PM Thomas addresses Town Hall Meeting

ADDRESS TO THE NATION BY PRIME MINISTER HON. TILLMAN THOMAS

AT TOWN HALL MEETING,

GRENADA TRADE CENTER

MARCH 31^ST, 2009.

“Fellow Citizens, Good evening

Once again I am delighted to address you on issues of national importance. This address is in keeping with our commitment to continuously engage you, and to keep you informed as we implement our plans to rebuild our beloved Country for the benefit of all.

We also pledged regular and active consultations. So this is why we are here this evening to engage you the people in an interactive and consultative forum.

A PERIOD OF TURBULENCE

Ladies and gentlemen, we live in a time of turbulence.

During the past two years, the world has experienced a series of crises which has severely affected the way of life of all peoples everywhere. A food crisis, a fuel crisis, a financial crisis and now an unemployment crisis is now sweeping through all countries of the world. Every one is at risk as we endure this very unusual situation. Indeed, even here in Grenada, there are some families where both breadwinners who only a month ago had good paying jobs are now on the breadline.

We in Grenada, and indeed all of us in the OECS, have felt the impact particularly through price increases in virtually everything. Thankfully, fuel prices have fallen in the past few months. Furthermore, many have experienced a reduction in much needed monies sent from family members living oversees. As we sat in our homes and viewed the financial turmoil in the United States, many were unaware that very soon, we would also be addressing a similar crisis in our front yard.

However, recent developments with CL Financial demonstrate that we are vulnerable to the global crisis as many Grenadians have invested very heavily in that company and its affiliates.

I wish to assure persons affected that your Government, in partnership with other Governments across the region, is working to resolve this issue. It is a regional problem and requires a regional solution. I expect to provide more information on this issue very soon.

Already the Government of Trinidad and Tobago has moved expeditiously to address this situation. The government of Barbados has also taken certain steps.

Further, our regional regulators are now working together to ensure better regulation of the insurance sector in our region.

We in Grenada have also begun to feel the effects of the economic downturn. Most of the large tourism development projects have slowed down or stopped due to a lack of financing. Tourist arrivals have declined, bank liquidity has tightened and some jobs have been lost.

In addition, we have also found ourselves saddled with burdens inflicted by the previous administration. On assuming office, we found unpaid claims of EC$ 53 million to suppliers of building materials and local building contractors, truckers, caterers, and other suppliers. Of this sum, $37.0 million was accumulated in the 60 days leading up to the general elections.

In an attempt to ensure that our local businesses continue to operate on a stable footing we immediately moved to satisfy their claims and reduced this figure by EC$41 million by the end of December 2008. We still have EC$ 12 million more to pay.

During 2008, EC$ 28.0 million in back pay alone was paid to public servants and teachers. Government pensions were also increased.

At the same time, increased monthly interest payments on loans restructured by the NNP government are also being paid. Moreover, these interest charges continue to mount with every passing month.

For example, in 2008, interest payments were $8.0 million. In 2009, interests payments will be $18.0 million. Earlier this month, on March 15^th Government made a major payment of $9.0 to service these restructured debts. The fulfillment of these commitments, together with the ongoing monthly obligations of wages, salaries and pensions, have put tremendous pressures on our cash flow.

Yet in the face of all these challenges, your government has taken several bold and decisive steps aimed at stimulating economic activity, alleviating the cost of living and easing the burden of the poor and vulnerable.

Permit me to state for the record some of the things that we have done so far.

Ø We have removed the National Reconstruction levy putting back $ 10.0 million of disposable income in the hands of ordinary Grenadians.

Ø We have offered a tax amnesty to give businesses and individuals a chance to make a fresh start.

Ø We have implemented the Free School Books Program at a cost of $10.0 million.

Ø We have increased the monthly allowance under the Public Assistance Program from $150 to $200.

Ø We have also given tax credit opportunities to hoteliers and developers in the tourism sector who assist with our Airlift Program.

Ø We have extended tax credits to businesses for approved Human Resource development and training.

Ø We have granted concessions to all Grenadians under the duty free barrels programs effected in the months leading up to Christmas.

Ø We have reached an agreement with the bus owners to offer a reduction in taxes on tyres for buses.

All of these actions have contributed towards easing the financial burden on all our citizens and are completely in line with the commitments given in our election manifesto to the people of this country.

These efforts by your government have been recognized and applauded. Only one week ago the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had this to say about our efforts: I quote:

“Reflecting the strong measures, taken after the new Government took office in July 2008, the authorities have made significant progress with their economic program, including a sizeable improvement in the fiscal balance. The mission welcomed the government’s success in bringing down the large stock of unpaid claims (domestic arrears).”

As a result of our demonstrated commitment and progress, the IMF mission has indicated their intention to recommend that we have successfully completed the third review. More importantly, this recommendation will lead to a higher disbursement of funds. Indeed, subject to IMF Board approval, we expect the disbursement to Grenada to double to approximately $25.0 million this year. Further, our good performance would unlock approximately $20.0m in grants from the European Union.

Fellow Grenadians, these funds were denied to the NNP administration as they failed to perform. Yet, while all this have helped, life remains quite challenging for most Grenadians.

Ladies and gentlemen, in this extraordinary crisis we are challenged to come up with extraordinary responses.

GOVERNMENT IS MOVING TO IMMEDIATELY STIMULATE THE LOCAL ECONOMY

In recent weeks, the Cabinet of Ministers have been engaged in a very detailed and disciplined review of the economic and social situation in the country aimed at creating spending power, increasing investments, stimulating economic growth and improving welfare. As part of that exercise, we undertook a complete strategic review of the Public Sector Investment Program and we evaluated the State Owned Enterprises, paying particular attention to their investment plans for 2009-2010.

In collaboration with the Grenada Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC), we carefully reviewed all private sector projects so as to identify their true status, and in particular, the actual and potential bottlenecks that may impede their timely implementation and completion.

Ladies and gentlemen, as a result of these exercises, I wish to announce the following package of measures aimed at stimulating the national economy and arresting the economic decline brought on by the global crisis. Starting yesterday, Monday, the Ministry of Works commenced implementation of the Road Improvement and Maintenance Programme.

Under this program, seventy five (75) gangs comprising of five (5) persons each- for a total of 375 persons will be employed on a monthly basis-over the next eight months to maintain our roads. These teams will be rotated monthly to ensure that the widest cross section of unemployed persons get an opportunity, to support themselves and their families. The total injection from this program would be $3.0 million.

It should be noted that this program is not intended to, and will not replace the De- bushing program, which shall continue to run in the months of August, November and December. A total of 275 additional gangs of seven persons each (for a total of 1925 persons) will be employed in each of the three months to de-bush our roadways. It is intended that the injection for this program shall be $3.5 million

Commencing in the third week of April, the Ministry of Agriculture will initiate the Farm Labour Support Programme aimed at revitalizing the agricultural sector through the provision of labour for specially targeted farms and agricultural activities.

Specifically, this program will center on the clearing and replanting of cocoa and nutmegs on the government estates. Similar assistance will be provided for the revitalization of cocoa, nutmegs and the fruit sub-sector to the general farming community.

There will also be a focus on the development and maintenance of the propagation stations at Ashenden, Boulonge and Maran as well as the repair and maintenance of some farm and feeder roads. This program will run for a period of 12 fort nights with 4 batches of workers hired for 3 fortnights per batch. A total of 792 people will be hired in this program over the 12 fortnights. The allocation for this program is $2.5 million

In an effort to create short term employment and at the same time rehabilitate many of the Government buildings that have remained in a state of disrepair since the ravages of Hurricane Ivan, a building renovation initiative will be undertaken. In this regard, priority will be given to the health and education buildings. Work will shortly begin on the refurbishment of Duncan’s Ward at the General Hospital. In addition, a new Health Centre shall be constructed in Gouyave.

The Ministry of Works will also soon commence work on the Bishop’s College, Carriacou, Calliste Government School and phase 1 of the St. Mary’s Roman Catholic School in St. Andrew. These projects will cost approximately $1.7 million and create at least 225 jobs in 2009.

In St. David, $ 1.5 million will be spent on the La Calome Housing Project for the completion of infrastructural works. This will create several jobs and in the end provide badly needed housing for 100 families.

In addition, the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Culture will establish night lighting facilities in at least one playing field in each parish at a cost of $600,000.

Social Programs

Ladies and gentlemen, government stands prepared to increase the number of persons eligible for assistance under the Public Assistance Program from the present 4000 to 4600. It should be noted that this process will take place throughout the remainder of the year as the audit of the list continues.

The Ministry of Social Development is presently undertaking a field survey to identify all eligible persons not presently on the list so as to ensure that the neediest persons do not fall through the cracks.

Importantly, detailed plans are afoot to commence the Skills For Inclusive Growth programme in September 2009. Under this program at least 300 young persons will be trained annually over the next four(4) years.

Investments by State Owned Enterprises

Within the next 3 months NAWASA will commence a $20 Million water supply project from St. David to St. George’s. At least $8.0 million will be spent this year on that project . It is expected that 65 jobs would be created.

Private Sector Investments

In order to advance private sector projects, cabinet has established a Business Facilitation Committee to meet with the developers on an ongoing basis to identify and assist in removing bottlenecks in the way of implementation and completion of these projects. This Committee will be chaired by the Minister for Finance and include other senior Government Ministers and officials. It shall also include representatives of key business facilitating institutions.

At this moment, Government is engaged in negotiations with a foreign bank aimed at assisting one or more of the developers in raising concessional financing for their projects. Given the special disadvantages in the rural areas at this time, Government has decided that special consideration should be given to attracting businesses in the rural community.

Small Business Development

Ladies and gentlemen the small business sector is pivotal in the provision of local goods and services to the public. This sector accounts for over fifty percent of all employment. More importantly, it provides numerous opportunities particularly for our young persons to realize their dreams to convert a business idea into commercial reality. As a result, government is committed to giving its fullest support to this sector.

In the month of May 2009, the small business entrepreneurs’ programme will be launched. This programme will provide finance, training and outreach services by the Business Development Center of the Industrial Development Corporation.

The programme aims to provide financial assistance to a targeted number of one hundred (100) small entrepreneurs to assist them in starting new initiatives, and or improving their current business. The sum of $1.0 million is being injected into this program.

I want to make a special appeal to those persons who have been laid off their jobs but have a good business idea to take up the challenge. You may well be the world’s next Microsoft.

Many in the business community have welcomed our tax amnesty and are responding positively. However, there have also been calls for an extension. As a result, I wish to announce that this amnesty will be extended to the end of April 2009 with certain conditions. It is hoped that this extension will be maximized by those who are yet to do so.

The Rural Economy

In collaboration with the European Union and a local financial institution, we will be launching a rural credit scheme to provide support for many farmers to increase dramatically local production of fruits and vegetables.

Within the next month, the Marketing and National Importing Board (MNIB) will launch a Market Guarantee Scheme to provide support for our farmers to dramatically increase local production of fruits and vegetables. This programme will be a joint effort by the MNIB, the Ministry of agriculture and targeted farmers. Under this programme, the MNIB will be charged with providing market intelligence and guaranteeing the badly needed market for the produce of our farmers.

Specific fruits and vegetables have been identified for both local consumption and export under the scheme. We view this initiative as fundamental to the achievement of our food security goals, the generation of foreign exchange and the provision of employment to our farmers. The sum of $1.0 million is being injected into this programme.

NATIONAL SECURITY

Ladies and gentlemen, as minister responsible for national security, I have to report that our RGPF has been doing a significantly improved job. I wish to commend them. However, in difficult economic times there are those who may be attracted to a life of crime. I want to take this opportunity to urge al citizens to be our brother’s keeper. We need to pay attention to our surroundings, seek each other’s interest and to collaborate actively with the police.

WE WILL GET THROUGH THIS PERIOD BY UNITY AND SHARED SACRIFICES

Ladies and gentlemen, if we are to fulfill the plans outlined above, we need to work closely together as a nation. The need for a multipartite approach is greater now more than ever in this crisis. For this to happen we must arrive at a consensus hammered out on the basis of mutual trust and respect for all stakeholders.

We must build a social pact in which we all recognize the need for unity and shared sacrifice. That pact should address all critical areas of concern to the social partners. At the end we must enter into a social protocol that will guide our conduct for the next three years. This will be brought before the Parliament and passed by way of resolution

Fellow Grenadians, the survival of this crisis requires bold actions.

We articulated a vision and plan and we will pursue them vigorously to improve the well being of all Grenadians. With your support and commitment, we will surmount all challenges. We are a resilient people who have demonstrated the courage and fortitude to overcome adversity. We demonstrated that before and as recent as in 2004 when we rebuilt our homes and lives after hurricane IVAN.

We will do it again.

With our leadership, we will reposition Grenada to take-off when the economic tides turn. I urge all of you to be patient, to persevere and to commit to rebuilding Grenada for our families, our communities and our continued prosperity.

May God Bless Grenada

I thank you”

Air Jamaica dropping New York-Barbados service

KINGSTON, Jamaica, March 30, 2009 - Air Jamaica will cut its New York-Barbados service, even as it increases travel on other routes as the airline aligns capacity to meet market demand.

Flights on the Barbados flight will be suspended on April 20.

At the same time, the other services that will increase include the New York-Grenada route, which will have four weekly flights; Fort Lauderdale to Jamaica, which will have five daily flights; New York to Jamaica, four daily flights; and a daily service between Toronto and Jamaica.

In all, Air Jamaica will increase its overall schedule to 246 weekly flights.

OECS-WTO Members reflect on the WTO DDA and its Implications for their economies

March 27, 2009 - Officials from trade, agriculture and the private sector will meet in Roseau, Dominica to deliberate on the implications of the WTO negotiations for the OECS and strategise for their continued participation.

The meeting takes place March 31 – April 1 and will cover trade in agricultural and industrial products and services. Experts from the OECS Mission in Geneva, the WTO and the International Trade Centre will facilitate the activity.

The current round of negotiations, called the Doha Development Agenda, was launched in November 2001. Failure to reach agreement on the lynchpin issues of market access for agricultural and industrial goods and agricultural subsidies have stalled the conclusion of the round.

However, the negotiations have been assuming greater importance more recently, as members attempt to stem the tide of protectionism that has been rising in the wake of the global economic crisis.

The Member States of the OECS, as small vulnerable developing economies, have an important stake in the current round of trade negotiations. Fiscal revenues and preferential market access regimes will be affected by liberalization obligations.

The relatively fragile and fledgling manufacturing and agriculture sectors in the OECS also require that governments maintain adequate flexibility and policy space to safeguard productive domestic sectors.

This meeting is the first in a series of two consultations on the WTO negotiations. The next one will take place in Antigua and Barbuda on April 8 and 9 and will focus on fisheries.

Six OECS countries are members of the WTO – Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica. Grenada, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia and St. Vincent & the Grenadines.

SATURDAY NIGHT BOXING

ST GEORGE'S, Grenada, March 28, 2009 - The Grenada Amateur Boxing Association (GABA) has teamed up with a popular nightclub BANANAS to stage a Boxing Card for Saturday April 4, 2009.

"Saturday Night Boxing" as it's being touted, will involve the top boxers from the mainland competing against their challengers from Carriacou at Club Bananas' Car Park.

The boxers from the Sister Isle are determined to settle a score since they lost to the mainland last year in Hillsborough.

The GABA is hoping to identify a core of boxers to prepare for a series of tournaments starting with the inaugural Caribbean Games in Trinidad and Tobago in July.

First bout is expected at 8:00 p.m. and an added attraction will be the Ring Girls. Other sponsors include Pirates Cove Restaurant and Stag.

Foreign Affairs Minister Offers Condolences on Passing of Janet Jagan

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, March 28, 2009 – Grenada’s Tourism and Foreign Affairs Minister, Hon. Peter David offered condolences to the Government and people of Guyana on the death of former President Janet Jagan, who died on Saturday.

The Minister said the death of Mrs Jagan was a great loss to the region and described the late Guyanese leader as a tireless fighter for the rights of developing countries.

“She served the Guyanese people with dedication, commitment and integrity. These attributes became the sustaining factor of her life’s work during the long battles with her husband, the late Cheddi Jagan, for an independent Guyana. Therefore it is heart-wrenching to begin to accept the loss of such a dedicated patriot of Guyana…"

Minister David said that Janet Jagan has been a very close friend of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) Government.

“She has played a major role in shaping sustainable democracy in Guyana, and she will be missed,” Minister David said.

Chicago-born Janet Jagan, who became the first female president of Guyana, died aged 88, just hours after she was admitted to hospital.

Janet Rosalie Jagan (née Rosenberg) was a former President of Guyana, serving between 1997 and 1999, and previously served as Prime Minister in 1997.

AMBASSADOR GAIRY PRESENTS CREDENTIAL TO PRESIDENT HU JINTAO

BEIJING, China, March 27, 2009 – Grenada’s Ambassador to China, Her Excellency Marcelle Gairy was among diplomats who presented credentials to Chinese President Hu Jintao on Friday.

The new ambassadors to China from Grenada, Turkmenistan, Greece, Tonga, Syria, Georgia and Turkey were presented to the Chinese President.

The seven ambassadors are Marcelle Gairy from Grenada, Murat Nazarov from Turkmenistan, Theodoros Georgakelos from Greece, Mahe'uli'uli Sandhurst Tupouniua from Tonga, Khalaf Al-Jarad from Syria, Karlo Sikharulidze from Georgia and Murat Salim Esenli from Turkey.

Grenada and China resumed diplomatic relations in January 2005, reaffirming the one-China policy.

The Chinese government had said that it’s willing to cooperate with Grenada, in line with the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence in such fields as politics, economy, trade, culture and education.

Earlier this month Prime Minister Tillman Thomas met with a senior official of Communist Party of China (CPC) in St. George’s, vowing to promote relations between the two countries and the two parties.

LAUNCH OF COMMUNITY SUPPORT NETWORK VOLUNTEERS IN ST PATRICK AND ST MARK

St. George’s, Grenada, March 27, 2009 - GNOW will be launching the Community Support Network Volunteers (CSNV) in St Patrick and St Mark on Sunday March 29, 2009.

The main speaker is expected to be Prime Minister Tillman Thomas, Parliamentary Representative for St Patrick’s East.

The Community Support Network is part of a project “Support Network for Women Experiencing Gender-based Violence”.

It is supported by the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) and the United Nations Trust Fund in Support of Actions to Eliminate Violence against Women.

The theme of the Volunteer Network is "Strengthening Communities by Supporting Women to Overcome Gender-Based Violence". Therefore, the community volunteers will provide informal support to victims and encourage them to stand for their rights and report matters of domestic violence, rape, etc to the existing formal systems.

In preparation for this programme, forty-two (42) volunteers would have undergone at least twenty-eight (28) hours of training from February to March on topics such as Gender Relations, Legal and Psychological Concepts of Violence against Women, Paraprofessional Counselling, Existing Mechanisms and Services for Addressing Violence against Women and Overcoming Issues Related to Gender-based Violence. In addition, the 38 women and 4 men would have indicated their commitment to be volunteers in the Network for at least two years.

This launch brings the total number of trained women and men who are volunteers in this islandwide network to one hundred. Training and launch of volunteers in Carriacou and Petite Martinique is being planned for May 11 – 17, 2009. Interested men and women are encouraged to apply.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE TRAINING FOR POLICE OFFICERS

The Ministry of Social Development and Grenada National Organisation of Women (GNOW), with the support of the Royal Grenada Police Force, will be hosting a two-day training workshop for Police Officers on Thursday – Friday March 26 – 27, 2009.

The Legal Aid and Counselling Clinic, led by Jackie Sealy Burke, will provide the training.

Funding for the training of Police Officers is provided under a project “Support Network for Women Experiencing Gender-based Violence”. It is provided by the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) and the United Nations Trust Fund in Support of Actions to Eliminate Violence against Women.

This workshop is expected to attract forty (40) Officers who are stationed throughout the island. For two days in November 2008 and one day earlier in March 2009, another group of 30 Police Officers had received training on the same topic. Training for two additional groups is also being planned for 2009.

GRENADIAN NURSES OFFERED TRAINING IN THE UNITED KINGDOM

LONDON, UK, March 26, 2009 - Grenadian nurses in several disciplines may be in a position to enhance their skills with the offer of cooperation between Grenada and London South Bank University, Faculty of Health and Social Care.

On Wednesday March 25th 2009, HE Ruth Elizabeth Rouse, High Commissioner for Grenada, in keeping with the Government’s desire to improve quality health care, held discussions with Professor David Sines, Executive Dean, Faculty of Health and Social Care/Community Health Nursing, London South Bank University.

The University trains thousands of students in the nursing profession and collaborates with top London Hospitals such as Guys and St. Thomas’, Great Ormond Street, the Maudsley Hospital, among others.

The areas identified for possible training include, Mental Health, Adult Nursing (diabetes, cardiovascular, sickle cell, lupus); Radiography, Radiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Theatre operation, Primary Health Care.

Professor Sines has over 30 years experience in the nursing profession and is willing to work with the Health Department in Grenada to improve the services offered in this area.

High Commissioner Rouse thanked the Professor for his warm welcome and kind offer of assistance and is currently holding discussions with the Ministry of Health in Grenada to take the offer forward.

PALACES FOR HOMES

St. George’s, March 25, 2009 (GIS) – The Government of Grenada, through the Ministry of Housing, is working assiduously to improve what one Housing official describes as “Grenada’s deplorable housing stock.’’

Kallan Simon, the Housing Progamme Coordinator, said part of the Ministry’s mission statement is to ensure that people live in satisfactory homes that will uplift their self-esteem and ensure their safety.

Mr. Simon told the Government Information Service that the Ministry faces many challenges, but it’s determined not to allow them to stand in the way of enhancing the housing situation throughout Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

The Programme Coordinator said the Housing Ministry inherited a “very difficult economic situation,’’ but is committed to ensuring that Grenada has one of the best housing stock in the Caribbean.

“It would take some time but one of the things we are doing is to ensure we have a minimum standard for housing,’’ he said. “We are just not going to give people a piece of ‘ply box’ and call that a home. We have to think about the toilets, bathrooms and living rooms. We want to make their homes their palace.’’

GREATER MARKETING NEEDED, SAYS TOURISM DIRECTOR

St. George’s, March 25, 2009 (GIS) – Grenada must implement more aggressive marketing, advertising and public relations strategies to attract more visitors to the Tri- island State, says a senior Grenada tourism official.

Tourism Director Williams Joseph issued the call in an interview with the Government Information Service following his participation in a tourism event in Germany called International Trade Bolsa or ITB Berlin.

Mr. Joseph led a 10-member delegation to the March 11 – 15 event, where he met with Condor and Virgin Atlantic officials to discuss the continuation of airline flights to Grenada.

Condor is twinned with Porlamar, a Venezuelan air service that targets low-income earning travelers.

Mr. Joseph said Condor officials expressed concern of the impact of ongoing flights to Grenada, with fewer people expected to travel given the current global economic crisis.

He has suggested that Grenada would have to ensure greater capacity on Condor-bound flights to this country to avoid paying out huge sums under an existing agreement.

“In the past we have performed at an average of 80 seats per flight,” said Mr. Joseph. “While Condor is prepared to continue service, and we’re about to sign a new agreement for winter 2009-2010, we are mindful even now that the performance gap must now be narrowed.’’

He said heavier emphasis should also be placed on Internet and E-marketing strategies, which would also help maintain the Virgin Atlantic service to Grenada.

Under a deal with Virgin, Grenada needs to attract at least 6000 passengers per year.

In this regard, Mr. Joseph also appealed for a marketing commitment targeting passengers flying with Virgin.

“As long as we pay our bills and the marketing strategies are established and are pretty effective, we believe that the results will come,’’ said Mr. Joseph.

The Tourism Director is confident that with the return of La Source on the market and all other major properties now fully in place, Grenada can achieve the airlines’ required passenger levels.

Boyz cash-in on delayed Digicel spoils

BY SEAN A WILLIAMS Assistant Sports Editor

Jamaica Observer

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

The Reggae Boyz who participated in lifting the regional Digicel Caribbean Championships in December of last year in Jamaica have finally begun to receive their share of the prize money after an agonising wait of three months.

President of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), Captain Horace Burrell, and general secretary, Horace Reid, confirmed yesterday that the bulk of 20 players have collected their monies "with only a few" remaining since the payments started last Thursday.

"All of the players who have got their funds so far are very excited and we in turn are happy for them because this is money that they have worked hard for," Burrell said.

The delay of the prize money of US$120,000 by the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) was said to have resulted from years of unpaid cess by the JFF to the regional body.

President of the CFU, Austin 'Jack' Warner, had ordered a freeze on the funds until the debt could be resolved.

"What happened is that the CFU imposed a freeze until we were able to make the outstanding payments... that had been done and the funds were released," Burrell explained from his New Kingston office yesterday.

The cess is a mandatory tax all FIFA member nations must pay when they stage international matches if charges are applied to spectators to watch.

"For many years this cess was not being paid over to the regional body, the CFU, and it has piled up," said Burrell, who is also senior vice-president of the CFU.

The unnamed sum owed to the CFU was said to have been deducted from the Digicel prize money, with the remainder to be shared equally among the players and a small portion to be divided among the technical staff.

Neither Burrell nor Reid was prepared to reveal the sum owed to the CFU.

Burrell, who is in his second stint as JFF boss, said the decision to hand over whatever was raked in from the tournament to the players was made because the cash-strapped local football body could not pay the customary match fees.

"Had we not made this arrangement with the players, the sum we had to pay to them in fees would be much more on a match-to-match basis," he noted.

Knowing well ahead of the start of the finals of the regional tournament played in Kingston and on Jamaica's north coast, Burrell sought a practical solution in remunerating the players when he convinced them to waive regular match fees for a take-all of what was won from the championships.

"I have a very good relationship with the players and they trust my words. I told them the situation that the Federation is in and gave them the undertaking that the prize money would be theirs and they agreed to go along with the deal, knowing very well that they could win the title," said the CONCACAF executive committee member.

"Players are usually very reluctant to accept terms like these, but as I have said, I have an excellent relationship with all my players, overseas and local, so it was not that difficult to get them sold on the idea," Burrell added.

In the true sense, it was a risky proposition for the players, because if they had finished out of the prize-winning frame, they would have received nought.

Team captain Tyrone Marshall, who plays for US MLS rookies Seattle Sounders, went public in expressing his disappointment at the delay in payments, but said he understood the reason.

Jamaica's 20-man squad includes Donovan Ricketts, Shavar Thomas, Dane Richards, Omar Cummings, Eric Vernon, Andrew Williams, Roland Dean, Luton Shelton, Keneil Moodie, Demar Phillips, Tyrone Marshall, Rudolph Austin, Jason Morrison, Oneil Thompson, Demar Stewart, Dwayne Miller, Obrian Woodbine, Rafe Wolfe, Wolry Wolfe and Sean Fraser.

Jamaica won the Digicel Caribbean Cup by defeating Grenada 2-0 in the final at the National Stadium courtesy of two penalties from Luton Shelton. The Boyz defeated Grenada 4-0 in the group phase.

Grenada collected US$70,000 for finishing second; Guadeloupe secured third place and US$50,000, while Cuba pocketed US$30,000 for fourth place.