St. George’s, Grenada – 27th January, 2011: Members of Her Majesty Opposition say they still consider it a noble initiative by the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) to form an economic union. However they are encouraging the Heads to ensure that the people are involved in the process.

This statement was made following the conclusion of the OECS Heads’ meeting on Calivigny island on Tuesday. Former prime Minister, Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell, believes that the region stands to reap significant benefits from this union but says we should never lose sight of the obvious challenges ahead.

Commenting on Grenada’s hosting of the meeting Dr. Mitchell said “It is great that Grenada was able to host this important meeting, which from all indications thus far, was a success, but what was a pleasant surprise to me, was the venue selected for the meeting.”

He said that, in light of the vicious attacks meted out by the NDC (while in Opposition) at the owner of the facility it is significant to note that they have chosen to meet at his facility.

“This goes to show that another one of those vilified by the NDC has been vindicated. But the greater lesson that I believe they should learn is that investors must never be attacked for our political gains. They are too important to our development as a small nation.”

The NDC while in office had attacked the vision of the NNP to give support to investments such as the Calivigny island development. The investor Mr. Cohen was also attacked in the local media and was referred to as a crook and con man, who was wanted in France for fraud. When the NNP government then had said that these accusations were false, the Government was further attacked.

The former Prime Minister said he still believes that the Government deserves to make a public apology to Mr. Cohen and must do everything possible to ensure that no other investor is subjected to this experience.

From the Office of
The Leader of Her majesty's Opposition