Address to the Nation By Prime Minister Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell Wednesday, November 3, 2004 Fellow citizens, as we continue the monumental task of rebuilding our beautiful Country, following the devastation and destruction caused by Hurricane Ivan, I take this opportunity to urge each and every citizen to remain focussed on the task at hand. I understand that this is an extremely difficult period in our history. Indeed, all of us were affected by Ivan in one way or another. As each of us seeks to come to terms with our own personal situation, it is important that we, as a Nation, examine our collective needs. I realise that we have some very serious and daunting challenges ahead with respect to our homes, our jobs, our businesses, our farms and other aspects of our lives as citizens of this Nation. As your Prime Minister, I am acutely aware of your struggles. During my visits around the Country in recent weeks I have heard - firsthand - about all your frustrations: The loss of homes, of personal belongings, family treasures of sentimental value; The tedious task of sorting through broken furniture, shattered windows and rain soaked clothes; The loss of income; The anxiety of what to do next; Waiting for building materials, utility and other services have been a further problem for all of us. We are all experiencing these and many other post Ivan frustrations to varying degrees. Moreover, the psychological stress is certainly taking is toll on all of us. Yet, sisters and brothers, it is important to remember that while we are frustrated and, yes, at times angry, there are others with greater needs; there are others with greater losses. My visits around the countryside have also been most heartening in some respects, as people relate to me their many "Ivan stories" of help, of sharing, of coming to the rescue of their neighbours, family members and even complete strangers. On the other and, many of you, I know, have sad stories. Your disappointment with some of your fellow citizens is understandable. However, while there may be some temporary consolation in pointing out the shortcomings of others, we must avoid the temptation to pass judgement. The devastating impact of Ivan on our farms and rain forests, exacerbated by the destructive reaction of some of our citizens, dictate that all of us - including your Government - refocus our priority areas and take the necessary steps to bring the best comfort to all our citizens. Specifically, sisters and brothers, from a ministerial perspective, I have decided to make some alterations to the composition of Cabinet. This is required in order to address the increased demands on two major portfolios, namely, the Ministry of National Security and the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Forestry, Fisheries and Public Utilities. The increased pressures on Officers of the Royal Grenada Police Force are significant with respect to post Ivan responsibilities, general emergency response abilities, cross border criminal activities and other security demands in addition to the problems that has been created by the looting that took place during and after Ivan. While investigations into the actions of some members of the Force before, during and after Ivan will commence shortly, the majority of our Officers deserve, indeed, require our cooperation and support, so necessary for the stability and peace and good order of the Country. Security is a mounting issue which now requires more direct attention. There are many significant issues to be addressed in the security portfolio: Confidence in the security services The efficiency of the services; Matters related to management and growth of the services Given the multiple responsibilities and other demands of the Prime Minister, and taking into consideration the increased requests for security in different sectors, and at the same time looking at the changing security needs for the future of the Country, I have come to the conclusion that it would be in the interest of the Country to assign the portfolio to a Minister to devote more time and attention to the specific needs of the security forces in the context of the post-Ivan recovery requirements. I have therefore taken the decision to strengthen the National Security portfolio by recommending the appointment of a Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office with responsibility for National Security. Senator the Hon. Einstein Louison will hold this responsibility, along with Business and Private Sector Development. Minister Einstein Louison brings to the Security portfolio significant expertise and experience, which will fortify the national effort in this regard. Even though as Prime Minister I will have the ultimate responsibility for National Security, by removing myself from the hands-on and day-to-day responsibility for Security, it will allow for a fresh vision and new Ministerial focus on the needs and solutions for the security of the Nation, especially in the wake of Ivan. As Prime Minister, and Minister of National Security, Information, Youth Development and Information Communcation Technology, I anticipate that Senator Louison’s expertise and experience will fortify the National Security portfolio. This has certainly been the case with the portfolio of Business and Private Sector Development, which is so vital to the recovery process. Fellow citizens, Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Forestry, Fisheries and Public Utilities Hon. Gregory Bowen recently announced that our Agricultural Emergency Rehabilitation Project commenced this month. This $13.9 million initiative will benefit some 3,300 farmers and 6,700 workers directly, while some 30,000 persons will benefit indirectly. The Project marks the beginning of what will be a very long recovery period. Indeed, sisters and brothers, the very essence of our Nation - our fertile soils and lush rain forests - is at stake. We can make no compromises in this regard. Our environment, our ability to feed ourselves, as well as supply regional and international customers with our spices, fruits and vegetables, along with secondary products, must take precedence. The Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Forestry, Fisheries and Public Utilities will therefore be augmented with a second Minister in the person of Hon. Roland Bhola of North East St. Andrew’s. The road ahead for rehabilitating the agriculture sector, along with our precious rain forests and the important fisheries sector, requires this portfolio change. Perhaps, second only to social development and housing reconstruction, the resuscitation of Agriculture, including Forestry and Fisheries will be one of the heaviest portfolios during the reconstruction period. Agriculture will require significant attention at both the planning and implementation stages. Food security, foreign exchange, employment, the rural economy and rural incomes, water supply, among others, depend on our success in managing and redeveloping the Agriculture sector. I have determined that the strengthening of that Ministry with an additional Minister will bolster our efforts and will add valuable capacity to ensure successful implementation of programmes and projects in the Agricultural sector. Minister Bhola brings incisive knowledge and experience to the portfolio. His background in and representation of the St Andrew’s area, which is generally regarded as the bread-basket of the Nation, gives him first hand insight on the issues affecting agriculture nationwide. I am convinced that his intimacy with the farming community will add a measure of reality to our programming and will facilitate our approach to solving many of the difficulties that will confront us in reconstruction of the Agricultural sector. This does not mean that we will be placing less emphasis on Sports. Indeed, Senator the Hon. Adrian Mitchell will be appointed Minister of Sports, Community Development and Cooperatives. Senator Mitchell’s experience in this area and his personal dedication to sports speaks for itself. In related post Ivan developments, plans are underway to establish the Agency for Reconstruction and Development, which will be responsible for implementing the works of reconstruction. The intended structure of the Agency will comprise economic recovery, social recovery and infrastructural recovery. More details on this important institution will be forthcoming shortly. In closing, sisters and brothers, I call upon you to remain steadfast in your resolve to build a new Grenada, Carriacou and Petit Martinique. Be assured that your Government is doing everything in its power to secure the support of friendly governments, donor institutions and other agencies in the form of financial, technical, material and other forms of support. We all, therefore, certainly would be guided by the Almighty Spirit. Show compassion. Share what you have with those less fortunate than yourself. Know that God loves us and holds our future in His hand. Thank you and good evening.