Grenadians living on the spice island have been told by their prime minister that they should brace themselves for a tough 2023.

Dickon Mitchell who was elected in June last year made the remarks during his New Year’s message, telling residents that his government has started to lay the foundation for a robust and resilient country but they must play their part.

“The next 12 months will not be easy. Our team has set ambitious targets in year one because we have a clear vision for the future of our beloved nation. We are also mindful that 60 months, or five years, may seem like a long time but, in the scope of governance, it can go by very quickly,” he said.

“As we embark on this journey of transformation and positive change, our success, as a country and as a people, requires us to also transform our thinking. To move Grenada forward, at the pace that we would like, we need every Grenadian, at home and abroad, to be a part of our nation’s progress,”

Mitchell said while the government will do its best, all citizens must contribute towards the development and transformation of the island.

He said climate change and the high cost of living continue to be serious issues facing the country.

“We need all hands on deck if we are to survive and thrive in a global climate that is increasingly unpredictable. The threat of climate change on its own, and the very real and existential effects that sea level rise holds for the future of our island state, is enough to help us realize that we need to band together,” Mitchell said.

Adding, “The negative fallout from the war in Ukraine, on the heels of a devastating global pandemic, continues to adversely affect global supply chains, increasing the cost of food and fuel, and worsening an already high cost of living,”

“In light of all of the above, no one is coming to save us. We must save ourselves. As we move forward into this New Year, with a solid plan to lay a foundation that will empower our people, I ask that we all embrace the opportunities to grow, to develop new skills, and unite for the betterment of all Grenadians,” Mitchell said.