17th January 2019, Grenada — Yesterday, the High Commissioner of India to Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada and Dominica, His Excellency, Bishwadip Dey made his final official visit to Grenada before he commences a new assignment in Bangladesh. He was accompanied by Honorary Consul of India to Grenada, Shadel Nyack Compton and Indian Cultural Centre Director, Ashok Jajoria.
The Governor General of Grenada, Her Excellency Dame Cecile De La Grenade held a private audience with High Commissioner Dey and he visited Prime Minister, the Right Honorable Dr. Keith Mitchell, Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Honorable Peter David and Permanent Secretary Alva Brown, and staff.
During his meeting with Dr. Mitchell, High Commissioner Dey expressed his gratitude for his
cooperation during his time in office and assured him the continued support from the
Government of India. He conveyed his sadness in leaving his post after just over two years
and expressed his love for Grenada and its people and commented that this is what Heaven
would be like. The High Commissioner also commended the people of Grenada for their
kindness, friendliness, and hospitality and added that many opportunities for business,
investment, tourism, and cultural exchange exist for the island and that he hoped our leaders
would continue to explore further areas collaboration. He described Grenada as a clean, safe,
and beautiful country where many Indians would love to spend time. He said that many
unexplored opportunities still existed for our people and businesses.
Prime Minister Mitchell thanked High Commissioner Dey for the many ongoing initiatives in
training, education, investment, and building cultural awareness and exchange between India
and Grenada, while discussions with Foreign Minister David centered around possible treaties
between the two countries and opportunities for “Citizenship By Investment” for Indian
nationals.
Both countries had forged a strong and mutually beneficial relationship during the High
Commissioner’s term in office. It was clear that their friendship and understanding had made
great advancements for the two nations. Two such programmes are the Indian Technical and
Economic Co-operation (ITEC) and Know India Programme funded by the Government of
India, in which eight Grenadians have participated last year. His Excellency, High
Commissioner Dey met with three Grenadian participants of the ITEC programme (Rachael
Criss, Allia Sween and Carla Sylvester), who all expressed that they had gained a wealth of
knowledge during their time in India. Each participant conveyed their gratitude for such an
amazing initiative and commended the Indian people for their industrious and hospitable
nature, stating that the opportunity was a dream realized for them. Several more students will
be taking advantage of these programs during this year.
High Commissioner Dey, an avid promoter of building people to people relations and strong
cultural and educational linkages, was also excited that for the first time Grenada will be
represented at the world’s largest religious pilgrimage, the Kumbh Mela. Mr. Simon Green, a
Grenadian cultural and tourism advocate, was selected to enjoy the monumental river bathe
which happens every 12 years. On January 15, the first day of the event this year, more than
20 million people took the religious bath. Mr. Green, who departs later this month, makes
history for Grenada being the first Grenadian representative, and one of 140 million pilgrims
expected to attend during the month-long festival.
Honorary Consul Nyack Compton expressed her appreciation to His Excellency High
Commissioner Dey for his strong support, his commitment to strengthening the bilateral
relations between India and Grenada and his keen interest the development of our people and
nation.
For further details and applications for the ‘Know India’ and ‘Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation’ Programmes can be found at www.kip.gov.in and www.itecgoi.in respectively or by contacting the Honorary Consul on [email protected] or 442 5115.