YouSaid · the spoken record

Tillman Thomas

lines on the record: 50
first: 2008-09-24
most recent: 2011-09-24
sittings or episodes: 3
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

“This year, drawing on the message of youth to make the world a better place, I repeat that call. It is my hope that, under the stewardship of the President, the General Assembly — and the United Nations as a whole — will continue to be the main global force for the good of humanity. Grenada will do its part to advance this singular and inspiring goal.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Grenada commends the Secretary-General for organizing a number of high- level meetings on important topics. We are moved to single out the High-level Meeting on non-communicable diseases. This scourge is negatively affecting not just developing countries but many developed countries as well. The proliferation of non-communicable diseases poses a very serious challenge to small island States like Grenada because of their effects on the labour force and demands on the shrinking finances of the country. We therefore welcome the outcome of the High-level Meeting and we pledge to implement its recommendations. Finally, last year, building on the conclusion that the United Nations is a real force for good in the world, I challenged the Organization to harness its strength to better achieve that purpose.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“While we thank all those who have helped, much still remains to be done. We call on all who have pledged to help Haiti to deliver on their pledges and support the efforts of the Haitian people. Turning now to another Caribbean concern, Grenada again urges the United States of America to completely lift the harsh economic embargo against the people of Cuba. All but a handful of the United Nations membership have consistently voted for the removal of that embargo. We acknowledge that responding to the complex and interconnected issues on the United Nations agenda is a major task, even for the United Nations. Nevertheless, responding must be at the top of the United Nations agenda. We maintain support for sustainable development, action on climate change, and support for justice and peace.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“That is why Grenada is disappointed that the Palestinians and Israelis have not concluded talks over their long-standing dispute. We urge a return to these talks and look forward to the peaceful coexistence of these two States. It is quite obvious that the world continues to experience the wrath of nature. We grieve at the waste of human life and the environmental destruction caused by disasters worldwide. We express our solidarity to Member States that have experienced floods, earthquakes, tsunamis and droughts in the past months. Grenada calls for a strong global response especially for the humanitarian crisis now unfolding in the Horn of Africa. Grenada welcomes the new President of the sister CARICOM State of Haiti and wishes him and his team success as they rebuild Haiti after the devastation of the earthquake.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“On 14 July Grenada joined with other Member States in welcoming the Republic of South Sudan as the 193rd Member of the United Nations. We salute the efforts of its people to usher in peace at home and within the region. I turn now to the seemingly intractable problem of moving Palestine from a State-in-waiting to an 11 11-51197 internationally recognized State. This cannot be separated from the international clamour for democratic rights now led by the Arab Spring. The just aspirations of the people of Palestine must be addressed, and Palestine must not be left behind in the historical sweep towards open and sustainable democracies. Equally, the Arab Spring should also be the occasion for the renewal of a commitment to Israel’s security. Peace depends on viable democracies and sustained security.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Grenada joins with other member States in the Caribbean Community and calls for expansion of the Security Council in both its permanent and non-permanent categories and more openness in its working methods. We call for a Security Council seat for small island States within a reasonable time frame and we also call for stronger and more enhanced United Nations-CARICOM relations to benefit the people of our Caribbean region. Grenada welcomes the formation and launch of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, which is aimed at promoting the rights of women and girls and equality between the sexes. That is an early success of United Nations reform. Grenada is firmly committed to the principle of self-determination.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“That includes recognizing the fact that dozens of mature States, many in the developing world, are ready and able to take responsibility for the management of the global agenda. The United Nations must be reformed. How else will it support its growing agenda? How else can it manage this new global agenda for global sustainability, peace and peacekeeping and disaster response within a democratic multilateral system that is constantly evolving? What worked for 65 years must be reshaped for today. That is why we call for reform of the Security Council to make it more representative and inclusive. Failure to do this will deny that body the political legitimacy it needs to maintain and indeed enhance its leadership role in the world and to make the best decisions.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“In a similar vein to our climate change efforts, we look to the Rio+20 meeting to advance our path to sustainability. One of the key outcomes for Grenada and other SIDS must be the development of a green economy, one that combines investments, jobs and livelihoods with environmental resources; and a blue economy, one that takes into account coastal- and ocean-based income generation. For indeed, peoples’ livelihoods are largely based on environmental resources and services, including agriculture, agro-industries, forestry, mining and tourism. The Rio+20 meeting can and must be a turning point for political commitment and financing for development. We know that the United Nations is capable of leadership. However, it can be more effective if it anticipates and responds to twenty-first century challenges.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“This year we are launching a sustainable energy programme for 24 small island developing States. The Small Island Developing States Sustainable Energy Initiative (SIDS DOCK) will provide the foundation for low carbon economic growth and adaptation to climate change. It will facilitate energy efficiency and provide renewable energy to 24 small island developing States. On behalf of the Alliance of Small Island States I thank the Government and people of Denmark for making the first contribution of an initial US$ 14.5 million to SIDS DOCK. We also thank our partners the World Bank and the United Nations Development Programme for facilitating the programme. We invite the international community to join Denmark in financing this effort.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“We call on those States to withdraw their objections and support the movement to a safe threshold for islands and for the world. We are convinced that an adequate global response to climate change must remain at the top of the global agenda. A legally binding outcome must be part of the outcome of climate negotiations. I call on partners to hasten the disbursement of fast-start funds, especially to small island States. These disbursements must be consistent with the scale of the damage already done and the continuing threats that we face from environmental degradation. We express solidarity with our Pacific sisters and brothers, who are daily losing territory to sea-level rise, perhaps faster than we are in the Caribbean. They have my pledge that we will continue to support them. Naturally, we are taking responsibility for ourselves.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Durban 2011 and Rio+20 must surely deliver meaningful and attainable outcomes, including fulfilling old obligations and delivering on new ones, especially on climate financing and the broader financing for development. 11-51197 10 Developed countries must meet their commitments to poorer nations. At the sixteenth session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Cancún last year we made some progress on climate change and we must build on that. We welcome the establishment of the Transitional Committee of the Green Climate Fund and hope to see it capitalized and fully launched in Durban. We are deeply disappointed that some countries are blocking the mandated review of 1.5 degrees Celsius as the potential global average warming limit.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“We have instituted consultations and participation in major policy and legislative matters, including the revision of old laws and the making of new ones. At the regional level, we are working with the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), two groupings that constitute the unbreakable link with our national undertakings and how we engage internationally. Grenada’s efforts to achieve sustainable development can be helped by both the December 2011 Durban Climate Change Conference and the June 2012 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20). Grenada appeals to all parties to negotiate seriously and to meet commitments at both of these Conferences. These global meetings must bring added value to the ongoing efforts of Grenada and other developing countries, especially small States.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“We must attempt to achieve growth with equity, especially for women and youth, and to support general improvements towards people’s advancement — that is, create stable environments and opportunities for our people to thrive — and we must do so while contributing to a just, peaceful and democratic global framework. We believe that whatever the challenge, our common political will for fairness and justice must remain our overarching guiding principles in matters economic, social and political. Grenada’s main response so far has been to strengthen our democratic processes and to advance the Caribbean regional integration movement. At the national level, we promote social inclusion in the governance of the country that engages civil society, the media and the people as a whole.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“The green shoots of recovery that others have experienced have not reached us. For us, the economic crisis of 2008 still rages and we must find a way out of it. Social and political strife remain, if not in Grenada, in other parts of the world. These demonstrate that the search for freedom and justice is far from over. Human suffering and instability anywhere in the world hurt us all, even in tiny Grenada, where unemployment in major capitals affects our tourism and even our remittances from abroad. The major challenge facing Grenada as a small island developing State is how to reduce our weaknesses, how to increase our resilience, and how to pursue development for people today and for their children tomorrow. How are we to respond?”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“In support of the role of the United Nations, this year the Government of Grenada has signed three global conventions, including the Convention on Cluster Munitions, helping to bring about disarmament. We are all obliged to work selflessly to preserve our planet for future generations. The avoidance of nuclear confrontation is one sure way. We therefore congratulate all Governments that have expended much time and effort on nuclear non-proliferation. Since we met a year ago, the world and the United Nations itself have faced many challenges — economic, social and political — all of which undermine stability and people’s survival. The economic crisis continues to weigh heavily on Grenada. Our population is experiencing high food and fuel prices, national revenues have decreased, and debt continues to be high.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Now in its thirty-seventh year of independence and membership of the United Nations, Grenada renews its commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter, believing that universal adherence to those principles provides guidance to the United Nations to act on what may seem intractable, for the United Nations is intended to lead, perhaps more so in difficult times. Grenada supports the pursuit of international peace and security. We believe firmly in the rule of law, the promotion of democracy and respect for human rights. We also support the fight against terrorism, as well as the campaign against the illicit drug trade. All these pose serious threats to the security of our changing world. My Government reiterates its commitment to the United Nations Charter.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“I am honoured to extend congratulations to Mr. Al-Nasser on his appointment to the presidency of the General Assembly at its sixty- sixth regular session. As two small countries, Qatar and Grenada share much in common. Accordingly, we look forward to his leadership and stand ready to support him for the good of all the members of the General Assembly and the United Nations itself. We welcome 9 11-51197 his theme on mediation because we believe that when mediation is properly applied it can minimize confrontation in the world. I also commend the outgoing President, Mr. Joseph Deiss, for his stewardship and dedication during the past year. Grenada congratulates Mr. Ban Ki-moon on his election to a second term as Secretary-General and wishes him continued success.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“There will be no security if disputes cannot be settled amicably, if nations are not free to determine their own destiny and if diversity among us is not recognized and fully respected. The world would certainly be a better place if we shared our world’s resources to assist the more vulnerable among us. I challenge this Organization, for another 65 years starting with this sixty-fifth session, to harness our strengths and continue to make the United Nations what we all want it to be — a real force for good in the world.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“We empathize with the many countries that have had to cope with recent natural disasters: Chile, China, Pakistan, New Zealand and Guatemala. Over the decades, the United Nations has played critical roles in almost every facet of global affairs: political, economic and social. That is its strength, its enduring mission. Grenada remains ready to work with all who are partnering in political, economic and social development and seeing the United Nations as a forum for working through all thorny issues. However, there will be no international peace and stability if people are unhappy, if they have no food or clothing, if they have no potable water or shelter from adverse climatic conditions.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“We are obliged to work selflessly to preserve the world for future generations. The avoidance of a nuclear confrontation is one sure way. We therefore congratulate the Government of the United States and all other Governments that have put much time and effort towards the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. We are also encouraged by recent positive signs of engagement between warring parties, and we hope that political and military conflicts around the world and, moreover, in the Middle East will soon come to an end. Grenada is particularly pleased that the Palestinians and Israelis are prepared to resume talks over their long-standing dispute with a view to finding a lasting peace once and for all.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Grenada again urges the United States of America to do what is right and completely lift the harsh economic measures against the people of Cuba, if only on humanitarian grounds. In the spirit of fair trade and good-neighbourliness, Grenada also calls on the United States to honour the recent decision in favour of Antigua and Barbuda in the World Trade Organization, as that too would show respect for the decisions of international tribunals. Grenada reminds the world of the Caribbean Community’s instant and pivotal response and continuing presence in Haiti, following the devastating earthquake earlier this year. The successful rebuilding of Haiti will benefit all, and Grenada calls for a swift delivery of the pledged commitments made to that sister Caribbean nation.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“I pledge Grenada’s participation at the highest level. Grenada has confidence in the United Nations and in the work it can do. We unreservedly support the pursuit of international peace and security, the rule of law, the promotion of democracy and human rights, the fight against terrorism, the fight against the illicit drug trade and the many other issues that threaten our world. We also believe in justice. The economic progress and realization of the full potential of a fellow Caribbean nation continues to be stifled by a now infamous economic embargo of over 45 years. As a result, its people are humiliated by shortages and deprived of basic necessities essential to decent human existence. The vast majority of countries in the world have consistently and overwhelmingly voted in this very forum for its removal, but the irony persists.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“No matter what its growth pattern or level, a country with 37 per cent poverty and debt-to-GDP ratio of over 100 per cent — 10-55128 20 as is the case with Grenada — cannot be ready to sail the high seas of development financing autonomy. That day will come, but it is not yet here. Grenada registers its strong support for the call for a United Nations high-level meeting on non-communicable diseases — NCDs. Currently, NCDs constitute the main cause of morbidity and mortality in our region. Life expectancy depends to a great extent on the avoidance of such illnesses, and thus preventative policies must be aimed at promoting changes in lifestyles. Therefore, we view with a great degree of satisfaction the progress made by our Caribbean representatives here at the United Nations in articulating the need for such a meeting in 2011.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Our report submitted in the just-concluded review process indicated that while Grenada has made progress, there is much more to be done to achieve the established Goals within the five years that remain. It is our view that if our countries are to eliminate poverty and realize their true potential, there must be a comprehensive review of the criteria for determining middle-income status. Many countries placed in that category, including Grenada, are highly indebted and deserve special attention in order to achieve sustainable development. Small island developing States cannot attain their full potential if they are prematurely set adrift in the development ocean with a false diagnosis of full preparedness.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“We welcome the convening of the High-level Review Meeting on the implementation of the Mauritius Strategy for the Further Implementation of the Barbados Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States (MSI+5) (see and PV.18). In its capacity as Chair of the Alliance of Small Island States, Grenada was privileged to play a coordinating role in that important review process, and we thank all, including our development partners and the United Nations, for undertaking the process with us. Now that this body has endorsed the political declaration, we call for quick and full implementation of the MSI+5 decisions. Similarly, Grenada welcomes the Millennium Development Goals and remains firm in its determination to achieve them.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Clearly, that situation has to be corrected, for financial assistance must be commensurate with the scale of the threat faced and should be sustained, especially for small island developing States. Grenada welcomes the empanelling of the Secretary-General’s High-level Advisory Group on Climate Change Financing and the High-level Panel on Global Sustainability. We anticipate that in their reports the matter of appropriate and sustainable levels of climate-change financing will be properly addressed and promoted. What an important review year 2010 is. We applaud the High-level Plenary Meeting on biodiversity (see and PV.10) and support the call to halt species loss.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Left unchecked, its potential consequences could be catastrophic, particularly for small island developing States. Recent studies confirm that over the past five decades the planet has heated up and that 93 per cent of this warming has occurred in the oceans. The consequential rise in sea level is already affecting low-lying countries in the Caribbean and beyond and is undermining small economies, ruining their societies and threatening their very existence. In that connection, we continue to call for ambitious mitigation targets and to welcome climate financing. Fast-start funding in the amount of $30 billion, announced in 2009 and intended to assist developing countries, especially the most climate- vulnerable nations, has reached only a small percentage of developing countries, and just a fraction of promised funds has been released.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Our desire to actively participate in the fulfilment of the noble objectives of UN Women has led us to seek membership on its Executive Board. I am hopeful that Grenada’s candidacy will receive strong support and be elected. Similarly, the United Nations must recognize the inherent imperatives of democracy. Continued failure to meaningfully reform the Security Council will deny that body the political legitimacy it needs to maintain and indeed enhance its leadership role. Grenada joins with the Caribbean Community and calls for a Security Council seat for small island States as soon as possible. Climate change is rightly described as one of the most urgent issues facing humanity and must remain at the top of the global diplomatic and negotiating agenda.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Any weakening of its authority and effectiveness cannot be in our best interests. The United Nations must remain the premier organization for global diplomacy and negotiations. We must do nothing to hinder the United Nations continuing as a real force for good in the world. Indeed, the United Nations must lead, not follow, in global governance. Times have changed. The world is facing new realities, and the United Nations must adjust accordingly. For that reason, the recent advances made in United Nations system-wide coherence deserve special commendation. The formation of the new body, UN Women, aimed principally at promoting the rights of women and girls and equality between the sexes, is an early success of United Nations reform and is embraced by Grenada.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“In her July address to the United Nations, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, head of the Commonwealth of Nations, concluded her remarks with customary clarity and insightfulness, affirming that the United Nations is a real force for common good (see A/64/PV.105). Grenada supports that statement. At the very inception of the Organization, 65 years ago, its objectives were to avoid future wars and maintain the peace, and to partner with developing countries in their social and economic development. Grenada is satisfied that after more than six decades of existence, those goals remain worthy of continuing pursuit. In times of conflict, strife, natural disasters and other humanitarian matters, the United Nations has 19 10-55128 been the first place to turn to. Its relevance, role and involvement in global affairs remain unquestionable.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Carefully targeted technical and other forms of assistance to countries most in need would make a vast difference in the lives of millions. It is in that spirit that I join the many speakers who preceded me in congratulating you, Mr. President, on your election to guide the General Assembly at its sixty-fifth session. You have Grenada’s full support. We commend the outgoing President, Mr. Ali Abdussalam Treki, for his dedication and able handling of the Assembly’s work in the year just ended and wish him the very best for the future. In addition, Grenada recognizes the tireless stewardship and leadership of the Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, as the United Nations tackles the very complex array of global issues.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“I am honoured to address this body. I do so at a time when the world continues to face multiple challenges, foremost of which for small island developing States such as Grenada is the fragile economic, financial and ecological situation. But despite those difficult circumstances, the people of Grenada demonstrate tremendous resilience. Resourcefulness, patience and abiding faith in God keep us going forward. We will therefore not relent. Our resolve is firm. Dedication, creativity, renewed commitment to our fellow beings, unwavering commitment to multilateralism and, most of all, solidarity will help us survive these trying times. Indeed, as it did in the past, this body can again prove to be the perfect partner in our quest to solve our problems, if only we commit ourselves to cooperate more with each other.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“That would certainly redound to our individual and collective benefit as we seek to confront the many challenges of this modern and complex era. Grenada commends the Secretary-General for his outstanding leadership of this Organization. Finally, Grenada once again congratulates the President on his election to facilitate and direct the debate of this sixty- third session of the General Assembly. I assure him of our full support as he guides the process.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Grenada urges that we capitalize on the spirit of cooperation and collaboration to assist the poor and more vulnerable nations to become and remain viable and to actively participate in a global process that needs the input of all nations of the world, big and small. In this regard, I wish to salute the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela for considerably easing some of the financial pressure inflicted on our fragile economy by the sharp increases in oil prices. Through the Petro Caribe Initiative, several Caribbean countries are able to buy oil from Venezuela on softer terms. Grenada is convinced that the principles upon which this great organization was founded, as articulated in its Charter, should be given full vitality.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“In keeping with the declaration of the recently concluded high-level meeting on Africa’s development (resolution 63/1), we urge the Secretary-General to use his good offices to remind world leaders of their commitments for the betterment of the African people. Similarly, the plight of Haiti, my fellow CARICOM neighbour, must be addressed with utmost compassion and urgency. Grenada recently pledged a modest monetary donation, and is proud to be a police- contributing country with the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti. In that vein, Grenada urges the other States Members of this Organization to do likewise.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Accordingly, Grenada calls on all countries to constructively engage Cuba at this historic juncture. Grenada is a friend both of the United States and of Cuba, and thus wishes to use this occasion to call on the former to use its diplomatic experience to assist the process of economic and social change now taking place in Cuba. Grenada contends that the stringent unilateral economic measures in place against Cuba will benefit no one and do not facilitate the world’s goal of achieving a global partnership of equals. Additionally, Grenada calls on the United Nations to continue its vital role in assisting the African continent in realizing its development objectives.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Grenada maintains its staunch and unwavering stance in the fight against terrorism, illicit drugs, weapons and human trafficking. We will continue to unconditionally support all initiatives that promote and 08-52265 46 enhance global peace and security. Grenada strongly condemns all violent acts by those who are bent on creating chaos and panic in regions around the world, and thus supports all efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice. Additionally, Grenada is committed to the full implementation of the recommendations adopted by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force to combat money-laundering and terrorist financing. Grenada is optimistic about the opportunities for wider and deeper engagement among Caribbean countries. We strongly believe that all countries should be allowed to develop without hindrance and undue pressure.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Serious attention should be paid to addressing the special needs of the least developed countries in the areas of trade, debt relief and the environment. It is Grenada’s hope that the sixty-third session will be filled with a spirit of camaraderie, goodwill, collaboration, equity, trust and confidence in our ability to improve the general well-being of mankind. It is our hope that the Organization’s reform will take place in such a way that the perceived dominance by some will not be a standard of inflexibility, but will give way to genuine dialogue and cooperation. I can assure the Assembly that Grenada intends to pursue its external relations based on the principle of mutual respect. Thus, we will be an active participant in multilateral debates on current issues.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“The usual role of United Nations bodies, including the Food and Agriculture Organization, the World Health Organization, UNESCO, the United Nations Development Programme and others, will be critical in the process. No one in the developed world can deny the value of a small country like Grenada in the expansion of democracy and the fight against terrorism. Currently, environmental issues also demand urgent action on the part of all States. Those shared goals and values reshape relations between States. These issues underscore an urgent need for new platforms to address the issue of support for the developmental needs of States. Grenada believes that the realization of a global partnership for development is of urgent importance.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Notwithstanding the atmosphere of peace and security prevailing in Grenada, our main task is to continue to enhance the daily livelihood of our people as we strive to achieve and sustain economic growth and to restore fiscal balance and debt sustainability. That challenge is compounded by unfavourable external factors including high energy costs, escalating food prices and the worrying slowdown in major world economies and financial markets. Grenada is determined to pursue the construction of a new economy through the implementation of strategic initiatives. As we proceed with our development, we appeal to the international community for technical assistance and other forms of support.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Grenada reiterates the call for increased attention to be given to this serious matter with a view to having our concerns adequately reflected in a stronger General Assembly resolution. Grenada cherishes the democratic style of governance. We therefore pledge to contribute to any multilateral dialogue to promote and enhance the corresponding principles of transparency, accountability, consensus-building and respect for institutions and individual human rights. In that respect, we intend to implement, in the short term, several critical pieces of legislation, already passed by parliament, which are designed to bring about improvement in the rule of law.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“As a consequence, we will continue to be at the forefront of activities to have this issue properly debated and appropriate action plans adopted and implemented. The leadership role we have played over the last several months, through the chairmanship of Alliance of Small Island States, is consistent with that mission. Grenada welcomes Japan’s important grant-aid programme for environment and climate change under its Cool Earth Partnership initiative. Another issue of utmost importance to Grenada is the protection of the Caribbean Sea, an issue which has been repeatedly spoken of in this forum. Indeed, Grenada and other Caribbean Member States derive tremendous economic benefits from those pristine waters, which are threatened by transhipment of nuclear waste and other hazardous materials.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“We call on the international community to respond appropriately to their plight. In that regard, Grenada takes the opportunity to strongly voice its support for the Alliance of Small Island Developing States political declaration on the urgency of responding to climate change, which is slated to be adopted on Monday, 29 September. Members will appreciate why Grenada speaks passionately on this issue. We have had first-hand experience of the trauma, pain and economic loss associated with natural disasters. Four years ago, Hurricane Ivan literally destroyed our country. Thanks to the international community and, of course, to our resilient and resourceful people, we have since become more conscious of the imperatives of disaster preparedness and crisis management.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Thus, the opportunity to avoid irreversible damage to the climate system will be lost if urgent and definite actions are not immediately taken. Small island developing States have contributed very little to the release of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Yet we are being forced to contend with the devastating effects of those emissions. We are faced with coral bleaching, sea level rise, salt water intrusion, water scarcity and increasingly severe weather events, all with very real financial and social costs for our already vulnerable economies. The recent devastation wrought by four major hurricanes in the northern Caribbean highlights the 45 08-52265 serious problems we face as a direct result of climate change. Our solidarity goes out to the countries hardest hit, especially Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica and the Turks and Caicos islands.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Grenada has made relatively good progress in the area of health care, especially in improving maternal health, decreasing the rate of child mortality and combating HIV/AIDS and other diseases. Our gratitude goes out to international donors and other partners associated with effective programmes in this area. Global climate change represents a most pressing and serious challenge to the viability and the very existence of small island developing States. Climate change is not only an environmental or sustainable development issue; it is first and foremost a human issue. With the release of the fourth assessment report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, there is now scientific certainty that human activity is the main cause of global climate change.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Emphasis will be placed on attracting young people to agriculture, stimulating the rural economy and providing for food security. Grenada understands the importance of having a well-educated populace. We are pleased that the goal of achieving universal primary education has already been accomplished. We are now striving to ensure that each household has at least one university graduate by the year 2025. Similarly, technical and administrative capabilities throughout the public service must be strengthened to support our developmental agenda. Grenada is convinced that we will not properly advance unless there are fundamental improvements in the development of our human resources. That is an area where international support is especially needed.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Our aim is to build strong and meaningful relationships between Government, the private sector, trade unions and other groups within civil society. Grenada believes it must play an active role in world affairs, since our own domestic agenda coincides with many aspects of the global development dialogue, particularly as it relates to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Substantial progress has been made in many of the targeted areas. Moreover, the plans and programmes presently being pursued will ensure that social and economic development does benefit all our people. Grenada’s main strategy to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger focuses on expanding the productive sectors of the economy, particularly the agricultural sector.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“We stand as an example of hope and encouragement to those who are still fighting and cannot let go of the blame, the hatred and the anger associated with the past. We stand today as proof that peace and reconciliation are possible, that our collective hope for those world regions where brothers fight brothers and people die needlessly is not a fanciful or vain hope: it is a valid hope that can be realized. It is a hope that has materialized in our country as we move forward together, reconciled from a divisive past to serve our people and to serve our world through our participation at the United Nations. From that platform of reconciliation, we focus on and emphasize the strategic significance of partnerships in governance.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“That, along with globalization and other challenges, has negative implications for the stability of our countries. Against that backdrop, Grenada believes that its diplomacy must undergo fundamental change, not only to satisfy domestic expectations but also to enhance our chances for success. Just over two months ago, the people of Grenada voted overwhelmingly for new leadership and a change of direction for our nation. We humbly offer our Government as an example of peace and reconciliation in action. We bring together people committed to service notwithstanding our politically turbulent historical background. In our country, we have managed to release the distrust and divisiveness that have existed for more than 30 years in order to embrace peace and reconciliation and move our country forward.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“I am honoured to join those who have spoken before me in congratulating the President on his election to guide the work of the sixty- third session of the General Assembly, and in commending his predecessor for his stewardship of the Assembly over the past year. I also take this opportunity to commend the Secretary-General and his staff for their continued dedication in advancing the work of the Organization. The world has entered an era where the basis of international engagement is driven more by the trade in goods and services and the distribution of the 08-52265 44 ownership of technology than by notions of sovereignty. As a result, small vulnerable States like Grenada are being relentlessly pressed to justify their economic viability.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)