ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada, July 12 — Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs Tevin Andrew has openly defended the replacement of government workers based on political loyalty, arguing that supporters who helped elect the National Democratic Congress (NDC) deserve to be rewarded with employment.

In an exclusive interview with The Narrative, Andrew dismissed concerns over reports of widespread dismissals in Carriacou and Petite Martinique, insisting there had been no “mass firing” while acknowledging that supporters of the governing party were being placed into positions previously held by others.

“Whenever there’s a change of administration, there are some people that go and some people that come,” Andrew said.

“If some people’s contract has ended… You would no doubt look for the people who fought with you and stood with you during the election. I have to be elected in the next election, and if I did not take care of the people who fought with me… then I don’t know what sort of politician I am. I must look after the foot soldiers.”

The interview also turned to reports that Andrea Andrew, a geriatric carer and Andrew’s aunt, was among those dismissed from government employment shortly after a widely discussed incident at a funeral in Carriacou.

When repeatedly asked whether she had been fired and whether the dismissal was connected to that incident, Andrew declined to respond, repeatedly stating only, “No comment.”

The minister also sought to downplay tensions with the Public Workers’ Union over the dismissals, describing the matter as “a non-issue” that could be resolved through dialogue.

He denied knowledge of any “mass firing,” arguing that misinformation and miscommunication were fueling the controversy.

Andrew has also been a frequent source of controversy during his time in office, attracting public criticism over previous confrontations with members of the Royal Grenada Police Force and for several outspoken public remarks that have generated political backlash.