As Grenada celebrates its Forty-Fourth Anniversary as an independent nation on Wednesday, 7 February, 2018, CARICOM Secretary-General Irwin LaRocque is commending its unwavering commitment to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

In a congratulatory message to the Prime Minister of Grenada, the Honourable Keith Mitchell, the Secretary-General lauded the commitment and leadership he demonstrated as Chairman of the Community during the past unprecedented hurricane season. He noted that Prime Minister Mitchell’s chairmanship of the World Bank’s Small States Forum 2017, served to heighten the visibility of the challenges facing the Small State.

There is much for Grenada to be proud of as a nation, Secretary-General LaRocque said, adding that over the years the people have demonstrated “great resilience as they charted a way forward to enhancing their standard of living.”

He said that the theme of this year’s independence celebration ‘One People, One Country, Our Responsibility’, shows Grenadians collective willingness to work together for the country’s continued socio-economic development.

“The Community looks forward to Grenada’s continued active participation in the work of the Community, and importantly to its leading our efforts in Science and Technology, for which the country has responsibility within the CARICOM Quasi-Cabinet, a critical element of the Community’s Strategic Plan,” Secretary-General LaRocque said.

The full text of the message reads:

“Honourable Prime Minister:

On behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), it is with great pleasure that I convey heartfelt congratulations to the Government and People of Grenada on the celebration of your country’s Forty-Fourth Anniversary as an independent nation. 

There is much for Grenada to be proud of as a nation.  Over the years the people have demonstrated great resilience as they charted a way forward to enhancing their standard of living.  This year’s theme “One People, One Country, Our Responsibility” shows Grenadians collective willingness to work together for the country’s continued socio-economic development. 

The unwavering commitment and leadership that you have shown as Chairman of the Community during the past unprecedented hurricane season Honourable Prime Minister and your Chairmanship of the World Bank Small States Forum 2017, have heightened the visibility of the challenges facing our Region of Small States. 

The Community looks forward to Grenada’s continued active participation in the work of the Community, and importantly to its leading our efforts in Science and Technology, for which the country has responsibility within the CARICOM Quasi-Cabinet, a critical element of the Community’s Strategic Plan.

 CARICOM is pleased to join with the Government and People of Grenada in celebrating their Forty-Fourth Anniversary of Independence and extends best wishes for the continued progress of the nation.