Prime Minister Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell has welcomed the appointment of Hon. Jean Augustine as Special Advisor for Grenada to Prime Minister Paul Martin. “This appointment will surely facilitate our recovery process,” Prime Minister Mitchell said today. In making the announcement, Prime Minister Martin said Jean Augustine, who is the Member of Parliament for the Etobicoke-Lakeshore constituency in Ontario, “will bring a unique perspective to this position as a native of Grenada.” Ms. Augustine will provide advice to the Minister of Foreign Affairs on Grenada, represent Canada at international meetings on Grenada and work with civil society. The official release from the Prime Minister’s Office in Canada stated that “this new appointment will help ensure Canada’s commitment to Grenada. Canada recently has made contributions to help Grenada with economic reconstruction, agriculture and the affects of Hurricane Ivan.” Canada announced in October an aid package for Grenada totaling $4.5 million (CDN) for economic reconstruction and agricultural recovery. This is in addition to the $1.7 million (CDN) in immediate emergency response given to the International Red Cross for Grenada, Jamaica, Cuba and other affected countries, as well as $65,000 (CND) for emergency relief supplies for Grenada. Prime Minister Mitchell said Ms. Augustine has consistently worked tirelessly for Grenada and the new appointment will provide more opportunities for her to continue to assist in the development of her native Grenada. Source: Office of the Prime Minister