Above: Grenada

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Grenada is opening its first consulate in South Florida, the government announced.

The office, which is located in Miami Beach, will be led by new Consul Warren Newfield, a businessman and native of South Africa.

When it opens June 1, the office will serve a population that includes thousands of Grenadians in cities like Miami, Hollywood, Lauderdale, Lauderhill, Miramar, West Park and the Palm Beaches, according to a government statement.

Grenada said it would be appointing a deputy consular to the position shortly.

“This is the global village and we have to position ourselves in every respect,” said Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell. “The only way we can do this is to be able to have this connection in important areas around the global community..and an absence in an important area as Florida could not be entertained consistently; so we have to correct this.”

Mitchell said the office would not only fulfill consular functions but also serve as a hub for mobilizing investments.

“Grenada is opened for business and they wanted the consul general here that had global reach, so it made sense for them and for me,” Newfield said.