Fellow Grenadians and friends, Greetings! As we celebrate the 35th Anniversary of our Independence let us join hearts and hands and give thanks and praise to God for his grace and blessings during those years. We had our failures and successes. We experienced human tragedies and natural disasters, as well as periods of peace and economic growth and development. Both tragedies and disasters did great damage to our country especially to the people: their homes, their lands and their businesses. People who, wounded in spirit and health, continued to limp along life’s by-ways; homes un-repaired and fields overgrown with bush and vine still dot the landscape as if to remind us, yes, we built back better, but not all of us. We built back better with the most generous assistance from many friendly countries and organizations. We did build back better in most areas. The leadership at all levels from (CARICOM Heads to village clubs) rekindled our natural friendly and cooperative spirit which enabled us to overcome grief, petty jealousy, political rivalry and animosity. Grenadians and others took up the challenge to rebuild and did so. Today, Grenada faces serious economic and social challenges. The global financial and economic meltdown coupled with high food prices, threaten world economies, especially those of Small Island Developing States like Grenada. Our two major industries, tourism and agriculture face decline in earnings due to the worsening economic situation. In order to help these industries both Ministries, their Boards and Associations have to re-examine their product and marketing strategies and introduce measures that will motivate and assist the hoteliers, farmers and others in both industries to improve the quality of the product and be more competitive. We have to change our ways of operating. Change often challenges and even threatens some workers, including managers. Change requires re-training. Workers at all levels and in all industries have to improve their level of performance, their competence, and their productivity. Of course, punctuality, courtesy and good manners are integral parts of the quality of performance especially in the service industries. Many of our people, young and old continue to strive for success and excellence. Some already demonstrate what can be achieved when talent, discipline and hard work combine with positive self-esteem, confidence and commitment. They make us all proud, when they are receiving their graduation or Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) Certificate, their Certificate for success in Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) or Technical Studies at T.A. Marryshow Community College; their diploma, certificate or degree at University of the West Indies (UWI) or St. George’s University (SGU);achieving victory or receiving medals at Local, Regional or International Games; or receiving an award as the farmer, chef, bartender, teacher, nurse, police or public servant of the year; or an award for the most outstanding youth group or village group; or winning International Gold at the Chelsea Flower show or for the best rum or outstanding hotelier. Top quality demands top performance. Top performance delivers top quality People strive for success and excellence as parents and guardians, employers or employees, self-employed or voluntary workers. It is we the people: as parents, workers, trade union leaders, bosses at all levels, community leaders young and old, political and religious leaders who must continue to inspire our people especially the young by words and deeds. Our nation calls for leaders at all levels who lead by example. Leaders whose life witnesses to the honesty, integrity and work ethic, which they require of others, so that together, we can aspire and together we can achieve. The future is in our hands. Let us build a better future for Grenada by the good we do today. Brighten the corner where you are. HAPPY 35TH ANNIVERSARY, GRENADA! And May God Bless Our Nation. INSIDE GRENADA NEWS