GGRENAD-Opposition Leader wants stronger punishment for returning officers.

ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada, CMC – The leader of the main opposition New National Party (NNP), Emmalin Pierre, has expressed disappointment with the disciplinary action taken against a registration officer who was photographed engaging in political work for the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Speaking at a political meeting here on Tuesday night, Pierre, the Opposition Leader, said that approximately six weeks after disclosing that she had written to Governor General Dame Cecile La Grenade expressing her concern over the issue, the punishment is too minor for the offense committed.

She stated that Amanda Jack, the registration and returning officer for the sub-office of the Parliamentary Elections Office in Carriacou and Petite Martinique, had been photographed performing political work on behalf of the ruling party.

“Tonight, I wish to say to you that I have received a response, that the matter was investigated, I have seen the report of the officer in question, I have seen the report of the Supervisor of Elections, I have seen the written note of the action and intention of the Supervisor of Elections and the Governor General,” she told NNP supporters.

She said the action being contemplated is to either put a note of discipline in Jack’s file or to warn her of her behavior.

“The NNP will not accept this level of discipline for such a grave offense against the people of this country, and so I have written to the Governor General asking that this letter and this decision be reconsidered,” she said, reminding the meeting of a similar incident in a neighboring territory resulting in the officer in question being removed from the post.

The Parliamentary Elections Office falls under the jurisdiction of the Governor General, and she is the authority responsible for appointing and revoking returning officers to the position. Complaints about registration or returning officers should also be sent to her office.

Jack, an educator by profession, was appointed to the position in the first quarter of 2023. Earlier this year, she was photographed attending two NDC political meetings, wearing a T-shirt displaying the party’s color and symbol.

Pierre said that anyone holding such a position should not be engaging in open political activities because it can create a perception of conflict and bias.