Grenada’s Finance Minister Dennis Cornwall is now free to travel to the United States after Washington reversed its decision earlier in the year to withdraw his diplomatic Visa.
Cornwall travelled to New York earlier in the month at the head of delegation to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81) which started on September 8.
A well-placed source told THE NEW TODAY the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Grenada Embassy in Washington headed by Ambassador Tarlie Francis played a key role in discussions with the Trump administration to restore the Diplomatic Visa.
“Cornwall visa was reinstated months now,” said a top government official who did not want to be identified.
Just over a year ago, Washington had cancelled the Diplomatic Visa of the senior government minister and his ex-wife Ophelia Cornwall who is now married to former Prime Minister Keith Mitchell.
The decision was taken against the backdrop of pressure being exerted by the Trump administration on Caribbean islands that were part of the Cuban Medical Brigade programme run by the communist regime in Havana to send Doctors and Nurses to work around the world.
The U.S government charged that the Cuban government was using the programme to earn foreign exchange.
Apart from Minister Cornwall, the other members of the delegation in New York includes Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Export Development, Roxie McLeish-Hutchinson, as well as Ambassador Andrea St Bernard, Project Sponsor for Project Polaris, Ambassador Richard Nixon and Ambassador Hassan Hadeed from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Export Development.
The source said that as Grenada prepares for its upcoming general election, Minister Cornwall will be making most of the overseas trips on behalf of Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell who will be staying home to lead the effort of Congress to get re-elected in office.
A government release in St George said, “As part of the General Debates, Ambassador Ingrid Jackson, Permanent Representative to the United Nations, will deliver Grenada’s National Statement under the theme, Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All.
Grenada’s participation in this year’s General Assembly provides an important opportunity to reaffirm the nation’s commitment to multilateralism, international cooperation, and collective action in addressing the complex challenges facing the global community.
The country statement will highlight Grenada’s priorities in sustainable development, climate resilience, economic transformation, and the advancement of Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
While at UNGA 81, the Grenadian delegation will participate in a series of high-level bilateral and multilateral engagements aimed at strengthening strategic partnerships, deepening diplomatic relations, and advancing national development objectives. These meetings will provide a valuable platform to foster collaboration with international partners, development agencies, and fellow member states.
A key focus of the delegation’s engagement will be the advancement of several national initiatives, including Project Polaris, through discussions designed to mobilise support, attract investment opportunities, and build partnerships that contribute to Grenada’s long-term development agenda.
Minister Cornwall noted that the United Nations remains an essential forum for dialogue, cooperation, and collective problem-solving.
“At a time when the world faces unprecedented challenges, meaningful partnerships and international solidarity are more important than ever. Grenada remains committed to working collaboratively with the international community to pursue sustainable solutions that benefit our people and contribute to global progress.”
The delegation’s participation at UNGA 81 underscores Grenada’s continued commitment to engaging constructively on global issues while strengthening relationships that support national development priorities and regional cooperation.”