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PRESS RELEASE
Code of Political Conduct: Powerful Youth Messages Rock Signing Ceremony
Ir was a signing ceremony with a difference. The signing ceremony of the fifth Code of Political Conduct to Guide the Election Campaign, which took place on Monday, November 6th at the Conference Room of the Public Workers Union, featured performances and messages from young people to their would-be leaders. The event featured a rendition of the national anthem by Spice Strings of the St. Andrew’s Learning Centre and featured a message by thirteen -year old Jada Glean, poetry by young artistes, Darmarlie Antoine and Benedict Brathwaite, and a dramatic satire by Russell Antoine.
Participating in the public signing were six political parties and one independent candidate. The National Democratic Congress was represented by its Chairman, Mr. Vincent Roberts. Three of the parties are new to the political scene: – Gem Empowerment Movement led by Mr. Earl Maitland, The New Beginning led by Mr. Rollins Duncan and the Grenada Progressive Movement of Mr. Terry Forrester, former Public Relations Officer of the New National Party. Also participating were the Renaissance Party represented Mr. Washington Edwards and the Movement of Independent Candidates represented by Mr. Lawrence Amede. There was one independent candidate, Mr. John Fletcher. Following the signing, each representative was presented with signed copy of the Code by Archdeacon Glasgow, Chairman of the Conference of Churches, Grenada.
The event opened with the invocation by Archdeacon Christian Glasgow, followed by the national anthem and welcome remarks by Mr. Joshua John of the Grenada Bar Association, remarks by Ms. Judy Williams, the Chairperson of the Steering Committee of the Code of Conduct Process and presentation of the Code by Ms. Sandra Ferguson. In her remarks, Ms. Judy Williams noted that the Code of Political Conduct was an initiative to “lift the bar” of the election campaign. It was grounded in the Constitution of Grenada which enshrined fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens and in the CARICOM Charter of Civil Society which acknowledged the role and responsibility of the people in the governance process of their respective countries. The Code of Political Conduct sought to have candidates taking responsibility for their behavior during the campaign and facilitating the creation of an environment of inclusion and meaningful participation of the electorate so that persons could make informed decisions. Ms. Williams observed that those candidates and parties which chose to dismiss the invitation to sign the Code were sending the wrong signal.
In making reference to recent vehicles and other equipment received by the police force, Ms. Williams appealed for “sensitivity and discretion” in the use of the bullet –proof vehicles. Also referencing the Panama and Paradise Papers, she lamented that it had become common place for our Caribbean islands to be associated with scandals and wrong doing. But she noted, even though we were small islands, we could still set standards and principles that could be admired. That was the intention of the Code of Political Conduct.
This year’s signing ceremony featured messages from young people to those offering themselves for office. Thirteen year old Jada Glean stole the spotlight when she reminded those present to be mindful of the preamble of the Constitution which sets out the principles on which the nation of Grenada is founded. She recommended the preamble as essential study for every citizen but particularly for candidates who aspire to be the lawmakers and stewards of Grenada’s affairs.
Young poets, Ms. Darmalie Antoine and Mr. Benedict Brathwaite, delivered stern messages to those offering themselves for office. Ms. Antoine spoke of the broken promises of politicians and shattered dreams of youth while Mr. Brathwaite issued a warning that the voices of artists were rising and they would be heard. Neither did they fear the future. Mr. Russel Antoine, another young artist, did a short dramatic satirical piece, Vote GOAT, Grassroots Organised Against Tyranny. A vote for GOAT would ensure de – fence to protect the grass for the kids and milk opportunities of their full potential.
The signing ceremony concluded with another poem, A Voice Stirs, by Ms. Louise Francois accompanied Mr. Kwabena Amen on the drum and a vote of thanks delivered by Ms. Petipha Lewis, Executive Director of the Grenada Chamber of Industry and Commerce and closing prayer by Rev. Joachim Phillip of the Alliance of Evangelical Churches.
The following parties also received invitations but did not participate: – Good Ole Democracy, Grenada Christian Political Party, Grenada Freedom Party International, the New National Party, People Progressive Movement, Progress Party, The Liberal Party and the Tri-Island Freedom Party. Except the following:- Good Ole Democracy; Renaissance Party; Movement for Independent Candidates and the Grenada Progressive Movement – information on the invited parties were received from the Parliamentary Elections Office.
Date: November 7th, 2017
