ST GEORGE’S, GRENADA: Grenada’s Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell has announced that security forces from Guyana are being brought to the island to join other Caribbean forces in helping to solve the island’s security crisis. In a national address Monday night, Prime Minister Mitchell, who is also National Security Minister, provided little details about the amount of Guyanese troops that will be coming to Grenada, and when they will arrive. But the Guyana forces will join army and police officials from neighboring Trinidad and Tobago, and other islands of the eastern Caribbean including Antigua, Barbados and St Kitts who already have troops on the ground. The hundreds of troops were invited to Grenada following the outbreak of looting and other lawlessness in the wake of the devastation of Hurricane Ivan a month ago. The lack of security is said to be among the biggest concerns on Grenadians, especially since some of the island’s considered most dangerous prisoners remain at large following their escape from the destroyed Richmond Hill prison. A rise in criminal activity including violent robbery has been blamed on the escaped convicts. Prime Minister Mitchell whose Ministry of National Security has come under fire from some quarters for the considered ineffectiveness of the security plan in the initial days following the storm addressed mainly security issues in his national radio address Monday night. He announced that all escaped prisoners have until October 18 – a week from his address – to turn themselves in without the fear of facing prosecution for escaping. The Grenadian leader also announced rewards to people who provide information which leads to the recapture of the prisoners at large. A five thousand EC dollar reward is out for the considered most dangerous of the convicts. Prime Minister Mitchell also said there will be increase police presence especially in the island’s commercial areas. The Grenadian Prime Minister also defended the conduct of the regional troops already on the ground on the island, some of which have been criticized by some locals for heavy handed tactics. Some locals have also accused particularly Trinidadian forces of excesses. But Mitchell said the foreign troops have done a great job in helping to secure Grenadians and expressed his government’s full support and gratitude. SOURCE: CARIBUPDATE.COM