First I must declare; I was born in London where I spent the first part of my life, then lived in Grenada from age 12. As with Andrew, I continue to keep abreast of happenings on my "mother isle", however that's where the similarities with Andrew end.

Many ethnic minorities struggle to find their identity in the UK, not just Grenadians. In the UK, unlike the US, migrants did not have to swear allegiance to the Queen; renounce their original citizenship and declare their new found Britishness.

Instead, you are not "quite" British, although you are a British citizen, and at the same time, you choose to hold a Grenadian passport, but when visiting Grenada you are not "quite" a true Grenadian either. This has created a need, partly based on a deep yearning to belong and to some degree, partly based on insecurity, to be specifically accepted by the wider society.

Perhaps I am in the minority of second generation Grenadians born and primarily raised in the UK, who understand my identity, fully. I do not believe I am alone; actually I know I'm not, there are many Grenadian parents who taught their children well; we're strong and doing great things.

It is within this context that I can understand the frustrations expressed by Andrew, his strong desire to see a great Grenada, of which he can be proud. However, how many other Grenadians share that desire and have their own blueprint for how the collective can put the 'great' into Grenada using their plans only?

Well, what happened to my plan? Are we going to argue over the best plan or shall we collaborate? I believe Andrew's expressed frustrations are the manifestations of a non-belonging scream; "why won't anyone listen to me" - England refers to me as ethnic, Grenadians refer to me as a mad Englishman!

For those of you who read Andrew's outburst, please see them as Andrew's and absolutely not a reflection of "Grenadians" living in the UK. I can say that because I've had the privilege to meet hundreds if not thousands of UK Grenadians, young and old. Listened to their comments about things Grenadian and their summaries.

I can happily inform you that comments made by Andrew are in the minority, although many people experience the frustrations of doing business in Grenada, but it's no worse than many developing economies.

Last year I visited Rwanda and Uganda, crossing their borders was an experience, half an hour of paperwork and payments at both sides. With my 'English' outlook, this was a total waste of time and money... I just wanted to cross their borders.

In the greater scheme of things, who am I to criticise their systems and ways of working? Crossing the 100m no-man's land between the two countries, really gave me an appreciation for my contribution... at any time a trigger happy soldier on either side can open fire; many people will be dead, no country would take responsibility and my opinions will be silent.

We have to value our ability to contribute freely and use it wisely. Our Grenadian politicians are maturing slower than many in and out of Grenada would like, but what do we do, sulk and accuse them, or engage and bring about that well deserved change?

The world economic climate is moving so fast, even UK plc is struggling to keep up, what of Grenada?

All the best to you Andrew and perhaps in the future, speak on behalf of yourself.

Blessings

R. McEwen