ST GEORGE’S, GRENADA: GRENADA’S PRIME MINISTER Dr Keith Mitchell is set to reject an opposition proposal for a national unity government in the wake of the island’s devastation by Hurricane Ivan.

Government sources say Prime Minister Mitchell has already privately indicated that he will not accept any opposition MP in a new cabinet. His position is expected to be formally made to the opposition in a meeting scheduled for Monday.

While the Grenadian leader is yet to have officially given a direct “no” to the proposal, he left villagers in the rural village of Concord on Grenada’s west coast on Friday night in little doubt as to what he is thinking.

Speaking from a darkened street corner and surrounded by dozens of villagers Dr Mitchell left little hope for a unity government involving his ruling New National Party and the opposition National Democratic Congress.

Questioned by villagers about progress towards a unity government Dr Mitchell said, “There was a proposal………and as you know before you marry it takes a lot of courtship. We will work together but I cannot promise you a marriage.”

While Dr Mitchell is expected to say no a national unity government that features opposition leader Tillman Thomas as his deputy, he is expected to offer a counter-proposal of his which stops short of the proposed historic arrangement.

“I am willing to work with anyone who has ideas for the rebuilding of the country. We can work on many different fronts,” he told the villagers.

The Grenada Prime Minister also said he intends to meet with the other opposition parties other than the NDC.

“All other persons are needed in the reconstruction,” he declared.

Prime Minister Mitchell reported Friday that the estimated damage caused by Hurricane Ivan has now been put at EC$1.2b, including the cost of the devastation wrought to the agriculture and tourism industries.

He said the prospects for help in reconstructing from outside sources, “is looking very good,” reporting that Grenada has already been offered help to refinance its huge 200 million dollar national debt.


SOURCE: CARIBUPDATE.COM