CARICOM ELECTORAL OBSERVER MISSION TO GRENADA

(CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana), July 4, 2008 -- On the invitation of the Government of Grenada, the Caribbean Community will field a five member mission to observe the General Elections in Grenada over the next few days.  The Mission under the leadership of Mrs. Versil Charles-Wright, Deputy Chief Election Officer of the Elections and Boundaries Commission of Trinidad and Tobago has been charged with the responsibility of observing the electoral process and making recommendations towards its enhancement where necessary.

Because we are an independent body, we will execute our tasks impartially and objectively in order to give an honest assessment of the process in accordance with our Terms of Reference.

We are here as members of the CARICOM Electoral Observer Mission and not as representatives of our respective countries.  We will travel the land to get a first hand view of the state of preparedness for this very important exercise and on polling day visit randomly selected polling stations where the people of Grenada are expected to cast their votes freely and peacefully.

You will agree that success of any election does not only depend on the outcome of an election, but more so, after careful examination of the entire process.  For instance the level and quality of the public education, the media coverage both radio and television, the registration process ­ its transparency and most importantly the count of the ballots and the measures employed to ensure free and fair elections.

It is my firm view and that of the rest of the team, that as Caribbean people we engage in these processes to boost confidence in the electoral systems in our Region.  This I say since it is well known that there is no one size or method that would fit all elections.  

Our work has already began, we have attended rallies of three political parties, held discussions with the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada; Executives of the New National Party (NNP); Mr. Tillman Thomas, Political Leader of the National Democratic Congress; Mr. Reynold Benjamin of the Grenada United Labour Platform, Mr Justin McBurnie; Leader of the Good Old Democracy Party; Mr. Winston James, the Commissioner of Police; and Ms. Nadica McIntyre, Supervisor of Elections.

We have also met with other major stakeholders, namely His Lordship Bishop Darius, Chairman of the Grenada Conference of Churches; representatives of the Grenada Chamber of Industry and Commerce; Civil Society; NGOs and Women¹s Groups.

At the end of this mission a report will be compiled for submission to the CARICOM Secretary General.

Ladies and gentlemen as we seek to fulfil this mandate, we look forward to your kind support in facilitating this worthy task.  

Thank you very much.

Mrs. Versil Charles-Wright

Chief of Mission