Granada se prepara para el 40º aniversario de su independencia
NCC prepares for Grenada’s 40th Anniversary as an independent nation
As Grenada prepares to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Independence the island is slowly being transformed into a sea of national colours of red, green and gold. All of Grenada Carriacou & Petite Martinique have joined in the celebratory mood as the country counts down to February 7, 2014.
The 40th Anniversary of Grenada’s Independence was launched on the Carenage in St. George with the backdrop of patriotic music with performances from Inspector and Young Sound (previous independence monarch) accompanied by the Royal Grenada Police Force Band and other performances by gospel artistes and dancers. Scores of Grenadians waving flags in the true spirit of patriotism, braving the inclement weather, turned out to be a part of the event.
The highlight of the launch was the turning on of a 40 day countdown clock on the historical Fort George; the site where the Grenadian flag was hoisted for the first time in 1974. Sen. Brenda Hood, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Civil Aviation, declared the launch and Hon. Nickolas Steele delivered remarks on behalf of the Prime Minster.
Grenadians are expected to be treated to an exciting and patriotic celebration for 2014 in spite of the ‘shared sacrifice’ economic mantra on the ground. The central government has allocated approximately 600,000 dollars to fund the celebrations which will include the usual rally and military parade at the National Stadium, Independence Calypso Competition in St. Patrick, Cultural Extravaganza in St. Andrew, the reenactment of February 7, 1974 on the Carenage in St. George, Church Service in St. David, National Colours Day, school-based activities, sporting activities and a best village competition.
The National Celebrations committee has already conducted an art competition within the school system that will see the twelve best pieces converted into an independence calendar that will run from February 2014 to February 2015. A Logo competition was also a part of the precursor events which was won by a young artiste out of Clozier in St. John. The logo will be used on all branded items.
Other events carded for the occasion include a Gala dinner, ball and awards ceremony to be held at the newly branded Radisson Hotel on Grand Anse Beach. Ten persons will be awarded during the event. A motorcade will also be held around the island to rally Grenadians in the spirit of the theme ‘Uniting our People, restoring hope for a Brighter tomorrow’. The public is invited to participate and a call is being made for church groups, social clubs and sporting organizations to be involved.
The celebration is expected to be one of Grenada’s premiere events for 2014 as the island proudly hits the 40 year milestone of its independence.
All radio stations are expected to comply with the request of the NCC to focus on a host of local patriotic songs from various artistes that have been a part of the history and tradition of the Grenadian people.
The National Celebrations Committee has also embraced the efforts made by the Diaspora as they too gear up for celebrations in the various international communities.
For more information on Grenada’s 40th Anniversary of Independence, please contact Shirma Wells at 435-2839/457-1990 or shirmawells@gmail.com
