The Grenada Movement (TGM) urges the Government of Grenada to urgently make a categorical statement on its position and policy stance on the now hotly-debated issue of the privatisation of the Maurice Bishop International Airport (MBIA).
This extremely sensitive issue was injected into the national discourse after the idea was proffered last week, at a public ground-breaking event at which a substantial contingent from the Cabinet was in attendance. The public disquiet caused by the statement placed in the public domain by the investor, and the loud applause by attendees, has added yet another layer to the deep level of anxiety and angst felt by an overwhelming segment of the Grenadian people; this, at a time of immeasurable uncertainty and vulnerability caused by Covid-19, and a growing level of division within the society.
TGM feels strongly, that an interjection, from no less an authority than the Prime Minister himself, who was present at the event, is necessary in providing the assurance so desperately sought by the population. We are firm in our conviction that nothing that constitutes a foreshadowing of public policy should come from an investor.
The vast majority of Grenadians, regardless of their affiliation, are united in their view that the Maurice Bishop International Airport must not only be managed as a viable commercial entity under the guidance and ownership of the State, but must be valued as the singular national undertaking that brought pride to our nation at a defining time of its history.
The Grenada Movement believes that now more than ever, clarity and leadership are needed on issues such as this, and calls on Government to make clear its position on this matter. Continued silence from our Government will be construed as suggesting its openness to the issue of privatisation of the MBIA.
TGM
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I commented on this story earlier today. But it not on the site.
Really disgusted about this. What is the point of asking for comments and then removing them? Urrhh!!!
This story is a “waffle”: It does not explain when privatisation makes sense and when it does not. It makes sense when you (the Government) are losing lots of money on an activity that they simply cannot manage properly ( bleeding”) . It does not make sense when the activity is generating positive cash flows to the treasury – which is the case with MBIA. Why would you eliminate a positive cash flow stream for a one-off payment that will be completely spent in no time? Makes no sense to me.
We have a lot more to privatise and must do it mostly for the customers service sector.
Grenada is lacking in customer service badly and it is not getting better.
Privatisation is one option as the terms would be interest of the nation .
All these government offices should be independently run regardless who in power.
Our ports, airport ,revenue office, post office and even our fire service who has a very poor record to date .
We gave to start thinking long term as this country is going backwards
Education, training, discipline, accountability, transparency, good communication, motivation and good example from the top…Hey, and very important – no use of cell phones while on the job. Doesn’t matter if you privatize or not if you don’t have the above nothing will ever change.
“Foreign investor” says it all…
This was a thinly veiled attempt to feel the pulse of the nation on what appears to be
a contemplated state policy. One wonders who thought it was a good idea to do so through a foreing investor! Talk about starting off on the wrong foot! But to address the real issue i.e. to privatize or not to privatize the MBIA I have absolutely no difficulty with the idea but the devil is always in the details. There are several models to further right size the MBIA between the current Statutory Body and full divestment. In choosing a model we must bear in mind ALL of the very important financial and non-financial concerns – it can be done with a hugh net benefit if we take the politics out of the process.