimming championships by inviting swimmers from Guadeloupe and Barbados to compete. The decision was one of several taken by the Congress during the recent staging of the annual swim meet at the Rodney Heights Aquatic Centre here which was won by Grenada. Swimmers from Martinique also attended this year’s championship, but did not feature in the overall placings. The Congress, which voted St Lucian Dr Marcus Day as the new president, also decided to have next year’s championships held in Grenada and made radical changes to the format of the existing competition. “There was a decision to have the next OECS championships in Grenada for 2007 with the intention of having the meet alternated between St Lucia and Grenada until other facilities are available,” a release from the OECS Swimming Congress said. The release stated that medals would be issued next year for OECS and invited participants but points would only be awarded to OECS teams.“It is anticipated these changes will augment the competition and help develop the OECS championships into a more significant swim meet for the Eastern Caribbean,” the release said.

Jamaican trade unionist wants unions involvement

ST GEORGE'S, Grenada, Nov 9 (CMC) - President of the Jamaica Civil Service Association (JCSA), Wayne Jones, has challenged regional governments to make public sector unions an integral part of the governance of their respective countries. Addressing public workers here this week during the observance of the 75th anniversary of the Public Workers Union (PWU), Jones noted that both the government and the private sector seem to perceive public sector unions "as a small player rather than a major influence". According to Jones, one clear example is the staging of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 in the Caribbean. He asked how many public sector unions were part of the organising and staging of the event. Jones said some union leaders were yet to be briefed as to the role their workers will play. "In approximately five months' time the region will host the historic Cricket World Cup 2007. Now the question is how many of us are aware of the implications of this mega event for our region?," he asked. "Where is the dialogue between the public sector workers and the local organising committees," he quizzed. Jones said the Sunset Legislation, in most cases, would be administered by public officers and they were being left out. "It is the public sector workers who'll have to enforce the recently passed Sunset Legislation. It is the immigration officers, the custom officers and the police officers who'll have to man our borders and the various ports of entry," Jones said. "Where is the dialogue with them - do they know what it is we're trying to achieve"? The Jamaican trade unionist noted that South Africa which hosted the last World Cup in 2003 had 10,000 lawsuits as a result of the Sunset Legislation. According to Jones, the legislation impacted on several of the fundamental rights of the citizens of that country.

Catholic priests to raise funds to rebuild church

by Catholic News ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, Nov 10 - Two years after Hurricane Ivan brought devastation to the Caribbean island of Grenada, the island’s churches and the Cathedral in the capital, St George’s, have still not been repaired. Now, the Bishop of St Georges’ Vincent Darius and Irish parish priest Fr Bill O’Carroll are to take part in a 100-mile sponsored walk to raise funds to start repairs on the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. “It is a ten day walk taking in three islands,” said Fr O’Carroll. “It is certainly a testing course, it is a hilly country and we will be walking in tropical heat from 7 am until 5 pm each day. But I walk a lot, it is my hobby and I am sure I will be up to the challenge. “There have been a lot of improvements on the island thanks to the aid we received following the hurricane, but the churches have a long way to go and there has been nothing done on the Cathedral at all. We are really dependent on finance raised from this project.”

Bowen confident of being vindicated

by Michael Bascombe

Grenada’s Energy Minister Gregory Bowen said he is confident of being vindicated in a bribery lawsuit filed against him by a United States' oil exploration company. The complaint, filed in a New York Court last week, alleges that Bowen denied Jack Grynberg and his Colorado-based company, RSM Production Corporation, a license to explore for oil and natural gas in Grenadian territorial water because of a refusal to bribe the Grenadian Minister. In 1996, Grenada and RSM signed an exclusive Petroleum Agreement which was to have resulted in an oil and natural gas exploration development and production license being issued to RSM. But according to the lawsuit, RSM is claiming damages of US$500 million for the government’s failure to issue the company the license to begin oil and natural gas exploration. “In September 1996, in Grenada, Defendant Gregory Bowen advised Jack Grynberg that he expected significant bribe payments from RSM and Grynberg in order for them to do business in Grenada,” the lawsuit claimed. “After the refusal of RSM and Grynberg to pay bribes to Defendant Bowen, defendant Bowen obstructed, harassed and intimidated RSM and Grynberg in their efforts to explore, develop and produce Grenada’s oil and natural gas resources”.

The company’s lawyer, Daniel Abrams said that he was looking forward to the matter being decided in court.

"We stand by the complaint and we intend to prove our allegations in Court," Abrams said in an interview from his New York office.

"We expect the case to go to trial, it may take sometime but we expect it to move forward". The lawsuit is also claiming that the government rescinded the Special Envoy to Venezuela status of Grynberg which he was using to attempt to resolve maritime boundary disputes between Grenada and Venezuela. But Bowen said that the refusal to grant RSM a license was based on investigations that indicated that the company had no intentions of oil and natural gas exploration but was following a method of making agreements and selling off interests in those agreements to others. He said that there were doubts on whether RSM had the financial resources to undertake such an exploration. “I believe he was simply following his usual pattern of getting countries to sign exploration documents and then in the process finds someway of not doing anything like in Grenada’s case by calling force majeure and suspending the agreement, but at the sametime saying he has 10 thousand square kilometres of water and selling off the rights to other persons,” Bowen said. “So he is not investing but at the sametime he gets money and that is what we found about him when we looked at Africa and some former states in the then Soviet Union”. The government terminated the agreement in 2004 and announced that it was seeking legal advice on how to deal with the matter. Bowen claimed that Grynberg had approached the government indicating that he would renegotiate an agreement to make it favourable to Grenada and give a statement certifying that Bowen had never asked him for a bribe, if Grenada recalled the termination notice. But according to Bowen, when this was refused Grynberg prepared a lawsuit against him and others. Russian oil magnate Mikhail Fridman, who is believed to also have interest in oil exploration in Grenadian territorial water, is also named in the lawsuit.

Government concerns about Transparency Intl Ratings

The Grenada Government said it is concerned about the country’s image following a recent poor rating on the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) by Transparency International. Public Utilities and Energy Minister Gregory Bowen said the 3.5 percent CPI rating could be as a result of attempts by people who are against the development of the island. The index places Grenada at position number 66 and among the three English-speaking Caribbean countries with high levels of perceived corruption. Guyana (121) and Trinidad and Tobago (79) are the highest on the rankings with Barbados (24) among the lowest – and least corrupt. However, Bowen said Grenada would double efforts to change this perception. “We’ve to look at all angles, and yes we must be very concerned because we have built the link with the law agencies throughout the developed and developing world,” Bowen said. “So all the financial institutions must now go through the checks”. He said Grenada is now working to reduce the number of unsuccessful deals with foreign investors and fraudsters with the Integrity in Public Life Legislation and the Prevention of Corruption Bill, now going through Parliament. Under the Bill, investigations will be carried out into the reputation of interested investors. “The bill will also provide for proper investigation and to put things in place to prevent people from making false accusations,” he said. On December 7, Transparency International will launch its 2006 Global Barometer which looks at public perceptions of the level of corruption in major institutions such as courts, parliament and the police.

Grenada makes significant progress for ICC CWC 2007

Photo Compliments: GrenadaBroadcast

Grenada this week became the latest country to complete enactment of legislations for the hosting of the ICC Cricket World Cup next year. Government and opposition senators gave the final approval of the Sunset Legislation which now requires the signature of the Governor General Sir Daniel Williams. During Tuesday’s debate, former Sports Minister Adrian Mitchell, in piloting the bill, highlighted the importance of the game to the region. “What we are looking at is a venture into the sports industry. This is a multi-billion dollar industry in the world,” Mitchell said. The regulations, divided into seven parts containing 59 clauses will according to Mitchell augur well for Grenada and the region for future events. He said the bill is to ensure that all international standards are adhered to and all sectors protected. “I want to say that based on the experience of countries hosting world events like this and based on what we are seeing in the other Caribbean countries it’s necessary for us to come together and work this thing as a country – this is one venue,” he said. Despite some concerns opposition senator Ingrid Rush supported the bill and called for a more vigorous public education programme. “And for all of us who love cricket, I’ll stand with this piece of legislation, I’ll stand with cricket world cup and do whatever I can to make this a success,” Rush told the Senate. “At this time we have to bite the bullet and make sure that cricket world cup is a success and that failure is not an option.” However, Senator Arley Gill, while not opposing the passing of the Sunset Legislation, has accused the government of failing the nation by the late passage of the bill. “You are one week late in passing this important piece of legislation,” Gill told the government side. He said, “In preparation for cricket world cup the stadium is not the only requirement. One of the requirements is the Sunset Legislation before us that ought to have been passed by November 1.”

Sports Media in Grenada - My Experience

This is my initial post on this matter which is begging to be addressed. I am not the sole expert but the sports media in Grenada needs to re-ignite the passion in the community once again.

I started from the 'ole school' with the likes of Rae Roberts, Trevor Thwaites, and Harold Pysadee. Listening to these guys cover the local sporting events.

Football, Track and Field and boxing were the feeding ground. I tagged along listening and getting to know the players and sports administrators. I was confident that my time would come.

But even before that, I was already writing sports for the GRIOT Magazine and the Grenadian Voice. I was all over the playing field.

The transition was quite easy since I had a base - an urge to share the excitement with the public.

I was practicising commentary. I would go to the park (old Queen's Park) and do my own commentary on a football game. My shortwave radio would keep me in touch with the latest football and sporting events from around the world.

I was comfortable walking the streets with a transistor (aerial pointing) scanning for the latest news.

So, there was this urge to get information.

The next thing was to share the information. You must attain some knowledge. So here is where a number of people gave assistance. It's not an exhaustive list: Rae Roberts, Trevor Thwaites, Harold Pysadee, Selwin Noel, Hamlet Mark, Leslie Pierre ( Mr Pierre had a passion for cycling and I recalled doing an interview with him when the track & field stadium was being built and he was pressing the need for a velodrome, he speaks of this even to this day), Alvin Clouden, Lew Smith, Richard Simon, Conrad Francis and Veda Bruno-Victor, Kenny Hobson, Ram Folkes, Ambrose Phillip, Bobby Benjamin, and the list goes on. And then there is this simple Jamaican fellow, Lance Whittaker. He is my mentor. Let me share a secret with you about Lance. He is not only a great sportscaster, but he is a good singer!

Lance continues to inspire me even though we communicate periodically.

But my sparring pal was Rawle Titus. We spanned the island covering the events as they happen. Vividly I remembered us both sharing commentary on the old cellular phone, among the first introduced by then GRENTEL. We called it the "Phone Booth".

They provided valuable assistance and I was encouraged.

This inspiration was trickling to spending more time in the field. Trying to cover every sporting event. I didn't have a vehicle, so I would be there long before the event was scheduled to begin.

It was the glory days of sports in Grenada. Football was at its peak - the inaugural Shell Caribbean Cup final in Barbados; Track & Field - Junior CARIFTA Games around the region.

We had a lot to celebrate, and the sports media provided the information.

Then the early days of YSFM Radio (the Hamlet Mark initiative) with a committed and an excited staff that brought a new synergy, providing sports coverage wherever it happened.

Who will forget listening to Total Coverage on Saturdays and Sundays - a roundup of cricket matches in St Andrew and St David. Guys were eager to provide information to the listening public from various playing fields.

But these days, even with inexpensive high-end technology, including mobile phones and Internet, we can hardly get a good package of local sports.

Rae is trying to keep the momentum, even though it's on a small scale and Rawle is re-entering after an absence of a few years due to studies.

But we need to encourage some young men and women to see the sports media as a career. How do we go about doing that, is an offer for discussion?

In 1999, when Grenada staged its inaugural one-day international at the new Queen's park Stadium, there were scores of local journalists in the press box. I recalled a regional colleague asking me, since when Grenada had so many sports journalists.

It was a new experience so I sympathised. But the following year, there was a regional first class match at the same venue and outside of the regular faces around sporting events, there wasn't a single member from the local media.

I won't get into the issue of the ICC CWC 2007 but by now the message must be clear to all - there'll be no exceptions.

Returning to the main issue, the challenge now is to rekindle the sports media in Grenada.

Let's start the debate!

HISTORICALLY:

During my school days I carried a large bag everyday, puzzling my teachers about the real contents. The secret, I had a radio - a gift from a relative, and I would slip out of class to listen to the midday news. Even on Saturdays, attending classes in the large GBSS Auditorium, I would try to conceal my baggage, until Mr Victor Ashby (Principal) challenged me to show him the contents of my bag (in the presence of the entire class).

It was embarrassing but it was a relief since it was the end of the 'dodging game'. My confidence grew and I was mentally prepared for the challenge. I began hanging around the people who were making that impact.

It's a longer story, but I thought the experience was worthwhile.