The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, in cooperation with the European Development Fund (EDF) Support Unit, conducted a tour for the delegation on July 10 of some of the worst affected areas. The delegation had the opportunity to see first hand the extent of the damage caused by Hurricane Ivan and the progress made to date.

The officials held a meeting on Monday (July 11) with Acting Prime Minister Elvin Nimrod, who expressed appreciation to the EU on its immediate response in the hours following Ivan through ECHO humanitarian relief. In thanking the delegation for the visit and the interest shown in Grenada, the Acting Prime Minister reiterated Government’s commitment to implement in a timely manner all EU funded programmes and to strengthen the relationship between Grenada and the EU.

As a follow up to an earlier request that Prime Minister Keith Mitchell made during his visit to Brussels in March, the delegation agreed to give serious consideration to assist Grenada with budgetary support for the reconstruction effort.

Mr. Richelle and his delegation also met with senior officials of the Agency for Reconstruction and Development at the ARD Board Room, along with officials from the Ministries of Finance, Education and Foreign Affairs for an in-depth review of ongoing EU/Grenada development cooperation. It was agreed that immediate attention will focus on rebuilding schools through the Schools Rehabilitation Programme, with priority given to the Grenada Boys Secondary School. The funds for schools will be channeled through the World Bank to facilitate speedier disbursement.

The European Commission delegation comprised Mr. Koos Richelle, Director General AIDCO; John Calorghirou, Head of Unit, Directorate General of Development; Mr. Amos Tincani, Head of Delegation, Barbados; Mr. Jose Soler, Principal Administrator, AIDCO Caribbean; and Joachim Zeller, delegation office Barbados. AIDCO is responsible for implementing EU funded projects and disbursement of aid.