Diaspora Is Grenada’s 16th Constituency

Grenadians in Canada and other overseas communities do not have a representative in either of the two chambers of Grenada’s parliament but they should, according to opposition parliamentarian and lawyer Peter David.

Grenada’s parliament consists of the Lower House of 15 MPs representing each constituency and the Upper House of appointed senators from the governing and opposition parties, as well as representatives of the private sector, labour movement and the agriculture and fishing community.

“The Diaspora is our 16th constituency and must be treated like that,’’ said David, speaking last Saturday in Toronto.

It was his first visit abroad since the launch of the Democratic People’s Movement (DPM), a political organization headed by David, who twice has served as Grenada’s minister of foreign affairs. DPM, in David’s words, is trying “to build not just a new movement but to have a new type of politics.’’

David explained that in forming the DPM, members found “an appetite for a new entity’’ and saw “a retardation of the potential of this country because of the tribal nature of our politics.’’

At the DPM’s November 16 launch in St George’s, representatives emphasized the importance of the Diaspora, people’s participation in national development and the need for greater unity among Grenadians. These pillars of DPM – commonly referred to as “The Movement’’ – were reiterated in Toronto.

Also present was Derrick James, former ambassador for Diaspora Affairs and consul general in Toronto. “With a Diaspora population exceeding 360,000 Canadians and growing, the DPM positions Diaspora engagement as essential to Grenada’s future,’’ James said.

Other members of the DPM delegation were former government employee Andy Best, lawyer and lecturer Jasmine Redhead, and US-based educator Dr Anthony Bridgeman. Bridgeman said, “We represent something unique,’’ and encouraged nationals to “stay engaged’’ and “build this Movement together.’’

Best said building Grenada requires the involvement of Grenadians in the Diaspora. Redhead, speaking before David’s keynote address, described him as “authentic’’ and “consistent,’’ saying, “If there’s anybody who can unite Grenada, it’s Peter.’’

David appealed to Grenadians abroad to remain united. He said the Diaspora “has contributed tremendously’’ and is “an essential part of the Grenadian community.’’ DPM, he said, is proposing that a mechanism be created for appointing a Diaspora senator.

A DPM government will help young people establish businesses and set up a housing initiative to ensure “generational wealth’’ through homeownership, offering grants of EC$35,000–EC$50,000 to first-time homebuyers under 35.

David and his team also visited New York before returning to Grenada.