Counting the cost: Overseas travels of Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell

Since taking office in June 2022, Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell has redefined the nation’s foreign policy approach, emerging as one of the Caribbean’s most internationally active leaders. Over the past four years, Mitchell has embarked on 51 overseas trips, averaging two per month, with an estimated 408 days spent abroad—nearly one-third of his tenure. This unprecedented level of engagement for a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) with a population of just 123,000 reflects a strategy of continuous global visibility, positioning Grenada as an investment-ready micro-state. However, this diplomatic ambition comes at a significant financial and administrative cost. Each trip, involving a six-member delegation, costs between US$35,000 and $45,000, cumulatively amounting to approximately US$1.8 to $2.3 million. Critics argue that such expenditures could have been redirected to domestic priorities like healthcare or education, while supporters highlight the potential for securing global financing and partnerships. Beyond the financial impact, Mitchell’s frequent absences have slowed inter-ministerial coordination and delayed critical policy decisions, raising questions about the balance between international diplomacy and domestic governance. As Grenada navigates these challenges, the debate centers on whether the Prime Minister’s global outreach demonstrably advances national interests or strains limited resources.