Grenada to observe CARICOM Day with a national holiday
Grenada has declared July 4 a national holiday to commemorate the 50th anniversary of CARICOM, recognizing its relevance to Caribbean socio-economic development.
Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell said Cabinet had approved CARICOM’s request to observe the milestone on July 4.
Chaguaramas established CARICOM. Dominica, the incoming CARICOM chair, gladly agreed to celebrate CARICOM’s 50th anniversary in Trinidad.
“So on the third and fourth of July, CARICOM will be gathering in Trinidad to mark the 50th anniversary of CARICOM,” he told television viewers. “At the Cabinet level, we discussed, as was proposed by CARICOM, that the fourth of July should be made a national holiday in commemoration of CARICCOM.
“The cabinet of St Kitts-Nevis has already proceeded to do so and we are happy to join with our brothers and sisters and other CARICOM countries in celebrating CARICOM because despite its shortcomings, despite some of the challenges, I think all would agree we are better off together, united and continuing to forge ahead…than trying to go it alone”.
On the first anniversary of his government taking office last June, Mitchell told viewers that “we certainly want to celebrate and mark the accomplishments of CARICOM.
Mitchell stated he is passionate about an economic union in the sub-grouping and CARICOM as a whole.
We’ve discussed improving people, goods, and capital movement.We were considering removing the Alien Landing Holding Licence requirement for OECS people to buy land in Grenada as recently as today.
Mitchell claimed Dominica, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and St Lucia had implemented similar measures.
“We are very keen on wanting to dismantle some of the artificial restrictions that we cling on and I think that has hindered the economic development within the OECS,” he said, even if it means moving individually until the union comes into being.
Mitchell said regional officials have had “intense discussions” about intra-regional travel since LIAT’s dissolution, but “no doubt it is challenging.”
It needs private sector investment. Government alone cannot give these sums. The Caribbean Development Bank is presenting all options from a fully funded regional state-owned firm to one we cooperate with.using assets
“It is a long slow difficult climb and we have to continue advocating and I think the more we can spur economic activity among us the easier it becomes for private sector persons and even governments to justify the spend on regional travel”.
Mitchell said CARICOM has considered using rapid ferries to move people, products, and services.
He noted that several paths had been investigated.
Mitchell said Trinidad and Tobago is driving the talks and considering funding.
I won’t lie—it’s hard.Caribbean Airlines is considering tiny planes.Prime Minister (Dr. Keith) Rowley raised this at the April conference on crime as a public health issue in Trinidad.
“We will discuss it more…but Grenada wants to boost airlift.Mitchell added.
