PM Mitchell: Grenada Must Leverage the Talent of Its Global Diaspora
As Grenada Diaspora Homecoming 2026 continues to generate conversation both on and off the island, Prime Minister Hon. Dickon Mitchell has offered further insight into the thinking behind the initiative, while responding to critics who have questioned its purpose.
Speaking with Your Caribbean Guide on the sidelines of the We Pan event at the Carenage on Sunday evening, Mitchell said the Homecoming initiative was never intended to be simply a celebration or reunion. Instead, he described it as part of a broader national strategy to strengthen Grenada’s relationship with its diaspora and harness the wealth of knowledge, expertise and experience that exists beyond the island’s shores.
“The main objective is really to leverage our diaspora to help with the economic and social development of the country,” the Prime Minister explained.
He said the Government wants to move beyond the traditional notion that the diaspora’s contribution is limited to remittances, barrels and financial assistance, arguing that Grenadians living abroad possess valuable human capital that can play a significant role in the country’s continued development.
“We have a lot of very, very successful Grenadians in the diaspora, and we want to encourage them to be part of the development thrust of Grenada,” he said.
Mitchell stressed that meaningful contributions do not necessarily require people to relocate permanently.
“It means being here physically, but it also means emphasising that they don’t have to be here physically because technology allows us to leverage their human capital without them being on island,” he said.
He also noted that one of the goals of the initiative is to give returning nationals an opportunity to witness Grenada’s transformation firsthand.
“Oftentimes when you travel and you don’t come back over a long period of time, you always think the country is stuck where you left it,” he said. “We want people to see the changes that have happened in Grenada over the last several years and encourage them to be part of that success.”
Responding to mixed reactions surrounding Diaspora Homecoming, Mitchell acknowledged that major national initiatives will always attract differing opinions but rejected suggestions that the Government’s engagement with the diaspora is performative.
“The reality is we actually inherited a diaspora policy when we took office,” he said, noting that previous administrations had also recognised the importance of strengthening ties with Grenadians abroad.
What sets the current administration apart, he argued, is its commitment to implementation.
“I think the difference between us and others is that they talk; we act,” Mitchell said.
Pointing to tangible examples, he noted that members of the diaspora now serve on a number of statutory bodies, with some even chairing key national commissions and authorities.
According to the Prime Minister, the Homecoming initiative is simply one component of a wider strategy to ensure Grenadians abroad are actively involved in shaping the country’s future.
“This is just part and parcel of a larger strategic initiative to make sure that we can leverage our diaspora,” he said.
Grenada Diaspora Homecoming 2026 continues throughout the week with a series of high-level forums, networking sessions and community engagement activities designed to deepen the connection between Grenada and its global diaspora. Among the most anticipated events are the upcoming Diaspora Forums, where participants will engage in discussions on national development, investment and opportunities for collaboration.
Stay with Your Caribbean Guide as we continue to bring you comprehensive coverage from Grenada Homecoming 2026.
