Prime Minister
Dickon Mitchell’s invitation to Grenadians abroad to help build the country
should now lead to a permanent national programme. With a fresh mandate and 14
of Parliament’s 15 seats, his government has an opportunity to institutionalise
the Diaspora initiative and give it a defined place in Grenada’s development.
At his
inauguration at the Kirani James Athletic Stadium on Saturday, Mitchell
acknowledged the Diaspora’s growing advocacy for good governance and
progressive politics since 2022. He thanked overseas nationals for supporting
the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and participating in the election, while
recognising their value beyond the electoral process. “We need you to also help
us build Grenada,” he said.
During the
lead-up to the election, the NDC, the New National Party (NNP), and the
Democratic People’s Movement (DPM) all took their messages to Grenadians
abroad. They held town hall meetings and sought support from communities that
also contribute financially to political parties. Some registered voters living
overseas travelled home to cast their ballots. That level of engagement should
continue throughout the government’s term.
Successive
administrations have recognised the importance of the diaspora. The Founding
Conference in 2011 helped give that relationship a national focus. Grenada
later developed a National Diaspora Engagement Policy and launched an Office of
Diaspora Affairs in 2021. This year’s Diaspora Homecoming, held from June 21 to
July 5, brought another opportunity to connect overseas nationals with home.
The Office of
Diaspora Affairs needs a clear remit, professional staff, and a recurring
budget. Its responsibilities should connect with the work of other ministries,
embassies, and consulates, so that overseas engagement continues throughout the
year. People offering assistance should be able to rely on a functioning public
service with clear procedures and someone accountable for responding.
The government
should adopt a multi-year action plan tied to national priorities, with specific
projects, responsible agencies, and realistic funding. Annual reports to
Parliament would allow the public to see what has been completed, what has
stalled, and why. That would also give future administrations a record of
commitments to carry forward and a basis for improving the programme.
The diaspora
already supports families, schools, and healthcare, bringing investment and
visitor spending. Its wider professional networks can help public services and
local businesses.
Those
connections matter, as trade disputes and international conflicts can affect
costs and investment decisions. Grenada’s reliance on imports and tourism exposes it to events far beyond its shores, alongside the ongoing threat of natural disasters. Overseas expertise could help the country prepare
stronger climate funding proposals, develop new markets, and ensure its needs are understood in international decision-making.
Grenadian
coaches, sports medicine practitioners, sports psychologists, and administrators
abroad could work alongside local sporting bodies and schools. They could help
train coaches, support athletes’ physical and mental preparation, and improve
how sporting organisations are run. Regular collaboration would help develop
expertise at home.
Our elite
athletes in athletics, basketball, cricket, and football could also introduce
Grenada’s sporting bodies to their clubs, coaches, and specialist networks.
Those contacts could lead to training exchanges, scholarship opportunities, and
technical support, with local organisations responsible for following up and
maintaining the partnerships.
Updating the
existing mapping of overseas skills would give the programme a practical
starting point. Hospitals, schools, businesses, and community groups could
identify needs, then work with willing professionals abroad. Some could
undertake short assignments at home. Others could mentor or advise online.
That outreach
must extend across New York, Toronto, Florida, and the United Kingdom to include
Atlanta, Houston, and communities throughout the Caribbean. Alumni associations
and established community groups can help reach people whose experience may
otherwise go untapped.
Grenadians
abroad also deserve reliable consular services, clear information about
investing or returning home, and timely replies when they offer assistance.
Study visits and internships would give younger generations a chance to develop
their own relationship with Grenada.
Within the first
year, Grenadians should be able to find out how to join this work, who is
responsible for it and which partnerships are delivering results. A public
progress report would give us something concrete to judge and help identify
where further support is needed.
