THE SHAPE OF FOREIGN POLICY UNDER AN NDC GOVERNMENT

St. George, April 16, 2008 -- A Grenada government of the National Democratic Congress, in attempt to enhance the country's economic development, will strengthen long-standing ties with Canada, says NDC General Secretary and Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, Peter David.

He said the foreign ministry under an NDC administration will be oriented to enhancing the national economic development of Grenada, Carriacou and Petit Martinique.

"We will engage countries, such as Canada, to assist us with our national development objectives.  While China, for example, could be asked to assist with the rebuilding of the agricultural sector,'' David said in a telephone interview from St. George's Tuesday with CHRY radio in Toronto.  The station is affiliated with York University and located on the main campus.

David, who is also Member of Parliament for the Town of St. George, reiterated the NDC's commitment to lobby the Canadian government for the lifting of the visa restriction that was imposed more than six years ago on Grenadians wishing to travel to Canada.  

The Canadian government's move came at the height of concerns over the ease with which non-nationals of Grenada were receiving Grenadian passports under the Keith Mitchell administration's Economic Citizenship Program.

"We'll be talking to the Canadian government about lifting the visa restriction,'' said David.  "We know this issue is important to Grenadians.''

The MP also took the opportunity to thank Grenadian-Canadians and other nationals abroad for the financial remittances and other assistance they provide to their homeland.

"They play a tremendous role in the development of the country,'' David acknowledged.  "Were it not for Grenadians in the Diaspora, we would have had a much more difficult time here at home.''

David, emphasizing the "great role'' being played by Grenadians in the Diaspora, reflected on their assistance to Grenada following the passage of Hurricane Ivan in 2004.

Without the support of foreign-based Grenadians, "we would not have been able to recover the way we have,'' David said.