Prime Minister Mitchell unmoved by protests in Grenada

Last updated: October 19, 2017 at 13:18 pm

The prime minister of Grenada is not backing down despite escalating protests this week in the country.

The Technical and Allied Workers Union and the Public Workers Union instructed their members to stay off the job on Monday, unhappy with the one-off payment offered to them by the government.

The unions are demanding EC$1,500 but the government has so far refused to pay more than EC$650.

The amount relates money due for the years 2013 to 2015.

And while the unions described the industrial action as successful, Keith Mitchell said members had gone to work as usual – but the walkout has continued this week.

The prime minister told reporters that he is not worried about the unrest spreading.

“I am very hopeful that common sense will prevail and we will see an end to this impasse.”

Paying anything more than what has already been offered would adversely effect Grenada’s economy, he added.

“I cannot and will not do anything that will injure our ability to get debt relief.

“We ought not to do anything that will interfere with our opportunity.”

Mitchell put the cost at EC$9 million if his administration pays the unions’ figure, and could apparently lead to a loss of debt relief and violate rules on responsible financal management.