Grenadians in the United Kingdom celebrate

Saturday 5^th February: The celebrations went well into the wee hours of the morning at The Novotel London West Hammersmith International Centre, as over 500 Grenadian Nationals and friends gathered for a Grand Banquet and Ball to commemorate the 37^th Anniversary of Independence.

For the second year, the event was hosted by Grenadian Community Groups in the United Kingdom: namely – The Grenada Benevolent Society; The Grenada Support Group; The Grenada Voluntary Hospital Committee and the St. John’s (Grenada) Educational Trust. The event was graced by the presence of The Worshipful The Mayor of the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, Councillor, Adronie Alford among other distinguished guests.

In his 2011 Independence Message, which was delivered by Guest of Honour,  the Honourable Michael D. Lett, Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the Prime Minister of Grenada, The Honourable Tillman Thomas, admonished Grenadians in the Diaspora to…” build together, a more tolerant society, in which we can harness our strengths while accepting our differences. Our success will be dependent on how strongly we exhibit a spirit of unity and sincerity as we forge forward, while maintaining the values that underpin what makes us truly Grenadian.”

Minister Lett also took the opportunity to provide an update on the recent initiatives undertaken by the Government with respect to the development of the Agribusiness sector, and to thank the Grenadian Diaspora in the UK for their continued support of Grenada’s development. He alluded to the work being done by the Diaspora Consultative Committee (DCC) and the Diaspora Youth Forum (DYF), and encouraged as many Grenadians as possible to visit Grenada and participate in the Diaspora International Conference scheduled for August 2 -3 in Grenada. .

The High Commissioner for Grenada HE Ruth Elizabeth Rouse, under whose patronage the event was held, took the opportunity to thank the groups and dedicated individuals who supported the celebration and those who contributed to raffle prizes, including the Grenada Board of Tourism UK, Golden Caribbean, Grenadian by Rex Resorts and the Flamboyant Hotel who sponsored prize trips and accommodation, respectively.

Also in attendance, were Ms. Pat Peters, Head Teacher of the Holy Cross School, Catford, Lewisham, which is twinned with the Beaulieu Parish in St George’s, Grenada. Holy Cross has been assisting since the passage of Hurricane Ivan in 2004 and the relationship is growing from strength to strength. Recognition was given to Mr. Anthony George, the Designer of the Grenada National Flag and Motto.

The funds raised from the proceeds of the raffle will go towards a worthy cause in Grenada.

The celebrations will conclude on Thursday February 10^th with Evensong at Westminster Abbey in London, when intercessory prayers will be said for the health and prosperity of the Government and people of Grenada, and the High Commissioner will read the second lesson.

High Commission for Grenada, London - February 6^th 2011

Photo: Minister Lett/HC Staff Lornie Bartholomew/Feona Sandy & High Commissioner Rouse

Photo Credit: Roy McEwen