Opposition Leader Dr. Keith Mitchell of Grenada has levied accusations against the government, asserting that they purposefully orchestrated the debate and passing of the gun amnesty resolution during his unavoidable absence.
Dr. Mitchell, in an interview with the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) during the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Cricket Conference on Thursday, voiced his suspicions.
He suggested that the government intentionally plans significant sessions of the House of Representatives to coincide with his personal engagements.
Pattern of clash
Expressing his concerns, Mitchell highlighted previous instances where critical parliamentary meetings clashed with his prearranged commitments.
He recalled a specific incident where a Finance Committee gathering overlapped with a court appearance outside of Grenada, despite his prior plea for rescheduling.
Unyielding stance
Despite his requests for adjustment, Mitchell indicated that the Prime Minister remained steadfast, leading to sessions proceeding without his valuable input.
He lamented the missed opportunity for his wealth of experience as a former Minister of Finance and Prime Minister for 23 years.
Absent expertise
Reflecting on his absence during the passage of the gun amnesty resolution, Mitchell underscored the significance of his experience in deliberations of such magnitude.
He emphasized the value of his presence in enriching discussions, notwithstanding the government’s majority capacity to pass bills.
Disappointment over absence
In addition to the gun amnesty resolution, Mitchell expressed disappointment at missing the passage of the Communication Bill through all its stages.
Despite his absence, he asserted that the opposition had strategized beforehand to address their concerns regarding the bill during Thursday’s session.
