As Grenada celebrates its 41st anniversary of political independence, the United States has congratulated the nation, saying that their common values will continue to unite them in the future.
“On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I congratulate the people of Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique as you celebrate the 41st anniversary of your independence on Feb. 7,” said U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry in a statement on Friday.
“I’ll never forget when our two countries were hit by Hurricane Ivan in 2004,” he added. “I watched with horror as the devastating storm enveloped your capital before descending on Florida.”
“My office immediately sent water, blankets, and first aid kits to those affected. My wife, Teresa, traveled to New York to pack supplies and console Caribbean expats in both English and French,” he continued.
“And when the waters receded and the wind died, America stood side-by-side with Grenada,” Kerry said. Together we built tents for teachers to live and work in. We delivered kitchen utensils so that students could eat hot meals. We replanted the nutmeg trees that make your island famous. And we repaired the orange roofs of St. George, one by one.”
The U.S. Secretary of State said while both nations “have seen tearful days and uplifting ones”, their “common values will continue to unite” them in the future – “how we celebrate diversity, advance justice and prosperity, and work each day for peace from the Windward Islands to the Gulf of Mexico.
“On this joyous occasion, I wish all people of the ‘Isle of Spice’ a happy Independence Day,” Kerry said.
