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.