Senator suggests establishing award for Grenadian authors

St. George’s, July 29, 2010 (GIS) – Grenada may soon introduce a national award to honour its writers. The announcement was made July 28 by Senator Arley Gill, Minister of State with Responsibility for Information, Information and Communication Technology, and Culture.

He was speaking at the Esplanade Mall on Bruce Street at the media launch of the Department of Culture’s inaugural Spice Word Festival and Book Fair, and the Camahogne Folk Festival.

Senator Gill wants “tangible recognition’’ given to Grenadian writers, some of whom are well-known published authors living in North America and Europe.

The Spice Word literary festival – which would involve a book fair of the works of Grenadian authors, poetry and an art exhibition – will be held October 20 to 24 – at various venues, including St. Mark, Bathway in St. Patrick and the National Stadium in St. George’s.

The featured Grenadian writers will be Clyde Belfon, David Franklyn and Merle Collins. However, Sen. Gill said the Word Festival and Book Fair are open to “all Grenadian writers’’ of every genre.

The Wednesday afternoon media launch, which included a brief performance from some members of the Grenada delegation to the recent Shanghai Expo in China, was witnessed by scores of shoppers and attended by prominent Grenadians, including Mr. Belfon and Ms. Collins, who read excerpts from their works.

Among others in attendance were Education and Human Resource Development Minister Franka Alexis-Bernardine; Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Glynis Roberts; Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office, Arlene Outram; retired senior public servant, Gloria Payne-Banfield; and Beverly Steele, author and former Resident Tutor University of the West Indies Centre at Marryshow House.

Government, Sen. Bernardine said, is dedicated to promoting local writers. As a clear demonstration of its commitment, the Ministry of Education is setting up a section in every school where books by Grenadian authors will be displayed and made accessible for student readership commencing at the end of October, she announced.

The Camerhogne Folk Festival – from December 3 to 5 – will involve elements such as drama, dance, song, craft and the Shakespeare Mas’ of Carriacou.Sen. Gill said the overall objective of the October and December events – the first of their kind in Grenada – is to highlight and preserve the literary and oral traditions of the nation.

The Camerhogne Festival will honour well-known Grenadian folklorist, Thelma Phillip, popularly known as “Auntie Tek.’’ She’ll be recognised as the “Caribbean Golden Lady of Storytelling,’’ said Sen. Gill.

Two special guests – Jamaican poet Mutabaruka and Trinidad Rapso artiste, Brother Resistance – have been invited to the festival of words and book fair in October.

Sen. Gill said plans are to take the festivals “to the people’’ of Grenada, and also to “aggressively’’ market them overseas.

Embassy of Grenada, Washington, DC congratulates Kirani James

WASHINGTON, D.C. July 23, 2010 - An invitation has been extended to Grenada’s world junior champion Kirani James to join the Grenada Nutmeg Network, a United States-based Grenadian youth outreach group.

The invitation was contained in a congratulatory letter to James from Grenada’s Ambassador to the United States and Permanent Mission to the Organisation of American States, Gillian Bristol.

James, 17, won the men’s 400 metres at the World Junior Championships of Athletics in Moncton, Canada on Thursday. It was his third gold medal in world championships after winning the 200 and 400m at the World Youth Championships in Bressanone, Italy in 2009.

The Grenadian diplomat said that the GNN is a community of young Grenadians who are studying in the United States, as well as the children of Grenadians who live in the United States.

“I invite you to join this initiative as we attempt to strengthen the bonds of family, friendship and nationhood.  We also hope to be able to welcome you to the Embassy in the near future and look forward to discussing this possibility with you,” the letter stated.

Ambassador Bristol used the opportunity to congratulate James on his most recent accomplishment.

“It is with a tremendous sense of pride that I extend to you, on behalf of the Embassy of Grenada and the thousands of Grenadians across the United States of America, our sincerest congratulations on your many achievements as an athlete and your consistent record-breaking performances on the track,” she said.  “We have been following your impressive career especially at the NCAA level in the USA and we extend to you sincere best wishes for continued success.”

The letter, which was dispatched to James’ training base at the University of Alabama, said that with his success, come responsibilities such as being a role model for other young aspiring athletes and young Grenadians everywhere.

“We are confident that you will continue to fulfill these expectations and serve as an exemplary “Ambassador” for our nation.”

Nationals in the UK to form Diaspora Consultative Committee

LONDON, UK, July 23, 2010 - Even before the Diaspora Preparatory Conference is convened in St. George’s next month, nationals in the United Kingdom have started the process of planning for the Founding Conference in 2011.

About 15 Grenadians, from various professional backgrounds, met on Thursday night in London to discuss and break ground on the Diaspora Consultative Committee.

The idea of a DCC (UK) was discussed at the Diaspora Outreach Visit in Huddersfield which was attended by Foreign Affairs Minister Peter David and High Commissioner Her Excellency Ruth Rouse.

“The DCC (UK), I would say, is now constituted and we will have our first formal meeting in mid-September following the preparatory conference at which time, we believe the way forward will be clearer,” said High Commissioner Rouse who had invited interested persons to meet for initial discussions.

The DCC (UK) is expected to provide a link to the Office of Diaspora Affairs in Grenada and hold consultations throughout the United Kingdom in the coming months, to gather the views of the UK Diaspora to feed into the decision-making process in Grenada.

The DCC (UK) is also expected to support and encourage the UK Diaspora to attend and participate in the 2011 conference and would hope to have a document produced by March of 2011, which would be expected to influence the agenda for the conference.

“The team in the UK is happy that the Government has taken such an initiative and highly commends the Foreign Minister for his foresight and determination,” she said.

Thursday’s meeting was described as very encouraging with the participants expressing their full support for the DCC (UK).

“Great meeting and lots of enthusiasm,” said Anthony Noel. “I would like to see the government work with the other parties (political) within parliament to support this initiative such that should there be a change in the result of a future election this initiative will live on.”

Kirani James continues to receive praise

GERMANY, July 23, 2010 - Grenada's ace triple jumper Randy Lewis has added his own congratulations to World Junior 400 metres champion Kirani James.

James won the 400m at the World Junior Championships in Athletics Moncton, Canada on Thursday.

Lewis, who is based in Germany and has been having a very good season in the IAAF Diamond League, said that Kirani's performance is a testimony on the ability of our young athletes.

"I just want to congratulate Kirani James on a really outstanding season this year," Lewis said in a statement issued on Friday.

"He is continuing to keep the flag flying high where others have left off."

Lewis is preparing to join compatriots for the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in Puerto Rico.

Minister Simmons congratulates Kirani James

St. George’s, Grenada, July 22, 2010 – Grenada’s Sports Minister Patrick Simmons has conveyed congratulations to Kirani James on winning gold at the World Junior Championships in Moncton, Canada on Thursday.

James won the Men’s 400 metres in a time of 45.89 seconds to add the World Youth title to his accolades.

“Kirani is the future, and remains a role model for our young people in Grenada,” said Mr. Simmons in an immediate reaction to James’ gold medal achievement.

“I want to take this opportunity on behalf of the Government and People of Grenada to commend Kirani James and his family, the rest of the Grenada team in Canada and the Grenada Athletics Association for ensuring that the Grenada flag and anthem are prominently positioned on the world stage,” he said.

The Sports Minister said the government is committed to the development of Grenadian sportsmen and women and is manifested by the formulation of the soon-to-be launched national sports policy.

Kanika Beckles, who competed in the women’s 400 metres but didn’t advance, and coach Albert Joseph, completed the Grenada team at the 13th IAAF World Junior Championships.

James said: “I feel good with the win but the time wasn’t impressive to me or to the fans or anybody really.  I didn’t really feel any pressure but my legs weren’t going for me as I would like. It’s been a long season and I’m just glad it’s over right now.”

James, Grenada’s Sportsman of the Year 2009, became the first youth athlete to complete a 200/400 metres double gold at the 2009 World Youth Championships in Athletics.

Following this, he won the 400 m at the 2009 Pan American Junior Championships. This year, he added more victories at the Junior CARIFTA Games and the NCAA Outdoor Championships.

James into 400 final at WJC

MONCTON, Canada, July 21, 2010 - Jamaica's Dexter Lee won the men's 100m at the Word Junior Championships in Moncton, Canada on Wednesday evening.

His winning time of 10.21s beats Trinidad and Tobago's Darrell Brown 2002 championship record. Charles Silmon of the USA was second in 10.23 and France's Jimmy Vicaut took the bronze in 10.28.

Earlier, Grenada's Kirani James stormed into Thursday's final of the men's 400m with the second fastest qualifying time in the Semi-Finals.

James won heat 2 of three heats in 46.27, with only Marcell Deak Nagy of Hungary, who won heat 1 in 46.23, running a faster qualifying time.

The first two of each heat plus the two fastest times qualified for the final.

The lanky Grenadian quarter-miler will be the only Caribbean competitor in the championship race.

"I wanted to run faster than yesterday. I was able to use my strength to run through the finish line," James told reporters in the mixed zone.

"I knew where I was on the track. I simply wanted to run, win and qualify," he said.

But this will be Grenada's only chance of a medal at the Championships since Kanika Beckles failed to move to the semi-finals in the women's category of the 400m.

Beckles was seventh in heat 4 in a disappointed 58.95.

The CARIFTA Games' bronze medallist complained of tightness in her leg.

Photo credits: Getty Images

THE NUTMEG BOOTH ATTRACTS THOUSANDS AT EXPO 2010 IN SHANGHAI

By Michael Bascombe

In Shanghai

SHANGHAI, China, July 19, 2010 – Grenada’s Booth continues to be the centre of attraction in the CARICOM Pavilion at the World Expo in Shanghai. The Expo, which opened to the public in May, will run through the end of October 2010.

Grenada is participating in the global event along with 13 other Caribbean Countries who are all converged in a joint pavilion under the leadership of CARICOM.

On Saturday, the World EXPO in Shanghai commemorated CARICOM day where all Caribbean participants celebrated a joint national day. Prime Minister Tillman Thomas, accompanied by Mrs. Thomas, was among CARICOM leaders in Shanghai to commemorate this event.

A 12-member cultural team headed by Junior Culture Minister Senator Arley Gill also participated in the CARICOM day activities. The contingent featured as Grenada’s cultural contribution inside the CARICOM Pavilion.

The Government of China says that more than 70 million visitors are expected to converge on the 3.28 sq Km park which was specially constructed for the stellar event. The Grenada Nutmeg Booth continues to draw thousands of spectators who are attracted to the unique design and desirous in getting to know more about Grenada and its Nutmeg.

Depicting Grenada’s black gold, the Nutmeg concept of the booth was designed by Atlantic Partnerships and was the brainchild of the local organisation committee headed by the Ministry of Trade which included significant input from the Grenada Industrial Development Cooperation (GIDC), The Ministry and The Grenada Board of Tourism, The Ministry of Culture and the Embassy of Grenada in China.

Ambassador Marcelle Gairy and Counsellor Richard A. Nixon were very instrumental in the preparations of the EXPO.

Grenada’s mission at the World EXPO is to promote Grenada’s rich and diversified culture to the world, in addition to providing insight to the evolution of our development into a 21st century country. A significant focus launched at the EXPO is Grenada as a prime tourism destination for the Asian market as disposable income grows in this part of the world and new holiday destinations are sought.

A significant part of the work for Team Grenada would be to drive bi-lateral trade between Grenada and Asia. Some of Grenada’s flagship products such as Nutmed, Rums from Clarke’s Court and Westerhall Estate distilleries, a suite of De la Grenade products, together with products such as nutmeg jams, jellies and various sauces and stews made from local fruits are stacked on display in the Nutmeg Booth.

Underpinning the goals and objectives of Team Grenada in China, these operators would be actively seeking out Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) opportunities from the Asean market into target sectors for Grenada. Some of these areas are in the agricultural/farming sectors; tourism real estate and service areas; ICT software and hardware support facilities; manufacturing; human resource development, training and education sectors.

The Grenada Industrial and Investment Corporation (GIDC) will be hosting seminars throughout the six-month EXPO period to provide further information and answer any questions qualified parties may have in further looking at various opportunities in Grenada.

There is a also a fine display of Grenadian art provided by Susan Mains, Eric Johnson, Tricia Bethel, Oliver Benoit and Gilbert Nero.

Grenada’s participation in the 2010 World EXPO has been made possible through a grant from the government of the People’s Republic of China, which was provided to each CARICOM country to facilitate their respective participation in the 2010 World Expo.

GRENADIAN PERFORMERS “MASH UP” SHANGHAI AT EXPO 2010

By Michael Bascombe

In Shanghai

 

SHANGHAI, China, July 19, 2010 – Grenada’s folk music and dance were among cultural features at the EXPO 2010 Shanghai on the weekend as thousands of visitors were attracted to the unique design of the booth depicting a nutmeg.

A cultural team headed by Junior Culture Minister Senator Arley Gill is in Shanghai to participate in the CARICOM day (July 17) activities. The contingent, which included Edson “Ajamu” Mitchell and Brian Hurst, featured as Grenada’s cultural contribution inside the CARICOM Pavilion.

“The organisers requested something unique from the participating countries and we thought our folklore was well portrayed by the Grenadian performers,” said Senator Gill.

The Minister made the comment following a full weekend of performances by the “Nutmeg Band” in front of well appreciative crowds. The name was coined by the Minister who said it synched with the Nutmeg Booth.

On Saturday, Grenada was the main act at the Caribbean Community Day Cultural Expo which were attended CARICOM and Chinese officials including Prime Minister Tillman Thomas; President Nicholas Liverpool of the Commonwealth of Dominica and CARICOM Secretary General Dr Edwin Carrington.

Other performances included a pan side from Trinidad and Tobago; limbo dancing from Barbados; dancers from Haiti and a reggae band from Jamaica.

The Grenadian performance included poetry with Nigel DeGale tracing the island’s history from slavery which was punctuated with dancing and singing. The “Bel Air” dance was a hit with its groovy style accompanied by drumming and a short knee presentation.

Grenada’s singing maestro Ajamu culminated the performance with a few of his popular tunes including “Changes”.

But the best was yet to come as Chinese nationals and other visitors to the Americas Square witnessed two full-length performances from the Grenadian group on Sunday. Prime Minister Thomas and his wife, who earlier met with Grenadian students studying in Shanghai, were guests for the first show, dubbed Grenada’s Patriotic Flavour.

Ajamu was featured in the second show and he pulled a flag-waving crowd from his first rendition which swelled to a few hundreds in scorching temperatures by the time he completed the 45 minutes allotted to Grenada.

His performance was aided by the band members familiar with his music and Grenadian students providing on-stage translation and other logistical support. The “musical genius” also demonstrated his versatility by playing various instruments during his presentation.

“We demonstrated our folklore in music and dance and we could see that the Chinese were very excited and captivated by Ajamu,” said Adrian Kenneth Mark, senior cultural officer of the Ministry of Culture.

PM THOMAS TELLS GRENADIAN STUDENTS IN SHANGHAI TO PERSEVERE DESPITE CHALLENGES

By Michael Bascombe

In Shanghai

 

SHANGHAI, China, July 19, 2010 – Prime Minister Tillman Thomas has emphasised the need for Grenadian students to apply themselves to their studies, maintain discipline and be successful despite the challenges faced especially studying in foreign countries.

Mr. Thomas, who is attending the EXPO 2010 Shanghai, met with Grenadian students who are studying in this coastal Chinese city on Sunday.

Accompanied by his wife, along with Senator Arley Gill, Ambassador Marcelle Gairy, Councillor Richard Nixon and other staff members, the Prime Minister listened to the students explained their progression while studying at various universities in Shanghai. It’s the first time he has met with the Shanghai-based students though previous meetings have been held with students in Beijing.

“Your success here will be a crucial factor in encouraging other Grenadian students to apply for scholarships which are offered by the Government of China as well as other countries,” he said.

“The government will continue to provide these educational opportunities for our students since we see this as an important element of your development. Our hope is that you continue to apply yourself and remain focus,” said Prime Minister Thomas.

Senator Gill told the students that studying in China provides the opportunity of learning a foreign language and understanding the culture of a growing global economic powerhouse.

“Many of you (students) are now speaking a foreign language which is considered to be very difficult. But after one year here you are now fluent in the Chinese language and either beginning or continuing your studies,” said Senator Gill, who was responsible for securing funding for a 12-member cultural group to perform here this weekend.

The students commended Ambassador Gairy and the embassy for the improvement in regular contact between students and the embassy.

“The communication has improved since the arrival of Ambassador Gairy where she has also been in touch with our universities,” said Thera Alexander, a third-year student of Banking and International Finance at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics.

They have also suggested that students who have received scholarships to study in China should take advantage of the language programme at the T.A. Marryshow Community College since it will give them an advantage in understanding some of the complexities of the Chinese language.

The students are also assisting the Grenada Embassy in some of the logistics at the Grenada booth including translation. Thera and Reecia Charles, another third-year student acted as interpreters for the Grenadian performers on the weekend. Thera was on stage during a 45-minute presentation by cultural ambassador Edson “Ajamu” Mitchell.

Two of the five Grenadian students who are studying in Shanghai will be transferring to the Beijing University of Science and Technology in September after completing one year of the Chinese Language.

The students who met with the Prime Minister were Thera Alexander, Reecia Charles, Jeneal Hezron-Henry and Leonard John. Both Hezron-Henry and John are transferring to Beijing to complete studies in Urban Planning and Communications Engineering respectively.

GRENADIAN CULTURE AND PRODUCTS TO TAKE CENTRE STAGE AT WORLD EXPO

By Michael Bascombe

In Shanghai

SHANGHAI, China, July 17, 2010 - The history, culture and trade and investment opportunities of Grenada will be on showcase here when the Caribbean Community Day takes centre stage at the EXPO 2010 Shanghai on Saturday.

Prime Minister Tillman Thomas, accompanied by his wife, is leading a 17-member delegation which also includes a cultural group to the World Expo at this port city.

Prime Minister Thomas will join President Bharrat Jagdeo of Guyana, President of the Commonwealth of Dominica, Nicholas Liverpool and other Heads of Delegations from CARICOM at a flag-raising ceremony.

The Grenada delegation also includes Junior Culture Minister Senator Arley Gill, Ambassador Marcelle Gairy and Councillor Richard Nixon.

The cultural group is captained by Edson “Ajamu” Mitchell, managed by Adrian Mark of the Ministry of Culture and also includes Inspector Brian Hurst of the Royal Grenada Police Force Band and Nigel DeGale of TUMDA. A team of national dancers, singers and performers completed a rehearsal early Saturday morning the flag-raising ceremony on Saturday and two cultural performances on Sunday.

An assortment of Grenadian products including arts and crafts will also be on display in the Grenadian booth where thousands of visitors are expected to view over the next few days.

“Visitors can expect to learn the history and culture of Grenada as well as our main manufacturing and exporting products,” said Senator Gill.

“There will also be the opportunity for them (visitors) to sample many of our local products which will be on display,” he said.

The national performers spent most of Friday evening and early Saturday morning rehearsing with lead vocalist “Ajamu”. They will have one performance on Saturday and two shows on Sunday.

A wide array of local products has been assembled at the Grenada booth. They include products from Clarke’s Court, Westerhall Estate, Michelle’s Confectionery, Glenelg Natural Spring Water, Belzeb Aromatherapy Products, Noelville, De La Grenade Industries, Rainbow Products Ltd, Island Pride Products, Thompson’s Aloe Wines, Barguna Enterprises Ltd, Amba Kaila Spices, and Nero’s Natural Herbal Seasoning.

Among the artists’ works on display are Susan and Asher Mains, Gilbert Nero, Oliver Benoit and Tricia Bethel, who is a Grenadian student studying in Beijing.

Some of the students studying in China are assisting the Grenada delegation which is being coordinated by the Embassy of Grenada in Beijing.

Videos:

Senator Arley Gill http://vimeo.com/13401920

Preparations: http://vimeo.com/13402270

Rehearsal: http://vimeo.com/13401477

GRENCAP makes donation to Haitian Relief

NEW YORK, July 13, 2010 – Grenadians in New York continue to support the relief effort in Haiti six months after an earthquake killed thousands of people and caused widespread destruction.

GRENCAP United, an umbrella organisation of Grenadian nationals in the New York Metropolitan Area, last week presented a cheque for $10,700.00 to the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) to assist in its charity work in Haiti.

The money was raised at a February 21 Haiti Cultural Benefit Concert organised by GRENCAP United and the Consulate-General of Grenada and which included many of Grenada’s top performers as well as some New York-based Haitian entertainers who all performed free.

“Our hope is that this gesture will go a long way in easing the sufferings of the people of Haiti,” said GRENCAP’s deputy chairman Roy McKenzie in presenting the cheque to Derris Krause of ADRA.

Consul General Derrick James said that extensive research was done in selecting the Maryland-based ADRA. “We do hope that the money will be used as expected since we have heard some sad stories about the relief efforts.”

ADRA is responsible for an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp on the campus of the Adventist University in Carrefour, just outside the capital of Port-au-Prince. The camp is home to 20,000 Haitians who are living in tents and makeshift shelters because they simply have nowhere to go, according to ADRA.

“We consider you to be partner,” Krause told members of GRENCAP who also included Secretary Merle Clarke and Treasurer Raymond Layne. “We are happy that you have done research and found our organisation met your needs. The money will be restricted to work in Haiti,” he said.

The Grenadian community has provided monetary and other support to the people of Haiti in the aftermath of the earthquake on January 12.

Last month the Grenada Independence Anniversary Committee of New York presented $1,200.00 to the Haitian Relief Fund, through the Haitian Apostolate in Brooklyn, New York. The money was collected from patrons at the 2010 Independence Dinner and Gala Awards Committee in February, as a contribution to the Haitian Relief.

Also attending the small presentation ceremony were Yolande Milfort and Nancy Hiraral of the Consulate-General of Haiti in New York.

Video Presentation:

http://vimeo.com/13226740

Grenada off to CAC Games

ST GEORGE’S, July 13, 2010 - Grenada’s ace triple jumper Randy Lewis warmed up on Saturday for the XXI Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games starting this weekend in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.

Lewis finished second in the men’s triple jump at the Aviva British Grand Prix at Gateshead in a season’s best 17.29 metres.

Also competing at this Diamond League meet was Neisha Bernard-Thomas in the women’s 800m (2:01.76).

Lewis is among medal hopefuls in Grenada’s 15-member team of athletes, boxers, swimmers and officials for the July 17 to August 1 Games.

The other track and field athletes are men’s quarter-milers Joel Redhead and Kevin Bowen and decathlete Kurt Felix. The women include Trish Bartholomew (400m) and Allison George (100,200m).

Lightweight Jewel Lewis and middleweight Imrod Bartholomew are the boxers while the swimmers are Ayesha Noel, Esau Simpson and Nicholas Coard.

The coaches are Norbert Grant (boxing) and Richard Britton (track and field), and Jane Noel as manager of the swimming contingent.

Ralph James is the chef de mission of the team.

GBS continues to support Grenadian communities

LONDON, UK, July 11, 2010 - “Three Islands One Nation” (The Theme under which the GBS Operates): The Grenada Benevolent Society (GBS) celebrated another year of cooperation and support to the Community in the UK and causes in Grenada, with a Grand Dinner and Dance held at the Thistle Hotel, Marble Arch, London on Saturday 10th July 2010.

The Group, currently chaired by Mr. Floyd Braithwaite, is one of the oldest existing Grenadian Community Groups in the United Kingdom, with a membership of mainly persons from Carriacou and Petit Martinique.

The High Commissioner for Grenada, in her address to the gathering, showered glowing tribute to the group for embracing the young people in their midst, with six members of the current membership, under eighteen.

This ensures continuity with the involvement of second and third generation Grenadians.

The GBS has grown in stature and importance over the years, ensuring the elderly as well as the youth in the community are cared for and appreciated.

The President paid tribute to the founding members and all those who supported the work of the organization and contributed to the family-like atmosphere week after week and year after year.

The proceeds of this year’s event will go to the Stroke Association.

Well done GBS-Well done!

High Commission for Grenada

London

United Kingdom

July 11th 2010

Photo: The High Commissioner/President and Members of The GBS Executive

RHYTHMS OF SPICE BY THE RIVER SHOWCASES GRENADA’S WARM WELCOME AND CULTURE TO LONDONERS

LONDON, UK, July 11, 2010 - Basking in Grenadian-style evening sunshine, Battersea Reach on the River Thames in London resounded to the timbre of steel pans last Thursday as over 200 high profile guests enjoyed a showcase of Grenadian hospitality and culture.

Rhythms of Spice by the River, inspired by the Her Excellency Ruth Elizabeth Rouse, High Commissioner for Grenada to the Court of St. James’s, brought together Grenadian musicians, performers and food inspired by the flavours of Grenada to provide an authentic taste of the island’s warm welcome and cultural riches.

High Commissioner Rouse said: “Rhythms of Spice by the River is an opportunity to reach the diplomatic and business community as well as Londoners and share with them a little of what makes Grenada so special – our culture, our food and above all our people.” The Event was introduced by Sue Roscoe-Watts, Chairman, Wandsworth Town Centre Partnership, the main supporter of the event.

The Grenada Board of Tourism, working with British Airways, Mount Cinnamon, True Blue Bay and UK tour operator Caribtours, met with guests and enthused them with the idea of visiting the Spice Isle. They provided branded and promotional materials and answered questions.

Steel pan music, poetry and song from performer Oneness and traditional songs from Cyril Charles provided an inspiring introduction to Grenadian culture in the riverside setting of Battersea Reach. Special guests enjoyed exquisite cupcakes made from Grenadian ingredients including ginger, nutmeg and cocoa, created by Master Pâtissier Eric Lanlard of Cake Boy.

High profile guests included Members of Parliament, High Commissioners and Ambassadors from over 20 countries; The Worshipful, The Mayor of Wandsworth, Councillor Piers McCausland; other dignitaries and media. Over 150 members of the public also attended the event that was generously supported by Wandsworth Council and St George PLC.

Lanlard’s Cake Boy patisserie and neighbouring The Waterfront will continue to offer Grenadian menus throughout July and provide Londoners with an opportunity to enter a competition to win two holidays to Grenada provided by the event’s travel industry supporters.

Grenada Board of Tourism

UK

The High Commissioner wishes to express her sincere appreciation to the Grenada Board of Tourism, St. George plc, Wandsworth Council, the Wandsworth Town Centre Partnership, Young’s Waterfront Bar and Restaurant, Cake Boy French Patisserie, Caribtours, British Airways, Mount Cinnamon, True Blue Bay and Noelville Ltd., for their kind support and cooperation.

Training for Table Tennis coaches

ST GEORGE’S, July 9, 2010 - More than 35 local and aspiring table tennis coaches will be exposed to international training between July 14 and 25.

The training is being provided by the International Table Tennis Federation, Olympic Solidarity, the Grenada Olympic Committee and the Table Tennis Association.

Moncho Ortega Montes of Spain will spend two weeks in Grenada facilitating two workshops – each attracting 20 participants drawn from secondary schools, clubs and table tennis players.

The first of the two workshops begins Wednesday July 14 at the Public Workers Union Centre with an official opening ceremony.

The Table Tennis Association has invited the Minister of Sports to declare the workshop open. During the eight-hour per day workshop Coach Ortega Montes will expose the coaches to the fundamentals of coaching and training players, among other techniques.

It is the first time in almost two decades the Table Tennis Association is staging a workshop for coaches. Vice President of the Association Dr. Alister Antoine welcomes the workshop saying it will provide the foundation to revive greater interest in the sport among the youth.

"GO GRENADA SWIMMERS" return home on Sunday

by Michael Bascombe

ST GEORGE’S, July 3, 2010 - Swimming officials and supporters are preparing to welcome home the Grenada team which participated in the Caribbean Islands Swimming Championships (CISC) in Havana, Cuba this week.

Led by double medallist Oreoluwa Cherebin, the seven national swimmers and officials will arrive at Maurice Bishop International Airport at 9:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Cherebin captured gold in the girls’ 11-12 50m breaststroke in a personal best of 37.45seconds and secured the silver in the 100m breaststroke, also in a personal best of 1:23.42.

Grenada picked up a third medal when Chris Regis took bronze in boys’ 18 and over open swim (5k) in 1:15.59.

There were 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th places in the finals of several events as Grenada finished on 44 points and bottom among the 12 participating countries.

However, team officials commended the young swimmers for their competitiveness among some of the leading swimmers in the Caribbean.

The other members of the “GO GRENADA SWIMMERS” team are Corey Ollivierre (11-12); Andrew Hopkin and Kahlil John (13-14); Ayesha Noel (15-17); and Esua Simpson (18 and over).

The officials are Nataly Regis (coach); Jane Noel (manager); Diana Hopkin and George Cherebin (chaperones) and Anika Hopkin (supporter).

Grenada’s Ambassador to Havana, Raphael Joseph provided logistical support to the team while in Havana.

"Ox" Johnson passed away

ST GEORGE'S, July 2, 2010 - Grenada lost a sporting icon this week. James "Ox" Johnson of St. John's Street, St. George, a former national cricketer and footballer died on Wednesday June 30, at the age of 86 years.

For many years, Ox was the main local scorer at first class and international cricket matches (Grenada, Windward Islands & West Indies) in Grenada.

Earlier this year, Ox Johnson was one of six former cricketers (Johnson, Evelyn Gresham, Victor Joseph, Joseph Gibbs, Tyrone "Sampat" Harbin and Oswald Clovey) who were honoured by the Ministry of Youth Empowerment and Sports. The occasion was the start of the inaugural National 20/20 Cricket Club Championships at Progress Park in St. Andrew.

However, he was unable to attend the ceremony due to illness.

(Photo credits: Gogouyave.com)

Grenadian swimmers at CISC in Cuba

HAVANA, Cuba, July 1, 2010 - After four days of competition Grenada's best chance of medalling will come tonight when Oreoluwa Cherebin and Corey Olliverre take to the pool in the finals of the 50m breaststroke. Cherebin is ranked second in her event and Olliverre is fifth going into the finals.
To date the Grenadian swimmers have made it through to several finals but Grenada is the lone country yet to medal. Trinidad and Tobago is dominating the championships with Cuba, Bahamas, Jamaica, Barbados, Aruba, Netherland Antilles, Bermuda, Surinam and St. Lucia following in the medal tally.

The Grenada team comprises of seven swimmers - five boys and two girls. Two of the boys - Chris Regis and Kahlil John will be participating in the open water (beach) 5k swim tomorrow (Friday).