“You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you can’t fool all of the people all of the time”  –  Anonymous.

In an environment were a large percentage of the diet of our official information is either propaganda, fake news or sometimes straight lies, and when these approaches are not effective, a culture of secrecy persists; the end result is an ignorant population which makes it easier for mamagisum and political manipulation of the masses.

In my view 2019 can be regarded as a watershed in the annals of contemporary Grenadian affairs, as it would appear that a glimmer of light is slowly appearing at the end of a journey through a long dark tunnel, as the dark-lying incubus seems to be gradually waning – clearing the way for new opportunities.

Some of the salient events of the year, not necessarily in chronological order, as recorded are as follows:

  • The strident call by our teachers and public servants for their 25% gratuity and pension when due according to our constitution, after close to 30 years of a labour of love, in the evening of their lives when destitution and poverty stare them in the face, remain contentious and is now sub judice (within the court).
  • The recent demonstration by teachers for the docking of their November and December 2018 wages remain in limbo, as the employer remain relentless.
  • Public servants, teachers and students strike for unpaid TAMCC workers increments for the past 6 years, amounting to EC$6.1million – remain unresolved. The education of our youth and by extension the holistic development of our country does not appear to be a priority for this government.
  • Failed CBI projects in St. Marks i.e: the poultry and now the shrimp farm projects, without a trace of the funds collected – remain a tax payers’ burden and a continued psychological nightmere in job creation for the poorest parish of St. Marks.
  • NDC Convention held on November 3, 2019, resulting in new leadership, headed by Mrs. Franka Alexis Bernadine, could be the beginning of a long waited silver lining.
  • Save the Camerhogne Committee has continued advocate for the protection and enhancement of the park – as a natural cultural heritage, for the recreational, enjoyment and spiritual uplift of the children and grandchildren of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.
  • Announcement of a 5-star hotel project on La Sagesse beach in St. David. Let’s hope the developer respects the Building Laws of Grenada including free access by all to the beach, and that the competent authority would be pro-active in asserting compliance.
  • The Willie Redhead Foundation celebrated its silver anniversary (1994-2019) on November 10, 2019, with the launch of its Heritage Publication titled:”THe Pride of our Waterfront Heritage – the Renaissance of Urban St. George”.
  • On November 12, 2019 York House was cleaned by the Ministry of Works of the debris left after Hurricane Ivan in 2004, together with the accumulated decay and vegetation in the building after 15 years. Let’s see how long it would take to start the restoration of this architectural gem in our Capital City.
  • In a related matter the Parliamentary Representative for the Town of St. George announced during the 2020 budget “debate” that repair work on the Public Library building would begin during the first quarter of 2020 after a closure of more than 8 years. PLEASE do not disappoint your constituency  and the students of Grenada.
  • The elementary law of physics tells us that there can be no smoke without fire.

The recent Al Jazeera  corruption disclosure therefore, which has sparked denials and the threat of legal action by those involved, against those who are accused of tarnishing the good name of Grenada, will continue to have credence over denial,  until proven otherwise.

  • The Integrity Commission recently managed to bring out the students of both primary and secondary schools in St. George’s to demonstrate against CORRUPTION in Grenada. Let’s hope that this is a genuine manifestation and not just window dressing.

Corruption in small developing Caribbean states, like Grenada – as published in the Al Jareeza report is a major component of underdevelopment, poverty and dependency, and relegates Grenada to the status  of a persistant  THIRD WORLD country.  Let’s pray that 2020 would see the beginning of a new dispensation which would bring to the fore our motto:  Clarior e tenebris (brighter out of darkness) and be recognised by the DEEDS they perform in promoting a PURE and prosperous Grenada.

Merry Christmas and may God Bless Grenada.

Norris Mitchell                      December 13, 2019.