New York, November 13: A broad range of issues, including healthcare matters, was discussed at a New York meeting involving the Grenville Convent Ex Students Association and Mr. Michael Mitchell, Charge d’Affaires of the Permanent Mission of Grenada to United Nations, and Consul General of Grenada in New York, Mr. Derrick James. It was the first in a planned series with various Grenadian organizations. The aim is to outline the policy direction and plans of the Grenada government led by Prime Minister Hon. Tillman Thomas.
In the wide ranging discussions, the diplomats took note of the concerns raised, including the difficulty many Grenadians experience accessing healthcare while studying in the United States.
Suggestions were made to enlist Grenadian organizations to support our nationals studying in the U.S., and to promote avenues that ensure better communications between the Grenada government and overseas students, especially those on scholarships sponsored by the state of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.
“The meeting was very productive and members of the group made many useful suggestions,” said Consul General James. “One idea is to enlist our nationals who are healthcare professionals and asking them to assist by contributing their services so that students would be able to receive medical treatment at least once a year.”
Additionally, the Consul General spoke of the need for organizing a broad-based students’ group, which would assist in solving some of the problems identified at the meeting.
The Consul General and Charge d’Affaires Mitchell also discussed the importance of building links that provide feedback on the policy direction and plans, including the setting up of a Diaspora Desk within the Grenada Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Mitchell, who is expected to play a key role in the establishment and operation of the Diaspora Desk, described it as a “key element in the new development infrastructure of Grenada.”
“Our people are the pillars of support of our nation,” said Mitchell. “They provide us with a skilled pool of professionals, allow for technology and material transfer to the homeland, and are a source of medical and educational assistance, among other things.”
Mitchell said that before the Diaspora Desk is fully implemented, it is intended there will be broad discussions and meetings with nationals and organizations at home and abroad.
Consul General James said that in the meantime, efforts are underway to build a skills’ pool database of Grenadian professionals and workers..
