My fellow citizens and visitors to our tri-island state, it is with great pleasure and hope for our future that I greet you as we enter the 52^nd year as a young and vibrant nation. 

We pause to thank God for His grace, as well as the mercies and blessings He has bestowed on our beautiful islands. 

Our history is replete with periods when we were tried and tested. Our faith, strong determination, resilience and unwavering belief in our ability to overcome all odds have enabled our people to emerge from challenges with greater strength, resolve, and wisdom. Through these past years as a nation, all that we have overcome and achieved has been shaped by our sheer determination to see our country grow, thrive and prosper. Our deep faith, belief in our potential as a people and clear sense of purpose have fuelled our success. 

As we proudly celebrate 52 years as a nation, let us not forget the causes that were championed by our forefathers, which led to our development and progress as a people. Let us honour their vision and legacy. The courage and determination of these patriotic men and women helped mould and shape our nation. Let us ensure that their sacrifices and pioneering efforts over the past 50 plus years serve as a source of inspiration to our youth, and guide and propel each and every one of them to continue our journey towards an even brighter future. 

May our natural beauty, peaceful nature and abiding faith in ourselves and in one another, inspire our youth to innovate, create and foster further growth and development of our country. And as our tri-island state continues its nation-building journey, may we all remain steadfast in our faith, trusting God to guide our decisions and strengthen our resolve. 

May God continue to bless our nation, protect our people, and lead Grenada forward in peace with an enduring sense of purpose. 

Happy 52^nd Anniversary of Independence to all.