MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica, CMC:
GRENADA PRIME Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell says the success of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa holds out much hope for healing for his own island.
Mitchell, who is here to attend the 24th Caribbean Heads of Government Conference, said that comments made by visiting South African President Thabo Mbeki on the success of the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission can be "most instructive" for Grenada.
Mitchell said he requested that President Mbeki briefly outline the success of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, during the retreat of the Heads that took place at Ocho Rios over the last two days.
"I asked him to give a report on the success of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The President advised us that although there were areas of difficulty, by and large it was a success. However, he pointed out that it is a continuous process and that healing takes time," Mitchell said.
"While our situations are different, I believe this is most instructive for Grenada in that once the Truth and Reconciliation Commission presents its report, the healing must continue," Mitchell added.
Mitchell first discussed the process of establishing a Truth and Reconciliation Commission with President Mbeki when he attended a Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in South Africa in October 1999.
Subsequently, a commission was established in Grenada and persons with relevant evidence concerning political events from January 1, 1976 to December 31, 1983 were invited to appear before the commission or submit written memoranda.
The government is awaiting the official report from the commission.
Mitchell said several critical areas were discussed during the retreat including the impact of technology in helping to strengthen the region, the Single Market and Economy and its legal status, the free of movement of Caribbean nationals and the Caribbean Court of Justice.
He said discussions also focused on the relations between CARICOM and the United States and CARICOM and Cuba as well as the International Criminal Court, among other issues.
