ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada, Tues. Feb. 8, 2005: As Grenada marked its 31st year of independence yesterday, exactly five months after hurricane Ivan decimated the island, Prime Minister Keith Mitchell reiterated his call for nationals to help “build back better.” “It is therefore extremely important that the potential for enhanced consultation with the Committees involved by other Government ministries, the donor community and the non-governmental organizations is utilized to the fullest as we work together to build back better,” stated Mitchell in his independence address to the nation. “Moreover, sisters and brothers, we need to bear in mind that the possibilities of sourcing more assistance – financial, technical and otherwise – will dwindle if we fail to demonstrate our ability to utilize what we have received in the most effective and efficient manner.” He said housing, agricultural resuscitation, health care and education remain priorities of his government as the rebuilding effort continues. Mitchell said government has been offering grants for material assistance and free houses for the most vulnerable families; the provision of seeds, equipment, fertilizers and labor for the revival of several farms and the rebuilding of schools and expansion to those schools where the demand for space is high, along with the provision of books, computers and other materials. This year’s independence theme was “Rebuilding With A Vision For A Better Nation.” Reprinted from hardbeatnews.com