NEW HAG CHAIRMAN LEADING THE CHARGE TO EVENTUAL SUCCESS

MR. TERRENCE FORRESTER, NEW CHAIRMAN OF THE AUTHORITY

New Chairman of the authority Mr. Terrence Forrester is under no illusion with regards to the difficulty of the task ahead but he and his team are ready for the challenge.

Forrester having only just ended his stint as Chairman of the Grenada Airports Authority has stepped right into another role that he admits is a very challenging one.

Foremost in the minds of Forrester and his newly elected board of directors is the stated responsibility of the HAG and that is to provide affordable housing for the poor and working class of Grenada, Carricacou and Petite Martinique.

Forrester said he had always heard that the HAG was a very challenging entity to head and he is realizing that that is correct but being the person he is he accepts every challenge with grace, dignity and value and he and his board are ready to provide the necessary service for the people of Grenada.

The chairman said the terms of the HAG are clearly outlined and it is a clear vision of the Government of Grenada to provide adequate and affordable housing for the people of this country.

He said the strategic plan has quickly been recognized as one of the first requirements in ensuring that the HAG moves on.
Forrester said a temporary strategic plan has been done but nothing detailed as yet. This temporary plan is to determine where the authority is at present.

CHINESE AND LOCAL OFFICIALS AT THE SOUBISE HOUSING PROJECT

A matter of priority is an internal assessment of the organization to determine its strengths and weaknesses. A local consultant has been engaged to look into every aspect of the operation of the authority so that the board can get a clear understanding of where it stands in terms of manpower, finance, weaknesses and capabilities and therefore move forward in a strategic manner.

Forrester said the board has made a presentation to Cabinet giving recommendations for the future of the authority and cabinet has agreed that a strategic plan is necessary.
He warned that a strategic plan takes a long time since it requires among other factors, personnel who have the capability and training to deal with various aspects of the plan.

The chairman said it is now necessary to move forward with guidance and direction and in the meantime the authority is working with other organizations locally and regionally including the Caribbean Development Bank, (CDB) in relation to a Human Settlement Plan. While moving forward the board is also looking into the internal workings of the authority to get a better understanding of the internal structure of the organization.

Forrester admits that a good working relationship between the board and the management and staff is fundamental to the way forward. He said management ought to take the lead while the board is to provide guidance, set policy and chart the way forward.

Management will execute the plans and policies set by the board and will indicate to the board successes and challenges.
Forrester doesn’t believe the board should be responsible for day to day management and that is certainly not his style. He said there is in place a quite capable manager and his management team who will do the work inside and carry out the mandate of the board. The board will in turn carry out the mandate of the Minister of Housing who has already made it clear that this present board has to make a difference where the HAG is concerned.

Forrester hopes to accomplish this goal during his tenure with the support of his board and the management and staff of the authority.

Forrester said the HAG had been stretched to the limit after Hurricane Ivan and is exhausted at this point in time and innovative ideas have to be found to relieve the pressure on the authority.

He said persons who owe monies to the authority must be made to understand that if they do not pay they are making it difficult of the organization to help others who are in need of its assistance so some accommodation has to be arrived at.

The chairman appreciates the other members of the board for accepting the task to serve Grenada, and they are ready to work closely to provide assistance and guidance, whatever is necessary to make the authority a success.
He recognizes there are serious challenges within the system but all involved intend to do their best to try and provide the services necessary and needed so irrespective of the challenges the HAG will come up with innovative plans to meet its mandate.