Dr. the Right Honourable Keith Mitchell would like to personally extend his deepest regret and sympathy for the tragic loss of life which occurred at Wesley College, in the Parish of St. George’s yesterday. The Prime Minister recognizes that this painful tragedy affects the family, friends, teachers, students and community members on all sides, and he wishes to acknowledge the pain and suffering of all who have been so dramatically touched by yesterday’s incident.

 
The Prime Minister would like to assure the Nation that all the members of Cabinet are equally shocked and saddened by the violence which has taken place between people at such a young age. It speaks loudly for the need to continue the many programs coordinated by the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, which provide positive opportunities and alternatives to crime, violence and drug use among our Nations youth.
 
The Prime Minister also assures the people of Grenada that despite the overwhelming success of Government’s programmes to date, the Government is committed to do more to promote a nation of emotionally strong individuals, who are capable of resolving conflicts in non-violent ways: Whether this is through developing communication and anger management programmes, or other means.  The Government will leave no stone unturned to do all that it can do to ensure our Nations youth can attend schools and benefit from a safe and positive environment.
At this time when the Nation is united in offering thoughts and prayers to those affected by this tragedy, it is imperative that we remain equally united in a fight against violence in our society. The Prime Minister is concerned that incidents like this can cast a dark shadow on our Nations youth, when the majority of them are aspiring young adults, willing to seize any opportunity to thrive when those opportunities are available to them.
 
Grenada’s Youth have done our Nation proud obtaining international scholarships, performing well in many areas of sport and showing their talents as young members of the business community. It is important for us all to remember our young achievers during a dark time like this, so that we do not group all Youth in a negative light as this does not do justice for those who have been able to rise up and make our Nation proud.
 
The Prime Minister would also like to remind the Grenadian people that it is very important that our Nations leaders set a positive example to follow and we should never encourage damaging behaviour among our youth.  We must condemn anyone who tries to tempt our youth with promises of legalizing the use of some illicit drugs in an effort to obtain the mantle of power. Ours is a peaceful, God loving Nation, and it is incumbent upon all our leaders; whether teachers, religious leaders, business people, community members or family; that the solution to violence is a responsibility we share as equals.
The Prime Minister therefore calls upon all the people of this Nation to work together as equals to ensure that our Nation forever remains the peaceful jewel of the Caribbean that it is today.