ST GEORGE’S, Grenada: The Prime Minister of Grenada, Dr Keith Mitchell, held talks at a breakfast engagement Thursday with the President of the Canadian International Development Agency Mr. Paul Thibault and has received a firm commitment that the North-American-based organization will assist in the reconstruction of Grenada, grappling with devastation caused by Hurricane Ivan. The CIDA President expressed sympathy with the Government and people of Grenada, noting that his organization will do all that is necessary to make life more pleasant for Grenadians, who have to endure the traumatic effects of the disaster. Specifically, Dr. Mitchell noted that housing; children getting back to school in a comfortable environment; security; assistance for small businesses; and agriculture are the most immediate needs. In the area of housing, Dr. Mitchell made a plea for shipments of tarpaulin, to temporarily alleviate problems of leaking roofs, exacerbated by persistent rainfall, which has been evident in recent days of inclement weather. Dr. Mitchell told the CIDA President and his delegation that there is need for Canada to help accommodate workers in the tourism sector, since they can encounter extreme domestic problems being displaced and out of jobs, as a result of Hurricane Ivan. Noting the good relationship the two countries enjoy, he asked the CIDA President to use his good office to ensure that work permits be provided hassle-free to Grenadian citizens from the hospitality sector seeking employment in Grenada over the next twelve to eighteen months. The need for Canada to provide training for Grenadians enthusiastic about being involved in the hospitality sector was also a paramount feature during discussion. Prime Minister Mitchell is lobbying for some one thousand Grenadians to receive training in this regard. Very importantly, Dr. Mitchell is troubled that some people could be going through traumatic times based on their experience during the passage of the Hurricane as well as in the aftermath of the destruction and he impressed upon the CIDA Chief about the need for counseling for those who have been affected. “Parents who have lost their jobs as an effect of the hurricane and who may have children attending school could be psychologically troubled as to how to go about their daily lives and would therefore need comfort,” said Dr. Mitchell. Apart from other restoration programmes, the Grenadian leader asked that Canada see counselling as a remedy to deal with this post hurricane traumatic dysfunction as being an urgent requirement. Among other things, Prime Minister Mitchell noted that he has already written to the Canadian Government requesting assistance in the areas of education, agriculture, health, counseling and for the refurbishment of the Parliament Building. He is hoping that the Canadian Government acts expeditiously. Mr. Thibault indicated that CIDA is in the process of making 2.5 million Canadian dollars available to Grenada that will assist in the country’s recovery and that the Canadian Minister for International cooperation will pay a visit to the Spice Isle on Tuesday 16th November 2004 to get first-hand experience of the problems which natives are encountering. The CIDA President told Dr. Mitchell that his organization will be in Grenada for the long term and will seek to enhance their contribution through the Donor Harmonization Programme. Reprinted from Caribbean Net News caribbeannetnews.com