PRIME MINISTER THOMAS TO ADDRESS THE U.N ON FRIDAY

St. George's, September 25, 2008 -- Prime Minister Hon. Tillman Thomas will address the United Nations General Assembly on Friday at 1.00pm and his address will be carried live on local radio stations.

The Prime Minister will address a number of global issues including the vulnerability of small island states to changes in the in the global economy, the impact of the rise of food and fuel prices on small open economies and the effects on disasters on small states.

His address comes against the backdrop of the recent devastation of several islands in the northern Caribbean by four hurricanes and the ongoing efforts by Caribbean countries to cushion the increases in the price of food.  

Prime Minister Thomas was in New York this week to hold discussions with the President of the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc., and other investors, including chancellor of St. George’s University (SGU), Dr. Charles Modica.  Reports from New York quote him as saying the discussions were “fruitful”.

Addressing a black tie dinner in New York, the Prime Minister said he wants to ensure that every Grenadian can join in the effort to rebuild and “take back Grenada,” and he has been leading the charge from day one. He stressed the need for “a new approach” to help people struggling to make ends meet, and to change politics on the island.

”Today we are a better Grenada, we are not walking into the past, but we are stepping into the future. Education can bring solutions. We have to know in order to cure. The Government and the people will work vigorously to solve the problems affecting us. We had been deceived and betrayed for too long. We needed that political change,” he said.

According to Minister of Carriacou and Petit Martinique Affairs, Senator George Prime, who was also a part of the delegation to New York, there is much to be excited about coming out of the meetings.

“People were excited that we had done what we promised and they were excited about the future of Grenada. We were also thrilled because of the opportunities that we believe will come from this trip, it looks good,” he said.

The Prime Minister made several media appearances, including a live interview with Sam Taitt on a Brooklyn Television station. He leaves New York for Toronto on Friday, where he is also expected to meet with persons interested in investing in Grenada and members of the Grenadian community.

The Prime Minister and Mrs. Thomas will return to Grenada on Tuesday.