GRENADA WEEKLY ACTIVITY REPORT FOR FEBRUARY 24 - MARCH 1,

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