We in the Caribbean understand the importance of being humble and grateful at times like this, but nonetheless we use our God-given abilities fully – to think, and to plan… even as we seek Divine guidance.”
These were the words of the Prime Minister of the twin island nation of St. Kitts & Nevis as he addressed delegates attending a rally of Grenada’s ruling party, the National Democratic Congress, (NDC), headed by Prime Minister Tillman Thomas.
He added: “It is not that we have not been affected. It is not that other countries’ problems have not spilled into our own countries. But we live under God’s mercy.”
He admitted however that small nations like Grenada and St. Kitts and Nevis continue to grapple with the effects of the international economic and financial recession.
“I know that everybody here knows what is happening in America. You know what is happening in Greece. You know what is happening in England, and France. And in countries rich and poor– all over the world. Fears of bankruptcy, massive layoffs, pleas for bailouts, home foreclosures, frightening unemployment, social unrest, fighting, tumult and war. And yet, here we are in the Caribbean, so small, you can’t even find us on a world map,” said Prime Minister Douglas.
During his presentation, the Kittitian/Nevisian leader also praised Grenada for its success in several areas including agriculture, tourism and hospitality, energy, health and education and information and communications technology.
As CARICOM’s lead Prime Minister for Health, Dr. Douglas praised Grenada for advancement in several areas.
“It is also significant that Grenada now acquiring advanced surgical equipment, such as that that is used in the removal of kidney stones, in the implantation of screws for hip replacement and so on. Just as the increased presence of doctors at Princess Alice Hospital is an important indication of the importance that the Government attaches to expanded and improved health care in this country,” said Dr. Douglas.
The rally was held at Hermitage St. Patrick, in Grenada last Sunday, (18th July, 2011) as the NDC annual convention climaxed.