Opposition leader, Dr Keith Mitchell, has described the Grenada government’s recent purchase of property, at a cost of $2 million, as inappropriate, untimely and irresponsible, particularly in light of the difficulties the government has been experiencing in meeting its financial obligations, including paying public servants, on time and in a period in which many of the vulnerable and the growing numbers of the unemployed are struggling to make ends meet.
In addition, Mitchell pointed out that this $2 million should have been used to provide some financing to Grenada Authority for the Regulation of Financial Institutions (GARFIN), instead of government attempting to impose further burden on insurance policy holders at this time.
The opposition leader has drawn attention to the fact that this is taking place when the entire country is going through trying times, when businesses are closing or sending workers home, when the new secondary school and T.A. Marryshow Community College (TAMCC) graduates have very little hope of finding rewarding jobs, and when the hotel and manufacturing sectors are crying out for rescue.
He said that for the government to decide to spend $2 million on the purchase of property in such a difficult time is a demonstration of poor financial management and a total lack of concern for the peoples’ plight and the country’s future.
According to Mitchell, “To use scarce resources to purchase property rather than directing it towards meeting the pressing needs of government workers and the poor, or stimulating the economy, at this time of unprecedented economic, financial and social problems is unconscionable as it is unforgivable.”
Mitchell called on the government to listen to the cry of the people, and to implement the measures that are urgently required to turn the economy around and bring much needed relief to the Grenadian people.
Until such time, he says, all purchases of property or other such wasteful spending should be suspended.
Caribbean News Now
