ST. GEORGE’S, GRENADA, TUESDAY, JULY 21st, 2009_ Prime Minister Hon. Tillman Thomas and US Chargé d'Affaires Karen Jo Mc Isaac today discussed a range of issues related to the development of relations between Washington and St. George’s, during a farewell courtesy call by the US diplomat on the Prime Minister’s Office. The Prime Minister sought clarification on the deportation of Grenadians who commit crimes in the United States and sought US support for government efforts to deal with the resulting pressure on Grenada’s national security agencies. The US official explained her government’s position and denied that any persons deported to Grenada were US citizens. Security and the drug trade were also at the center of discussions. Prime Minister Thomas also used the opportunity to ask for the upgrading of the US Embassy in Grenada to grant VISAS to Grenadians wishing to travel to the United States. “Do not give up on this issue. Grenada needs to get its voice in the conversation,” Mrs. Mc Isaac told the Prime Minister, while suggesting that there should be some clarification on the position of the relationship between the United States and Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and CARICOM sub-regional grouping. The outgoing US diplomat also suggested that Grenada was able to benefit from funding through the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC). Prime Minister Thomas said he looked forward to continuing and deepening of the “excellent” relationship between the United States and Grenada.