NDC WRITES TO COMMONWEALTH SECRETARIAT

St. George, March 10, 2008 -- The main opposition National Democratic Congress has asked the Commonwealth Secretariat to keep a "watchful eye'' on Grenada, with regard to the "general electoral process and infringement on the constitutional rights'' of the NDC.

A March 3 letter from the NDC to Commonwealth Secretary General, The Right Honourable Donald C. McKinnon, said the forthcoming elections are "expected to be particularly intense.''  The letter, signed by NDC Deputy Political Leader Senator George Prime, requests the involvement of the Commonwealth Secretariat and other international organizations.

"The preparations, management and monitoring of the processes and systems within the elections would require independent and reliable oversight,'' Prime said.  "We have taken steps in this regard and have invited pertinent organizations and institutions to become integrally involved.''

While an election date has not been announced, campaigning and other political activities for the poll have already commenced, the Senator told the Secretary General.

"In this regard, my party, the National Democratic Congress, would feel especially confident if your organization was favourably disposed toward keeping a watchful eye on developments  here in Grenada, prior to the elections and bringing your expertise to bear on those developments in the interest of democracy and fair,'' Prime said.

The Opposition Senator, who is the NDC's election candidate for Carriacou and Petit Martinique, related his party's concern at the February 26 incident in which Police Constable Kelon Noel was caught clandestinely tape-recording an executive meeting of the National Democratic Congress.

The NDC, which claims the incident is a breach of their constitutional rights to assembly and privacy, has lodged an official complaint with Commissioner of Police, Winston James.

The Commissioner has promised an investigation of the complaint.  He is also probing allegations from Noel that he was beaten by NDC executive members during what they called a "citizen's arrest.'' The police probe has involved interrogation of at least eight members of the NDC.

"Of immense concern,'' Prime said, "is (the) recent spying incident and surreptitious recording of a private meeting of the executive of the National Democratic Congress.  It is also instructive to note that this specific incident was preceded by some very disturbing occurrences at the Parliamentary Elections Office; in particular, the removal of the two most senior officers simultaneously on August 31 2007, while preparations for general elections were being undertaken.''

Senator Prime implored Honourable McKinnon to use his "good office and intervene in any appropriate manner'' within his capacity relevant to the spying on the official Opposition Leader and his party.

"Please feel free to circulate this correspondence to all your affiliates who may be in a position to bring their expertise to bear on the circumstances in Grenada,'' Prime said.