Above: Prime Minister Tillman Thomas and Ambassador Larry Palmer

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Grenada is seeking the help of the United States in the areas of green energy and tourism-related foreign investment, according to Prime Minister Tillman Thomas.

The Prime Minister’s call came during talks with new United States Ambassador to the Eastern Caribbean and and Barbados, Larry Palmer, who paid a courtesy call on Thomas Thursday.

“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,” Thomas told Palmer.

The talks took place in the Prime Minister’s Botanical Garden office. Thomas said the two countries shared a special relationship because of “certain historical situations,” and shared democratic traditions and human values.

Thomas also thanked the United States for two new fast patrol interceptor boats that are being officially handed over to Grenada Friday.

The boats, which were provided under the US Caribbean Basin Security Initiative, will help “reduce our vulnerability to breaches in our maritime security, as well as support search and rescue missions, especially where our fishermen are concerned,” Thomas said.

The Prime Minister also pointed to a US government decision that will increase the number of scholarships at US institutions for young Grenadians, including Fulbright scholarships.

“We welcome this and we will take advantage of every opportunity for our young people to achieve a higher education,” he said.