St. George's, Grenada, Wednesday April 21st, 2010: Mr Prime Minister please accept the warmest greetings from the people and Government of Grenada on this historic occasion for both of our peoples. We are no doubt very happy -- and proud -- to have been able to reach this stage in our maritime boundary delimitation negotiations. You would remember we both shared the commitment during my official visit here almost two years ago to resume and successfully complete those negotiations, after they were dormant for over 15 years.

Today is therefore testament to our shared commitment to the continued deepening of relations and co-operation between our two states. It also reaffirms the strong historical ties that exist between our peoples. It is those ties that enabled the talks to be conducted in an amicable and cordial manner. The agreement we have hammered out is consistent with international maritime law and conventions and in the mutual interest of both of our countries.

For us, it sets the stage for the exploration and exploitation of our marine resources which will be to the benefit of our people and the development of our nation. Reaching this agreement is not an end in itself. This is not the end of anything. It is the beginning of everything.

The settlement of our maritime boundary presents enormous possibilities for the socio economic development of Grenada not only in the area of oil and gas but also the development of other marine resources including our fisheries sector. The signing of this treaty here today will eventually assist  the Government of Grenada to  increase the level of employment, the level of income, the level of productivity, economic growth and the general well being of its citizens.

There were many who believed that we would not have gotten this done – at least not so quickly. The success speaks to the work of the joint commission led by the co-chairs Dr. Carlyle Mitchell on the Grenada side and Ambassador Gerald Thompson on the Trinidad side.

We are particularly proud of our team – made up entirely of Grenadian experts. Back home there is a buzz about what all of this can mean to the ordinary people of our nation – and we are determined to seize both the moment and the opportunities.

Patriotic Grenadians representing virtually every sector of  our society have endorsed what we are doing here today in their name. That is why most of the major civil society groups are represented here today.

Permit me also to thank the two Foreign Ministers, Hon.  Paula Gopee-Scoon and Hon. Peter David for their excellent stewardship of the process and their expressed commitment to a speedy and mutually beneficial settlement. None of us would have signed off on this deal unless we were convinced it was in the best interest of the people we serve.

There is no doubt, Mr Prime Minister, that your commitment to regional integration certainly played a major part in the successful completion of the negotiations. Rest assured that in Grenada you have a reliable partner in moving forward the goals of regional co-operation and integration.

We look forward to greater bilateral cooperation with Trinidad and Tobago in the years going forward. Once again, thanks to everyone for a job well done.

Audio of Prime Minister Thomas Address