ELECTORAL OFFICE PURGED

St. George, March 28, 2008 --- As speculation grows regarding a possible date for the next general elections in Grenada, there is also an aire of unease surrounding the complete purging of all of the electoral office's experienced personnel.

On Friday, the last person to have experienced an election at the office was sent packing to begin new duties at the Registry on April 1, 2008.  Mrs. Velma DeCoteau has been with the office since the 90's.  

In the last year, the then Supervisor of Elections, Victor Ashby and Assistant Supervisor, Emmanuel Roberts received their marching papers.   This was followed in the last two weeks by Ira Simon who had been an experienced employee at the electoral office since 1984.   

Another change over the past year involved Ms. Margaret Lashley who was transferred at her request to the Ministry of Health.  Mrs. Cheryl Wilson was also replaced at around the same time as Ashby and Roberts.

This leaves an office with no one who has experienced an election, except for the two new assistant supervisors who have worked as returning officers --- that is, outside of the office.

Grenada Broadcast was recently advised that the first team of O.A.S monitors is expected to arrive on the island during the first week of April as the country prepares for one of the most crucial elections in its history.