Mott Green, born David Freidman was an activist, innovator, environmentalist – drawn to Grenada by the delicious taste of ‘Cocoa Tea’ a local favorite, rapidly became one of the island’s leading brand ambassadors until his tragic passing on June 1. Mr. Green founded the Grenada Chocolate Company in 1999 and in the fourteen years since, has set a sterling example in sustainable development that many of our Caribbean governments would do well to adopt.

1)      Sustainable development as a policy. Mott’s factory boasted a “tree to bar” concept. His driving goal was to develop methods of manufacturing which, while meeting the needs of the market, did not diminish or destroy the natural environment; thereby ensuring sustainability for generations to come. Solar power, recycling, agro-tourism, ‘Eat what you grow and grow what you eat’; all these contributed to an environmentally friendly product which in 2011, earned the company recognition from the State Department for its “contribution to the sustainable growth of rural economies by establishing Grenadian products in international markets; pioneering agro-tourism; outstanding environmental conservation efforts; and promotion of organic farming.”

2)      Recognizing and harnessing the value of our local products as avenues for development – Mott recognized the possibilities inherent in the rich darkness of our local cocoa and through research developed a way to manufacture it locally. He then identified a niche market for marketing and exports both locally and internationally. In a world that is increasingly health and socially conscious, the story of chocolate that was organically grown, gluten and chemical free and nurtured by a community took the world by storm; particularly when other chocolate products were being plagued by stories of worker abuse. Brilliantly visionary!

3)      End product economics. Mott worked tirelessly, tinkering with those machines he loved so much to ensure that the process from harvest to product, including packaging was done within Grenada. For too long we have been raw material suppliers, exporting high quality products which are then manufactured, refined and exported back to us for consumption. As the old adage goes, ‘he who controls the means of production, rules the world’ and rule the world he did. With a story that was as unique as the brilliantly colorful chocolate wrappers, Mott captured the imagination of the chocolate making community, receiving several accolades and awards while running a successful enterprise.

4)      Sustainable farming/Agriculture as a viable means of economic development. Mott has proven resoundingly that the agricultural industry has huge potential as a means of creating viable employment options. In recent years, agriculture has received less and less support from government programs, with several Caribbean islands preferring to place more emphasis on tourism as their main economic driver and employment generator. Caribbean economies would do well to follow Mott’s example of investing in manufacturing equipment, engaging local farmers by providing a ready market for local produce; ultimately employing up to 50 well paid workers at peak periods. Imagine if this were replicated on a larger scale with sustained government support? We would have a skilled workforce; low unemployment rates, while also being able to comfortably supply our local market as well as export.

5)      Excellence. Excellence. Excellence – Though a man fond of the simpler pleasures in life, Mott was relentless in his pursuit of excellence and made no compromise in either the quality of his product or customer service whether the client was foreigner or local. Too often we find businesses owners who offer deferential treatment based on the perception of different ‘classes’ of customers. The time has come for us to realize especially in this technology age where a worldwide audience can be accessed with the tap of a keyboard, that a customer is a customer is a customer.  Through his leadership the Grenada Chocolate Company was awarded the Silver Medal in the Best Dark Chocolate Bar, Academy of Chocolate Awards 2008, 2011 and 2013; and the US Secretary of State award for corporate excellence internationally. Most recently, the Company was awarded A Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor.

We have truly lost a pioneer and a revolutionary. I cannot personally claim to have met him, but I believe that the legacy of a life led by example is the greatest gift one can give the world. Rest in peace Mott and may the angels serve you ‘cocoa tea’ while you continue to watch over us.

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