TORONTO, Canada, June 20, 2010 - The Grenada Government wants nationals in the Diaspora to use their influence to create opportunities for young Grenadians, according to Foreign Affairs Minister Peter David.
Speaking at a function in Toronto on Saturday to celebrate the appointment of Grenadian-born Dr. Jean Augustine to the Order of Canada, the Grenadian Minister said that the exposure of our people to more education can empower and consolidate the foundation for a better society.
“When we were campaigning during the last election, we said that we are determined to ensure that every household in our country has at least one university graduate,” said Mr. David.
“Sister Jean, I know you have a long and proud history in education in this country and if I can beg of you one thing on behalf of our people of Grenada is that you use your influence in both public and private spheres to encourage more training opportunities for the children of Grenada to study here,” Minister David said in paying tribute to the distinguished Grenadian.
He said, as an educator herself, she will appreciate the transformative power this will have on our society.
“That ambitious goal will never be achieved without the generous assistance of the public and private sectors in countries such as Canada. By exposing our people to more education we empower them, and consolidate the foundation for a better society back home.”
The Minister told the retired politician that Grenada has embraced her individual successes and achievements as if they are its own collective success and achievement.
He said that Honourable Jean Augustine is a living testimony of the resilience and brilliance of the Grenadian spirit on which she was nurtured.
Last year she was made a Member of the Order of Canada for her distinguished career as an educator, politician and advocate for social justice in Canada.
“She has positively affected the lives of millions here in Canada as an educator, a politician and a social activist and has consistently inspired every one of us back home.
The bestowing of Canada’s highest honour on you is indeed a testimony of this great country’s gratitude for the contribution you have made to all aspect of life in this society,” he said.
Augustine migrated to Canada in 1959 at the age of 22 and worked part time and took night-school classes at the Toronto Teacher’s College. After earning her teaching degree, Augustine taught elementary school in the Toronto public school system. She eventually became one of the first black school principals in the country.
“Your singular contribution has made this country a much better place than it was when you first arrived here as a bright-eyed girl from a small village in Grenada more than a generation ago,” he said.
Mr. David added that “Your story speaks to the renewing grace and the power of enlightened immigration – a flowing well of positivity from which both the home country of the immigrant and the new society which he or she is entering can draw from.
While you came here, already nurtured with raw potential and cultured ambition, it is this country, Canada that gave you the opportunity, through its education and social services, to reach your full potential. And in time you have repaid this society a thousand times over by the contribution you made to its development.”
The audience comprised Grenada’s Consul General to Toronto and other members of the diplomatic corps, business and community leaders, as well as members of the Grenadian community in Toronto.
Proceeds will benefit the Grand Anse Child Development Centre in Grenada.
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