Grenada’s Prime Minister Hon. Tillman Thomas, is seeking the assistance of the United States in strengthening the islands capability to utilise alternative and renewable sources of energy and in accessing greater foreign direct investment in tourism related development. The Prime Minister’s call came during a conversation with new US Ambassador to the Eastern Caribbean and Barbados, Larry Palmer, who paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister’s Botanical Garden office today. Prime Minister Thomas said that Grenada and the United States share a special relationship because of “certain historical situations” and shared democratic traditions and human values. He welcomed the United States commitment to assist Caribbean countries in identifying renewable sources of energy including harnessing wind, geothermal and solar resources, as part of efforts to reduce the dependence on fossil fuel, which “is a burden to our economy.” “We in Grenada and in the region need support in the transfer of technology, so that we can take advantage of these new energy sources,” the Prime Minister told the new US Ambassador. He also expressed his appreciation to the United States government for two fast patrol Interceptor boats that will be officially handed over to the Grenada government tomorrow morning at the Coast Guard Base in True Blue. The Prime Minister noted that the boats, provided under the US Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) will help to “reduce our vulnerability to breaches in our maritime security, as well as support search and rescue missions, especially where our fishermen are concerned.” The Prime Minister also commended a US Government decision to increase the number of scholarships at US institutions for Grenadian young people, including Fulbright scholarships, saying, “we welcome this and we will take advantage of every opportunity for our young people to achieve a higher education.” Ambassador Palmer said Washington is discussing the way forward for a request from Grenada, for the local US Embassy to facilitate or issue visas to persons wishing to travel to American educational institutions.