The Grenadian diaspora is defined as Grenadians and persons of Grenadian origin that live outside of Grenada. It comprises emigrants from Grenada, their descendants around the world, and those with a tangible connection to Grenada.

The Office of Diaspora Affairs plays a key role in achieving effective engagement of the Grenadian diaspora. The ODA is a special unit within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The central purpose of the ODA is to create an institutional mechanism in Grenada to advise on and implement government’s policy with respect to the diaspora.

The ODA continues to work closely with Regional Diaspora Affairs Coordinators and the diaspora to maintain the robust system in place that ensures accountability and transparency in operations.

The primary functions of the ODA are as follows:

• Operate as an information centre and contact point for Grenadian communities abroad.

• Mobilize Grenadians abroad to assist in the national development of their homeland through coordinated action.

• Support the interests of Grenadian communities overseas through social, political, educational, cultural, and economic activity.

• Facilitate the provision of trade-related assistance.

• Facilitate diaspora members accessing tangible benefits such as return on investments and ownership of real estate and homes in Grenada.

• Create favorable conditions for Grenadians in the diaspora, return to their homeland.

• Increase the human resource potential available to Grenada through skills and attributes of returned nationals.

• Ensure that transparent and accountable measures are put in place to track pledged donations and materials carefully and accurately from the diaspora.

The size of the Grenadian diaspora is estimated to be 67,200 compared to the population of Grenada, which is estimated to be 108,339. Although the size the diaspora compares well with the total population of Grenada its relatively small size can be a restricting factor on expectations of diaspora contributions. Grenada’s diaspora is widely dispersed throughout the Caribbean, Europe, and North America. In the United States they reside mainly in the metropolitan centers. The Grenadian diaspora makes up a significant part of Grenada’s human capital. The impact of the Grenada diaspora in terms of their contributions to the nation’s economic development is of paramount importance.