Using the resourcefulness of Grenadians overseas for national development

Toronto, Canada, June 22, 2010 – A senior Grenada Government minister wants greater use made of the talent and skills of nationals living abroad.

Foreign Affairs Minister, Peter David, told Grenadians in Toronto last weekend that with the pool of skilled and “resourceful Grenadians’’ in the Diaspora, contracts should be offered to them to return home and help develop Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

The Minister was at the time addressing a meeting on recently opened Office of Diaspora Affairs (ODA), which is aimed at strengthening ties between Grenadians at home and those based overseas. It’s also to encourage and foster greater participation of Grenadians abroad in all aspects of national development.

Last Saturday’s ODA meeting, organised by Consul General Jenny Gumbs, was the first in Toronto, and part of a series of consultations in major metropolitan cities where there are significance numbers of Grenadians. Hon. David was accompanied by Diaspora Steering Committee members Derrick James, Consul General to New York; and Minister Counsellor, Michael Mitchell.

The consultations, the Foreign Minister said, are designed to ensure that the “entire process would not be a top-down approach but instead a bottom-up approach; in other words, a Diaspora perspective that is originated by the people.’’

The Minister said that the purpose of the meetings is to obtain feedback and recommendations prior to an ODA Preparatory Conference carded for August 5 and 6 in Grenada. The conference is expected to attract about 150 individuals and representatives from Grenadian organisations overseas. The ODA is also planning to host a Founding Conference next year and a major Homecoming for nationals in 2012.

Former Grenada diplomats Caldwell Taylor, George Griffith and Lennie Fleary, were among individuals and representatives of organisations that attended Saturday’s meeting with Minister David and the ODA Steering Committee members.

“I am elated that they took the time to visit Toronto to get our ideas,” one attendee said.

Mr. David said the idea of the Diaspora office originated while he was in opposition. “It came from a deep sense of understanding that we have not sufficiently utilised the resources we have in the Diaspora,’’ said the General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), which won general elections in 2008.

In fact, he said, “the further away one moves from Grenada, it’s the more patriotic she/he becomes. I understand the passion to serve and to give back to the country that nurtured us. I also come with a Diaspora perspective, having lived in Canada, England and the USA.’’

Foreign Minister David also stressed the importance of Grenadians living in Canada becoming more involved in the political progress in their adopted homeland. “In doing so,’’ he explained, “you are not only helping Canada but you can also hold positions that can strategically help Grenada.’’

Saturday’s meeting, which went over the allotted time, included a continuous flow of questions and suggestions from the audience, with many people expressing concern at the state of education and health in Grenada. They offered suggestions on how the Diaspora can play an even greater role in the development of the two sectors, and raised other questions of national interests, such as the high level of unemployment in Grenada.

Mr. David also used the Canadian trip to visit Montreal and to meet with the executive of the NDC Toronto Support Group, and was a guest at a fundraiser organised by the group.

The Foreign Minister also attended a Toronto celebration marking the 44th anniversary of Guyana’s Independence, and was the keynote speaker at a function in honour of former Canadian Member of Parliament, Grenada-born Jean Augustine.

She received a national award last year – the Order of Canada – for having distinguished herself as a politician and an educator and advocate for social justice in Canada.

         
                           Foreign Minister Peter David in discussion with former Grenada UN Ambassador Caldwell Taylor



                  
                                              A section of the audience at the June 19 Diaspora meeting in Toronto