The Grenadian diaspora is defined as Grenadians and persons of Grenadian origin that live outside of Grenada. It comprises emigrants from Grenada, their descendants around the world, and those with a tangible connection to Grenada.

The Diaspora Outreach Office is a Department in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade & Export Development. Diaspora Engagement is one of the main priority areas of the department, together with matters relating to migration, in conjunction with Regional and International organizations.

The primary functions of the ODA are as follows:

• Operate as an information centre and contact point for Grenadian communities abroad.

• Mobilize Grenadians abroad to assist in the national development of their homeland through coordinated action.

• Support the interests of Grenadian communities overseas through social, political, educational, cultural, and economic activity.

• Facilitate the provision of trade-related assistance.

• Facilitate diaspora members accessing tangible benefits such as return on investments and ownership of real estate and homes in Grenada.

• Increase the human resource potential available to Grenada through skills and attributes of returned nationals.

• Ensure that transparent and accountable measures are put in place to track pledged donations and materials carefully and accurately from the diaspora.

• Collaborate with stakeholders on matters relating to migration

• Improve and implement the Migration Governance Indicators

• Encourage the Safe, Orderly and Regular Management of Migration

The size of the Grenadian diaspora is estimated to be 67,200 compared to the population of Grenada, which is estimated to be 108,339. Although the size the diaspora compares well with the total population of Grenada its relatively small size can be a restricting factor on expectations of diaspora contributions. Grenada’s diaspora is widely dispersed throughout the Caribbean, Europe, and North America. In the United States they reside mainly in the metropolitan centers. The Grenadian diaspora makes up a significant part of Grenada’s human capital. The impact of the Grenada diaspora in terms of their contributions to the nation’s economic development is of paramount importance.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Export Development is pleased to announce that the Government of Grenada has appointed Terrance “Terry” Forrester as Ambassador for Diaspora Affairs with effect from 15 June 2023.

Forrester will be based in Grenada at the Office of Diaspora Affairs and travel as needed.

The appointment of Forrester is designed to increase, intensify, and optimize the ability of the Government to reach out to, and harness the ideas, voice, and skills of our broad-based Diaspora population, as a vital component of national development.

Forrester’s experience in public life spans more than 3 decades, and is inclusive of extensive political, administrative, and philanthropic service, as well as a successful career in private business.

He previously served in roles such as Director of Tourism UK/Europe at Grenada’s High Commission in London, Chairman of Grenada’s National Celebrations Committee, where he spearheaded the events of the Nation’s Silver Jubilee (25th) Anniversary of Independence, Chairman of the Grenada Airports Authority, Chairman of the Grenada Industrial Development Cooperation, Chairman of the National Water and Sewerage Authority and Chairman of the Financial Complex Ltd. He also held the position of Ambassador-at-large with responsibility for foreign investments.

Having served in those positions, Forrester acquired a wealth of knowledge and expertise, which will augur well for Grenada in his new role, as the affairs of the Diaspora are multifaceted and challenging in nature.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Export Development, which also encompasses Diaspora Affairs, congratulates Forrester on his appointment and looks forward to enhanced engagement on Diaspora Affairs as a critical part of Grenada’s development.