CATEGORY: CONSTRUCTION
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By Trevor Thwaites (St.George's Correspondent)

ST.GEORGE'S, Grenada:The Grenada government has welcomed the decision by the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal, which overturned an earlier decision by Justice Kenneth Benjamin, to give Businessman Azam Rahaman the clearance to continue his enterprise “Spice Isle Retreaders Tyre Company, close to the Green Bridge. Negotiations to relocate Rahaman because the area was needed for the world cup proved futile and the court had to intervene. Benjamin had earlier ruled that Rahaman could not be moved because he had an ongoing business.

Despite being excited about the commencement of work, the Communications and Works Minister expressed disappointment because she said that the project, which is six weeks behind schedule, could have serious implications for the country’s hosting of matches in the world cup. Minister Curwen said that all efforts to arrive at an amicable solution with the owner of Spice Isle Retreaders failed and the court ruling was necessary, but time consuming.

“We had to hold back the signing of the project bearing in mind that for a specific period after the signing, the contractor is obligated to implement the project. If we do not have a clear go ahead from a legal point- a-view then we were going to be at fault and would be responsible for any of the delays, which would have resulted in financial payment to the consultants and the contractors,” the minister pointed out. She is most elated with the decision of the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal.

“I am thankful that the Appeals Court, has ruled in the favour of the people of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique and in favour of progress. Her sentiments have been echoed by Minister of Agriculture the Hon Gregory Bowen. He told the media that further setbacks and delays could derail the country’s chances of hosting matches in the big Cricketing Extravaganza next years. He said that it would be a disaster to lose out on the benefits to be derived from the cricket world cup.

“Grenadians were well pleased when the last report came out saying that we were around the corner. It spoke specifically about our stadium that is on target and will be completed. It did not mention the enabling works, because the Green Bridge was a question mark. Come 31st October, we could have failed and failed miserably,” Bowen told the press, noting the tremendous benefits the country is expected to gain from the world cup matches to be hosted at the National Stadium.

“That is why I was extremely pleased and supported all the efforts in the appeals court because of the huge benefit the event will bring to Grenadians, our economy and the lasting improvement of our lives.” However Bowen admits that the contractors now have a huge task to complete the project by October, given the tremendous amount of work to be accomplished in the limited time.” He is hoping for good whether to allow for good working conditions in an attempt to avoid further delays.

“If we experience flooding of the river and I could tell you a lot about flooding in the river. Many of you can recall that I could have lost an important part of my family in the floods, so I know about it. They have a task ahead and so we must keep our fingers crossed. Those of us who love our country and want the world cup should continuously pray for good whether and that come October 31st the bridge will be sufficiently advanced, if not completed so that we will get the final nod,” Bowen said.



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