December 8th 2009: The new Chilean Ambassador to Grenada Mr. Patricio Pradel paid a courtesy call on the Leader of the Opposition, Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell last Wednesday. Ambassador Pradel reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to deepening the relationship between the Government and people of Grenada and the Government and people of Chile. The Ambassador highlighted the need for more cultural exchanges between the two countries as a means of deepening the understanding of each other’s culture. Dr. Mitchell agreed that more can be done to strengthen relations between the two countries and noted that during the period he served as Prime Minister of Grenada, Chile provided support to Grenada in the areas of Education and Sports. In discussing the current political and economic climate in Grenada, Dr. Mitchell raised concern about the deteriorating state of the economy and says the current Government lacks the understanding of what it takes to get the economy going. He spoke about the significant decline in the economic growth rate as well as the considerable increase in the level of unemployment. The former Prime Minister also used the opportunity to extend best wishes to the people Chile as its national team prepares to play in the upcoming games in South Africa. He suggested that this was one area in which Chile can offer technical assistance to Grenada since they have always been outstanding in the game of soccer. Dr. Mitchell extended best wishes to the Ambassador who is currently based in Trinidad and Tobago.