Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell says his administration’s freeze on hiring within the public service will not apply to the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF). Mitchell, who is also Minister of National Security, spoke during an open forum with RGPF members, indicating that the freeze would be maintained during the three-year period of the home grown Structural Adjustment Programme that is being backed by the Washington-based International Monetary Fund (IMF). Last week, the IMF announced it had reached agreement with the Grenada government for a three-year US$21.9 million Extended Credit Facility to support an “ambitious programme” to correct the island’s fiscal imbalances and lift sustainable growth. “The agreement reached with the authorities is subject to approval of the IMF’s Executive Board and is contingent upon the timely completion of prior actions to be taken by the Grenadian authorities and obtaining the necessary financing assurances,” said Aliona Cebotari, IMF mission chief to Grenada. She said the main objectives of the programme are to restore fiscal and debt sustainability, boost long-term growth through structural reforms, and safeguard the resilience of the financial sector. Mitchell told the law enforcement officials that the employment policy would remain in effect during the three-year period of debt restructuring to revive an economy which has moved from negative to positive, Prime Minister Mitchell emphasised the importance of the RGPF in Grenada’s overall development, and assured them that the government is committed to supporting them in any way possible, even in this tough economic period. “We cannot speak about the role of the police and not take steps to ensure that we make our contribution in helping them to perform effectively.” Mitchell said, praising the police for the many steps taken recently to improve its image. Source: ja observer