MPP Arnott helps celebrate 40 anniversary of Grenada’s independence

NEWS RELEASE
Ted Arnott, MPP
Wellington-Halton Hills
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 6, 2014

MPP Arnott helps celebrate 40th anniversary of Grenada’s independence

(Queen’s Park) – On February 6, Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott was at Queen’s Park to help celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Grenada’s independence, speaking on behalf of the Ontario PC Caucus in his role as Official Opposition Critic to the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs.

Grenada, an island nation in the Caribbean, gained its independence from Great Britain on February 7, 1974.

The following is the text of Mr. Arnott’s remarks:

Bishop Butler, Members of the Consular Corps, representatives of the Government of Grenada, Minister Coteau, my colleagues in the Legislature, honoured guests:

Let me begin my brief remarks by saying how pleased I am to be here with you today, for this special celebration.

My only reservation about our event today is the location we’ve chosen.

With the winter we’ve had so far, there would have been unanimous consent in the Legislature to have this ceremony at the Queen’s Park in St. George’s instead of here in Toronto! What on earth were we thinking?

Still there is warmth in this building, not just from the old boilers we use to heat it, but also warmth that’s in the hearts of you, our guests, as we celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Grenada’s independence.

But your proud history goes back much further than just the past 40 years. Your history is one of shared struggle, first to overcome the cruel yolk of slavery and later on, to overcome the heavy yolk of European colonialism.

We must never forget that our generation stands on the shoulders of all the generations who came before us, and we are remiss if we overlook our obligation to honour our ancestors on days such as these.

And so we honour them.

Grenada is one of the most beautiful countries, not just in the Caribbean, but anywhere.

As the Isle of Spice, Grenada leads the world in the production of nutmeg and mace. And as a constitutional monarchy, with allegiance to Queen Elizabeth II, as a Member of the Commonwealth, with a British parliamentary democratic system of government, Grenada and Canada share so much in common.

And upon our shared values, our respective countries will continue to build an even closer relationship as the 21st century continues to unfold.

Canada, and in particular Ontario, is strengthened by the presence here of Grenadians. I think of my friend Randy Panchoo, who’s worked here at the Ontario Legislature for years. We are fortunate to have their contribution to Canada, even as their pride in their heritage remains undiminished.

And we have watched in awe as Grenadians through their hard work and proven engineering skill, began to rebuild the country after Hurricanes Ivan and Emily ravaged Grenada in successive years, steadily and surely building again for a brighter tomorrow.

On behalf of our Ontario PC Party Leader Tim Hudak and my colleagues in the PC Caucus, we wish you congratulations on 40 years of Grenada independence, and continued success as you build that better future, sure in the knowledge that your friendship with Canada will only strengthen in the years to come.

Thank you so very much.

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Ted Arnott, MPP
Phone: 416-325-3880
Email: ted.arnott@pc.ola.org