In an exclusive interview with teleSUR, Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell discussed agreements with Venezuela, the importance of regional integration through ALBA-TCP, and shared Caribbean challenges like climate change and economic sovereignty.

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During his historic official visit to Caracas, Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell gave an exclusive interview to teleSUR, addressing the challenges and opportunities facing the Caribbean and emphasizing the critical role of cooperation with Venezuela. The conversation focused on regional integration, climate justice, and defending Caribbean sovereignty.

Mitchell began the interview by recalling over 47 years of diplomatic relations between Grenada and Venezuela, describing the bond as “deep and rooted in solidarity.” He highlighted Venezuela’s assistance during critical moments, such as post-2004 hurricane reconstruction, and stressed that cooperation extends beyond economics to cultural and educational exchanges, including student programs and joint health and housing projects.

The Prime Minister emphasized ALBA-TCP’s role as a platform for unity and self-determination in the Caribbean and Latin America. Mitchell noted that Grenada’s membership in ALBA has helped address challenges like high energy costs and access resources for post-disaster recovery. “Strength lies in diversity within unity,” he stated, echoing the bloc’s integrationist spirit.

During the interview, Mitchell praised Venezuela’s elimination of tariffs on Grenadian exports, calling it a milestone that will boost trade and strengthen Grenada’s local economy. He also highlighted agricultural agreements and technology transfer under the AgroALBA initiative, which aims to advance regional food sovereignty.

Climate Change: Justice and Resilience

Mitchell addressed climate challenges, stressing the Caribbean’s vulnerability to hurricanes and extreme weather. He called for international cooperation based on climate justice, not charity, and emphasized accessible financing for resilience and renewable energy projects in partnership with Venezuela and other Global South nations.

The Prime Minister underscored the importance of educational agreements signed during his visit, which will allow Grenadian youth to study at Venezuelan universities in strategic fields like agriculture and energy. Mitchell called education “the foundation of development and regional integration,” valuing cultural and linguistic exchanges as tools to strengthen Caribbean identity.

Finally, Mitchell emphasized preserving Caribbean culture and identity, mentioning initiatives to promote Spanish-language education in Grenada and artistic exchanges with Venezuela. “Our diversity is our strength,” he concluded, reaffirming Grenada’s commitment to regional integration and solidarity among peoples.

Dickon Mitchell’s exclusive interview with teleSUR made clear that South-South cooperation, regional integration, and social justice are the pillars on which Grenada and Venezuela are building a shared future. Mitchell closed with a message of hope: “Only united can we confront global challenges and ensure the well-being of our nations.”

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