It is costing the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government of Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell just over $45,000 in salaries to pay staffers attached to the Secretariat in charge of Grenada’s 50th independence anniversary celebrations.
The largest slice, EC$10,000 a month, is going to Gail Purcell who is the head of the National Secretariat.
The figures were presented to the island’s Parliament by Minister of Finance Dennis Cornwall in a written response to questions asked by former Prime Minister Keith Mitchell, who is now the Leader of the Opposition in the Lower House.
The other high-paying official in the Secretariat is playwright Ricardo Keens-Douglas, who was being paid $9,000 a month based on the document.
Three other persons were being paid $4,500 a month for their services – Zoe Hagley (Marketing & Communications Coordinator), as well as Teah Cummings and Jackie Alexis who are listed as Project Officers.
The $45,000 a month figure does not include the rent for the building on the Carenage that is linked to Grenada’s Ambassador on Climate Resilience, Dr. Linus Spencer Thomas.
Following are the answers provided by Minister Cornwall to the questions asked by the Leader of the Opposition:-
What was the budget provided to the NOC?
The allocation for the independence celebrations, as stated last year in the budget speech, was $15 million. The celebrations began with the launch on October 31, 2023, and will continue throughout 2024. The allocation for 2023 was $7.5 million and the allocation for 2024 is $7.5 million. This allocation is provided to the NOC as the leading entity responsible for the execution of the various components of the celebrations.
Were contracts awarded in keeping with the Public Procurement Act? If so, please provide evidence of same.
As the 50th Anniversary celebration is a year-long celebration, the award of contracts is an ongoing process. However, please see correspondence from the Procurement Board.
Who designed the “Grenada Turns 50” logo and how much was paid to that service provider?
The logo was designed via a competition which ran in the first half of 2023 where many Grenadians, our creatives, competed. Several designs were considered and the logo which we now know came out on top. The seven finalists were asked to refine the concept. Mr. Ordell De Riggs won the prize of $5000.00; each semi-finalist was paid $500.00.
Who owns the copyright for the official theme song of the 50th Independence Celebration?
The song is not copyrighted, Mr. John James of Carriacou is the producer.
How much funds were raised from the sale of independence paraphernalia to the state of Grenada? Which revenue header in the budget would the funds be categorized?
As the 50th Anniversary celebration is a year-long celebration, the sale of independence paraphernalia is not yet finalized.
Were any payments made to members of the secretariat? If so, please provide the name, position and the amount paid or to be paid.
The members of the secretariat a compensated based on their respective roles.
Did the Government of Grenada, through the NOC, pay or sponsor flights and accommodation for persons in the diaspora to come home for the Independence celebration? If so, please provide a list of the names, destination and cost associated with the accommodation and travel for each individual?
Not in keeping with the current administrative practices.
What were the costs paid for marketing and/or sponsorship for the celebrations?
As the 50th Anniversary celebration is a year-long celebration, the cost of the marketing and/or sponsorship for the celebrations is not yet finalised.
How long would the Secretariat remain in existence?
As mentioned before, the 50th Anniversary celebration is a year-long celebration. In fact, it runs for a little over a year as it is programmed to conclude at the end of 2024. Therefore, the Secretariat will exist until the culmination of the celebrations.
Hon. Dennis Cornwall
MINISTER OF FINANCE