NEW YORK, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19th, 2011_ Prime Minister Tillman Thomas has suggested to the International Conservation Caucus Foundation (ICCF) that small island states, such as Grenada, must balance its development thrust with efforts to conserve its heritage. Addressing the ‘Leaders in Conservation’ reception on Monday evening at the New York Yacht Club in Manhattan, the Prime Minister called for the development of a global framework for the governance of the conservation process. “In the same way that I have called for a global governance structure for the management of climate change, global warming and the global environment, I also suggest that we look to develop a framework that will govern matters of conservation,” the Prime Minister told the gathering, which included Heads of State, US politicians, business leaders and high profile entertainers, especially from the film industry. The Prime Minister said the conservation message is sometimes compromised by the demand for increased economic activity, employment and, in some cases, “survival”. “We cannot ignore the fact that there is an on-going debate between development and conservation. This is why we need alternative programmes and a partnership that will not just focus on profits but on the needs of the community as well,” Prime Minister Thomas told the reception. He pointed to the establishment of three marine parks, the protection of the island’s Oyster beds and the replanting of Grenada’s mangroves, as evidence of the country’s conservation programme. He urged the protection of the environment to ensure “we can pass on to our children what we have inherited.” Later on Monday evening, the Prime Minister, accompanied by Mrs. Thomas, attended the South South Awards, which honoured a number of leaders in African and South America who have employed policies that have improved the quality of life of their people. Dubbed Digital Health for Digital Development, the awards ceremony honoured the Presidents of the Dominican Republic, Kenya, Rwanda, Senegal and Tanzania for their contribution to global health, technology and development. The list of honourees included First Ladies and CEOs who have championed health, wellness and communication development in various parts of the world. The evenings programme was also interspersed with performances by some of the world’s best known entertainers including Roberta Flack, Oumou Sagare, Miri Ben-Ari and former Eagles lead Guitarist Don Felder. Today Prime Minister Thomas will address the Leaders Dialogue on Climate Change, a meeting of world leaders organized by the Presidents of Mexico and South Africa to discuss the upcoming Duran conference on the subject. He will also participate in the UN Private Sector Forum being held under the auspices of the United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon. Mrs. Thomas, who is also the permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social Development, along with Health Minister Ann Peters will participate in a forum on Autism.