MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS BULLETIN

GRENADA MISSION STATEMENT To efectively promote Grenada’s interest within the Community of Nations in order to enhance its image development.

Volume 2 June 2016 Hon. Elvin Nimrod Minister of Foreign Afairs In Memoriaum Te Grenadian leader also stated that he would never forget, how during Mr. Alva Browne one of his darkest moments as Prime Permanent Secretary (Ag.) Minister, his friend, Patrick Manning, then Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, few to Grenada by helicopter in 2004, a day afer Hurricane Ivan Mr. Adrian Joseph ravaged the Islands. Chief of Protocol Prime Minister Manning assured the Grenadian leader that he was there to ofer support and assistance more as a friend than as Prime Minister. Manning and the people of Trinidad DIVISIONS and Tobago rallied behind Grenada during that most difcult period, (1) Administrative and according to PM Mitchell, “we are forever grateful to them for being (2) Policy & Research steadfast friends.”

(3) Protocol & Consular We will miss this most benevolent gentleman, a visionary leader, and Patrick Augustus Manning true friend.

PM Mitchell Extends Condolences on the Excerpt from the speech given by passing of Former Trinidad and Tobago the Dr. Te Hon Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister, Patrick Manning. Prime Minister of St. Vincent and Ministry of Foreign Afairs the Grenadines to the late Former On behalf of the Government and People Ministerial Complex Prime Minister of Trinidad and of Grenada, Prime Minister Dr. Keith Botanical Gardens Tobago, Patrick Manning at the Mitchell extended the most profound Tirty Seventh Regular Meeting St. George’s sympathies to the family, friends, and the of the Conference of the Heads Grenada People of Trinidad and Tobago, on the of Government, Guyana July 4-6, passing of former Trinidad and Tobago 2016. Tel: (473) 440-2640 Prime Minister, Patrick Manning. Fax: (473) 440-4184 One of the titans of the integration Email: [email protected] In a note to his family, Dr. Mitchell describes movement lef us, Patrick Manning. [email protected] his departed friend as a “charismatic leader, For to famous man and Patrick who loved people and promoted regional Manning was a famous man- all unity’’ the earth is a sepulcher, his virtues Produced by: Policy & Research Division are not written in stone, at home from external shocks, which Governing Territories in the Pacifc, or elsewhere, but in the hearts and hinder growth and restrict their Caribbean and other regions of minds of ordinary men and women ability to build reserves. Against the world.” Te special committee across this region; and we shall this background, participants discussed Western Sahara, New remember him forever. refected on the potential impact Caledonia, Falkland Islands of recent international agreements (Malvinas) and Gibraltar among For Patrick Manning, the virtue of on sustainable development and others. honor did not grow old, he at no explored available mechanisms to time was in quest of the gathering of build resilience and secure fnancing A strong determination of the wealth; he preferred duty and service to achieve their development goals. special committee is its commitment to which he gave his life honorably. to self-determination as enshrined in Further, a new report on the future Resolution 1514, the Charter of the prospects of Caribbean small states United Nations and the International Meetings Coverage: was launched at the Fourth Global Covenant on Civil and Political Biennial Conference on Small States. Rights. Grenada’s Participation in the ‘Achieving a Resilient Future for Fourth Global Biennial Conference Small States: Caribbean 2050’ speaks According to the Charter of the On Small States to the themes under discussion United Nations and relevant General at the conference, including debt, Assembly resolutions, a full measure THEME: Achieving a Resilient trade, climate change, crime, energy of self-government can be achieved Future for Small States security and youth unemployment. through independence, integration Te report takes a projected view of or free association with another state. Te Commonwealth convened its six Commonwealth member states Te choice should be the result of the Fourth Global Biennial Conference in the Caribbean and presents an freely expressed will and desire of the on Small States in Seychelles on May alternative vision for a better future peoples of the Non-Self Governing 12-13, 2016. Ministers and senior in 2050. Territories. government ofcials from 19 small states from the Commonwealth as Non-Self Governing Territories in the well as regional and international Seminar On Decolonization Pacifc, Caribbean and other regions organizations and civil society were discussed with reference to: attended the meeting. Mrs. Roxie Te United Nations Special McLeish Hutchinson – Foreign Committee on the Situation with a. Strategies to ensure Service Ofcer in the Ministry regard to the Implementation of the acceleration of the of Foreign Afairs, represented the Declaration on the Granting of decolonization process Grenada. Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples hosted a seminar in b. Strengthening cooperation During the two-day meeting, Managua, Nicaragua from May 31 to with the administering participants refected on current and June 2, 2016. powers, the non-self governing emerging challenges faced by small territories, concerned member states and examined strategies aimed Te objective of this seminar was to states and other stakeholders at harnessing global opportunities obtain the views of representatives of with the aim of strengthening the Non-Self Governing Territories, c. Political developments in their resilience and achieving the experts, and members of civil society. the Non-Self-Governing Sustainable Development Goals Te work of the special committee, Territories (SDGs). of which Grenada is a member, was concerned with the fulfllment of the d. Efects of socioeconomic Notwithstanding some progress objectives of the Tird International conditions, environmental in building resilience, small states Decade for the Eradication of issues and climate change on continue to face signifcant challenges Colonialism. the decolonization process, in achieving the sustainable taking into account the development and internationally Te seminar was centered on the Sustainable Development agreed development goals including theme “Commitments and Actions Goals their ability to withstand or recover for Decolonization in the Non-Self 2 e. Role of the United Nations the single OECS space in search resilience and assist communities system in providing of employment opportunities, to in reducing climate-related risks to development assistance. work without having to obtain work their lives and livelihoods over the permits, to send their children to long term. f. Recommendations for school, to seek medical attention, to Under the RRACC initiative, and advancing decolonization. set up businesses, to stay indefnitely, in response to concerns raised by and to be treated as nationals residents about the impact of sea As the seminar concluded, wherever they travel within the level rise, a seawall was built in participants stressed the need for Economic Union area. Petite Martinique to bufer strong productive dialogue and harmonious waves and mitigate coastline erosion relations in order to advance the Meanwhile, OECS Director General during storms. An integrated decolonization of the world’s 17 Dr. Didacus Jules said that the sub- watershed rehabilitation and coastal remaining Non-Self Governing regional grouping has repositioned area management initiative in the Territories. Te special committee itself as an enabling mechanism for Sauteurs community resulted in will present its conclusions and ever closer collaboration between the development of a community recommendations at its substantive the key policy makers in Member climate change adaptation plan, session in June 2016 at United States in the areas of foreign afairs, which focused on replanting trees in Nations Headquarters. trade, social development and watersheds and along coastal areas youth, education, health, legislation eroded by wave action. Technical Adviser in the Ministry and justice, as well as economic of Foreign Afairs, Mr. Michael A. development Te RRACC project also enhanced Mitchell represented Grenada. the capacity of the Grenadian Te OECS groups the islands of government’s forestry nursery in 2. Media – Local, Regional & Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grand Etang by providing tools and International: Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and equipment, constructing nursery the Grenadines, St. Kitts-Nevis, beds for plant propagation, and Martinique, Montserrat, Anguilla installing a rainwater harvesting A. OECS observe 35th anniversary and the British Virgin islands. system to ensure water availability Te nine-member Organization of during dry periods. Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) B. USAID project boost Grenada observes its 35th anniversary this Resilience C. India ofers fully funded training month. Grenada’s capacity to mitigate courses climate change risks stemming Te Government of India is giving OECS Chairman and Grenada’s from storms, hurricanes, droughts Commonwealth citizens the Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Mitchell, and other extreme weather events opportunity to attend fully funded has said that the decision to sign has been enhanced by the fve-year, training courses across a range of the treaty establishing the OECS in $9.5 million Rallying the Region to areas, including rural development, 1981 “was not only far-sighted and Action on Climate Change (RRACC) IT, telecommunications and far-reaching, but refected a strategic project implemented by the United renewable energy, in association vision of a unifed and strengthened States Agency for International with the Commonwealth Secretariat. Eastern Caribbean, capable of Development (USAID) in ensuring sustained improvements in collaboration with the Organization Te courses are sponsored by the welfare of every citizen”. of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). the Government of India and He said that the expansion of the delivered by Indian institutions stature and scope of the OECS within USAID mission director for the through the Indian Technical and the last few years is also a source Eastern and Southern Caribbean, Economic (ITEC) Programme. of great pride, and provides ample Christopher Cushing, ofcially ITEC is part of the Commonwealth cause for celebration. closed out the Grenada segment of Secretariat’s Tird Country Training the project at a ceremony this month. Programmes, which aims to build Prime Minister Mitchell said since As part of the project, USAID capacity in member countries by August 2011, OECS nationals have provided $1.3 million in assistance providing specialist training in key been able to travel freely within to improve the country’s overall areas of development work.

3 Te Government of India has and storms, and create tourism Te legislation requires the State allocated 30 places for participants opportunities. Despite their Department and USAID to: from Commonwealth member states economic and environmental for the 2016-2017 Programme. importance, it is difcult to t Identify agency eforts to understand their health and status prioritize U.S. policy towards For full details on individual without searching through complex the Caribbean; courses and eligibility, ITEC Terms data or becoming a regular diver. and Conditions, and for further t Outline an approach to broaden information on how to apply, Data indicate that many reefs within outreach to the Caribbean applicants should refer to website: protected areas recorded larger coral diaspora community in the itec.mea.gov.in Applicants may structures with higher numbers and United States; also contact the Commonwealth varieties of fsh species, which can Secretariat. help rejuvenate national fsheries t Outline an approach to partner resources. with governments of the D. Six Eastern Caribbean Countries Caribbean region to improve launch region coral reports Te report cards also present citizen security and reduce Six Eastern Caribbean countries an opportunity to use data to drug trafcking; marked their commitment to address issues like over-fshing, preserving the region’s extraordinary pollution and climate change. Data t Establish a comprehensive, marine ecosystems by launching the monitoring teams from each country multi-year strategy to improve frst Eastern Caribbean coral reef will continue to fll gaps in data energy security and increase report cards last month. and update information in future access to diverse, reliable, versions of the report card. afordable and sustainable Te six countries are Antigua and power; Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, As data are collected, shared and Saint Lucia, St Kitts and Nevis and used to make smart management t Outline an approach to improve St Vincent and the Grenadines. decisions, the report cards ofer a diplomatic engagement with Each report card was created in sense of hope that the region will governments of the Caribbean collaboration with local government gradually see small but signifcant region; and partners, including fsheries, forestry, improvements to the marine marine resource and environmental resources that make the region both t Develop an approach to departments, and non-governmental unique and united. assisting Caribbean countries organizations. in the diversifcation of their E. US House passes bill to economies. All of the data and report card scores strengthen Caribbean engagement are also available at www.caribnode. In addition, the bill requires the org, an online mapping tool where Te United States-Caribbean Government Accountability Ofce users can surf through data and Strategic Engagement Act (H.R. to produce two key reports: create maps based on their interests. 4939), which Rep. Engel introduced with Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R- t An evaluation of the Caribbean Te German Federal Ministry for the FL), would require the Secretary Basin Security Initiative Environment, Nature Conservation, of State and the Administrator of (CBSI) and a breakdown of Building and Nuclear Safety funded the U.S. Agency for International CBSI assistance provided to the report cards as part of the Development (USAID) to submit each country; Climate-Resilient Eastern Caribbean to Congress a multiyear strategy

Marine Managed Areas Network focused on enhancing engagement t An evaluation of U.S. (ECMMAN) project, which aims to with the countries of the Caribbean diplomatic engagement with build a regional network of protected and enhancing outreach to diaspora the Eastern Caribbean. coastal areas. communities in the United States. Te legislation puts particular Coral reefs are home to over 25 emphasis on energy security, percent of all marine species. countering violence, expanded Tey protect the shore from waves diplomacy, and other priority areas.

4 3. Briefs: develop the principle and concept of Two major issues occupied the a Caribbean Day. agenda of the meeting: the economic A. Students return from Venezuela and political crisis in the Bolivarian Te purpose of the Caribbean Day Republic of Venezuela and the Te Ministry of Foreign Afairs in is to inform/enlighten people of all future of the Organization (the conjunction with the Ministry of generations of Caribbean descent OAS) as it relates to funding and the Education arranged the return of at home and in the diaspora of the commitment of member states in four students who were studying need to celebrate a joint heritage as honoring their commitment to the in Venezuela, and who faced some Caribbean people challenges posed by that country’s Hemispheric Organization. present situation. Te Caribbean Day movement was re-birthed in 2014, and currently Te member states expressed Tis was in response to the concern has over 8000 friends and followers, concern and pledged solidarity with of Prime Minister Keith Mitchell and comprising individuals, and various the people of Venezuela as they their parents as to their welfare. organizations across UK, USA, grapple with the current political and Canada and Europe economic challenges. Te Assembly An ofcial from the Ministry of also debated the Secretary General’s A Caribbean Day would integrate Foreign Afairs and their parents met posture towards that country, and into their communities, wherever the students on arrival at MBIA, on the apparent bias that is being they congregate across the globe, 24th June 2016. shown against the Government with the efect of creating demand of Venezuela. In this regard the for Caribbean products and services. Last week, the returning students held Assembly voted to have the issue It would be an immense family/ discussions with ofcials from the taken before the Permanent Council. community day. Te suggested Ministry of Education to discuss the date is 1st August (Emancipation/ way forward and possible alternative In Grenada’s statement before the formation of CARICOM). It was arrangements. Additionally they council it reiterated the need for stated that these monumental paid a call on the Permanent dialogue and cooperation among events have impacted upon the Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign parties for the beneft of the existence of our people and should Afairs to express their thanks for the Venezuelan people. be given special prominence, and government facilitation in assisting can bind Caribbean people across their return. “Grenada fears that history will be international boundaries. unkind to our region if it does not Some students stayed to complete unite to assist the Government of their studies in spite of some of the Venezuela address the hardships now challenges. However, the Ministries facing the Venezuelan people. In this of Foreign Afairs and Education regard, we continue to encourage are in contact with the remaining all parties to put the interests of students through Ambassador the Venezuelan people frst, and to Hassan Hadeed who is monitoring hold constructive dialogue towards the situation, and is providing needed a peaceful resolution to the present material and support. Parents of the situation.” students have been fully engaged, and are being kept abreast of the Grenada also reiterated the call for the situation. ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN OAS to maintain its developmental STATES – 46TH GENERAL agenda whilst it restructures its B. Delegation from United ASSEMBLY MEETING. programs amidst budget cuts. “ While we are mindful of the Kingdom proposal for Caribbean Permanent Secretary in the Ministry serious fnancial constraints facing Day of Foreign Afairs Alva Browne the organization, we are of the A delegation led by Hamilton Daley led Grenada’s delegation to the frm belief that more can be done visited Grenada on 6th June 2016, 46th General Assembly of the with what is available if a series and held discussions with an ofcial Organization of American States of strategic steps are taken. Te from the Ministry of Foreign Afairs, in Santo Domingo, Dominican esteemed Foreign Minister of the about orchestrating a global efort to Republic.

5 Commonwealth of Dominica as well as St. Kitts and Nevis List of Cabinet Changes: has highlighted some of these steps. We believe, even as we consider budget cuts the developmental platform of Minister – Hon Emmalin Pierre Minister of the organization MUST be maintained. Implementation in the Prime Minister’s Ministry.

Minister - Hon Alexandra Otway-Noel, with special 5. Government – (speeches/statements) responsibility for Waste Management and the Promotion of the Citizenship by Investment Programme in the Prime MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS CONVENES Minister’s Ministry. MEETING WITH FISHERMEN. Minister of State, Senator the Hon Winston Garraway, Recent incidents at sea where fshermen were robbed who will be responsible for Disaster Management and and threatened were discussed at two urgently convened Information in the Prime Minister’s Ministry. meetings on June 16th and 17th 2016. Te meetings, which were held at the Gouyave and Melville Street fsh Minister, Hon Elvin Nimrod, the Minister for Foreign and markets, were attended by fshermen and people involved Legal Afairs, Carriacou and Petite Martinique Afairs in the industry. and Local Government.

Te meetings were facilitated by the Minister of Foreign Minister - Hon Yolande Bain Horsford, Minister Afairs, Dr. Clarice Modeste-Curwen, and Hon. Roland for Agriculture, Lands, Forestry, Fisheries and the Bhola, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, together Environment. with senior ofcials from the Fisheries Division and Ministry of Foreign afairs. Te Ambassador of the Minister - Hon Alvin Dabreo, specifc responsibility for, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to Grenada, Mr. Jorge Forestry, and Fisheries. Guerrero Veloz and staf from the embassy also attended. Honourable Simon Stiell, Minister of State in the Ministry Te aim of the meetings was to get pertinent information of Education and Human Resource Development, with from the fshermen in relation to a reported series of specifc responsibility for Human Resource Development, incidents, in which they had been accosted and robbed, and Minister of State with specifc responsibility for the while engaged in their livelihood in waters of Grenada. Environment.

Te two Ministers stressed Government’s commitment Minister - Hon Oliver Joseph, the Minister for Labour, to addressing the concerns of the fshermen, since the Economic Development, Trade, and Planning. marine environment is of great beneft to Grenada’s economy, and holds tremendous potential for economic Minister - Hon Clarice Modeste-Curwen, Minister for growth. Tourism, and Civil Aviation.

Venezuela’s Ambassador stressed the need for Minister -Senator Brenda Hood, with special responsibility collaboration and cooperation between the two nations for Culture and Cooperatives. as being critical to successfully addressing this challenge. Minister - Hon Roland Bhola, Minister for Sports, Youth Te Minister of Foreign Afairs has requested urgent and Religious Afairs talks with her counterpart in Venezuela to hold further discussions aimed at resolving the situation diplomatically. Senator – Hon. Mrs. Pamela Moses, Parliamentary Secretary with specifc responsibility for Youth and Religious Afairs.

Minister – Hon Nickolas Steele, the Minister for Health and Social Security and International Business.

6 6. Foreign Minister (Official Activity) Further discussions were held on possible cooperation in areas of energy reform and scholarships.

Ambassador Mignano indicated that the Government of Italy would be ofering scholarships to Grenadians for the 2017-2018 periods.

Grenada will appoint a non-resident Ambassador to Italy to strengthen relations with Italy and to pursue technical cooperation initiatives.

7. Alerts/Notices

Regional Dialogue on National Determined Contributions July 19 – 21, 2016 – Costa Rica

Fourth Meeting of the Negotiating Committee on Hon. Clarice Modeste-Curwen Principle 10 August 8-12, 2016 – Santo Domingo Foreign Minister Dr. Clarice Modeste- Curwen welcomed two new Ambassadors to Grenada. International Conference on Blue Ocean Strategy August 16-18, 2016 – Putrajaya International Convention t Visit of new Ambassador of Belgium to Grenada Center H.E. Guy Sevrin June 7, 2016 Malaysia Foreign Minister Clarice Modeste-Curwen welcomed General Debate of the 71st session of the United Nations H.E Guy Sevrin, Ambassador of the Kingdom of General Assembly – September 19 – 23, 2016 - UN Belgium to Grenada on June 7, 2016 on the occasion of Headquarters – New York his presentation of credentials to the Head of State of Grenada.

During the meeting, discussions pivoted around possible 8. International Observances areas of cooperation such as climate change, disaster vulnerabilities and scholarships. t 11 July - World Population Day

Minister Modeste Curwen gave a status update on the t 15 July -World Youth Skills Day reopening of Grenada’s Embassy in Brussels.

Ambassador Sevrin expressed gratitude for the letter of t 18 July - Nelson Mandela International Day solidarity received in the afermath of the terrorist attack in Brussels. t 12 August - International Youth Day t Meeting with Ambassador of Italy t 19 August- World Humanitarian Day Te Ambassador of Italy to Grenada His Excellency Silvio Mignano, presented his credentials on June 21, 2016. t 23 August - International Day for the Remembrance Minister Modeste Curwen conveyed appreciation and of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition gratitude for Italy’s continuous contributions to Grenada and the cooperation received within the international fora especially in terms of Climate Change.

7 Grenada’s Diplomatic & Consular Ofces

China H. E. Mr. Dennis Antoine (Ambassador) Tel: 011 678 459 2292 Email: [email protected]

RepubIic of Cuba H. E. Ms. Claris Charles (Ambassador) Tel: 011 537 204 6764 Email: [email protected]

United Kingdom H. E. Mr. I. J. Karl Hood (High Commis- sioner) Tel: 011 44 207 385 4415 Email: ofce@grenada-highcommission. co.uk

United States of America & OAS H. E. Dr. Angus Friday (Ambassador) Tel: 1 202 265 2561 Email: [email protected]. [email protected]

United Nations H. E. Ms. Keisha Me Guire (Ambassador) Tel: 1 212 599 0301 Email: [email protected]

Venezuela H. E. Mr. Hassan Hadeed (Ambassador) Tel: 011 58 212 285 2693 Email: [email protected]

Consulates General

Miami Mr. Warren E. Newfeld Honorary Consul General Tel: 305 570 2716 Email: [email protected]

New York Ms. Rosemarie Welsh Consul General Tel: 1 212 599 0301 Email: [email protected]

Toronto Mr. Derrick James Consul General Tel: 1 416 595 1343 Email: [email protected]

Trinidad and Tobago Grenada Consular, Trade and Tourism Ofce Mr. Michael Brizan - Consular Agent Tel: 868 625 9235 Email: [email protected]