Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08GRENADA40
2008-03-05 21:31:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Grenada
Cable title:  

GRENADA WEEKLY ACTIVITY REPORT FOR FEBRUARY 24 - MARCH 1,

Tags:  PREL PGOV EFIN SOCI 
pdf how-to read a cable
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R 052131Z MAR 08
FM AMEMBASSY GRENADA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 0391
INFO RUEHWN/AMEMBASSY BRIDGETOWN 0422
RUEHGR/AMEMBASSY GRENADA 0465
UNCLAS GRENADA 000040 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV EFIN SOCI
SUBJECT: GRENADA WEEKLY ACTIVITY REPORT FOR FEBRUARY 24 - MARCH 1,
2008

UNCLAS GRENADA 000040

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV EFIN SOCI
SUBJECT: GRENADA WEEKLY ACTIVITY REPORT FOR FEBRUARY 24 - MARCH 1,
2008


1. (U) Embassy Grenada's weekly activity report (GWAR) provides
a little detail about events of interest that do not merit
longer reporting at this time.


2. (U) Begin GWAR text:


A. NDC Accuses NNP of Spying
Grenada woke February 27 to the news that two Royal Grenadian
Police Force (RGPF) officers were caught allegedly taping an
opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) Executive
Committee meeting from a vacant building across from NDC's
headquarters on February 26. An opposition senator is accused
of beating up one of the police officers and taking his cell
phone and camera. NDC accused the ruling New National Party
(NNP) of using the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) and
government funds to spy on Grenadians. who the NDC acknowledged
that the Commissioner of Police Winston James probably did not
authorize the spying but nevertheless called for his
resignation. James instructed the Criminal Investigations
Division (CID) to thoroughly investigate the alleged beating of
the police officer and called for Grenadians to resolve disputes
through peaceful means.


B. President of CCIC Criticizes Local Bank Regulators
President of the Caribbean Chamber of Industry and Commerce
(CCIC) Nigel John criticized local regulators in Grenada over
the collapse of the locally owned Capital Bank International,
saying they failed to properly regulate the financial sector.
John continued that local authorities did not learn from the
mistakes of several years ago when an inadequately regulated but
thriving offshore sector collapsed resulting in the loss of more
than 300 jobs.

Citing the Bank's refusal to submit to an independent
assessment, its inability to find a strategic partner, and its
failure to honor requests by customers to withdraw money, the
government requested and obtained on February 15, a court order
to close all 12 branches of the bank and transferred control to
a receiver. The receivership was promptly challenged by the
bank's owner and the issue is currently being reviewed by the
court.


C. Leaders Meet To Discuss Social Issues
Members of the religious community met with Minister for
Ecclesiastic Relations Senator Ann David-Antoine, Education
Minister the Hon. Claris Charles, and Permanent Secretary in the
Ministry of Ecclesiastic Relations Ms. Nadica McIntyre, to
discuss the social situation in the country, including the abuse
of children, drug use and smuggling, and the recent rise in
crime and violence in the country. Proposed solutions
recommended included more and more active parental guidance
andcontrol; repentance for the nation; counseling for parents
and children; and increased community work. The group also
recommended that religious denominations should take an active
part in the public school system.

End text.

MCISAAC