ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada– The first session of a new session of Parliament got underway here on Wednesday, with Governor General, Dame Cecile La Grenade, outlining the socio-economic policies of the new administration of Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell that won the June 23 general election.
In a ceremony that was attended by Dominica Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and his St. Lucian counterpart, Phillip J. Pierre, and members of the St. Lucia-based Organisation of Eastern Caribbean Commission (OECS), the Head of State said citizen empowerment, economic transformation, governance, and institutional rebuilding, as well as environmental management and foreign policy, will be the main pillars of the new government.
“Priorities for the first year are results-oriented, focusing on implementing strategic programs, projects, and policies to benefit from the available resources.
“Rather than making wish lists and setting overly ambitious targets, my government will focus on identifying priority areas for investment in different sectors. Through this approach, resources can be efficiently channeled to areas with the greatest need,” Dame Cecile told the legislators.
She said this spirit of empowerment is the essence of what the government intends to nurture “as we seek to build, together, a just nation in which every individual has an equal opportunity to realize his or her full potential.”
She said to achieve this, the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration’s transformative vision directly addresses the nation’s social and economic challenges.
“Transformation in the education and health sectors are crucial component change process, as healthy minds, and bodies are the foundation we must build to achieve sustainable growth and improved quality of life for all citizens,” she said.
The Governor General explained that transformation to national development is also critical as the government seeks to combat poverty, foster a sense of pride in our heritage and natural resources, and assume our rightful place among the community of nations.
“My government’s program to transform Grenada will provide a balanced and integrated approach to sustainable development, consistent with my Government’s thrust for a sustainable, equitable, and prosperous Grenada for all,” she said while explaining that this vision is aligned with “Vision 2035.
“The vision is for Grenada to be a resilient and prosperous nation, with a conscious and caring citizenry, promoting human dignity, and realizing its full potential through sustainable economic, social, and environmental progress for all.”
She said during the first parliamentary session; that the government will table legislation that allows citizens to implement alternative energy sources and products in their businesses and homes, adding, “to ensure viability, my government intends to incentivize individuals and businesses that undertake and fully implement this venture.”
The Head of State said that the government would also promote innovation and entrepreneurship by supporting micro, small and medium-sized enterprises; socially owned enterprises, such as co-operatives; and village economies.
She said that the government headed by the 44-year-old attorney would invest in the emerging sector of the cannabis industry.
“Cannabis will be legalized, and a legal and regulatory framework for its production and sale will be created to commence and guide the development of the industry. The focus will be on the medical and industrial uses of the plant, to create employment, and generate foreign exchange,” she said.
She said the government is also keenly aware that there is tremendous work to be done in primary health care and access to quality health services.
“Improving public health surveillance and data collection across the health system is a priority for my government. Dialogue with development partners and key stakeholders has already begun to determine the most effective approaches to upgrade the national health infrastructure and fully implement the National Health Insurance Scheme,” she said.
She said the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the resulting economic fallout negatively affected the mental health of many. She heightened the risk for people already with mental illness and substance use disorders.
“My government is committed to combating the stigma of mental illness and intends to collaborate with stakeholders to create safe spaces across the island, where afflicted persons may seek treatment and repose.”
The Governor General said that in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, including St. George’s
University, the government further intends to construct a new, modern public hospital with teaching facilities as the centerpiece of the development of the Education, Health, and Wellness Sector.
In education, the government said it is dedicated to steering the course towards transforming the country from underdevelopment and deprivation to one where all citizens can improve their living standards and quality of life through equal access to education and training, and employment opportunities.
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