COMMISSIONER OF POLICE MEETS WITH POLITICAL PARTIES

St. George, May 5, 2008 -- As political parties prepare for general election and campaigning intensifies across the country, Commissioner of Police Mr. Winston James has met with representatives from the four major parties expected to contest the upcoming poll.

The meeting was held last Friday afternoon, 2nd May ‘08, at Police Headquarter on Fort George.

The Political Parties represented were the Grenada United Labour Party, National Democratic Congress, New National Party and the Peoples Labour Movement.

The meeting sought to address issues relating to campaigning and the role of the Royal Grenada Police during the process.

Among the matters discussed was the use of cross roads, junctions and other road ways for public functions and other campaigning activities.

The Commissioner informed the parties that permission would not be granted to use public thoroughfares for mass national events as it is the intention of the Force to keep the inconvenience to persons not involved with such activities at a minimum.

However the Commissioner advised that the Force would recommend alternative locations considering the intended size of the event and the security arrangements required.  

Commissioner James also warned against the use of threats and threatening language during the campaign, and urged the parties to insist that their supporters refrain from harassing, and/or verbally or physically abusing persons from opposing parties.

The issue of motorcades was also discussed, and it was agreed that further discussions and considerations be held before a final determination is made. The parties also agreed to forward their recommendations on the issue to the Commissioner for consideration.

Commissioner James assured the parties of the continued presence of the Royal Grenada Police Force, to provide traffic control and general security during all major public activities and events.

"It is important that we engage all stakeholders in the political process at this time, and continue to do so until the process is completed, to proactively address all related concerns and provide a peaceful environment for the general election whenever it is called," said Commissioner James.  

The sixty minute meeting was cordial and it is the intention of the Commissioner to continue to meet with the Political Parties at this level until the end of the electoral process.

Commissioner James was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Raymond Charles and Media/Public Relations Consultant Troy Garvey.