by Nisha Paul
- Diaspora spread across cities including Toronto, London and several parts of USA
- Landmark initiative represents major policy shift in way government views overseas nationals
- Grenada Diaspora Homecoming scheduled from 21 June to 5 July
The Government of Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell is moving to formally integrate the diaspora into national development, describing the government’s Grenada Diaspora Homecoming as the beginning of a more strategic relationship with nationals living abroad.
The prime minister made the remarks during a Diaspora Town Hall meeting held in New York on Sunday, where plans were outlined for the Cabinet-approved initiative scheduled for 21 June to 5 July.
Mitchell said Grenada has historically relied on an “ad hoc, informal and largely centred around remittances, donations and philanthropy” engagement with the diaspora, and, while appreciating this, argued that the government is taking a very “deliberate approach strategy… to say we need to move beyond that model and to deliberately integrate the diaspora into the national development of Grenada.”
He described the inaugural Diaspora Homecoming 2026 initiative as the first strategic step in that process. “We are not going to develop Grenada if we do not have the expertise, the skills, the networking, the finance of the diaspora actively engaged in shaping what Grenada will be over the next 25 years.”
He said, “The diaspora homecoming is in fact a recognition of this and an attempt by the government to make sure that we in fact put our money where our mouth is by hosting what we believe will be an annual event to ensure that there is deeper strategic engagement between the diaspora and Grenada.”
The initiative is designed to welcome Grenadian nationals living abroad home for 2 weeks of cultural activities, economic engagement, networking, and skills-sharing opportunities aimed at reconnecting citizens with Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.
Ambassador for Diaspora Affairs Terrence Forrester described the programme as a landmark initiative that represents a major policy shift in the way government views overseas nationals. “This initiative by the government marks a strategic shift from viewing the diaspora primarily through remittances, shipping of barrels, etc., to now engaging them as full partners in the developmental process.”
Activities will begin on 21 June with a formal welcome for returning nationals at Maurice Bishop International Airport, followed by a church service. The programme is expected to conclude on 5 July with a major concert at the Grenada Trade Centre.
Mitchell said the initiative also aims to give nationals abroad a direct voice in shaping the programme and Grenada’s future development direction. “This is the perfect opportunity for you to share your views, your vision, your concerns and recommendations to make sure that this event is cemented in our national landscape and becomes a catalyst for the overall development of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.”
Grenada’s diaspora is spread across cities including Toronto, London and several parts of the United States. The prime minister noted that the New York town hall was one of several outreach stops intended to sensitise the diaspora, build support and participation ahead of the initiative.
The diaspora has always been seen as the favourite group to milk without having to give anything in exchange apart from festivitie, so no reason to stop picking the low hanging fruits.
I hope it balances out. Much more is offered to those in the US, but the same services are not available at the consulate in London. Got to do better..