YouSaid · the spoken record

Elvin NIMROD

lines on the record: 148
first: 2000-09-24
most recent: 2017-09-24
sittings or episodes: 9
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“Indeed, for this sixty-second session, my delegation welcomes the tremendous emphasis being placed on climate change and, based on the statements made thus far, we are heartened to note the overwhelming commitment to preparing a better world for our future generations. The recently concluded event was not our first attempt. Climate change was also addressed in Rio de Janeiro, Barbados and Mauritius. It seems that we are blessed with a penchant for songs of praise in this multilateral temple of commitment and sacrifice. The chorus of our voices reverberates loudly in these halls of wisdom, only to sound a hollow note as we exit the archways of these chambers and backslide into reality.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“In his opening remarks to this General Assembly the President identified five areas as our priorities: climate change, economic development, the Millennium Development Goals, terrorism and United Nations reform. Grenada salutes that vision in recognizing the critical issues facing our world today, and it is through this lens that I would like to project the views of my country. On the question of climate change, we applaud the Secretary-General for convening the recently concluded High-level Event on Climate Change, and we are satisfied that this will provide the stimulus and momentum required for the forthcoming negotiations in Bali.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“I am honoured to join previous delegations in congratulating the President on his election as President of this Assembly at its sixty- second session. Let me assure him of Grenada’s unconditional support as he guides our important and crucial deliberations towards a fruitful and tangible conclusion. I also take this opportunity to pay tribute to Mrs. Haya Rashed Al-Khalifa, who laboured tirelessly during her presidency of the Assembly at its sixty-first session, and to her timely and productive initiatives. In addition, my delegation would like to renew its support to the Secretary-General in his endeavour to advance the agenda of the United Nations and to make it more effective.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Finally, my delegation, having listened to the debate over the past few days, is heartened by the pledges of support and is convinced that, together, we can make it work to our collective benefit. Grenada is pleased to join in that pledge and looks forward to working with the Organization and its partners in attaining that goal.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“My delegation applauds the Organization for its work in the areas of reform and looks forward to the continuation of that process, especially in the areas of development, Economic and Social Council reform, Secretariat and management reform, Security Council reform, system-wide coherence, disarmament and non- proliferation, and other areas that have received only partial attention. Let us pursue with vigour our work in ensuring that this body finds ways not only to sustain, but to continue to build on the successes of its past achievements. The many challenges that we all now face make it necessary that we work together to make the planet a better place for future generations. Let us, then, commit ourselves to cooperating with and supporting each other in the journey towards genuine development.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“We, along with other members of the Caribbean Community, feel compelled on a regular basis to make the plea for special attention to be paid to the threat facing the Caribbean Sea. Grenada therefore takes this opportunity to reiterate its concerns over the transshipment of nuclear waste and other hazardous material through the marine environment of the Caribbean. The Caribbean Sea provides for us a lifeline, the potential loss of which could be enormous to our people’s livelihood. As we are well aware, loss of economic opportunities brings with it poverty and social unrest and ultimately threatens democracy — a solid tradition on which the Caribbean Community continues to pride itself. We therefore urge understanding and solidarity with our cause.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Grenada has increased its efforts to strengthen the relationship between Government and the private sector through partnerships in trade, education, health, tourism and investment activities, and has already seen positive results from this type of engagement, especially in the aftermath of the recent hurricanes. 2007 will mark the bicentenary of the passage of the act abolishing the trans-Atlantic slave trade in the British empire, and it is anticipated that the General Assembly will hold a commemorative event to mark that historic occasion. The members of the Caribbean Community will submit a draft resolution to the General Assembly, and we expect the full support of all Member States in that regard.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“However, we are disappointed that this aspect of the Summit Outcome has not progressed with the kind of vigour we would have welcomed. That is of special importance to countries like my own, since support for development objectives is paramount to our economic sustainability. We cannot fail to reiterate our vulnerability and call for swift action at this session in order to ensure the stability of our small societies. My delegation salutes the Secretary-General’s efforts to strengthen the Organization through its engagement with civil society and other non-State actors, and agrees that they are important to the legitimacy of democratic ideals.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“We commend the work of the Organization in that regard and are well aware of the importance of maintaining and supporting the Fund, especially since, globally, there has been an increase in natural and humanitarian disasters. We are pleased with the decision to expand the relationship outside of the membership to include the private, individual and non-governmental sectors. We call on the international community to honour its responsibility and commitment to the full 13 06-53615 implementation of the Mauritius Strategy and to support programmes in our region related to early warning systems, the Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility, and vulnerability reduction, while at the same time building resilience. My delegation has taken note of the resolution on development.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“My delegation, in applauding the creation of the Human Rights Council, is hopeful that the new body will be able through its work to ensure that democracy and good governance are observed in all their aspects. We fully support the Secretary- General’s sentiments that mainstreaming all human rights, including the right to development, is necessary, and support to Member States in their efforts to build stronger national systems for the promotion and protection of human rights is of extreme importance. Grenada was indeed honoured to participate at the highest level in the launching of the new Central Emergency Response Fund earlier this year and to lend its support to the growth of the Fund.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“My delegation is well aware that this Organization will have to increase its efforts in combating terrorism, and welcomes the recently agreed Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy as a positive step in that regard. Grenada makes it clear that it uncompromisingly condemns terrorism and all acts of violence, and pledges its full cooperation in combating that phenomenon. Though my delegation is supportive of those measures, as a small island developing State we are faced with serious financial and technical constraints in maintaining continued peace and security within our region. The measures we have implemented in that respect will be tested as we host the 2007 Cricket World Cup in the Caribbean.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Greater market access for products from developing countries can lead to economic growth and higher standards of living. Grenada therefore looks forward to the resumption of those negotiations. In the past few months, the United Nations has been encumbered with the task of maintaining peace and security in many parts of the world. My delegation commends the efforts made in that respect and welcomes the creation of the Peacebuilding Commission, which will assist States in the post- conflict era. We extend condolences to the families of those brave men and women who lost their lives in the service of the organization. Grenada is proud to be a police-contributing country with the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti and looks forward to continuing its involvement in that area.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Grenada has over the years worked closely and successfully with the United Nations agencies in our region. Therefore, we are hopeful that, during this session, no effort will be spared to ensure the sustainability of those agencies. My delegation has on numerous occasions made reference to the unfortunate reality that special and differential treatment for small and vulnerable economies is fast becoming a thing of the past. We have seen decreases in financial and technical support from traditional partners, and a reduction in the market for trade in goods and services. In that vein, the suspension of the Doha Round of multilateral trade negotiations in July 2006 was a major setback for my country. International trade and reduction in poverty are inextricably linked to development.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“As this body is well aware, Grenada, as one of the small States which hold membership in this Organization, has on many occasions relied not only on our immediate regional partners, but also on the wider membership and respective United Nations agencies during some very difficult and trying times. Our most recent past is not yet overcome, since we are still rebuilding our shattered economy following the devastation of two hurricanes in 2004 and 2005. However, despite those challenges, we pledge to continue to work towards the achievement of some of the Millennium Development Goals. We have made significant strides in our efforts to contain the spread of HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases. along with improvements in education, poverty eradication and environmental sustainability.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Recognizing the changing trends related to the movement of skills, Grenada has placed great emphasis on the economic 06-53615 12 empowerment of its young people, as well as on the creation of a more diverse and non-traditional job sector. Having lost much of our traditional agriculture through natural disasters and the changing global environment, we have been forced to create alternatives through global partnerships. Since the adoption of the Millennium Declaration, we have encountered untold challenges in attempting to achieve the prescribed goals.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“The effects of rapid technological changes, new geopolitical and economic alliances, evolving rules in international trade, and in particular security concerns, continue to grip ordinary citizens in our small countries and regions, worsening the notion of an uncertain future. My delegation believes that this year’s theme of implementing a global partnership for development is timely and one which, if we work together, will enhance our economies in all of their aspects. It is for that reason that, within our region, we have taken the necessary steps in response to the challenges we face by deepening our integration arrangements with the creation of the Caribbean Community Single Market and Economy.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“It is fitting at this juncture to convey to the Secretary-General the appreciation of the Government and people of Grenada for his sterling contribution to world peace and security during his tenure at the helm of this Organization. The road was not always smooth, but with his calm disposition, unmistakable eloquence and astute and dedicated leadership, the Organization was able to overcome the rough patches. We heartily commend his efforts to strengthen the United Nations through the reform process, and wish him well in his future endeavours. We meet in very difficult times.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“I am indeed honoured to join previous delegations in congratulating Sheikha Haya Rashed Al-Khalifa on her election as President of the Assembly at this sixty-first session. Let me assure her of Grenada’s support as she guides these important deliberations towards the implementation of a global partnership for development. My delegation would also like to pay tribute to Mr. Jan Eliasson, Foreign Minister of Sweden, who laboured tirelessly during his presidency of the sixtieth session, and for his efforts in guiding the follow-up process to the Summit Outcome. My delegation welcomes the Secretary-General’s tenth and final report, which gives a comprehensive review of the Organization’s achievements, challenges and preparation for the future.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“We welcome the reference made in the outcome document in that regard, and further urge the international community to be more cognizant of the situation and its impact on our economies and our peoples. Since this matter is of grave importance to the Caribbean region, we will continue our efforts to have the Caribbean Sea designated as a Special Area in the context of sustainable development. Finally, judging from the commitments made over the past few days, it is clearly evident that Member States are willing to take up the challenge to implement the necessary reforms to strengthen this body. We too pledge our full support to that process, despite the bleak economic realities we currently face.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“In fact, the annual estimate of the economic value to Grenada of production from the sea is more than 30 million Eastern Caribbean dollars. That is a contribution that we as a people strongly feel must be conserved, preserved, maintained and protected, not merely for this generation, but for future generations. I would like specifically to refer to the trans- shipment of radioactive materials through our waters, which continues to pose a tremendous threat to the human health, marine life, ecosystems, tourism and economies of the region. As has been repeatedly affirmed by Grenada and other Caribbean Community member States, that practice must stop. Grenada once again calls on those concerned to desist from such activity.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“For small islands it is exceedingly difficult to stop the downward spiral that disasters can cause. Generally, recovery is virtually impossible without major international assistance. Grenada welcomes the reference made to the vulnerabilities of small island developing States. We look forward to the effective implementation of the Mauritius Strategy for the Further Implementation of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States in the very near future. Grenada implores Member States to support the call of small island developing States for special recognition of their vulnerabilities. In the same vein, I turn now to the issue of the Caribbean Sea. Our economies derive tremendous benefits from the resources of the Caribbean Sea.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“I recall that during his address to the Millennium Summit five years ago, the Prime Minister of Grenada, the Right Honourable Keith Mitchell, joined his colleagues in making a clarion call for the establishment of a disaster relief fund to facilitate quick responses to aid victims of hurricanes, earthquakes, volcanoes and other natural disasters that strike us with such frequency and ferocity. I wish to reiterate that call today in light of the realities that now surround us. Some countries, particularly small island developing States, are extremely vulnerable and can experience a complete reversal of economic, social, cultural and infrastructural progress with the passage of one natural disaster, as was evident when Grenada was struck by Hurricane Ivan in September of 2004.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“Grenada acknowledges that natural disasters are unavoidable phenomena that cannot be stopped. However, we can mitigate their effects, ease human suffering with sound measures and speed up recovery by designing mechanisms conducive to quick responses, particularly from the international community. From hurricanes to tsunamis, from floods to droughts, we have come to realize that natural disasters know no boundaries and do not differentiate between developed and developing countries. In the light of scientific predictions that indicate an increase in the frequency and intensity of natural disasters, we must address this matter and give disaster mitigation a high priority on our agenda.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“However, we urge them and other developed countries to continue to provide freedom in trade with developing countries, in order to facilitate the transfer of technology and to assist with our environmental protection. Those of us in the developing world have also given our commitment to devise national policies to improve the standard of living of our people, promote education, practice good governance and strive for better health care for all. That, however, is virtually impossible in the current international economic climate, as some international regimes seem committed to crippling the economies of developing countries, in particular those of the Caribbean. Hurricanes and other natural disasters add to the Caribbean region's challenges and remain a very real and formidable enemy.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“Given our disadvantageous economies of scale, our limited land mass and our late admission into the international economic order, it is impossible to make progress without special concessions. Grenada has no desire to see its future generations become mendicants, seized by poverty and a lack of opportunities. The MDGs, as well as United Nations declarations, constitute a global partnership for development. Both the developed and developing countries are called upon to implement changes and adjust their modus operandi to advance a more secure and just world. 6 We applaud the European Union for its decision to increase its overseas development assistance to the recommended 0.7 per cent of their GDP.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“Currently, countries of the Caribbean face growing unemployment and poverty because of the recent World Trade Organization ruling that resulted in the removal of preferential arrangements that once facilitated our trade. As a direct result, two of the industries most vital to the Caribbean ó bananas and sugar ó are rapidly declining, sending thousands to the bread line and abject poverty. Here, I would refer to the statement made yesterday by the Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis, which confirmed the effects that the demise of the sugar industry is having on his country. Countries of the Caribbean require more than just aid; for aid alone cannot eradicate poverty. What Caribbean countries desire most fervently are trading opportunities. We crave opportunities that will recognize the diversities and disparities in the economic world.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“In less than one year Grenada experienced two hurricanes, causing infrastructural damage amounting to 250 per cent of our gross domestic product (GDP), crippling the tourism sector, increasing unemployment to 31 per cent and having an immeasurable psychological and social impact on our population. Prior to those events, Grenada was well on track to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) of universal primary education, lowering child mortality rates, and reducing the poverty rate by half. Also high on our country's agenda was the implementation of policies to combat diseases, including HIV/AIDS. Today, even with the most rigorous national efforts, if Grenada is to achieve the MDGs, it can only do so with substantial financial and technical assistance.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“In the twenty-first century, therefore, the Economic and Social Council must have, as the outcome document states, a more focused agenda built around the major themes contained in the Millennium Declaration. The theme for this year's deliberations is well chosen and we accept the challenge to work towards that goal. Grenada hopes that United Nations reform and the implementation of the goals set out in the outcome document will come to fruition soon, in order to ensure a stronger Organization and a more just world. My country, Grenada, knows quite well the challenges faced by developing countries.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“It is extremely important that the United Nations address the burning issues and realities that preoccupy the global community. Grenada fully supports the measures called for in the Secretary- General's report, "In larger freedom" (A/59/2005), and remains convinced of the usefulness of addressing peace and security on a broad spectrum. Grenada agrees that Security Council reform is imperative. The Council must be expanded in a manner that will convince every region of the world that they have an active voice in one of the most important and powerful organs of the United Nations. Grenada, like the other countries of the English- speaking Caribbean, places a high priority on the reorganization of the Economic and Social Council. The Charter clearly designed the Economic and Social Council to address development.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“We welcome the creation of a Peacebuilding Commission to ensure post-conflict recovery where it is most needed, and especially to focus on issues relating to women and children within that process. Grenada also supports the strengthening of the human rights machinery through the creation of a Human Rights Council, and we resolve to participate in the negotiations to establish a working mandate for that body during the sixtieth session of the Assembly. Grenada welcomes the outcome document's strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. We regret, however, that there has been no meaningful progress on the issue of disarmament and non-proliferation and call for continued negotiations in that regard. Reform is vital in order for this unique Organization to reflect the aspirations of its 191 Member States.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“This year, the outcome document adopted by heads of State and Government at the conclusion of the High-level Plenary Meeting gives us another chance to address in earnest the commitments that were made in the Millennium Declaration and at major United Nations conferences. Grenada is heartened by the recent renewal of commitment to development and security, including poverty eradication and the endorsement to positively transform the world for the betterment of our peoples. We also welcome the efforts made to address the special needs of Africa. Those are high ideals, but we are convinced that peace, security and prosperity can only be achieved globally with the commitment, 5 sacrifice and concerted, cooperative efforts of all Member States.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“Permit me, at this juncture, to extend, on behalf of the Government and people of Grenada, empathy and profound sympathy to the Government and people of the United States of America, particularly those of the Gulf states, for the loss of life and severe destruction of property suffered as a result of Hurricane Katrina. When the Millennium Declaration was adopted, many viewed it as a landmark document containing the blueprint for the eradication of poverty and as a vehicle to transform the condition of humankind in the twenty- first century. While it did not take on the momentum that we had hoped for, we have now moved to review its implementation.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“I am indeed greatly honoured to join those who preceded me in congratulating the President on his election to the presidency of the sixtieth session of the General Assembly. I assure him of Grenada's support as he guides the deliberations during this historic year towards the promotion and maintenance of international peace and security. My delegation would also like to express its appreciation to Mr. Jean Ping, who laboured assiduously during his presidency of the fifty-ninth session, for his tireless efforts in guiding the preparatory work for the High-level Plenary Meeting. In addition, Grenada commends the Secretary-General for his energetic pursuit of change at the United Nations. We subscribe to the Secretary-General's view that the world cannot be a safer place without development and poverty eradication.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“My delegation is convinced that we have the opportunity to build and develop this new kind of solidarity and partnership between rich and poor, big and small, powerful and weak, at this session of the General Assembly. The opportunity is ours to embrace or to lose.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“My delegation’s appeal to this session of the General Assembly is for all stakeholders, including the multilateral financial institutions, demonstrate their total commitment to the entire process in order that efforts to implement outstanding important commitments can be finalized. Despite the uncertainty over adequate funding for implementation, my delegation remains confident, Mr. President, that, with your ability to lead and build consensus, this fifty-eighth session will become known as the General Assembly of implementation. 6 As Secretary-General Kofi Annan recently stated: “We all live on the same planet, buffeted by the same winds, influenced by the same currents of change. But instead of acting on what unites us … we allow a chasm to persist between us … We need to mend this great divide with a new fabric of solidarity”.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“My delegation is hopeful that the occasion will be used to ensure that the priority issues facing small States will be addressed in a way that gives optimism to the millions whose lives depend on a commitment to the following issues: improving their preparedness for, and recovery from, natural and environmental disasters; addressing the problem of climate change and sea-level rise, which could submerge low-lying nations in the Caribbean and the Pacific; preventing worsening shortages of potable water; developing solar and renewable energy to lessen dependence on expensive imported oil; and managing growth in tourism to protect the environmental and cultural integrity of our nations.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“A total of six summit conferences have been held over a period of 11 years to address the issues of the environment and development in those vulnerable island States. Donor countries have not fulfilled their end of that partnership. Official development assistance continues to fall, and multilateral aid has dropped significantly. Ten years later, another high-level meeting is scheduled to take place in Mauritius in 2004 to review the Barbados Declaration and Programme of Action.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“The United Nations has been seized with the reform of the Security Council and with the revitalization of the General Assembly for a number of years. When the United Nations was founded 58 years ago, the membership was 51; today there are 191 Member States. Much has changed in the geopolitical dynamics of the world, which the United Nations represents and reflects. Therefore, there is a need for structural and functional changes in the Security Council and the General Assembly, two of the main organs of greatest importance in the world body. At the beginning of this intervention, I alluded to the tardiness in the implementation of collective decisions, particularly on the subject of the sustainable development of small island developing States.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“We believe that universally accepted norms and values and economic growth and prosperity can flourish only under normal circumstances. The people of Cuba need that chance. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues to escalate, and every effort must be made to return to the road map, as it remains the best hope for the resolution of the problem. Similarly, my delegation is concerned about the negative effect of civil unrest and tensions around the globe, particularly in Iraq, Liberia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. My Government supports all efforts, actions and initiatives to ensure that normalcy returns to the countries and regions concerned. We urge patience, understanding and tolerance in dealing with these difficult situations.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“The outcome has confirmed, in unequivocal terms, that the divide between rich and poor nations continues to widen. My country endorses the idea that the United Nations must continue its work to ensure that democracy and respect for basic human rights prevail in all civil societies. However, this body should, as a matter of principle, also seek to ensure that fair, just and morally correct actions and decisions are taken on equally important matters. The people of the Republic of Cuba continue to live under a unilaterally imposed financial, commercial and economic blockade, as they have for more than 40 years. This has resulted in great human and material losses, and in many personal traumatic experiences. Grenada joins the overwhelming majority in the United Nations and calls for the unconditional lifting of those sanctions.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“My delegation calls for a substantial reduction of the subsidies afforded to farmers in the more developed and industrialized economies, and also for the removal of non-tariff and other technical barriers to the export of our commodities. In our efforts to diversify our economies and to enhance our revenue-earning options, we need the flexibility to develop our service sector free from pressures and conditionalities, to add value to our 5 primary products, and to be able to export our exotic fruits and vegetables. Our small and vulnerable economies can become viable if the right conditions are created to facilitate the trade of our products on the world market. The failure of the recently concluded WTO Ministerial Meeting in Cancún, Mexico, to reach a compromise on issues of extreme importance is a cause for concern.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“The efforts of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to establish a single market and economy with a view to harnessing and efficiently utilizing the limited resources of the region, improving competitiveness, productivity and general cooperation, must be applauded. The more developed countries must speedily come to the rescue of the needy developing countries by providing tangible and meaningful technical, economic and other forms of assistance — assistance that will have a positive impact on the lives of millions in the developing world. It is for this reason that we will continue to clamour for reforms within the global trading system, and especially within the framework of the World Trade Organization (WTO), particularly as it relates to trade in agriculture and in other services.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“Caring for the ever-increasing numbers with the virus, together with educating and sensitizing the general public on prevention issues and responsible behaviour, has become burdensome, in terms of both human and financial resources. Partnership and support from the developed countries will be welcomed. My delegation is convinced that the eradication of poverty and its related ills is central to social and economic stability. Poverty will not simply disappear through passionate pleas and eloquent statements, but through genuine collaborative and cooperative efforts. My Government is acutely aware of our responsibility, as a sovereign and independent nation to provide for our citizens.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“The holding of the recent meeting here at the United Nations to assess the implementation of the Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS made clear that the pandemic is continuing to take a heavy toll, especially in sub-Saharan Africa and the Caribbean. As the many leaders who took part in the debate said, much remains to be done in the fight against this dreadful scourge if the Declaration of Commitment target is to be met by 2005. Thus, certain critical areas in this fight, such as education on prevention and care targeted especially to young people, mobilization of resources by engaging civil society including the business sector, and access to affordable medicine are absolutely essential. Fighting HIV/AIDS is both a medical and a socio- economic problem, with far-reaching implications for small developing countries such as my own.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“In this regard, my Government, despite its limited resources, is fulfilling its commitment. Since the events of 11 September 2001, Grenada has ratified or acceded to all relevant international treaties and conventions on terrorism and related activities. All the appropriate domestic legislation has been enacted. My delegation is convinced that the elimination of terrorism alone will not guarantee social and economic stability. It will not solve the many problems associated with underdevelopment, poverty, hunger, disease, illiteracy, and unemployment — all of which give rise to hopelessness and pose a threat to peace and security.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“Security concerns have once again taken centre stage in current international affairs, but they should not displace the consideration of important issues on the economic and social agenda. My Government remains totally committed to the global fight against terrorism and the perpetrators of violence. In this regard, it will certainly take all necessary actions to ensure that Grenada is an active partner in this common struggle. The proliferation of transnational criminal activities is the most vivid example of the negative effect of open borders in a globalized world. The illicit trade in weapons and drugs, money-laundering and trafficking in women and children clearly need to be tackled in a more organized manner. A truly effective global response to these and other threats requires that all States act in concert with each other.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“My delegation also expresses profound sympathy to the Government and the people of Saint Lucia on the recent passing of your predecessor, Sir, as Minister for Foreign Affairs, The Honourable George Odlum. Each succeeding President of the General Assembly inherits an agenda of recurring resolutions and outcome documents adopted at the many international summit-level conferences during the past 4 decade. My delegation remains confident that your administration, Sir, will put implementation concerns high on the development agenda. When the United Nations was founded 58 years ago, the focus was basically on world peace and security in the aftermath of the devastating effects of the Second World War.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“It is with a deep sense of pride and pleasure that my delegation congratulates you, Sir, on your unanimous election to the presidency of the General Assembly at its fifty-eighth session. You have done the entire Caribbean region proud. Your own country, Saint Lucia, one of the smallest States Members of this Organization, can feel especially proud. We are confident that, given the combination of your vast experience, solid leadership skills and charismatic personality, this session will go down in history as one of the most dynamic and constructive for all States, large and small. My delegation pays tribute to your illustrious predecessor, Mr. Jan Kavan of the Czech Republic, for his enlightened and innovative conduct of this body during the previous session.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“My delegation assures the General Assembly that it fully supports the efforts of the United Nations to face the many challenges that arise. However, we must ensure that the many decisions taken at the United Nations summit conferences are implemented. But the goals must be achievable and beneficial to all Member States.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“Grenada has been watching closely the developments in international peace and security; economic development; social advancement and cooperation; the 13 fight against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria and other threatening diseases; environmental sustainability; and a plethora of other regional, national and international issues. For small countries such as Grenada, attending international conferences presents a paradox. We aspire to be integrally involved in these important conferences, yet financial constraints sometimes outweigh the benefits of being in attendance. Our absence, as many other small nations would agree, should not by any means be construed as a lack of interest. Enormous expectations and optimism must be balanced with a degree of realism.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)