ST. GEORGE’S, GRENADA, October 13 — Independent Member of Parliament and former Foreign Minister Peter David has issued a powerful call for Grenada to reject the United States government’s request to install military assets at Maurice Bishop International Airport, urging citizens to unite behind the government regardless of political affiliation.

In a national statement released Monday, David warned that accepting the US request “will only help exacerbate the current tensions in the southern Caribbean, and will not lend itself to the efforts of peace.”

David argued that Grenada’s unique relationships with both the United States and Venezuela position the nation to play a constructive diplomatic role.

“We are uniquely positioned to contribute to constructive engagement on efforts to lower existing tensions and should offer our diplomatic leverage accordingly,” he stated.

The former foreign minister emphasized that successive Grenadian governments, including the current administration, “have promoted deep relations with both the United States and Venezuela.”

He noted that Grenada, like the overwhelming majority of countries and the United Nations, recognizes “the current government in Caracas as the legitimate representative of the Venezuelan people.”

David was careful to stress that declining the US request should not be interpreted as hostility.

“Telegramming our inability to accede to the US request does not mean any hostile intent to the United States on our part,” he said, adding that “our country values its friendship with all our neighbors, including both the United States and Venezuela.”

While welcoming genuine drug trafficking cooperation, David cautioned that “any unilateral action, especially one perceived by other countries as laced with nefarious, hostile intentions, will be both counterproductive and destabilizing.”

The independent MP issued an urgent appeal for national unity, declaring: “The Grenadian people must rally with the government on this matter; we must band together in the interest of our nation, our sovereignty, and dignity. This is a time for patriotism and national honor. Not time for division, nor for taking political potshots.”

David called the moment a defining one that transcends partisan politics. “There will be a different time and a different season for waving color flags. At this defining moment in history, it is time to raise our national flag,” he said.

He concluded with a direct appeal: “I call upon all local political, social, and religious leaders to stand together in this moment. Grenada needs us all. And for me, and my household, it can count us in.”