Opposition to ask twenty-one questions next week

The Spiritual and Social Redemption Charter motion may finally be debated when the House of Assembly sits next week.{{more}}

The motion is to be moved by Opposition Leader Arnhim Eustace and seconded by Dr Godwin Friday, is one of two motions, nine bills and 21 oral questions that are down to be discussed and debated at the sitting on Tuesday, at the House of Assembly in Kingstown.

The Charter calls for a number of steps to be taken by the government to alleviate social and economic deficiencies in the country.

Of the 21 questions, 10 have been directed to Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, in his capacity as Minister of Finance, Economic Development, National Security, Grenadines and Legal Affairs, on issues ranging through civil service salary increases, airport development, violence against women, Hurricane Tomas and citizenship.

According to the Order Paper, questions have also been posed to Minister of Education Girlyn Miguel, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Saboto Caesar, and Minister of Transport and Works, Urban Development and Local Government Senator Julian Francis, with regard to the rehiring of three teachers who contested the 2010 General Elections on behalf of the opposition New Democratic Party, the rehabilitation of a number of roads around the country and the state of the banana industry.

The first reading of the Property Tax Bill, select committee reports on the Co-operative Societies Bill and the Airport Service Charge Bill are among the nine bills on the Order Paper to be debated, along with statements by Ministers, announcements, congratulatory remarks and obituaries.(JJ)