Honourable Elvin Nimrod has reiterated Grenada and CARICOM's sentiments of condolence and solidarity to the Secretary of State and the Government and people of the U.S. for the loss of lives and property caused by hurricane Katrina in the South Eastern United States. Minister Nimrod was speaking on behalf of CARICOM at the Foreign Ministers meeting with the U.S. Secretary of State which took place in New York City on Wednesday September 14, 2005, on the margins of the UN General Assembly. The Minister reminded the meeting that the recent spate of devastating hurricanes floods and other natural disasters which have occurred put all states at risk. The Minister went on to indicate that "Natural disasters must be included as a high priority on the development agenda." The minister acknowledged the historic support which the US has provided to Caribbean states affected by natural disasters, and expressed the need for continued collaboration to assist the small island developing states to build their capacity to reduce loss and for rapid recovery. Minister Nimrod highlighted Grenada's current “Build Back Better” challenge and said "it is important that the Caribbean continues to seek to implement effective natural disaster mitigation and management strategies, to minimize the economic shocks and social dislocation" The Minister said there is an urgent need for all stakeholders to come together drawing on the lessons of Grenada's experience with hurricane Ivan. He also addressed the need for continued support of the efforts of CDERA, and the initiatives of CARICOM to develop well-designed disaster mitigation-related programmes aimed at reducing overall expenditures in relief and reconstruction activities. A call for a disaster relief fund and the need for risk management went out. Other subjects addressed at the meeting of CARICOM Foreign Ministers include the situation in Haiti, and cooperation between the CARICOM and the US to convene a conference on the Caribbean. The Secretary of State pledged cooperation on matters of mutual interest and thanked the Ministers for their support, and expressed the readiness to continue dialogue with CARICOM. Grenada's Ambassador to the United States, Denis G. Antoine Accompanied the Honourable Elvin Nimrod the meeting. Source: Office of the Prime Minister