Grenada finances in a “mess”, Civil servants’ salaries at risk

By Ryan Haas
Reporter-SKNVibes.com

~~Adz:Left~~ ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada-NEWLY appointed Finance Minister for Grenada, Nazim Burke has informed the media that the country’s finances are “in an absolute mess” and has raised questions if the newly appointed Tillman Thomas government will be able to meet the monthly salaries of government workers.

Burke has expressly blamed the financial woes on the outgoing Keith Mitchell’s New National Party administration and their misappropriation of funds to ill conceived “social programmes and employment contracts” just before the elections.

In spite of these very serious concerns, Burke stated that the National Democratic Congress administration elected to office in early July had no intention of creating a panic in the country and would be able to handle the situation by borrowing funds in the short term and balancing the budget in the years to come.

The Finance Minister’s statements are in line with election promises by Thomas to “lower the cost of living, create jobs and better manage the economy of Grenada”.

Prior to making his concerns public, Burke met with members of the International Monetary Fund to explain the shortcomings of Mitchell’s government and arrange a comprehensive review of Grenada’s economy in mid-September.

Heads of CARICOM governments are likely to keep a close watch on Grenada’s allegedly ailing economy, as Prime Minister Thomas continues to tour the region with Trinidad & Tobago Prime Minister Patrick Manning promoting a merged CARICOM economic union by 2011.