Prime Minister Hon. Tillman Thomas told has urged Grenadians in the Diaspora to utilize every avenue to help Grenada overcome its development challenges, while improving and increasing the role they play in the country’s socio-economic development. “It is my firm belief that Grenadians, at home and abroad, have the capacity to overcome our development challenges,……Our development challenge should no longer be solely a matter for aid donors or foreign investors”, the Prime Minister told the Diaspora Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony at the Spice Basket on Thursday. He welcomed the success of the Grenadian Homecoming 2012 initiative which encouraged Grenadian nationals to return their homeland “to reminisce on our early years but also to enhance our engagement in the years to come.” “History will mark the significance of this day,” the Prime Minister told the audience. The Prime Minister commented that his government’s decision to institutionalize and structure the engagement with the Diaspora came after many years of discussions and debate by previous governments about the contributions of the Diaspora to nation building. He said the “ultimate goal” is the provision of a mechanism, through which Grenadians at home and in the Diaspora, can maintain a dialogue on areas of need, desire and interest. Additionally, Prime Minister Thomas said, the new framework provides the homeland with access to the pool of expertise and talents available in the Diaspora. “What is required at this time……..is a purposeful coming together of Grenadians everywhere, to shape a new Grenada. We must not be daunted. When we pull together, we multiply our potential, expand our skills and expertise and we broaden the pool of resources,” he commented, adding, “our partnership therefore, should represent real opportunities.” He paid tribute to the many Grenadians, at home and abroad, who contributed to the development of the country, including the most recent exploits of Kirani James, the World and Olympic Champion over 400 metres, whose historic gold medal performance “cannot be quantified in mere money terms. “We cannot help but admire this 19 years old, who has consistently spoken of his commitment to the people of Grenada and the motivation he feels from their support for him. Indeed this is a unique period in our history that we must cherish for years to come,” he said. The formalization process began in 2010 with the Diaspora preparatory conference which was followed one year with the Diaspora Founding Conference and culminating with the inaugural Grenadian Homecoming 2012.