SENATOR ARLEY GILL SUSPENDED

St. George, January 24, 2010 -- Minister with responsibility for Information and Culture, Senator Arley Gill has been suspended from sittings of the Grenadian Cabinet.

The action came following a review of the circumstances surrounding an agreement which was signed with cable broadcaster, Tempo, which celebrated its fourth anniversary by staging a massive show at the national stadium on December 19, 2009.

The event was broadcast on a local cable outlet and scheduled as part of Tempo's programme line-up.
Government came under severe criticism when the contents of the agreement were made public and it was learned that the Senator had not consulted with the Cabinet prior to signing the agreement.

The agreement called for the Ministry of Culture to provide the national stadium gratis for the event, provide and pay for sound stage and lighting, negotiate air-travel discounts and barters with Air Jamaica for Tempo's production team and artistes (approximately 50 persons), provide all necessary transportation including airport transfers and production vehicles, and negotiate the necessary hotel accommodations (approximately 30 hotel rooms).
All necessary permits and other requirements for entry, VIP services at the airport, all security needs for the event and assistance in securing local artistes for the show were also included in the agreement.

Public outcry stemmed from the perception that Tempo's expenses were to be largely paid for by the Grenadian people, with gate receipts also going to the cablecaster.  Former Prime Minister, George Brizan also chimed in on the issue, calling on Prime Minister Thomas to discipline Gill.

According to the NEW TODAY newspaper, "Sources close to Gill told this newspaper that the embattled Junior Minister had been relying on assistance from the private sector to host Tempo but, in the end, many of them pulled out of prior arrangements with him."

Gill has become the second Cabinet member to be disciplined by Thomas, confirming the no-nonsense approach to governance which he campaigned on prior to the National Democratic Comgress' victory at the polls on July 8, 2009.
Meanwhile, during this suspension from Cabinet, Gill continues to perform his duties as Junior Minister of Culture.