Delivered to the Houses of Parliament by Her Excellency Dame Cécile La Grenade, Governor-General, on the occasion of the 3rd Session of the 11th Parliament, Grenada Parliament Building, Mt Wheldale, St George, 4 October 2024, 10 am.
Introduction
Madame President, Mr Speaker, Members of Parliament, Good Morning.
As we gather today to mark this third session of the eleventh Parliament, I am reminded that the strength of our democracy lies in our collective commitment to work together in the best interest of the citizens of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.
Today, I stand before you with a great sense of pride and gratitude, because despite the challenges of this year, our collective commitment to serve our beloved Nation has never been greater.
Golden Jubilee
On 7 February 2024, our Nation marked its 50 years of independence — a defining achievement for our country — under the theme One People, One Journey, One Future — a testament to the strength, resilience, unity and triumph of our people. This historic milestone was marked by a yearlong commemorative celebration of events, projects, programmatic and policy initiatives truly befitting of our golden jubilee, and which will culminate this month with the St David’s parish celebrations.
Notably, the celebratory activities included:
- The issuance of a 50th anniversary independence commemorative EC $50 note, which is currently in circulation
- The declaring of 19 October as a national public holiday in solemn recognition, reflection and appreciation of the sacrifices of our heroes
- The introduction and teaching of Grenadian history in our schools, which began in September 2023
- The publication of a 50th Anniversary Magazine which documents the stories of past and present Grenadians who have made significant contributions to our beloved nation
- The establishing of the Caricom Roundabout which saw the attendance of Caricom leaders during the recently held 47th meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community
- Parish activities culminating in a magnificent national Independence Day parade with a spectacular drone and fireworks show which depicted the creativity of our people, the historic influencers who shaped this nation’s destiny and our iconic landmarks
Hurricane Beryl
But, Madame President, Mr Speaker, on 1 July 2024, the passage of Hurricane Beryl tested the resilience of our people. The hurricane ravished our shores, destroying infrastructure, schools, agriculture, wiping out entire communities in some instances and disrupting livelihoods in the northern part of Grenada, especially on Carriacou and Petite Martinique.
Despite this devastation, we continue to look ahead with a shared sense of duty, determined to meet and overcome the challenges brought to us by Hurricane Beryl.
The People of Carriacou and Petite Martinique found solace not only in our shared strength but also in the overwhelming support received from our fellow countrymen, our citizens in the diaspora, our regional neighbours and international partners.
I place on record our immense gratitude to all our partners and friends throughout the world for their support in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl. I also place on record my Government’s appreciation and gratitude to all first responders, including the NaDMA staff, Grenlec and Nawasa employees, police and prison officers, health care workers, sanitation workers, and the numerous volunteers from Grenada, the Caribbean region and beyond who selflessly assisted those in need.
Madame President, Mr Speaker,
It is in moments of challenge that the seeds of progress are sown. My Government acted with purpose and determination in preparing for and responding to the impact of Hurricane Beryl. Our citizens were kept fully abreast of the developments before, during and after the Hurricane.
Through our National Disaster Management Agency (NaDMA), we coordinated relief to our affected citizens and conducted initial damage assessments. We have embarked on critical recovery and reconstruction efforts. In this new session of Parliament, we will intensify our rebuilding efforts.
Theme
Madam President, Mr Speaker,
Together, we will embark on a journey to reconstruct, revitalise, and renew our resolve to transform our nation. Our aim is not just to replace lost or damaged social and economic assets, but to build back better and more resilient. With this in mind, we have chosen the theme for this new session of Parliament as Unifying our focus toward Vision 75, as we continue to build together, a just nation where every citizen has an equal opportunity to realise his or her fullest potential.
This theme is deeply rooted in our “Vision 2035” – Grenada, a resilient and prosperous nation, with a conscious and caring citizenry, promoting human dignity, and realising its full potential through sustainable economic, social, and environmental progress for all.”
As we define our Vision for the next 25 years — Vision 75 — my Government has been committed to laying the strong foundation required to take our people forward and with God’s grace, to creating a better Grenada for all of Grenada. Our nation’s recovery will not merely focus on rebuilding what was lost but on laying the foundation for a stronger, more resilient future.
Accordingly, in this session of Parliament, my Government will focus on rebuilding a more resilient Carriacou and Petite Martinique while advancing Government’s transformative agenda.
Reconstruction and Recovery
The path to recovery begins with rebuilding the physical and social infrastructure that has been ravaged. Our homes, schools, hospitals, and businesses must be restored. Our response will focus on:
- Restoring critical infrastructure with emphasis on disaster resilience
- Providing support and incentives for businesses to reopen and create jobs
- Continuing to provide support for our citizens impacted by the hurricane
Our reconstruction efforts will be guided by our National Building Code and other standards, in order to ensure that the new infrastructure is not only restored but built to withstand future challenges. A comprehensive national recovery plan is being developed, with the full engagement of our local, regional and international partners. These efforts will prioritise the inclusion of local workers and contractors, ensuring that the fruits of this recovery benefit our citizens first and foremost.
Education and Skills Development
Madame President, Mr Speaker,
My Government continues to stress the importance of developing and empowering our people — in particular, our human resources which constitute our country’s greatest asset. Education remains the foundation of our nation’s long-term growth and stability. The hurricane severely impacted our schools, but it also revealed the importance of preparing our students and workers for a rapidly changing world.
In this new session of parliament, my Government will continue its focus on improving access to education, improving schools’ infrastructure, expanding access to digital learning tools to ensure that all students-no matter their circumstance — can continue their education uninterrupted — and enhancing the curriculum with a focus on Technical and Vocational Skills Development — equipping our young people with the skills needed for employment across all sectors of our economy including emerging sectors such as technology and renewable energy.
Madame President, Mr Speaker,
Through these efforts, we will prepare our youth not only to rebuild our nation but to lead it into a future of innovation and progress.
Health and Wellness
Madame President, Mr Speaker,
My Government underscores its commitment to transforming our healthcare system as one of its top priorities, with the goal of making Grenada the health capital of the Eastern Caribbean.
At the centre of the transformation of the health sector is the New Climate Smart Medical City with teaching facilities. A key component of this project will be upgrading the existing health care service delivery to facilitate smooth transition into the new hospital. This new state-of-the-art facility will:
- Increase our capacity to deliver specialised medical care
- Be equipped with modern technology to ensure quality care
- Provide a higher standard of patient care
The new hospital project is expected to break ground in 2026.
We also know that a significant amount of additional resources, investment and incentives is required to attract, train and keep our healthcare professionals and that this is key to the transformation of the health sector. Government is committed to addressing this issue and more details of my Government’s policies on this issue will be enunciated in the upcoming budget, which will be laid before parliament in due course.
Energy Transition, Environmental Sustainability
Madame President, Mr Speaker,
My Government reiterates its commitment to transitioning to green energy and promoting environmental sustainability. In this context we must ensure that our energy infrastructure is modern, sustainable, and climate resilient. The Government is committed to addressing this issue and more details of my Government’s policies on this issue will be enunciated in the upcoming budget, which will be laid before parliament in due course.
Housing
Madame President, Mr Speaker,
Hurricane Beryl has exacerbated the housing deficit in our nation. My Government remains committed to improving the quality of the housing stock and addressing key deficiencies in the housing sector, including to build resilience to natural hazards.
Accordingly, to address the housing needs, exacerbated by Hurricane Beryl, the Government is taking several measures, including:
- Project Build Back Better
- Project 500
- The grant of tax incentives and waivers to support homeowners who are rebuilding or repairing their homes from the damage caused by Hurricane Beryl
- The continuation of the housing repair and assistance programme
- The sale and distribution of the affordable housing units built by the Government of China
- The use of modular housing
Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Security
Madame President, Mr Speaker,
The agriculture and marine sectors, main pillars of our economy, were devastated by the passage of hurricane Beryl. My Government is fully committed to reviving this sector, which is vital for food and nutrition security, employment, and export earnings. The emergency response plan focuses on income support to farmers and fisher folk, farm labour support and farm input support.
The recovery plan for the sector will focus on:
- Investing in modern farming techniques, sustainable practices, and climate-resilient crop varieties
- Revitalising the marine sector with emphasis on sustainable practices and better marine resource management
- Supporting the revitalisation of the livestock and poultry sectors
- Building the sectors resilience to climate change including enhanced insurance coverage
National Security
Madame President, Mr Speaker,
The preservation of public peace and safety remains a major priority for my Government. We will continue to pursue policies that discourage crime and antisocial behaviour, while at the same time keeping our no-nonsense approach to crime, in particular, gun and firearms-related crime. We will continue to support our police and prison officers through the provision of better equipment and upgrading their facilities. My Government will also begin the process of prison reform, including the identification of land for, and the modelling for a new prison.
Legislative Agenda
Madame President, Mr Speaker,
In the upcoming session of Parliament, my Government will prioritise a legislative agenda focused on fostering economic resilience, advancing social equity, and combating climate change. Some of the key initiatives will include
- New Procurement legislation
- Energy Efficiency legislation
- Deposit Insurance legislation
- Pension Reform legislation
More details of my government’s policies, projects and programmes will be enunciated in the upcoming budget, which will be laid before parliament in due course.
Conclusion
Madame President, Mr Speaker, Members of Parliament
My Government reaffirms our collective commitment to serve the people with integrity, wisdom, and dedication. In all respects, my Government is committed to making and implementing long term strategic decisions that will be beneficial to future generations of Grenada, as it continues its mission to transform Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique with thoughtful decision-making, always mindful of the trust placed in us by those we serve.
As we move forward, let us do so with unity of purpose, keeping the well-being of every citizen at the heart of our efforts. We remember the people of St Patrick, Carriacou and Petite Martinique as we continue in our rebuilding of more resilient homes, infrastructure and the livelihoods of our people. The challenges before us are many, but so are the opportunities to build a future that is more just, prosperous, and inclusive.
I urge each of you, as representatives of the people, to approach the tasks that lie ahead with resolve and compassion. Let us commit to working together, with diligence and unwavering resolve, so that we can realise a better Grenada for all.
Madame President, Mr Speaker, Members of Parliament,
It is therefore my distinct pleasure to declare the 3rd Session of the 11th Parliament open.
Thank you and may God continue to bless us all.
GIS
