JAN 03

Fellow citizens, on behalf of the Government and on my family's behalf, I am honoured to extend best wishes for peace, productivity and continued development for our beautiful Nation.

Looking ahead, 2004 promises to be an exciting one for Grenada, Carriacou and Petit Martinique, as we embark on another phase of development, which will feature some new and innovative programmes.

With the focus on people, more effective consultations and the continued modernisation of our society, the prospects for enhanced involvement by our citizens, at home and abroad, are most encouraging.

The challenges from globalisation and other international pressures are expected to be with us throughout the New Year, while the prospects for natural disasters remain very real.
However, I trust our citizens will rise to the ongoing task of nation building and embrace all the opportunities, along with all trials and tests, that may come our way in 2004.

Your Government remains committed to providing more opportunities with respect to agricultural diversification and tourism development, skills training, an improved business climate, enhanced youth development and social services, among other services.

It is our intention to build stronger communities and strengthen Grenadian families. This will require greater participation by the citizenry in the decision-making process, which your Government will facilitate with your input.

One of the highlights of 2004 will surely be the celebration of our Nation's thirtieth anniversary of Independence under the Theme: Grenada: recognising our worth, celebrating our achievements, exploring new frontiers.

I, therefore, take this opportunity to encourage all citizens, at home and abroad, to contemplate this Theme and determine ways by which you can help to make the year marking thirty years as an Independent Nation memorable, visionary and triumphant.
Happy New Year everyone! May your New Year be filled with love, good health and happiness. God bless our Nation.