CATEGORY:SPECIAL EVENT
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By Trevor Thwaites (Inside Grenada correspondent)


ST.GEORGE’S, Grenada - Minister of Social Development, the Hon Yolande Bain Horsford, has warmly welcomed the latest batch of Peace Corp Workers to the country. 13 are now working in various fields after a seven-week induction, which saw them spend three weeks in St Lucia and the others in the Spice Isle. At the swearing in ceremony last Friday at the GBSS Auditorium, the Social Development Minister encouraged the new recruits to build on the strong relationship that has been developed over the year.

“I urge you to develop the capacity of thinking outside the box. There are lessons to be learnt in every situation. A positive and open attitude will go a long way in adjusting to the new way of life”, she remarked. The minister thanked the United States Government for the valuable assistance the Peace Corp has been making to the growth and development of Grenada over the last 40 years. “The government and people of Grenada have enjoyed a very rewarding and successful partnership over the last four decades.”

The latest Peace Corp Workers are part of EC 76- the 76th group of volunteers to have visited the Eastern Caribbean, since the Peace Corp began its work around the world 45 years ago. Former US President, George F Kennedy, who founded the Peace Corps, has challenged them not only to think about themselves, but also about helping others. In his inaugural address in 1961, President Kennedy said “…ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.”

US Peace Corps Director for the Eastern Caribbean, Ms Kate Raftery, who also spoke at the swearing in ceremony, encouraged her fellow Americans to serve well and create goodwill in Grenada. She told them that they must be true US Ambassadors. The Americans will work in Grenada for two years in several fields including Special Education, Community Development, Youth Development and HIV/AIDS.

They are working in the parishes of St Mark, St George, St John, St Andrew, St Patrick and St David. They will be living with thirteen families around the country. Reginald Powel, who gave the vote of thanks, said that they were geared and ready to give of their best after experiencing the warm hospitality of the Grenadian People. In St Lucia they learned about Caribbean culture, people and economics. While here, they learned about the unique Grenadian way of life, history, culture, politics and economics. Hundreds of Peace Corps Workers have given service to the country. They began working here in 1966.