Grenada-Government defends diplomatic initiatives with Africa.

ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada, CMC – The Grenada government Wednesday defended its policy of seeking to deepen diplomatic and other relations with the African continent, condemning those whom it said were not in favor of establishing relations with “people from the mother continent”.

Foreign Affairs, Trade and Export Development Minister Joseph Andall told a news conference that he was disappointed with Grenada’s visa policy.

“Some of them quite outlandish. Some of them reflective, I would say, of a self-hatred, a learned self-hatred on the part of some black people. I’m going to be blunt about that.

“When we hear people who look like us impute that people from the mother continent should be barred from coming into Grenada, we can only shake our head in pity at the ignorance of such people,” Andall told reporters.

Andall said that the objective of Grenada’s foreign policy initiative is to encourage the movement of people, goods, and services.

“We’re a tiny country, and it is in our interest to diversify our partnerships, to reach out not only to Africa but to other parts of the world. While some parts of the world look more inward and become more insular, we have to consider that as a tiny country trying to go it alone or trying to exclude others from partnerships is not in our interest”.

“So on the question of air links, this has been an ongoing conversation, not just between Grenada and West Africa but between the many countries in the Caribbean”.

Andall insists that there’s great tourism potential, for example, and that many, many individuals, not only in Nigeria but in other parts of Africa, have high net worth.

“Many of them are looking for places to invest. Many of them are looking for places that will welcome them as tourists. When we hosted the Afreximbank event last year, we had close to 2,000 visitors from across Africa, beyond regular tourism.

“The boost that that gave, it was a massive shot in the arm for the local tourism industry. Yes, it was a one-off event, but we are constantly seeking to make sure that the contacts between Africa and Grenada are not episodic but are ongoing.”

Andall said that St. George’s is actively looking for ways to ensure there’s air connectivity between Africa and Grenada, even if you have visa waiver agreements. Still, you do not have the direct flights, it will be more symbolic than anything else since, as it stands currently, to move from the Caribbean to Africa or vice versa, unless you have a chartered flight, you must go through a third country which usually requires visa access, even if you’re going through in transit”.

Andall said that Caribbean businesses are already investing in Africa, saying “I was pleasantly surprised when I went to Ghana to see branches of the Trinidadian Bank, the Republic Bank in Africa.

“So yes, not only is it desirable, it is possible, it is happening, and we have to continue to boost that type of contact, business, trade, investment, tourism, recreation, education, and whatever else is possible.”

Andall said he wanted to make it clear that Grenada’s recent diplomatic thrusts and initiatives form “an important component of the country’s foreign policy and international engagement strategy.

“Through bilateral agreements and reciprocal arrangements, Grenada seeks to facilitate travel, strengthen diplomatic relations, promote tourism and investment, and enhance people-to-people exchanges.”

He said that Grenada currently maintains visa waiver agreements and arrangements with 100 countries worldwide. At the same time, this may “sound like a lot, ” but when you consider that the United Nations has about 193 members, it shows that we still have a long way to go,

Andall said that these agreements permit holders of Grenadian passports and citizens to travel for specified periods without the requirement to obtain a visa in advance, subject to the immigration laws and conditions of each country.

“Grenada’s visa waiver arrangements span several regions, including the Caribbean Community, or CARICOM, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, Africa, and other regions such as the Pacific.”

Andall said that the benefits of the visa waiver agreements include facilitating easier international travel for business, tourism, education, and cultural exchange purposes; strengthening bilateral and diplomatic relations with partner countries; enhancing trade and investment opportunities; promoting tourism arrivals and economic activity; and supporting international cooperation and mobility.

“The government of Grenada remains steadfast in advancing a foreign policy agenda that supports national development priorities, strengthens international partnerships, and safeguards the security and integrity of Grenadian travel documents.”

He said that, in alignment with Grenada’s sustainable development goals and national aspirations, the government recognizes that enhanced global connectivity and strategic international engagement are essential pillars for economic transformation, investment promotion, tourism development, trade expansion, and opportunities for Grenadian citizens.

“Accordingly, any visa waiver arrangement entered into by Grenada with others is carefully negotiated in accordance with international law, the principles of reciprocity, and the overarching national interest while maintaining robust security standards and protecting the value of the Grenadian passport.”