Upon arrival in the United States Capital, on Friday November 12, Prime Minister Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell held discussions with officials from the US Department of State. The Prime Minister informed the US delegation, which included the Assistant Secretary of State for Latin America and the Caribbean Roger Noriega and Director of the Office of Caribbean Affairs Brian Nicholes, that he was very pleased with the response of the American Government to Grenada in its time of crisis. "Please convey the gratitude of the Government and people of Grenada to the President of the United States of America; and especially to the Secretary of State Mr. Powell for finding the time to make a very welcome visit to Grenada,” the Prime Minister said. The visit by Mr. Powell gave a real boost to the people of Grenada knowing that the USA cared enough to send the Secretary of State to see what happened to Grenada, the Prime Minister noted, adding that the $42 million (US) granted for Grenada’s recovery would go a long way. “However I ask you to remain engaged with Grenada because as we rebuild we would need your lasting support," Prime Minister Mitchell told the US delegation in Washington. Following his meetings with the USA Government officials, the Prime Minister proceeded to deliver the key note address at the 11th Annual Caribbean American Awards Gala which was held at the JW Marriott in Washington DC. On that occasion the Prime Minster spoke to a very large audience, which included 1998 Miss Universe Wendy Fitzwilliams, and legends like Cicely Tyson and Jimmy Cliff, Congressional representatives, City Council officials and a host of outstanding Grenadian and Caribbean nationals and friends. The Prime Minister thanked the Caribbean Diaspora for their support and he made reference to Hurricane Ivan as a strong force of destruction but also a powerful force for Regional Integration. "And the people are ahead of the leaders when it comes to the subject of integration,” the Prime Minister said. At the conclusion, the band played and sang Happy Birthday to the Prime Minister and presented him with a cake, while Ms. Tyson presented a special birthday hug and kiss to the Prime Minister, to the resounding chorus of the audience. SOURCE: EMBASSY OF GRENADA, WASHINGTON, D.C.