By Caribbean News Global contributor
ST GEORGES, Grenada – Prime minister, Dr Keith Mitchell, has showered high praise for the government of China … assisting his administration to deliver on its promise of more affordable housing to Grenadians.
As reported, the second phase of the China Aid Low-Income Housing Project will provide 647 housing units to Grenadian families. Last Friday, a ceremony was held to mark the completion of 130 more of those units in Diamond, St Mark.
His Excellency, Wei Hongtian, ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Grenada, said: “Progress on the project has been challenging because of delays caused by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, he offered assurances that both the Chinese and Grenadian governments attach great importance to housing and improving the well-being of citizens.”
Minister of social development and housing, Delma Thomas, said: “Low-income housing project will positively impact many Grenadian families and urged those who will benefit to ensure that the units are properly maintained.”
Parliamentary representative for St Mark, Clarice Modeste-Curwen, echoed the sentiments that the housing project will help to improve the quality of life of persons in the parish and that it demonstrates the government’s ongoing commitment to taking care of the needs of the people.
Giving support to the One-China policy, Dr Mitchell explained that Grenada’s decision to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China in 2004, has brought tremendous benefits to the people of Grenada.
“Our role in government is about building up our people and improving their quality of life. Housing is an important consideration in improving the quality of life and we are making a significant contribution to this, through this low-income housing project. We must thank China for its benevolence in that regard,” and “challenged the Chinese ambassador to Grenada to bring even more housing support to the country as he is keen to see a housing project in the parish of St John as well.”
Prime minister Dr Mitchell use the opportunity to demystified claims that China is attempting to control Grenada as part of a plan to create hegemony, said: “The relationship between China and Grenada has always been one of mutual respect. They have helped us achieve tremendous development strides but most importantly, they recognise the sovereignty of Grenada and similarly, we recognise the sovereignty of the People’s Republic of China.”
