| President Carter visiting Carter, who heads the powerful “Habitat for Humanity” in the US, will be here to see for himself the destruction caused by Hurricane Ivan and the sort of assistance his organization can give in the rebuilding process. The Former US President will arrive in the country at 3:15 Thursday afternoon. He will meet with Prime Minister Mitchell and Minister responsible Disaster Preparedness- the Honourable Brenda Hood. Mr. Carter will also tour the NERO Facilities at Fort Frederick in Richmond Hill St. George and also host a press conference at eleven O’five Friday morning at NERO’ Headquarters. FAO provides support The FOA’S Regional Representative Winston Rudder this morning signed an agreement with Agriculture Minister- the honourable Gregory Bowen to provide 400 million US dollars in emergency relief to the country. The ceremony took place upstairs the Melville Street Fish Market in St. George’s. The money will be used to help farmers buy seeds and tools for the cultivation of cash crops and to help fishermen regain equipment lost during the passage of the Hurricane. Rudder says the intension is to help in the country’s sustainable food programme. The plan the FAO official says is to have new cash crops ready for the market in the next six months. The FAO, he says will be back in Grenada in November to discuss with local officials the medium and long term plan for the resuscitation of the Agriculture Industry. Damage to the Industry has been reported in excess of 100 million dollars. Bowen pleased He assured the FOA regional representative that the money will be used in the cultivation of cash crops and bananas. The plan he says is to move quickly and have cash crops ready in the next six months. The support he said would also be used to help fishermen repair their boats and purchase nets. He is also hopeful that some of the cash crops could be on the market by Christmas. The Agriculture Minister says there is a great need for fertilizers at this time and the ministry is moving to provide relief to farmers. Bowen also spoke about a strategic plan being developed for the resuscitation of the Agriculture Industry. He is eagerly awaiting the visit of the FAO team in November to discuss the long term plans for the recovery of the Industry. The Agriculture Minister also spoke about the recovery of the Nutmeg Industry and other tree crops, which he said could take between 5 and eight years. $3m for irrigation He said three-million dollars worth of equipment for the project will arrive in the country next month. The project he said was planned long before Hurricane Ivan. The equipment will be distributed to farmers through the country. Bowen says with the Irrigation programme in place several crops that are normally grown seasonally, will now be produced throughout the year- including the dry season. The irrigation programme he says will help the country sustain its food security programme. Firm support from Washington DC Embassy Ambassador to the United States and the OAS, Dennis Antoine says an outpouring of supplies have been coming in from Grenadians in Washington and other States for the relief programme. In a live Interview this afternoon with NERO Radio, Ambassador Antoine said since after the passage of the Hurricane on September 7th, five collection points have been set up in Washington to receive supplies for the relief effort. He said support has been obtained from several districts in Washington DC, Chicago, Miami, Chicago and Atlanta. Support he indicated has also been forthcoming from St. Croix and the British Virgin Islands. He said wit the support of Fed Ex, American Express, Ameri Jet and UPS among others; they have been able dispatch several containers to Grenada. Ambassador Antoine said that a lot of food stuff, clothing and other relief items are still in Washington to be deployed to Grenada. The Embassy staff he said worked diligently around the clock, answering number calls and attending to many nationals wanting to find out about the whereabouts of their families and friends. Ambassador Antoine said the visit of Prime Minister Mitchell for the donors meeting was refreshing for nationals, who were hearing all sorts of rumours concerning his health and ability to rule the country in the trying circumstances. The Ambassador to the United States and the OAS, paid tribute to his staff whom he said were true patriots-Yolande Smith, Margaret St. John, Patrica Clark, Miss Roberts and others. Security measures implemented The escape of dangerous prisoners after the Richmond Hill Prisons lost its roof, during the passage of Hurricane Ivan, has raised concerns of security among nationals. The measures to boost security were outlined in an address to the nation last evening by Prime Minister and Minister of National Security- Dr. the Right Honourable Keith Mitchell. Five methods have been put in place for the purpose- one -all prisoners who escaped custody during the passage of the Hurricane, will not be prosecuted for escaping, once they turn themselves over to the police within seven days from October 11th-18th,2004. A ransom of five thousand EC dollars will be given out to anyone who provides information leading to the recapture of certain named prisoners. The photographs of the convicts have been posted throughout the country. Prime Minister Mitchell said the Police have embarked on a massive manhunt for these prisoners that and a significant number of security personnel have also been brought in from Guyana in addition to those already serving here to enhance the security situation in the country. In response to cries that the Police are not visible enough, Prime Minister Mitchell assured the nation that not all police officers are in uniform at this time for obvious reasons. He also announced during the national address, that he has instructed the Police Force to increase its presence in all major commercial areas in the country. Prime Minister Mitchell has called for the vigilance of all nationals to help in the recapture of the fugitives on the loose. Commendation for police officers In his address to the nation last evening, Prime Minister Mitchell said he is proud of the patriotic and professional qualities displayed by the officers. He told the nation that the police officers, who went beyond the call of duty, will be rewarded in due course. The Grenadian leader also spoke about other instances where Police Officers risked their lives to rescue elderly citizens who were trapped. However, Prime Minister Mitchell also emphasized that the law will deal with the officers who did not conduct themselves in a manner consistent with their oath of office. Many Officers were seen looting in the aftermath of the Hurricane and the Prime Minister says that investigative machinery has been set up to oversee these allegations. He assured the nation that at the end of the process the law will take it course without fear or favour. Prisoners captured in St Vincent Police Officials say Elvin Barry and Lincoln Lambert, were captured earlier today in Kingstown. Reports say a third prisoner Aldin Phillip “alias “Ossie” was also seen by security forces in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. But he has not been captured. The three are among the six most wanted prisoners in the country. |