NDC Grenada UK Chapter

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Sunday School: Would Grenada Prosper inside BRICS?

The trade group started by 5 trading giants Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) has a waiting list of over 40 countries lining up to join. Should Grenada join BRICS?

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”Invest in seven ventures, yes, in eight; you do not know what disaster may come upon the land.“
‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭11‬:‭2‬ ‭
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Unlike most western trade alliances which dictates internal politics; BRICS prides itself on abstaining from interference in the internal politics of nations.

Both systems; intervention and non-intervention poses problems for the nation members; however that’s the very nature of the game right? Never ending navigation of global problems.

This is where small island nations find themselves between a rock and a hard place.

They are used as pawns, no matter who the large partner is. The US, China, EU, UK, now India and all emerging markets, favour size over existence.

In fact the zero sum game they are playing is that size determines existence.

How can Grenada thrive within BRICS? I say easily!! Grenada’s foreign policy posture is genius - a friend of all, an enemy of none.

The BRICS grouping like all other pacts have a desperation at its core. The desperate need to be free of political interference, which the US is addicted too.

Interference is justified that a global police is required. However within non-interference there’s no big means best - creating an opportunity for alternate dispute resolution.

The world of trade has quadrupled in complexity and Grenada can be at the forefront of commercialising its understanding.

Grenada’s history is unique, and is entwined with many of the BRICS nations.

During the Revolution, South African freedom fighters travelled on Grenadian passports.

Grenada Russia, Grenada China, Grenada India, all great friends presently based on “assistance”, but which can be based on so much more to garner so much more inflows.

BRICS will need a raft of trade institutions which the founding nations will fight among themselves to host, because of the wealth these bring.

As an example, on the UK existing the EU, so did an army of EU institutions based in London.

In the same way, these BRICS institutions have to be based somewhere, why not Grenada? The literal economic benefits would be felt from day one.

Politics aside, let’s join BRICS…!!

Be encouraged

Sunday School: Citizenship & Fatherlessness

A Grenadian is a Grenadian no matter where in the world they are born. Grenada is a net exporter of its people due to long standing, inherent structural economic issues. The impacts inform interpretation of the constitution as it relates to off-island born Grenadians.

We know the opportunities of Grenadians off-island but are we prepared to solve the citizenship by heritage problem for them?

The economy inherited from the colonials was one designed to deliver to the “powerful elite” in England; solving problems for non-elites was not a priority.

The Revolution broke that yoke but the principle has since returned in many forms... this time non-elites used to not solving problems for non-elites… simply continue in that vein.

The wording of the constitution regards citizenship; depending on how interpreted, creates a problem for third and fourth generation Grenadians born off-island.

Where second generation Grenadians can prove their parents were born on-island and therefore can claim citizenship by heritage.

A problem arises for third generation on, regards the interpretation of hereditary principles within the constitution.

I submit that the interpretation of the constitution is shaped by the national fatherlessness mindset and not by practical considerations.

In the week a friend posted his own story of fatherlessness on Facebook. It hit me square in the face like a punch from Iron Mike Tyson - not that Mike has ever punched me…

And we have had a long history of our male leaders abandoning their fatherhood role over the nation, especially in times of crisis.

An elderly lady pointed out the picture of Dickon Mitchell honouring a child presenting him with a portrait - she expressed a longing for more of this father’s heart care for the nations children and people.

While Gairy is considered the father of the nation; he started as a caring father then became an abusive father.

The nation need fathers; and more so during national crisis and Grenada has had many, from disastrous hurricanes to Revolutionary implosion and a war with America.

Who can we collectively recall as a standout person who fathered the nation during that period? Neither did we have a mother figure either…

Tilman Thomas is lovingly referred to as Uncle Tilly; very close to a father and that’s good progress. Keith Mitchell is admiringly referred to as the Boss… no comment.

The bible foretold there will come a time when the hearts of the fathers will turn to the children. Is this the time?

Africa with its own fatherlessness problems, some years back started a program of recognising its diaspora in the US and Caribbean. Today that acceptance is growing fast.

Now, fast forward to fifth generation Grenadians born off-island, some will be able to prove their heritage, others may not.

You’d think my great grand children who will be able to prove their heritage; and I will make sure they do. What is the problem under the current constitution to grant my great grand children their Grenadian citizenship by heritage?

Citizenship by Heritage is of critical importance to get right for many reasons; including the UN mandate that no one should be stateless!! We’ll talk about this another time.

There is an exponentially growing list of Grenadians whose situation will become this same problem.

If the trend of net exporting our people continues; and there’s not sign it will change, within not too long a period, this problem will explode.

The constitution needs to be read from the perspective of a parent; a father and a mother towards its children. When we do, the problem becomes obvious and our hearts will be moved to resolve quickly.

To change the interpretation to prove your heritage and you’re a Grenadian. Simples.

A Grenadian must be a Grenadian no matter where in the world they are born.

Be encouraged.

NDC Grenada UK Chapter is now on WhatsApp.