Prime Minister, Dr. the Right Honourable Keith Mitchell, is deeply saddened by the passing of Colin Powell, former US Secretary of State, whom he described as a friend of Grenada.
Powell, who is credited with helping to shape American foreign policy, died on Monday.
Dr. Mitchell said his most treasured memory of the late American diplomat, was his visit to Grenada in October 2004, one month after Hurricane Ivan demolished much of the country.
The Prime Minister said, “Colin Powell’s visit and his promises of support from the US Government brought such a ray of hope, at a time of great despair. I vividly remember the time we spent together during his visit when he showed such interest in the well-being of our people and our country. Following his visit, Grenada benefitted from $50 million in aid for reconstruction, the first time the US was so generous in its support to the region. I will be forever grateful for his valuable support and that of President Bush. I considered them both, true friends of Grenada.”
The transcript of a media engagement at the conclusion of Powell’s visit, posted on the website of the US Department of State, quotes the late diplomat as saying, “President Bush wanted me to come and to say to you and to the members of your government and to all Grenadians that the United States is standing alongside you in this time of need.”
Then, as now, in remembering the visit, the Prime Minister expressed deep appreciation for the show of support. He is quoted in the transcript as saying, “What has been appreciated even more so is the personal touch of the presence of those persons because that has provided a lift to our people who have been extremely battered. And I, therefore, cannot express in words, Mr. Secretary, the tremendous appreciation of the entire population of Grenada, Carriacou and Petit Martinique for your presence here this morning.”
