St. George’s – Commonwealth states have pledged to assist Grenada in its recovery process after the devastating effects of Hurricanes Ivan and Emily. This pledge came after an appeal by Prime Minister Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell at the recently concluded Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Malta.
In his special address to the Heads, Prime Minister Mitchell said “the reconstruction costs for Grenada are enormous. The financial and technical burdens far out weigh our limited resources. Costs are rising, and tenders are coming in way above the budget estimates.
Shortage of skilled manpower and shortage of construction materials are proving to be major constrains. I therefore call for more assistance for Grenada. Our vulnerability creates fear and uncertainty in the hearts of our people, especially after the passage of Ivan. Everyday we live with the knowledge that one day we can be living relatively comfortably and the next we can have mass destruction. Small island states like Grenada need help. We need your help as we seek to weather these storms.”
In response, Commonwealth Heads called for “a strengthening of international responses” to Grenada’s needs in the communiqué. Grenada and the Maldives have been singled out by Commonwealth Heads as countries in need of urgent help.
Prime Minister Mitchell speaking on his return from Malta said that he was pleased with the reaction of Commonwealth Heads. Prime Minister Mitchell pledged to continue to press for assistance to help Grenadians and promised to continue to highlight Grenada’s needs in an effort to secure more aid.
