Grenada elections 2013 update: Gloves come off as opposition New National party accused of “Russian Mafia” connection

Allegations of Russians’ involvement in Grenada’s current general election campaign have now reached the level of the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF).

Officials of the National Democratic Congress party of incumbent Prime Minister Tillman Thomas have repeatedly claimed in speeches at their campaign rallies that Russians are “funding the election efforts” of the opposition New National Party.

The New National Party has denied the allegations.

Vincent Roberts, who has been chairing meetings of the National Democratic Congress, has said that US$10 million has been provided to the New National Party by “Russian mafia”.

Reports are that a local attorney, acting on behalf of the New National Party, has written to at least one television station, cautioning about broadcasting the yet unproven allegations against the New National Party.

One newspaper has also reported that eight uniformed police officers recently “raided”’ the world-famous Spice Island Beach Resort that is owned by Sir Royston Hopkin, one of Grenada’s best-known hoteliers. The paper said “two guests that are Russian nationals but live in England”’ were questioned. No arrests were reported.

National Democratic Congress deputy leader, Nazim Burke, has been quoted as saying that, “in the coming days, we’ll tell you more about this Russian problem.”

The New National Party, which was voted out of office in 2008, is trying to unseat the National Democratic Congress in general elections scheduled for February 19.