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ST GEORGE’S, Grenada -- The United States ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean states, Larry Leon Palmer, last month made a courtesy call on, and held discussions with Grenada’s opposition leader, Dr Keith Mitchell.

The ambassador was accompanied by the US Charge d’Affairs to Grenada, Bernard Link.

The opposition leader welcomed Palmer to Grenada on behalf of his party and made reference to the very strong relationship that has been established and maintained between Grenada and the United States over the years.

Mitchell informed the ambassador that the Grenadian people, and he himself, will always remember, and will always be grateful for, the tremendous support given to the country by the US Government and its people, after the devastation caused by Hurricane Ivan in 2004.

He noted the US government’s financial contribution represented the highest by any government at the time, noting that the country also benefitted tremendously from contributions by ordinary American citizens and Grenadians living in the United States.

In further discussions, Mitchell made special mention of the economic challenges faced by Grenada and other countries in the region. He stressed on the importance of the leadership and the people ensuring that all opportunities to ease the burden on the people are fully grasped if the region is to meet these challenges successfully.

With specific reference to Grenada, Mitchell also addressed the matter of concern regarding the inefficient functioning of the new voter registration system and the negative effects that this can have on the electoral process. He noted that the difficulties being experienced are making the exercise very difficult for many voters.

As a result, voters are expressing deep frustration about, among other things, the length of time given to register, the insufficiency of required equipment and materials, the carrying out of the process in an election atmosphere, and the lack of adequate numbers of sufficiently trained personnel to manage the process.

He further stated while he does not expect the government of the United States to be involved in the internal affairs of Grenada, his party would be writing to the relevant US government agencies concerning this situation, the intention being to ensure that the Grenadian people are not, in any way, hindered in the exercise of their democratic rights.

Palmer indicated that he looks forward to receiving the letter and would treat it with the high level of importance that it deserves.

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