GRENADA SEEKS WORLD BANK ASSISTANCE FOR DIASPORA INITIATIVE

WASHINGTON, D.C. March 29, 2010 – Grenada is to submit a formal request to the World Bank, seeking assistance in strengthening its Diaspora initiative.

This was among issues discussed recently between a Grenada delegation, led by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Peter David and officials of the World Bank in Washington, DC which included Director, Caribbean Division, Ms. Yvonne Tsikata.

Minister David outlined Grenada’s Diaspora initiative and objectives, and informed that the first step had been taken towards realising this outreach by establishing an Office of Diaspora Affairs within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2009.

He said that Grenada’s objective of strengthening its relationship with the Diaspora is intended to further the socio-economic and cultural development of Grenada, while providing the Diaspora with investment and other opportunities to contribute to Grenada’s advancement.

The Foreign Minister, in recognising the World Bank’s experience and expertise in this field given their extensive work with the African Union countries, has proposed a partnership between the Bank and Grenada to strengthen the Grenada Diaspora Office. The Minister sought the Bank’s consideration for guidance on the best approach to strengthening a relationship with the Diaspora and possible sources of funding for capacity-building, facilities and personnel.

World Bank representatives welcomed the invitation by the Minister to partner with Grenada on this initiative. They noted that Grenada had already taken the first step of establishing a Diaspora Office, which is a prerequisite platform for cooperation.

They offered to explore the possibility of piloting a Diaspora Programme in Grenada, tailored to Grenada’s specific needs and realities, which could then be replicated in the OECS/CARICOM countries.

It was noted that the Bank’s 2007 African Diaspora Programme which covers policy, financial and human elements, could serve as a model for developing Grenada’s Diaspora initiative.

Under that Programme, the Bank provides technical assistance (in infrastructure, medical, and other fields; development of interactive websites; and establish skills-related databases); offers needs-based grants; conducts capacity-needs assessments; and assists with a bonds and remittances project based on population and size of the economy.

Other possible partners in realising Grenada’s Diaspora initiative include the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which has assisted Uganda in developing terms of reference for its Diaspora Unit within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Grenada delegation also included Ambassador of Grenada to the USA, Gillian Bristol; Consul General of Grenada in New York, Derrick James; Special Advisor, Commonwealth Secretariat, Michael Mitchell and Counsellor, Embassy of Grenada, Patricia Clarke.

Senior Operations Officer, African Diaspora Programme, Ms. Sohelya Mahmoudi and OECS Country Officer, Ms. Rolande Pryce were among World Bank representatives.