Editorial
The State of Grenada is once more settling after such an intense political campaign which saw the National Democratic Congress (NDC) taking control of the governance of the land.
Now that the appointment of Government Ministers and Senators have taken place, the task at hand for the Tillman Thomas-led Government is to begin the process of getting the work done.
And in order for that to be done public servants, on the initiative of the Permanent Secretaries, must ensure that they follow the policies and programmes outlined by the new administration. They must bear in mind that their role is that of service to the rest of the population, and as Prime Minister Thomas forcefully stated, he and his Government demand no loyalty.
The Prime Minister openly stated at Sunday¹s swearing in of his ministers and senators at a public ceremony at the Grenada National Stadium, that opportunities will be provided for everyone, irrespective of their political affiliation. He also indicated that there will be no victimization, and that his administration will govern fairly and give justice to everyone.
The eyes of Grenadians are not the only ones focussed on you, Mr. Prime Minister. Sunday¹s function which was presided over by Her Majesty¹s Representative, Governor General Sir Daniel Williams was witnessed by a regional Prime Minister, David Thompson of Barbados, the Chief Justice of the OECS Supreme Court, Justice Hugh Rawlins, Members of Civil Society and the Clergy, among others, and was also transmitted to regional and international countries.
The expectations of the people at home and abroad are high.
GRENADA TODAY is in no way suggesting to you, Mr. Prime Minister that you have a magic wand. We are fully aware that Rome was not built in one day, and that it will be unreasonable for us and this country to demand of you that the many promises you outlined in the election campaign be fulfilled in one year¹s time.
The eyes of the young people would also be focussed on the new Government. They are crying out for direction in life. For too long the Nation¹s young people have been looking forward for due recognition. We need to know that they are not the future of tomorrow; their time is now, not tomorrow. In order for them to develop into respectable citizens every valuable opportunity ought to be given to them so that they can project a sense of purpose in life.
However, we do have a word of caution to you and your Government Ministers.
As far as possible, refrain from giving jobs to the boys as a reward for their political patronage, and probably for assisting you with your elections victory. Incompetence will, in the long run, serve to haunt your Government. Do not shoot yourself in the feet.
We look forward to the Prime Minister¹s pronouncement of having his government work in partnership with everyone be manifested. The structures that are to be put in place to ensure that State¹s Boards function properly should not only be filled with party hawks. Look around and bring on board people who are competent in the various fields. As a Government you need to uphold and bring back some form of respectability to the democratic institutions of the country.
And to you the supporters of the former New National Party-led Government please learn to agree to disagree. Accept the reality that the party you support is no longer in power but that the Tillman Thomas-led Government is there to serve this entire country and not just a few and, therefore, should be given the necessary respect he truly deserves.
We also wish to advise the supporters of both political parties to become aware that the campaigning is finished, and it is time to settle down and allow the democratic process to work. Please try as much as possible to put behind you that colour-branding of an individual. We should remember that the colours green and yellow are not owned by any of the existing political parties.
GRENADA TODAY sounds a warning to you who are guilty of attempting to cause unnecessary fear in the country to cease the practice and let us give ³Uncle Tilly² a chance, and at the end of his term in Office each Grenadian will decide if they are satisfied with the performance of his Government.
The task ahead is daunting, and each one is encouraged to play his or her part if we do believe in having our country regain the respectability that it once had prior to 1995.
