Prime Minister Keith Mitchell convened a meeting yesterday with political leaders to discuss the institutional arrangements for undertaking the reconstruction of the country. Grenada United Labour Party Political Leader Gloria Payne Banfield and Peoples Labour Movement Deputy Political Leader Kenny Lalsingh attended the session, while the Official Opposition National Democratic Congress declined the invitation moments before the meeting got underway at the Prime Minster’s Office. Discussions focussed on the establishment of the Council for Reconstruction and Development, which will comprise national stakeholders to advise Government on the reconstruction efforts, giving focus on policy and priorities for development. Significant attention was given to the Agency for Reconstruction and Development, which is the body being established to implement the works of reconstruction. The Prime Minister explained the intended structure of the Agency, which will comprise economic recovery, social recovery and infrastructural recovery. Principal focus will be on housing, particularly for low income and destitute families, while at the same time, seeking to ensure that the houses are designed to withstand hurricane force winds. Prime Minister Mitchell noted that funds for the Agency and its responsibilities are being secured from donations, friendly governments and institutions. Plans are underway to inaugurate the Agency early next month. On the matter of staffing, the Prime Minister explained that the Agency would commence with an interim board in order to facilitate the immediate work of preparing for the Donor Conference to be held in Grenada on November 19. It was agreed that the staff should reflect a significant component of Grenadians, as well as gender balance in all areas. The Prime Minister invited both political parties to make suggestions to him of suitable professionals who could serve in various categories in the Agency. Mr. Lalsingh made particular reference to the issue of looting, noting that this has happened on four different occasions in Grenada’s history, which each occurrence being worse than the previous. He advocated that education and security had to give focus to this issue. Mrs. Payne Banfield emphasised that her party is willing to participate fully in the reconstruction effort. “We recognise that there is one Government led by the Prime Minister. You have both the responsibility and the authority to undertake appropriate activities to ensure both the reconstruction of the Country and the security of the people,” she told Prime Minister Mitchell. The GULP Political Leader pledged herself to cooperate with the Government of the day and asked the Prime Minister to ensure the Agency paid particular attention to the social issues and cultural “the way of life of the people,” underpinning the importance of positive values that should permeate the minds of our citizens. Mrs. Payne Banfield highlighted the need to focus on desperate cases, including the aged, the lonely and female heads of households who face particular hardship because of the loss of their livelihood. It was agreed that the neediest cases will receive special priority. In this regard, Government will support cases identified by the party leaders for immediate assistance. SOURCE: OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER