Caribbean News Now
by Global News Staff
Grenada — Grenada on Monday celebrated the 37th anniversary of independence from the United Kingdom.
It was under the Eric Gairy administration that the Union Jack was lowered on February 7, 1974, and replaced by the Grenadian flag.
US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton joined several world leaders in sending congratulatory message to the government and people of Grenada.
Clinton’s message in part read: “The United States and Grenada are working together on issues of importance of both our nations, from the health of our citizens to the security and stability of our region.
“Our nations co-operate bilaterally as well as through the Caribbean Basin Securities Initiative, the Partnership Framework for HIV and AIDS, the Energy and Climate Partnership of the Americans, the Caribbean Youth Empowerment Program and other multilateral institutions.
“The United States is committed to strengthening the ties of friendship between our countries as we face the challenges of our region together.”
In a message relayed to the Grenadian Diaspora in New York and London, Prime Minister Tillman Thomas said that the strength of the country will be dependent on how strongly we exhibit a spirit of unity and sincerity.
“Every Grenadian, at home and in the Diaspora, must now find the motivation, the resolve and the courage to shoulder a personal responsibility to move Grenada forward,” Thomas said.
Opposition Leader Dr Keith Mitchell also called on nationals at home and abroad to take the opportunity to renew their commitment to nation building.
“We are confident that one day, we shall be able to stand as a proud people and say yes we have struggled and have travailed and persevered. But through it all and in spite of our differences we have stuck to the task of nation building and now we can be truly and justly proud,” he said.
