PM: Grenada Missed an Opportunity

Before the official introduction of the 2019 Budget, Prime Minister Dr the Rt Hon Keith Mitchell once again expressed his utmost frustration in the recently held Referendum when Grenadians opted not to vote in favour of having the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) as the country’s final court of appeal.

Addressing the gathering and the Speaker of the House, Dr Mitchell noted that he was indeed disappointed with the people’s failure as a nation to make such a bold step.

However, as a servant of the people, he respects their wishes, but, he believes that “we have missed the opportunity to secure our legacy better now.” He said it was a clear opportunity to “unshackle one of the last remaining vestiges of the colonial era and to deepen the ties of regional unity, and most importantly, to make justice more accessible to the ordinary man, woman and child.”

Remaining resolute in his opinion, Dr Mitchell said he believes that the CCJ is right for Grenada and that the time is right for the CCJ. He went on to say that he is confident that the Caribbean region can operate an expedient and effective court. And, that this was one of the best legacies for the children and grandchildren of the Caribbean.

Although Dr Mitchell said he respects the decision of the Grenadian people, he insists that he will not initiate another referendum on the CCJ. “I would not initiate another referendum on the CCJ. But I will, Mr Speaker, and I repeat, I will support any future endeavour to make the CCJ Grenada’s final court of appeal.”

On that note, PM Mitchell stated that despite this setback, he and his Government have a mandate to take the country forward, and they are serious about it. He said they are forging ahead to create a path for the development of Grenada, with resilience being the operative word.