ST. GEORGE’S, GRENADA, APRIL 7th 2009_ “Colleagues, I am pleased to address you on the occasion of this important heads of Mission meeting. It is my understanding you have already begun a busy schedule of activities designed to enhance your capacity to effectively perform your roles. I hope that your week of activities will be productive and fruitful. I view this meeting as extremely important for two major reasons. Firstly, this meeting presents the first opportunity since my government assumed office and your subsequent appointments to meet, discuss and share. It is an opportunity to learn, plan, strategize and bond as a unified mission team pursuing the interest of Grenada in the international community. Secondly, we are meeting at a critical time in the world’s political and economic history. A world characterized by deep recession and its consequent debilitating impact on vulnerable countries like ours. To date we have already begun to experience its negative impact. This is manifested by the following: * Grenada’s economy is projected to contract by 0.5% in 2009 following estimated growth of 0.3% in 2008 and 4.5% in 2007. * So far we have experienced a 25% reduction in government revenue from Customs & Excise in the first three months of 2009 (this Department collects more than 50% of all government revenue) * There is a slow down or halt of major tourism developments (approximate value of US$700 m) * We project a decline in Tourist Arrivals (15 - 20% in 2009) * It is possible that Unemployment could be as high as 30% by the end of 2009 * We have seen Job losses/Job Rotation Reduction in Pay/Service charge in tourism sector * We project a decline in Remittances (possibly by 20%) * We are seeing a tightening of bank liquidity (as deposit growth slows and non performing loans rise) * Cost of living is high (especially food and transportation) * There is Increasing difficulty by all Social Partners to meet their financial obligations These are the real challenges that confront us today. Given this scenario, your roles assume greater significance as we engage the international community in our efforts to chart a sustainable development course for Grenada. Prior to assuming office, and we articulated a vision for the growth and development of our country. It is that vision that the Grenadian people subscribed to and voted us into office. We promised enlightened leadership and we will lead. We also promised an enlightened foreign policy, characterized by active engagement with the global community. Engagement that will ensure, that the interest of Grenadians, at home and abroad, are pursued, protected and maximized. Key elements of this policy include: * The promotion of Grenada as an pristine, novel, friendly and safe destination * The promotion of Grenada as an attractive facilitating environment for sound investments * The effective representation of our national interest * Advocacy for a coordinated regional foreign policy among OECS and CARICOM states * Active pursuance of market access for Grenada’s goods and services * The protection of the Grenadian people and our national assets The achievement of these broad policy objectives given the challenging environment will be difficult. It will require a comprehensive strategy, dedicated resources, creativity, aggressiveness, dedication and commitment by all within our foreign affairs ministry. As I understand it, the pillar of an effective foreign policy programme is directly related to the strength and organization our of foreign affairs department at home. It is here that direction, guidance and support emanates. It is also important to build and consolidate our negotiating capacity necessary to enable a meaningful engagement with economic groupings, institutions and countries. So I challenge every member of the department to rise to the demands of the times. In the case of the heads of missions, your role is equally important. Given our local resource constraints, you are expected to consistently “work magic”, as you interact, engage, exchange and relate to our friends both old and new in the international community. In doing so it is important to always remember that despite our small size, weaknesses and vulnerabilities we jealously guard our right to self determination, sovereignty and independence. This has characterized our entire history as long and hard battles have been fought to achieve our current political and socio-economic gains as a proud people. We must also remember the real and important value of small states like Grenada as we collectively engage global issues such as strengthening democracies, security, terrorism and the environment. It is these shared goals and value systems that are qualitatively reshaping relations between states. As you Endeavour to perform your roles, there will be many challenges. However, I must remind you that we are living in challenging times; and challenging times require unique solutions and extraordinary efforts. You will be called on to really go the extra mile. As you pursue our interest, cognizant of the needs of other nation states, I wish you success and look forward to your contribution as we build a better Grenada for all. I thank you.” INSIDE GRENADA NEWS