ST. GEORGE’S, GRENADA, AUGUST 31 – The New Today Newspaper has come under intense public scrutiny following its detailed coverage of former Sports Minister Jonathan LaCrete’s vehicle repossession by Republic Bank, with critics arguing that the media should focus on more pressing national concerns.

LaCrete’s 2023 white Toyota Fortuna was seized by a court bailiff after he reportedly failed to service his loan payments.

This marks the second time a financial institution has moved against the former minister – Nexa Credit Union previously attempted repossession before Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell intervened.

Kenisha John defended the former minister, stating: “I don’t know why they don’t leave the man alone… they can’t accept the fact that he doesn’t move with them.”

Meanwhile, Ish Nat emphasized the human element: “People deal with difficult situations in life; there is nothing to rejoice about in this situation. Today is him, and tomorrow it can be you or me.”

Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell fired LaCrete from his cabinet in July 2024 for investigating corruption in Grenada’s national lottery authority, according to sources.

Since then, he has garnered growing public sympathy and recently launched the People’s National Party (PNP) as part of his political comeback, planning to contest the St George North-west constituency.

The backlash has extended beyond the newspaper to Ana Augustine’s popular Facebook page, which also covered the story.

Social media users have expressed frustration with the media’s priorities.

“I don’t know why this is news,” commented one critic, while Gezelle Ross wrote: “Leave the man alone… everybody goes through [things]… only sad people will make this their concern.”

Kyrie Pierre-Noel highlighted perceived hypocrisy: “A certain minister’s name is calling in corrupt practices left, right, and center, and everyone’s mouth is on mute.”

Wayndell P Thomas questioned editorial priorities: “I am trying to understand how this is news? When we have so many unfinished projects in Grenada… let me hear you guys talk about the cliff Project.”