Government to announce final senator

AS of Monday, March 18, 2013, the Government only had to announce one more senator to the Upper House of Parliament because two of the last three were announced.

Mr. Simon Stiell has been sworn in as the Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, while Mr. Jestor Emmons is the Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs.

Senior Advisor to the Prime Minister for Communications, Public Relations, Information and Media Relations, Hamlet Mark, announced at the first official press briefing that the seventh Senator has been identified, but his name will be released later this week when the Office of the Governor General is officially informed.

The Upper House of Parliament comprises 13 persons, seven of whom represent the interests of the Prime Minister, three appointed by the Leader of the Opposition and three representing sectoral interests.

As a result of not having an elected Opposition, it is expected that Governor General, Sir Carlyle Glean, will appoint three persons.

The other Government Senators are: Kenny Lalsingh, Winston Garraway, Sheldon Scott, and Brenda Hood. The sectoral Independent Senators are: Keith Clouden, who will be representing the farming community; Christopher DeAllie, who will be representing the Business Community; and Raymond Roberts, who will be representing the Trade Union Movement.

In the meantime, the Ceremonial Opening of Parliament will be on Wednesday, March 27, 2013, at the Grenada Trade Centre. The highlight of the opening is the Throne Speech, which will be delivered by Head of State, Sir Carlyle Glean, in which he will outline the plans and activities to be undertaken by Government.

The ceremonial opening will pave the way for the presentation of the 2013 Budget, which is expected to be delivered by the middle of April.