Grenadian Minister Looks to Diaspora for Help Beyond Remittances

Above: Grenada (CJ Photo)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Grenada’s government is planning to engage the country’s diaspora to assist in the nation’s development, according to Youth Empowerment and Sports Minister Patrick Simmons.

Simmons, who recently represented Grenada at the Second Caribbean Development Roundtable (CDR) and the 24th meeting of the Caribbean Development and Cooperation Committee (CDCC) in Guyana, told delegates that Grenada could benefit from its growing diaspora beyond remittances, especially in Europe and North America.

The Georgetown meetings were organised by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC).

Simmons said he believed that with many highly-skilled entrepreneurs and professionals in business, technology and sport, the Grenadian Diaspora can be very helpful to its home country in many specialized areas.

Grenada’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through its Office of Diaspora Affairs, will be hosting a Grenadian Homecoming Event under the theme “Engaging our Communities, Embracing our Heritage” from beginning Aug. 5.

As outgoing chair of the CDCC, Minister Simmons was tasked with handing over chairmanship to President Donald Ramotar of Guyana. In his address to the CDCC, Minister Simmons highlighted several of Grenada’s accomplishments since Grenada hosted the 23rd meeting of the Committee in March of 2010.