ST. GEORGE’S GRENADA, SEPTEMBER 7TH- The opposition New National Party (NNP) plans to boycott Tuesday’s special joint sitting of Parliament, September 8, where a Technical Working Group is expected to present on Grenada’s oil and gas exploration.

Opposition Leader Emmalin Pierre said NNP parliamentarians will not attend the sitting under the current arrangements, arguing that the process does not follow proper parliamentary procedure and could give legitimacy to what the party considers an improper and potentially unlawful process.

“The New National Party wishes to make it abundantly clear that members who are representing us in the Houses of Parliament have serious concerns about the special joint sitting of Parliament,” Pierre said. “We will not attend the sitting under the current arrangements.”

The NNP said it has no objection to the government updating Parliament on oil and gas exploration, but strongly objects to inviting the Technical Working Group to present directly to Parliament instead of first formally laying its report before the House.

“A technical briefing by the group can be accommodated at another appropriate venue,” Pierre said.

The opposition also questioned the government’s handling of the energy portfolio, claiming that no minister responsible for energy has been appointed since the NDC administration took office in 2022, despite requirements under Grenada’s Petroleum and Natural Gas Deposits Act.

The NNP further argues that Cabinet, rather than an Act of Parliament, appointed the Technical Working Group and therefore it should not be treated as a body subject to parliamentary oversight.

Pierre said Parliament was neither informed nor consulted about the group’s work or the decision to revoke the license and agreement involving GPG.

The opposition is also raising concerns about possible legal and financial consequences of the government’s actions, particularly after reports that GPG intends to challenge the termination.

“We will not be used to give legitimacy to a process that is illegal,” Pierre declared.

The NNP is demanding answers from the government on several issues, including why it allegedly failed to cooperate with GPG, why it terminated the license and agreement, how the reported $11 million allocated to the Technical Working Group is being spent, and what financial consequences Grenada could face.

Pierre said the opposition supports accountability but will not participate in what she described as a further deterioration of parliamentary practice.

“We have absolutely no problem with the government updating Parliament on oil and gas exploration,” she said, “but this matter must not be handled through a process that misuses Parliament and departs from proper parliamentary procedures and practices.”