Grenada defends stronger ties with Africa, condemns criticism of visa policy

Grenada's government on Wednesday defended its efforts to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties with Africa, rejecting criticism of its visa policy and condemning what it described as prejudice against people from the African continent.

Foreign Affairs, Trade and Export Development Minister Joseph Andall said recent public comments opposing closer engagement with Africa were "outlandish" and reflected "a learned self-hatred."

“When we hear people who look like us impute that people from the mother continent should be barred from coming into Grenada, we can only shake our head in pity at the ignorance of such people,” Andall told a news conference.

He said Grenada's foreign policy is aimed at expanding international partnerships through greater movement of people, goods and services.

“We’re a tiny country and it is in our interest to diversify our partnerships, to reach out not only to Africa but to other parts of the world,” Andall said. “While some parts of the world look more inward and become more insular, we have to consider that as a tiny country trying to go it alone or trying to exclude others from partnerships is not in our interest.”

The minister said the government is also exploring ways to improve air connectivity between Grenada and Africa, noting that the absence of direct flights remains a major obstacle despite visa waiver agreements.

“At present, unless you have a chartered flight, you must go through a third country, which usually requires visa access, even if you’re only transiting,” he said.

Andall argued that stronger links with Africa present significant opportunities for tourism and investment, pointing to the success of last year's African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) meetings in Grenada, which attracted nearly 2,000 visitors from Africa.

“The boost that that gave, it was a massive shot in the arm for the local tourism industry,” he said. “We are constantly seeking to make sure that the contacts between Africa and Grenada are not episodic but are ongoing.”

He also highlighted growing commercial ties between the Caribbean and Africa, noting that Trinidad and Tobago-based Republic Bank has operations in Ghana.

“So yes, not only is it desirable, it is possible, it is happening, and we have to continue to boost that type of contact — business, trade, investment, tourism, recreation, education, and whatever else is possible,” Andall said.

The minister said Grenada's recent diplomatic initiatives form a key part of the country's foreign policy and international engagement strategy, aimed at facilitating travel, strengthening diplomatic relations, promoting tourism and investment, and expanding people-to-people exchanges.

According to Andall, Grenada currently has visa waiver agreements with 100 countries across the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and the Pacific.

While describing that number as significant, he noted that there is still room for expansion given that the United Nations has 193 member states.

He said visa waiver agreements make international travel easier for business, tourism, education and cultural exchanges while also strengthening bilateral relations, increasing trade and investment opportunities, boosting tourism and supporting international cooperation.

“The government of Grenada remains steadfast in advancing a foreign policy agenda that supports national development priorities, strengthens international partnerships, and safeguards the security and integrity of Grenadian travel documents,” Andall said.

He added that all visa waiver arrangements are negotiated in accordance with international law, the principle of reciprocity and Grenada's national interest while maintaining robust security standards and protecting the value of the Grenadian passport.