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SECRETARY GENERAL OF OAS WRAPS UP OFFICIAL VISIT TO GRENADA

  February 26, 2008


St. Georges, Grenada, February 26, 2008 - Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS) José Miguel Insulza wrapped up a two-day visit to the island of Grenada, after meeting Tuesday with Prime Minister Keith Mitchell of Grenada, and following preliminary talks with the supervisor of elections at the Parliamentary Elections Office. The Secretary General also held a press conference prior to departure.

The meeting with the Prime Minister focused on information technology/technical assistance to the Parliamentary Elections Office, preparations for a robust Electoral Observation Mission, support for the creation of a Commission of Public Integrity and an Ombudsman’s Office in Grenada, and continued offers of on-line training for professionals. The Secretary General assured the Prime Minister that the OAS would respond quickly to his requests for support, within the limits of its resources.

On Monday, the Secretary General met with Governor General Sir Daniel Williams, as well as with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Leader and representatives of the Parliamentary Opposition Party and visited the Cabinet of Grenada during one of its regular sittings.

Insulza last visited Grenada in the summer of 2005. He also visited the island following Hurricane Ivan in November 2004 and had a chance to witness the destruction on the island on that occasion. "I distinctly remember the extensive destruction that I witnessed during my visit in 2004. The progress that has been made in restoring the country to its former self is impressive,” the Secretary General remarked during the press conference. “This rapid recovery is a tribute to the valiant efforts of the people of Grenada; and it is something about which you should be extremely proud.”

The Secretary General and his delegation leave Grenada to return to Washington D.C.

Reference: E-056/08