It is with great consternation that I recently read an article in one of our newspapers from a Mr. Peter Gernert, expressing how frustrated he was with Grenada (and it seemed the entire Caribbean), and bidding farewell to the country he had apparently called home for over 10 years.
As a proud citizen of this lovely little paradise in which we are blessed to live, what concerned me about Mr. Gernert’s farewell note was the tone. It was one of pure disgust. Disgust at the country – from its economy and industries, to its professionals and services.
To read his words, it would appear that life in Grenada is an absolute nightmare; an experience here is one he would never repeat.
Sir, I am sorry that this was your experience. While I do not know you personally, I was piqued to know who you were and what your contributions to Grenada over the years were. I had to ask myself how things could be so bad for someone who, as I gathered from the article, did not come to Grenada “Hand-to-mouth” as the old folks say.
I had to dig deeper and ask some questions to try and understand Mr. Gernert’s reasoning for such disgust of this little rock. Yes, I know that things move way too slow here sometimes; yes, I know that there is a long way to go to truly address the major problems in healthcare; yes, I agree that more can be done in support of agriculture, ICT, and all the myriad of issues pointed out by the goodly gentleman.
What I do not agree with is his broad-based criticism of the country, in particular, the government and his description of the economy as “desolate.” To him, the government has done little or nothing in his years in Grenada – even while the rest of the world says differently.
Permit me to give a little reminder: According to the IMF and other international and regional institutions, Grenada’s economy was one of the fastest growing in the Caribbean in 2018. In fact, according to the Caribbean Development Bank and others, Grenada’s economy has experienced average growth of about 5% over the last five or six years.
The leading sectors stimulating growth, generating revenue and providing jobs are tourism, construction, and private education through St. George’s University.
The country’s debt to GDP ratio continues to shrink rapidly, dropping about 40 percentage points from a high of 108% in 2013. Several regional and international institutions have commended Grenada for its remarkable economic performance – including the International Monetary Fund. Unemployment has fallen from a record 40% in 2013 to just a little over 20% by the end of 2018. New hotel projects and other investments on stream continue to ensure that this number plunges even lower.
So, yes, Mr. Gernert. Things have changed much in recent years, even though you obviously were unable to see the changes. Could it be that you were colour-blind?
Forgive me for asking, but I found it rather interesting that the only platforms on which your letter was shared, were through those known to be vehemently critical of the current government. Even more interesting is that the leadership and supporters of the de-facto opposition were all too quick, and seemingly happy, to take to social media and other platforms to share your indicting farewell letter to Grenada. That, in itself smelled fishy to me.
Why would anyone who claimed to love this land be so quick to share to the world the negative things you said in your letter? True patriots do not do such. True patriots build their country and not break it down….but that’s a story for another day.
You see, Peter, (may I call you Peter?) my sources reveal that you have been quite the political donor and activist while here in Grenada. Of course, that is your right. But, remember, in politics, elections have consequences. A Party won the last two consecutively, and it was not the party you were known to support – so I have heard. (In the interest of full disclaimer, I do not support any of the major parties on Island, but I will die for my country).
If that’s the case, I get it. You’re displeased. Your investment did not pay off. But, because yours did not, please, do not go around dissuading others from investing in this lovely land by putting these negative reviews out there without proper qualification.
Your experience is likely an isolated one, and I apologise that you did not find our paradise more supportive and sharing of your interests, and for that, you had to leave. After all, there is a government in place for at least the next handful of years. Why would anyone want to wallow in the political wilderness until such time?
That’s why it’s important to have a backbone when dabbling in politics, or to just work for country.
Nevertheless, I wish you and your family well. Wherever you settle next, think critically and spend wisely. Investments matter, and so do elections.
Paul Gittens
St. Paul’s