GRENADA WEEKLY ACTIVITY REPORT FOR FEBRUARY 22 - 28, 2009

UNCLAS GRENADA 000016 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV GJ IS CH SUBJECT: GRENADA WEEKLY ACTIVITY REPORT FOR FEBRUARY 22 - 28, 2009 ¶1. Embassy Grenada's weekly report (GWAR) provides a little detail about events of interest that do not merit longer reporting at this time. ¶2. Begin GWAR text: a. Israeli Ambassador Meets PM Thomas Prime Minister Tillman Thomas last week met discussions with Israeli Ambassador, His Excellency Amos Radian. They discussed matters of mutual concern and areas of bilateral cooperation with specific emphasis on agriculture and training. The Prime Minister pointed out that Grenada was experiencing some difficulty in benefiting from some of the training programs offered by Israel due to the high cost of travel. The Ambassador said the issue is being addressed by Israel through the involvement of UN Agencies who will help by paying the airfare for persons accessing training opportunities in Israel, while Grenada will meet all other expenses. b. Chinese Minister Visits Grenada The Chinese Minister of International Affairs Wang Jairu visited Grenada last week seeking clarity on several issues, including the regional discussions on economic and political union. He indicated that the PRC supports the idea. Minister Wang Jairu also discussed with Prime Minister Tillman Thomas a possible increase in technical co-operation in the areas of Education, Agriculture and Agro processing. PM Thomas said Grenada has designed a strategy to process fruits, both for local consumption and for export. He noted that markets for Grenadian products were available in the region and in the Grenadian Diaspora, particularly the United States. c. Nazim Burke Elected NDC DPL In a unanimous vote during the ruling National Democratic Congress March 1 convention, Minister for Finance Nazim Burke was elected to be the party's deputy political leader, replacing Senator George Prime. Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Peter David withdrew his name from consideration several weeks before in response to NDC concern that a fight between him and Burke would divide the party. End text. MCISAAC