VZCZCXRO6506
RR RUEHGR
DE RUEHGR #0040 0652131
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 052131Z MAR 08
FM AMEMBASSY GRENADA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 0391
INFO RUEHWN/AMEMBASSY BRIDGETOWN 0422
RUEHGR/AMEMBASSY GRENADA 0465

UNCLAS GRENADA 000040 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PREL PGOV EFIN SOCI
SUBJECT: GRENADA WEEKLY ACTIVITY REPORT FOR FEBRUARY 24 - MARCH 1, 
2008 
 
¶1. (U) Embassy Grenada's weekly activity report (GWAR) provides 
a little detail about events of interest that do not merit 
longer reporting at this time. 
 
¶2. (U) Begin GWAR text: 
 
¶A. NDC Accuses NNP of Spying 
Grenada woke February 27 to the news that two Royal Grenadian 
Police Force (RGPF) officers were caught allegedly taping an 
opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) Executive 
Committee meeting from a vacant building across from NDC's 
headquarters on February 26.  An opposition senator is accused 
of beating up one of the police officers and taking his cell 
phone and camera.  NDC accused the ruling New National Party 
(NNP) of using the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) and 
government funds to spy on Grenadians.  who the NDC acknowledged 
that the Commissioner of Police Winston James probably did not 
authorize the spying but nevertheless called for his 
resignation.  James instructed the Criminal Investigations 
Division (CID) to thoroughly investigate the alleged beating of 
the police officer and called for Grenadians to resolve disputes 
through peaceful means. 
 
¶B. President of CCIC Criticizes Local Bank Regulators 
President of the Caribbean Chamber of Industry and Commerce 
(CCIC) Nigel John criticized local regulators in Grenada over 
the collapse of the locally owned Capital Bank International, 
saying they failed to properly regulate the financial sector. 
John continued that local authorities did not learn from the 
mistakes of several years ago when an inadequately regulated but 
thriving offshore sector collapsed resulting in the loss of more 
than 300 jobs. 
 
Citing the Bank's refusal to submit to an independent 
assessment, its inability to find a strategic partner, and its 
failure to honor requests by customers to withdraw money, the 
government requested and obtained on February 15, a court order 
to close all 12 branches of the bank and transferred control to 
a receiver.  The receivership was promptly challenged by the 
bank's owner and the issue is currently being reviewed by the 
court. 
 
¶C. Leaders Meet To Discuss Social Issues 
Members of the religious community met with Minister for 
Ecclesiastic Relations Senator Ann David-Antoine, Education 
Minister the Hon. Claris Charles, and Permanent Secretary in the 
Ministry of Ecclesiastic Relations Ms. Nadica McIntyre, to 
discuss the social situation in the country, including the abuse 
of children, drug use and smuggling, and the recent rise in 
crime and violence in the country.  Proposed solutions 
recommended included more and more active parental guidance 
andcontrol; repentance for the nation; counseling for parents 
and children; and increased community work.  The group also 
recommended that religious denominations should take an active 
part in the public school system. 
 
End text. 
 
MCISAAC