Opposition Leader and former Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell has reaffirmed his lack of confidence in the ruling Dickon Mitchell-led administration’s ability to govern the affairs of the country.
Dr. Mitchell told reporters on Tuesday, while “it is customary that the new government must be given an opportunity to find its feet, so to speak, after 16 months plus (in office), it’s about time that we see something tangible, as far as the governance of the country is concerned.”
The former Prime Minister, who became the leader of the Opposition after his New National Party (NNP)government was voted out of office in June 2022, expressed concern that “some of the decisions being taken (by the Congress regime) can have far-reaching implications to the country’s future viability and image.”
One of the major issues of concern, he said, is the “deterioration of the governance of the public service.”
The Opposition Leader accused the government of hiring people “without any criteria”, and promoting people to top positions “without an explanation,” and advanced the argument that “victimisation” is also a burning issue with the NDC administration.
He spoke of “people being transferred left, right and center…and it appears to be based purely on perceived political affiliation (and) several workers have been given termination letters with very short notice,” and left with insufficient time to get their affairs in order.
During his over 20 year rule of Grenada, Dr. Mitchell has himself often faced criticisms of victimizing workers especially those who are categorised as not supportive of his party.
Among the high-ranking public officers singled out are former Finance Ministry officials Dr. Brian Francis, Richard Duncan, Nolan Murray, as well as ex-Clerk of Parliament Cecil Greenidge and Permanent Secretaries, the late Madonna Harford and her husband Basil Harford.
The former Prime Minister also accused the Congress administration of “using the GIS to push its political line.”
According to Dr. Mitchell, “GIS is almost becoming an arm of the political organisation…to the point that GIS is being used to publicise, and advertise activities that are aligned politically with the government.”
“What we are seeing now is literally a destruction of all that we have put in place, and spent millions for,” Dr. Mitchell charged, pointing out that “successive governments…have invested serious resources on a public sector reform, and ensuring that we can improve on the management of the public service as it serves the people of the country.”
The Opposition leader, who is the current Member of Parliament for the constituency of St. George North-west also took issue with the construct of the Parliament, and the running of its affairs.
“After being in parliament for more than 40 years, some of the things I am seeing today are becoming more and more shocking… some of the decisions that are being taken and some of the initiatives… I am worried about the Parliament, its construct, and what is happening at this time,” he said.
Dr. Mitchell told reporters that he is scheduled to meet with House Speaker Leo Cato to address his concerns, which include “the lack of or inadequate answering to questions submitted by Members of the Opposition (and) the heckling of Members of the Opposition while they are on the floor of the Parliament contributing to a debate.”