St. George’s, Grenada, April
21st, 2010: Leader of the Opposition, Dr. The Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell says
the call by the Leader of the Opposition in Trinidad and Tobago Kamla
Persad-Bissessar, for that country to postpone the signing of the maritime
agreement between Trinidad and Grenada scheduled for today, is yet another
reason why the Tillman Thomas administration should immediately go back to the
drawing board and reconsider its decision and impending action which will be to
the detriment of Grenada.
Dr. Mitchell says the
Government is about to make a grave mistake by signing this agreement and that
the Opposition will continue to speak out on this matter despite the refusal of
the Government to listen to the voice of the Official opposition, and more
importantly the people.
The following is a copy of letters sent to both
the Prime Minister of Grenada and Trinidad on this matter.
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19th April, 2010
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Hon. Patrick Manning
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Prime Minister
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Office of the Prime Minister
13-15 St. Clair Avenue
Port of Spain
Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
Dear Prime Minister,
Signing of the Boundary treaty between Trinidad & Tobago and Grenada
Her Majesty’s Opposition in Grenada draws to your attention a matter of utmost
gravity and importance to Grenada. The Government of Grenada promised the
people wide and extensive consultation on the contents of the abovementioned
treaty so as to allow the entire nation including the Opposition to participate
in the process of arriving at a maritime boundary with your country. Instead
the Government presented an initialed document to various groups advising that
the treaty has already been negotiated and cannot be amended.
While it may be considered that the workings of the Government of Grenada is
outside the domain of your country, we wish to advise that a vast majority of
our population is vehemently opposed to the signing of the treaty and holds the
view that Trinidad and Tobago with its long history of oil and gas exploration
and development, and its knowledge of the resources in the area has taken
advantage of Grenada in its vulnerable state.
As Caricom neighbours who share a long and close history, we do not believe that
Trinidad & Tobago will want to perpetuate this feeling and respectfully suggest
that the signing planned for Wednesday 21st April 2010 be postponed to allow
extensive consultation on the matter and that consideration be given by your
government to any proposed amendment including adjusting the maritime boundary
line.
We look forward to your kind attention and response.
Sincerely,
_______________________________________
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DR. KEITH C. MITCHELL PhD, MP, PC
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LEADER OF HER MAJESTY’S OPPOSITION
CC: Kamla Persad-Bissessar
– Leader of the Opposition, Trinidad and Tobago
-
19th April, 2010
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Hon. Tillman Thomas
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Prime Minister
-
Prime Minister’s Ministry
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Ministerial Complex
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Botanical Gardens
-
St. George’s
19th April 2010.
Dear Prime Minister,
Consultation on the Maritime Boundary Treaty with Trinidad & Tobago
Her Majesty’s Opposition notes Government’s pronouncement of consulting with the
Opposition and others presumably to arrive at a maritime boundary with Trinidad
& Tobago that is most beneficial to Grenada.
However in the same breadth the Government announced that the treaty circulated
for consultation will be signed on 21st April 2010 and cannot be
materially amended making consultation a mere gimmick. I wish to place on
record the Opposition’s request and position that the Government postpone the
signing of the treaty and allow meaningful and extensive consultation with the
population in which the Opposition will participate.
We look forward to your positive response that would take the best interest of
Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique into consideration.
Sincerely
_______________________________________
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DR. KEITH C. MITCHELL PhD, MP, PC
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LEADER OF HER MAJESTY’S OPPOSITION
CC. Hon. Peter David: Minister for Foreign Affairs
