ST.GEORGE’S, GRENADA, 23rd JANUARY, 2009_ The current global crisis and its possible impact on Grenada was the subject of discussion today when Prime Minister Tillman Thomas and Finance Minister Nazim Burke met with member unions of the Grenada Trades Union Council at the Prime Minister’s Office. “The current global financial crisis is having an impact on our country and on the performance of our economy. We believe, as we have stated before, that a collaborative effort is needed to find solutions and strategies to deal with this crisis,’ The Prime Minister told the meeting. He noted that the government is willing to engage all stake holders to find solutions and to position the country to benefit when the global economy recovers. He said the government was also concerned that any disruption and or industrial action at this time will add to the already difficult financial situation. “We will want to work with you and all stake holders to ensure an atmosphere of stability, peace and harmony is maintained during this period. We believe any appearance of instability at this time will cause further difficulties and hinder the recovery process,” he said. TUC President Madonna Harford told the meeting that the TUC is also concerned about the effects of the current financial crisis on workers and on the national economy. She pointed out that the trade union movement is willing to provide recommendations to government that they believe will help cushion the fallout. Her position was echoed by the trade union representative in the senate Senator Chester Humphrey who noted that the global financial meltdown is already affecting the tourism sector in Grenada and the region. He pointed out that at least one hotel in Grenada, which normally experienced good business activity at this time of the tourism season, is already forced to rotate staff. “We understand the difficulty we are in. Other countries in the region are already seeing a downturn in tourism, will lead to other negative activity in other sectors and we are willing to work to find solutions that will ensure our members do not lose their jobs,” he said. Minister Nazim Burke said while separate meetings have been held with all of the non state actors, it would of collective benefit to have a joint meeting for the cross-pollenisation of ideas and the formulation of a national response. According to the Finance Minister a meeting of the Multipartite Committee, including government, the private sector, Labour and Civil society is planned for February 5th, 2009 at the National Stadium to discuss a response to the global crisis. Participants from the Inter Agency Group of Development Organisations (IAGDO), the Churches, youth organizations and the agricultural sector have also been invited to attend. INSIDE GRENADA NEWS