GRENADA WEEKLY ACTIVITY REPORT FOR JANUARY 18 - 24

UNCLAS GRENADA 000006

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ELAB SOCI KCRM PREL GJ
SUBJECT: GRENADA WEEKLY ACTIVITY REPORT FOR JANUARY 18 - 24


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


2. Begin GWAR text:

a. PM Thomas Meets with Trades Union Council
Prime Minister Tillman Thomas and Finance Minister Nazim Burke
discussed the current global economic crisis with member unions
of the Grenada Trades Union Council (TUC) and its possible
impact on Grenada. The Prime Minister noted that the government
is willing to engage all stake holders to find solutions and to
position the country to benefit when the global economy
recovers. He said the government was also concerned that any
disruption and/or industrial action at this time will add to the
already difficult financial situation. TUC President said that
the trade union movement is willing to provide recommendations
to government that they believe will help cushion the fallout.
Over 50 percent of Grenada's labor force is unionized.

b. Prime Minister says `NO' to casino gambling
Prime Minister Thomas made clear to local press that casino
gambling in Grenada will not get his blessing. He pointed out
the negative impact that casino gambling would have on the moral
and social fabric of the country although Thomas said he would
let the people decide democratically. During the current
economic crisis, Grenadians must not be encouraged to squander
what little they have on gambling.

Zublin Grenada, a Dutch company with holdings in Grenada, has
been trying to acquire a casino license in Grenada.
Unsuccessful with the previous government, the company reapplied
following the July 2008 election, hoping the new government
would be more willing. The re-application has triggered renewed
discussion among church groups, government and civil society.

c. Portuguese Ambassador Presents Credentials
The new Portuguese Ambassador-Designate to Grenada, His
Excellency Joao Catano de Silva last week presented his
credentials to Grenada's Governor-General His Excellency Carlyle
Glean. The two countries have had diplomatic relations since

1976. The Ambassador, resident in Caracas, will shortly
identify someone to be Portugal's honorary consul in Grenada.

MCISAAC