Her Excellency Ruth Elizabeth Rouse, assumed duties on October 29th, 2008 as Grenada’s High Commissioner to the Court of St. James’s in the United Kingdom, in succession to Mr. Joseph Charter.
High Commissioner Rouse is making her second appearance at the Court, having been appointed in the said position from May 1999 to July 2004.
The lady diplomat is no stranger to the Foreign Service, having joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 26 years ago and has served in various positions within the Ministry, including heading several overseas missions and having represented Grenada at numerous regional and international meetings and conferences since 1982.
The High Commissioner is honoured to serve her country in the UK and says she will continue to seek to enhance Grenada’s image and work together with the diaspora and other agencies in the UK, to improve the economy and well-being of the Grenadian people.
“The challenge is great, but with God on my side, I am confident of achieving success”.
As of this afternoon at 2.00pm a letter from United States Department of State confirmed that the Department of State made a determination on October 15th, 2001 that Keith Mitchell relinquished his citizenship on 20th June 1995.
This new information from Government of the United States came about as a result of an inquiry from the Attorney General on Wednesday 29th October 2008 of the Department of Justice, requesting that that department reconfirm its original advice to the Attorney General.
On Thursday October 30th the Attorney General received a phone call from the Department of Justice confirming the receipt of the request to reconfirm and the Department of Justice personnel indicated that that department had received communication that the original advice may not have been accurate and they were investigating.
On the morning of 31st October 2008 the Attorney General received a phone call from the Department of Justice confirming that it had been informed by the Department of State that Keith Mitchell had ceased to be a citizen on 20th June, 1995 and that the Attorney General will be contacted by the Department of State.
The Attorney General was subsequently contacted by the Department of State by telephone, which resulted in the letter from that department confirming the relinquishment of citizenship.
The result of this is that the people of Grenada are finally aware of the true status of Keith Mitchell citizenship and that his election to the House of Representatives from 1984 up to the elections in June 1995 was in breach of section 31 of the Grenada constitution. Indeed his first stint as Prime Minister, from June of 1995, is also tainted with illegality, as at the time of that election, he was a citizen of the United States of America.
This statement follows a commitment by the Attorney General to immediately provide an update as soon as information became available.
NEWARK, NJ, October 29, 2008 – Three Grenadian Olympians were among 11 former student-athletes recognized by Essex County College (ECC) at a special ceremony here on Wednesday.
Alleyne Francique, Allison George and Trish Bartholomew participated in a day-long series of activities at their alma mater.
All 11 athletes are from the Caribbean and were congratulated for their achievements in representing their countries at the XXIX Olympiad in Beijing, China last summer.
Also participating in the ceremony were representatives from Grenada, Jamaica and Guyana. Consul General Derrick James extended congratulations on behalf of the Government and people of Grenada and reminded them of the likes of Donald Pierre and Ellis Maitland who paved the way when they observed the 1980 Games in Moscow, and Grenada’s first representation in Los Angeles in 1984. Mr. James urged the Grenadian athletes to give back to their school and country.
Francique was from the Class of 2000, Bartholomew (Class of 2006), and George (Class of 2007).
Francique competed four years ago and also carried the national flag of Grenada in the opening ceremonies in Athens. George was a member of the 2007 NJCAA Lady Wolverine team that won the indoor track and field championship.
The Essex grads made up parts of the track and field rosters of Jamaica, Grenada, Guyana, and Trinidad & Tobago. Three Jamaican team members from ECC won a total of four medals.
Melaine Walker, Class of 2004, was the biggest winner, capturing the gold medal in the 400 metre hurdles while running for her homeland. While an ECC student, Walker was cited for All-American honors eight times.
Jamaican teammate Kerron Stewart, who graduated from ECC in 2005, was the top medal winner with a silver in the 100 metres and a bronze in the 200 metres.
The third ECC grad who won a medal was Novlene Williams-Mills, Class of 2002. Her third-place finish in the 4x400 metre relay was her second bronze in that event in four years. While at ECC, Williams-Mills was a two time national champion and an All-American three times.
Ayanna Hutchinson, a member of the 1997 Essex women’s title team, represented Trinidad & Tobago. Marian Burnett, a member of the Class of 2001, competed for Guyana.
You would think a basic winning tactic in football would be to kick the ball between the posts. Your opponent's posts, that is. The team that is best at this wins the match.
Most of the time that's true, but an infamous game between Barbados and Grenada in 1994 turned logic upside-down.
Going into the last group game in a Caribbean Cup tournament (the Shell Caribbean Cup), Barbados needed to beat Grenada by two goals in order to reach the final. A draw after 90 minutes would result in extra time whereas anything less than winning by two goals would see Grenada through to the final. The catch, however, was that the organisers had decided that in the case of extra time a golden goal would count as two goals.
Barbados took an early 2-0 lead but Grenada made it 2-1 with seven minutes remaining. Barbados were heading out unless they scored a goal – any goal!
One Barbadian striker realised that his team were unlikely to score another goal against Grenada with only a few minutes to go and Grenada playing an ultra-defensive tactic. Instead, he decided that their best chance of winning was to make the game go into extra time and score a golden goal, which would count as two goals.
So he promptly powered the ball past his own stunned goalkeeper to make it 2-2.
Now, Grenada needed to score a goal – at either end – to avoid extra time and to go through to the final. The Grenada players, initially stunned by the own goal, suddenly having realised what was going on, turned round and headed for their own net.
Now the comedy really starts as the Barbadians had anticipated this move and rushed to defend the Grenada goal – in addition to their own – until the whistle went for extra time... Now be honest, who could make up a story like this?
In the end, Barbadian ingenuity was rewarded as one of their strikers scored the winning goal four minutes into extra time, which sent Barbados to the final.
As was to be expected, the Grenadians were not amused. Grenada manager James Clarkson was furious. "I feel cheated, the person who came up with these rules must be a candidate for the madhouse. The game should never be played with so many players on the field confused. Our players did not even know which direction to attack; our goal or their goal. I have never seen this happen before. In football, you are supposed to score against your opponents in order to win, not for them."
Just in case you doubt this whole story and its authenticity, have a look at this videoclip.
NEW YORK, US, October 28 - The United States Justice Department has confirmed that former Grenada Prime Minister Keith Mitchell is a citizen of the United States.
The confirmation comes in a letter sent to the Attorney General of Grenada, James Bristol confirming that Dr Mitchell has been a US citizen since January 1984.
According to the document dated October 16, 2008, as of the last general election on July 8, 2008, the former Grenadian leader is a naturalised citizen of the United States.
The letter was in response to an official request from the AG’s office inquiring about the status of Dr Mitchell and former Foreign Affairs Minister, Elvin Nimrod.
An official of the Grenada Government has confirmed that there have been correspondence between St George’s and the US Department of Justice but refused to give any further details.
However, a source close to the Tillman Thomas administration said that “he has knowingly been a citizen of the United States but continues to hold himself out as qualified to be a member of our Parliament when he sworn to uphold the constitution”.
Mitchell’s certificate of citizenship is 12069514.
It was also confirmed that Nimrod is not a US citizen but a legal permanent resident.
“We think that he (Mitchell) should step down as Parliamentary Representative of North West St George and lead the way for a by-election in that constituency,” the official said.
“It’s ironic that for years they have filed several legal proceedings against Peter David (Foreign Minister) in regards to Canadian citizenship bearing in mind that the constitution speaks of the Commonwealth, and it’s clear that the US is not part of the Commonwealth”.
This revelation is believed to be the first major action against Dr Mitchell whose New National Party after 13 years in power lost to the National Democratic Congress in last July’s general election.
A number of lawsuits and legal actions Dr Mitchell has initiated against persons including two journalists have also been dismissed by the Director of Public Prosecutions.
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, October 27 - Fifteen year-old Jesma Noel of Westmorland Secondary School has won the Caribbean Tourism Youth Congress Debate held in Trinidad and Tobago on the weekend.
Ms. Noel, who was selected to represent Grenada following her successful showing in a debate organised by the Grenada Board of Tourism (GBT), held off stiff competition from other participants.
In the essay competition, Kemisha Sylvan of the St Joseph’s Convent St George’s placed third. Kemisha, was Grenada’s finalist in the 2008 “My Caribbean” essay competition.
At the time of the contest she was a student of the St David’s R.C. School.
It was the first time that Grenada has won the debating competition.
“I was extremely delighted in the performances of these young ambassadors who represented Grenada,” said Tourism Minister Peter David who is also attending the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s Annual Tourism Conference at the Hyatt Hotel in Port of Spain.
“This augurs well for their personal development and should inspire other students and young people about their potential,” he said.
The Minister, who is accompanied by Director of Tourism William Joseph, is also attending the CARICOM Ministers of Tourism Meeting.
ST GEORGE’s, Grenada, October 27 - The government in St. George’s is expected to drop a bomb shell this week. Insiders at the Botanical Gardens claim charges will be laid against a politician.
An official said this will be a political changing moment. The source asks not to be named and said a revelation is about to be announced.
Sources close to the government said they are more inclined to think the issue would be closer to a politician having a US citizenship.
A legal source would not be drawn but said we have proof – the source would not say who is the politician but it is widely believed to be the former Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell whose citizenship has always been cloaked in ambiguity.
Dr. Mitchell has zealously guarded his character and he boasts that he is a scholar and intellectual; and if, as expected, a major flaw in his capacity for the truth is revealed, this could be politically cataclysmic for the almost Teton-like prime minister when it comes to allegations and serious questions of honesty leveled at him.
SOURCE: Caribbean Agency for Media Services (CAMS)
ST GEORGE'S, Grenada, October 24 - The NDC has had its 100 days in office. A week in politics is a long time but in Grenada’s politics its not just coach in class but its pace is and has always been coached.
Grenada’s political history is defined by two ‘momentous’ periods. The politics of the 50s self rule – leading to independence by Eric Gairy, trade unionist/quasi preacher/nationalist politician. His labor party is largely ‘responsible’ for the birth of Grenada post British Empire rule.
The other dramatically brought to Grenada a new kind of politics. A coup – the first of its kind in the English speaking Caribbean – led by Maurice Bishop his People’s Revolutionary Government introducing a form of socialism to the spice island.
In 1983 the PRG bloodedly ‘implodded’ setting the stage for a US invasion – some Grenadians call it a rescue mission – the US President at the time Ronald Regan known as the great communicator said ‘we got there just in time’.
Saturday 25th October is a national ‘thanksgiving day’ a quarter of a century later Grenadians are unable to face up to the traumatic events of 1983. Grenadians are to a large extent shell shock. Some have argued that the spice islanders are culturally not disposed to appreciate what is of ‘them’. Each year the nation tears itself apart over the need to recognized all the falling soldiers – happy are the officials and others to publicly praised the fallen US soldiers for rescuing Grenadians but to their own soldiers silence – denial is the order of the day.
Grenada returned to elected government in 1984. Prime Ministers Blaize, Jones Braithwaite, Brizan and Dr. Mitchell – all centrist, Mitchell however pursued a kind of free market politics, unashamedly ‘right wing’ dangerously flirting with risky economic models. A ‘stealth’ culture governing maters of state. An, ‘insidious’ march on the island’s fragile, even embryonic democratic institutions – a not so subtle attack on ‘free speech’ The law of sedition – seditious libel deployed. Parliament reduced to a coliseum for contemptuous mocking of other parliamentarians not belonging to the gallery of alleged rouges.
Ironically the present Prime Minister Mr. Tillman Thomas was jailed without trail by the PRG. He now heads an NDC government made up largely of people who learnt their politics from the PRGSchool of failed socialism. Political detractors view Mr. Thomas as a stop gap prime minister. Grenadians are given to celebrate a leader who is almost a political pre Madonna – what some call the hero and the crowd syndrome. Prime Minister Thomas is not cut from the usual political cloth. He gives his ministers room to grow into their ministries.
He has hands off approach to the civil service, he pledges his commitment to uphold the independence of the state institutions – he is on public record committing himself to a free press. Mr. Thomas is not the usual suspect but he cant avoid facing up to questions about his leadership style however no one doubts as the people say, he is a good man and enjoys the ‘confidence’ of the nation.
The NDC was elected to office almost exclusively by the effort of the Grenadian media – untrained but doggedly tenacious. In my view Mr. Thomas government owes a debt of gratitude to the Grenadian media and should not be hesitant about sourcing training for media people – it is the least a grateful government can do. It is strange however that the NDC appears to be ‘adrift’ when it comes to media affairs. It would be unkind to say the NDC’s public relations effort has been ‘dismal’ but clearly the handling of GIS and issues relating to the management of government information has greatly ‘underperformed’.
It is almost hilarious but menacingly strange how the present NDC is similar in its attitude towards its supporters in comparison with its fore runner. It is becoming increasingly audible that NDC supporters feel left behind. It is perhaps unkind for me to say but the NDC has never been noted for its politics, it is rather strange that both past and present NDC, on the face of it, are devoid of politics, despite holding political office.
The NDc’s penchant for abandoning its core is well documented. It is rumored that the very popular minister of foreign affairs Mr. Peter David – he enjoys an almost cult-like status, has been seduced by Dr. Mitchell to offer protection from attempts to bring him to ‘account’. If these rumors are founded and one hopes they are baseless, Mr. David will be well advised to read the ‘prints’. Politics should not be confused with the old boys club.
The NDC inherited a Grenada which experienced economic melt down long before it became the buzz word for what’s wrong with the world’s economy. Clearly the NDC was not prepared for the ‘calamitous’ state of affairs it found on entering office – short of sacking almost every civil servant. It was task with having to rebuild a civil service ravaged by years of inadequacies – no previous experience of being in government – competing priorities everywhere – clearly it’s easy to fail the NDC government but as tentative as they have started, a hundred days in Grenada’s politics is equivalent to half a day in normal political life. Nevertheless, I give a ‘grudging’ distinction.
ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, October 24 - The Grenada Bar Association (GBA) has designated Monday, October 27th – Sunday November 2ndas Law Week 2007 under the theme, “Morality & Ethics – What’s law got to do with it?”.
Highlights of Law Week 2008 include visits to secondary schools by lawyers; visits by secondary school students to the courts; a Pro Bono Day (free legal consultation) in Grenville; social activities involving members of the legal fraternity; a donation to the Sir Archibald Nedd Law Law Library; a donation to charity; visits to the Prisons & Police Stations; and several radio and television programmes touching and concerning areas of the law of special public interest.
Topics for the radio and television programmes cover such areas as homosexuality, abortion, sale of Government lands (moral & legal perspective), capital punishment, drug use and euthanasia (painlesslyputting to death persons suffering from incurable and distressing disease as an act of mercy).
Among the actual topics for public debate during the week are: “The sale of Government land is solely an issue of law and has nothing to do with morality”; “A person’s sexual orientation is a personal choice and should not be restricted by law”; and “The death penalty – a question of law or morality?”
Throughout the week secondary school students will be visiting the various Magistrates’ and High Courts to witness trials and get first hand experience ofcourt procedure. Lawyers too will visit schools to engage students on the various topics covered by this year’s theme.
HAVANA, Cuba, October 24 - The Economy and Business Faculty of the University of Camagüey bestowed the 35th Anniversary Distinction on Grenadian alumni, who graduated from the higher education school in 1988).
The granting of the distinction followed a decision by the Cuban university staff to acknowledge those young people, who obtained excellent grades and kept in touch with the faculty in the eastern province of Camagüey.
During the ceremony, Cuban Professor Enrique Ramirez, read the resolution stipulating the granting of the Distinction, which is bestowed, for the first time ever, on foreign Students. Professor Ramirez praised the alumni's professional skills and their solidarity with Cuba.
Meanwhile, Cuban Ambassador to Grenada, Margarita Delgado, said that the graduation of the Grenadian students was in the framework of Cuba's cooperation with Grenada and other Third World nations the world over.
Grenada's Education Minister Franca Bernadine highlighted the high-quality training Cuba provides for Cuban and foreign students alike and she expressed her satisfaction over the high distinction granted to the Grenadian professionals.
On behalf of the alumni, Asquit Duncan thanked Cuban authorities and professors at the university faculty for what he described as 'a noble gesture' and reiterated their support for the Cuban people and the Revolution.
October 23 2008 – Football’s world governing body, FIFA has endorsed the executive body of the Grenada Football Association (GFA) which was elected earlier this year, and in the process rejected a three-person committee which was attempting to govern local football.
In a letter sent to the President of the GFA, Ashley “Ram” Folkes from the Secretary General of FIFA, Jerome Valcke, FIFA reiterated its recognition of the Executive Committee, headed by Folkes.
A joint FIFA/CONCACAF delegation visited Grenada last month following attempts by the committee to proceed with a vote of no-confidence in the Executive. However, Mr Folkes described the moves as unconstitutional and refused to step down.
“The three-person committee is not recognized by FIFA and CONCACAF and should immediately cease and desist from representing to third parties that it is responsible for the governance of the GFA,” according to the letter which was also copied to FIFA Vice President and CONCACAF President Jack Warner.
“FIFA recognizes the Executive Committee elected on 26 April 2008 which was observed by external delegates,” it stated.
However, FIFA has requested that the GFA should convene an Extraordinary General Council “for the sole purpose of adopting the revised statutes as approved by FIFA”. This meeting, according to FIFA, should be held within the next 30-45 days.
FIFA also requests that the GFA convenes a second Extraordinary General Council also within the next 30-45 days and the agenda should include the items raised in the June 28th petition.
FIFA together with CONCACAF will again mount a joint delegation to the Extraordinary Council Meetings.
HAVANA, Cuba, Oct 20 (acn) Representatives from the Management and Staff of the Grenada Airports Authority handed over a donation check in the amount of EC$16,388.53 to Cuban Ambassador Margarita Delgado during a ceremony held at Point Salines Intl. Airport last week.
This donation represents funds collected during a fundraising activity organized at Point Salines Intl Airport’s grounds to contribute to ongoing recovery efforts in Cuba, which was severely devastated by hurricanes Gustav and Ike.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation and tremendous contribution the people and Government of Cuba have made towards Grenada, especially during the construction of the Point Salines International Airport, the Airports Authority saw it fitting to embark upon this event.
The Airports Authority thanked all the members of staff, organizations and individuals who contributed in one way or the other in making this event a resounding success.
The Cuban Ambassador, in accepting the contribution, expressed her gratitude for such gesture and reassured the continued support and collaboration of Cuba towards the Government and people of Grenada, despite all difficulties.
Lewis Hamilton will call on the support of his family for one last time this season in Brazil, believing they are worth more to him than the 100,000 fans who will be cheering on Felipe Massa.
It was Hamilton's family in dad Anthony, mum Carmen - although she is more affectionately known as Brenda - step-mum Linda and brother Nic, who saw him through last week's dark period when the flak was flying.
Other than his father, who also serves as his manager, the others were not meant to be in China, but after what unfolded in Japan, Hamilton asked them to be by his side.
They naturally came to his aid, and their support undeniably served its purpose as Hamilton produced arguably the most complete weekend of his career, culminating in yesterday's pole-to-flag victory.
You only had to take in the scenes when he stepped out of his car to appreciate how much they mean to him as he received kisses and hugs from Carmen and Linda, and a big bear hug from Nic.
There was also a beaming smile from Anthony, no doubt filled with pride as Lewis stood on the podium, and who later gave his son a hug of his own in the McLaren hospitality area.
They will now all be in Sao Paolo, home of Felipe Massa who is now Hamilton's only rival for the title as we head into the final race of the season.
It is 17 years since Brazil last had a world champion in the late, great Ayrton Senna, so Hamilton is acutely aware of how fervently its people will want Massa to win.
But despite the support Massa will receive in the amphitheatre that is Interlagos, he maintains that is nothing compared to his family.
"The family will play a huge part, as they do all the time," said Hamilton, who holds a seven-point lead over Massa.
"Just having them with me in China, it was great to have all their support.
"They weren't going to come, they were going to go to Brazil, but I asked them to because I needed their support with everything that was going on.
"They support me so much, and without them I would not have done so well.
"In Brazil, I'm fully expecting the crowd to be a kind of 12th man for Felipe, which is fine.
"But I know how much support I have back home, and I'll again have that from my family.
"When I'm at a race track their support goes beyond any crowd.
"Just having my dad, my mum, my brother, Linda, all there for me, their support is far greater than 100,000 people in a stadium, so whatever happens, it's not a worry."
The family will also ensure Hamilton does not get ahead of himself given the seemingly comfortable cushion he has over Massa.
If Hamilton finishes in the top five then he will be crowned world champion, regardless of what Massa does.
The Ferrari star can only take the title if he wins and Hamilton is sixth or lower, or if he is second and the 23-year-old is eighth or lower, taking it on countback as they would be tied on points.
The fat lady is ready to perform, but neither she nor anyone else can take anything for granted after what happened last year when Hamilton lost out to Kimi Raikkonen after holding a seven-point lead over the Finn.
At least Hamilton heads to Brazil in the right frame of mind, in contrast to a year ago following his troubles in China.
"It was as important as any victory I've had," assessed Hamilton on the ninth win of his career.
"To come from Fuji, where we didn't have a good ending, to China and revive our status in the championship has been very positive for us.
"This past weekend was one of my best performances in a year when I have had good and bad ones, but for sure it goes up there with some of the greats.
"Standing on top of the podium in China, after what happened last year, felt amazing. I felt complete and at home.
"But it gives us no reason to get ahead of ourselves. We just need to keep our feet on the ground."
