DCC, UK supports Grenada Government's Diaspora Initiative

LONDON, UK, September 15, 2010 - Grenadians in the United Kingdom have expressed a commitment to support Government’s Diaspora Initiative and have been meeting to discuss the way forward.

The Diaspora Consultative Committee (DCC), UK held its first formal meeting in London on Wednesday and agreed, to among other things, gather the views of the UK Diaspora; support and encourage participation in the 2011 Founding Conference and produce a document, based on consultations, with the aim of shaping the agenda for the conference.

Wednesday’s meeting was as a result of a call made by Foreign Affairs Minister, Peter David at the recently concluded Preparatory Diaspora Conference in Grenada, August 5-6, for the implementation of a structure that will continue to engage Grenadians in the Diaspora and to ensure their involvement in the planning of the 2011 Founding Diaspora Conference.

The DCC was constituted on July 22 2010, last, when HE Ruth Elizabeth Rouse, High Commissioner for Grenada in the United Kingdom, extended an invitation to Grenadians in the Diaspora, from various backgrounds, to come together and play a role in nation-building in cooperation with the Office of Diaspora Affairs in Grenada.

The DCC also agreed to serve as a working group to mobilise Grenadians in the UK Diaspora to assist in contributing to Grenada’s economic growth and social welfare.

The Committee will be guided by the Thematic Platforms of: Education, Health, Youth, Trade, Investment, Tourism, Sports, Culture, Skills & Technical Assistance, and has received auxiliary support from the Baroness Howells of St. Davids OBE (Member of the House of Lords), and Mr. Anthony C. George (Designer of the Grenada Flag).

High Commissioner Rouse thanked members for their commitment to the process and welcomed their support of the new Diaspora Initiative.

Committee Members:

Dr. Margaret Andrews, Ms. Shirley Jones Anstis, Ms. Dean Burnet

Ms. Josephine DeSouza, Mr. Anselm Felix, Mr. Benedict Flanders

Mr. Dennis Flanders, Ms. Elizabeth Flanders, Ms. Jennifer Francis

Mr. Anthony Gabriel Fraser, Ms. Karen Hunte, Ms. Carol Joseph

Mr. Ken Julien, Mr. Roy McEwen, Mr. Anthony Noel

Ms. Sally-Ann Richards, Mr. Faithman Simon, Ms. Roselyn Simon

Mr. Crofton St. Louis, Mr. Raphael Stanislaus, Mr. Claude Sylvester

Ms. Lydia VonWyler, Ms. Joyce Wade, Ms. Dianna Wright