Getting ready for independence

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Parent Category: Jan 2012

Category: Week end Jan 14th, 2012

Published on Sunday, 22 January 2012 15:36

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“Breaking all barriers, striving for greater achievements under one flag”.

That’s the theme under which Grenada will celebrate its 38th Anniversary of Independence. This year’s celebration will extend to one month from January 06 to February 07 and among the activities planned are an Independence Health Walk, the National Independence Calypso Competition, some major athletic sporting events, Inter-Primary School Lawn Tennis Tournament, and the Independence Torch run in all parishes).

There will also be a National Swim Meet, the wreath laying ceremony in honour of the man regarded as the Father of Independence, the late Sir Eric Matthew Gairy, as well as the traditional National Church Service, Colours Fiesta, and Cultural events and the Fireworks Display.

Chairman of the National Celebrations Committee (NCC), Assistant Commissioner of Police, Smith Roberts told reporters at a press conference that in planning this year’s celebration, the members took into consideration the economic situation in the country.

He said the aim is to encourage citizens to reflect on the meaning of Independence and to celebrate the achievements of all things developed locally and are now part of the Grenadian identity. ACP Roberts gave an assurance that this year’s independence parade to be held at the National Stadium at Queen’s Park will be one with a difference.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism with responsibility for Culture, Senator Arley Gill, agreed with the decision to have a month-long celebration saying that one-day is not enough. He stated that the Committee is trying to build a national festival around Independence and called on every national to do his or her part to ensure a successful celebration.

Sen. Gill singled out the local media and reminded them of their role in making the celebration a successful one. “I want to officially pass on the Baton to you the members of the media, you have a very critical role to play in ensuring that people feel the vibes”, he said.

One of the biggest activities of the Independence Celebrations will be the National Calypso Competition carded for February 05, 7.00 p.m. at the St Patrick’s Bus Terminus for the second consecutive year. The deadline for submitting CD’s for this competition is next week Monday (January 16) and judging of these CD’s will take place on the 18 and 19 of January with the names of the 9 finalists to be announced on January 20.

Member of the Organising Committee with special responsibility for the Calypso Competition, Adrian Francis said that last year’s trial run which marked the return of the independence calypso competition after years of dormancy was a very successful one.

The winner was Pamela “Pam” Courtney who went on later in the year to capture the National Calypso monarch title on her very first appearance on the big stage. The winner of the 2012 Independence Monarch title will receive $7,500.00, the runner-up ($5,000.00) and the person taking the third spot $3,000.00. All other participants will receive an appearance fee of $1,000.00 from the organisers.

Grenada’s 2012 Independence celebrations will conclude on February 7 with a grand Pageant which for the first time will include display by fish venders, fishermen, farmers, tourist vendors, Maypole dancers, Short knee, Veiux Coux and other traditional Mas. There will also be displays of arts and craft followed by the much-anticipated Military Parade with the display of the national flag which has become the major highlights of the parade.

The Celebrations Committee disclosed approaches have been made to the Venezuelan Government of President Hugo Chavez to provide a platoon of Paratroopers to entertain patrons as part of the parade. The final event of the celebrations will be the staging of a cultural event followed by fireworks on the Carenage in St George.

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