Speaking Thursday on a monthly radio programme with host Anthony “Jericho” Greenidge, Minister David was high in praise for the young Grenadians in London who recently held a forum and discussed ways of getting more involved in Diaspora activities including the exploration of their heritage.
“I was amazed in my visit to London recently that the young people there are very conscious of their roots and are doing everything to try to keep the second generation in touch with Grenada,” he said.
He commended High Commissioner Ruth Rouse who spearheaded the formation of the Diaspora Consultative Committee (UK) following the Preparatory Conference in Grenada last August.
The DCC (UK) is intended to find new and innovative ways to reach the Grenadian Diaspora throughout the United Kingdom, gather their views and interest them in participating in the development of Grenada.
He said that the challenge is as the Diaspora gets older, we need to do more. Minister David urged the people in Canada and New York to do the same with their kids. “While they remain Americans and Canadians, we must try as much as possible to have them remember where they came from”. He said they must contribute to that society that nurtured their fore-parents.
He said that the Office of Diaspora Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be reaching out to nationals in the various cities to encourage them to lend their skills and talents to the benefit of their homeland.
“This Diaspora Initiative is very important not only for the people who left Grenada 10 or 20 years ago but people who have never come to Grenada but see their roots as Grenada and who are proud”.
Grenadian nationals in London have already formed a Diaspora Consultative Committee (UK) and recently held a Diaspora Youth Forum. Similar initiatives are being planned for New York and Toronto ahead of the Founding Conference scheduled for St George’s on August 2 and 3, 2011.
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