Prime Minister spends weekend in Carriacou and Petite Martinque

ST. GEORGE’S, GRENADA, 12 DECEMBER 2011_ Prime Minister, Hon. Tillman Thomas, spent the weekend meeting the people of Carriacou and Petite Martinique and visiting various projects on both islands.

The Prime Minister on Saturday toured various government projects including the Petite Carenage Road, where residents expressed praise to the administration for undertaking the repair of the road which was in a dilapidated state for more than 40 years.

“We are indeed extremely happy that this road was repaired. It was almost impossible to drive here for a long time, but now its almost completed. So we really want to applaud the government for this,” one resident said, prior to a short impromptu ceremony in celebration of the project.

The Prime Minister, along with Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, Senator George Prime, joined the residents in a traditional toast, characterized by the spilling of water and alcohol on the newly paved road, as a mark of celebration and thanks.

The Prime Minister also visited many homes and villages on the island, including the Hospital and the nearby Home for the Aged.

On Sunday morning Prime Minister Thomas attended mas at the Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church in L’Esterre prior to having a traditional Carriacou breakfast of corned fish, bakes and “bush tea”, in Harvey Vale.

Later Sunday morning the Grenada team travelled to Petite Martinique where they attended mas at the St. Aquinas R.C. Church.

“I am really happy to be with you this morning. I want you to know that we will do what ever we can to ensure that we provide the services that you require. You are part of the state of Grenada and I assure you that you are not forgotten in our development,” The Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister and the team also toured several projects in Petite Martinique including the relocated police station and a major road being developed to connect both sides of the island.

He met with several residents in Petite Martinique, to exchange greetings.

The Prime Minister also got the opportunity to see first hand, the destruction of the coast line of the western side of Petite Martinique, where cricketers once played their favorite game.

“That is where the playground was,” said Michael Caesar, a former Minister of Government in Grenada, who pointed to an imaginary line in the sea, about 40 feet away from what now serves as the waters edge.

“This is why we have been urging the international community to take the matter of climate change seriously. Grenada, and other small states are losing territory because of rising sea levels. This is happening now and we must act urgently to stop it,” the Prime Minister said.

He called on Senator Prime to develop a project that can attract funding for mitigation and adaption under the climate change agenda to ensure steps can be taken to stop the loss of coastal lands due to a rise in sea level.

The Prime Minister was awestruck at the beauty of the island, especially the view of the Grenadine chain, on a clear December day.