GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands: Seven weeks after the passage of Hurricane Ivan in Grenada and things are not much better save and except the utilities companies that have demonstrated fairly good level of organization. The political landscape remains a puzzle to many; more so those who have lost everything and still have no roof over their heads. A priority battle has begun among politicians over what must be given first preference. Is it the national stadium that was severely damaged or housing for the thousands who are still homeless and are living in makeshift shelters? During an exclusive Caribbean Net News telephone interview with the leader of the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Tillman Thomas has said that housing must be given priority since the housing stock was ravaged and 50 percent of those left standing are without roofs. He added that anyone who loves Grenada should not have a problem in determining where priority should be given. “I am concerned to learn that people who say they are friends of this country, with 50 percent of the housing stock with no roofs and a greater number without water and electricity, people are without jobs, the agriculture sector staggering, true friends will recognize the priority for Grenada is housing and not a national stadium,” he said. The NDC opted not to participate in a meeting convened by the Prime Minister to talk about the “reconstruction” of the country because, according to the political leader Tillman Thomas, the party offered its support but also told the Prime Minister on two occasions that parliament is the appropriate place to inform the nation and discuss the state of the country. He added, “The entire country needs to know the amount of aid received and how it’s being handled. It is the view of the NDC that the government must use parliament to assure aid donors that we are grateful for their assistance and give confidence by being transparent, offering visible accountability practices.” On Wednesday Prime Minister Mitchell met with officials from a steel company in Trinidad with a view to undertaking major repairs to the badly damaged stadium. Most Grenadians believe it’s a contradiction that that few will able live with much less understand. Reprinted from Caribbean Net News caribbeannetnews.com