Prime Minister, Dr the Right Honourable Keith Mitchell, is assuring the nation that there is no change in the status of workers at the Grenada Electricity Services Limited (Grenlec).
Dr Mitchell also assures that the management structure of the company remains unchanged. He said, “I do not think there is any need to worry about the workers at Grenlec. I hear concern being expressed about the workers’ status, but I assure them that the company’s operations continue and their services are still very much required.
In response to the concerns being expressed about workers’ job security, Dr Mitchell said, “Why would you think that a foreign family-owned business will treat you better than your own Government and people with whom you identify on all levels? The time has come for us to drop the colonial mindset where we think that the foreign man, with a different complexion, is better than the local. I really want us to move to another level.”
In its press release formally announcing the WRB settlement on Tuesday, Government also stated that it is already in discussion with international agencies to “procure the services of a world-class management company to operate the utility.”
Today, the Prime Minister confirmed that, “Until there is a decision as to how we are going forward, the manager is in place; we do not intend to do anything about that right now. The only change will be in the board of directors, but a final decision on that has not yet been made. The Minister of Public Utilities will have to make recommendations then a final decision will be made.”
The Prime Minister stands firm in his conviction that regaining control of Grenlec is one of the best decisions made by any Government. He said, “Grenada was one of the few countries where a family-owned business from outside, managed and controlled a national security asset. They could literally shut down this country and we could not do anything about this. I believe that to be an insult to the mindset of Grenadians.”
Dr Mitchell stated further that the current administration is not opposed to foreign investment, as it too has divested some national assets. However, he states that the conditions of any privatisation of state assets must protect the interest of the people. He said, “Do you know, and this is an untold story, when the Government of the day sold the electricity company in 1994, for little or nothing, in fact they gave it away, that was not a sale, do you know they removed the power of the Public Utilities Commission to control the price of electricity?”
The Prime Minister added, “There is this perception that we have a problem with WRB, but I want to make it abundantly clear that the problem is with the Government of the day in 1994, which gave WRB the electricity company and put systems in place that gave them absolute control. If I was WRB and I’m a business person, I would want to maximise my profit, so WRB I cannot blame you, I have to blame those who were responsible for protecting the interest of this country.”
Dr Mitchell believes that when the dust is finally settled, Government will be praised for regaining control of this national asset, which is not just a simple asset, but a national security asset.
GIS
Personally, I do not buy the “No change in management, only the Board”. I’m not aware of any organisation whereby the majority shareholder will not seek to influence the Board or place his/her trusted leftenant among s the Board members. Time will tell!!
This is something to keep a close eye on as they are going to be some shockers coming.
I for one is not confident that things will get better but that is my opinion when it comes to government own/run businesses.
I am sure the sand government had a say in the sale of this company as opposition party one must ha e a say.
Also we know that this company collects other revenue on behalf of the government hence the high cost of electricity therefore once the government explains these activities to its citizens then transparency will began.
Yes guys and let me tell you. You must have foreigners running the country because we local cant keep our country up and running together. and let me tell you. if it wasnt for foreign companies and investment. this country would have been a poor underclass run down country. you must have foreigners. i dont care if it is the chinese or the americans. you would go in america and see chinese there or you would go in china and see americans there.
Grenadians own alot of properties in China and the USA. So I don’t know whats the bug fuss about having Chinese and Americans in our country. People just need to stop complaining for everything. When we dont take advantage of opportunites, the foreigners will come and take adavntage of them. problem is that grenadians are not taking over grenada but the foreigners are taking over grenada. that is the main reason why.
I hope when time comes for the end of year bonus he will treat them better