A Grenada trade official has said the opposition and the government have begun working together on the outlines of a reconstruction plan for Grenada after Hurricane Ivan. Dr Patrick Antoine also said that Caribbean Community (Caricom) Caricom leaders such as Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Patrick Manning and St. Vincent leader Ralph Gonsalves have been talking with the two major parties to assist the development of a working unity at this time. Dr Antoine said a memorandum of understanding has been signed between the two sides and he expects that agreement will be arrived on the plan for reconstruction in two weeks: "I would say that outside of one or two political individuals, there is an emerging consensus on what needs to be done," he said. "I do not believe that those voices we've heard some very disturbing messages from speak on behalf of Grenada's political parties or represent the level of maturity of the political system in Grenada at this time." Businesses to open The business sector also expects to be reopened for business much sooner than expected. Nickolas Steele who manages an auto parts business, said parts of the financial sector re-opened last Thursday and that other parts of the service and goods sector are planning to follow. "Two or three days after the storm, I told them there would not be any economic activity in Grenada for five months," he said. "I am now expecting to have some kind of commercial activity going on tomorrow (Thursday) so are most other businesses. "It was just in the beginning when you looked at the entire task in front of you, it seemed impossible." However, Dr Antoine said the tourism sector, badly damaged by the hurricane, will not begin functioning for another 12 months. He also said with Grenada usually dependent on its port for 70% of government revenue, having to allow relief assistance in without customs duty, government's finances will suffer. Dr Antoine has urged all of Caricom and the international community to continue the relief and reconstruction effort as Grenada remains in desperate circumstances with many in need of food and shelter. SOURCE: BBCCARIBBEAN.COM