Grenadians in the UK celebrate Independence 2012

LONDON, UK, Saturday 4^th February: Grenadians and friends in the United Kingdom braved the first snowfall of the winter season of up to 16cm to attend celebrations marking Grenada’s 38^th Anniversary of Independence, at the Grand Gala Banquet and Ball held at The Novotel London West Hammersmith International Centre, in London.

The event was hosted by four 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.

In his 2012 Independence Message, which was delivered by the High Commissioner for Grenada HE Ruth Elizabeth Rouse, the Grenadian Prime Minister Honourable Tillman Thomas, encouraged Grenadians both at home and in the Diaspora, to “share the vision of our founding fathers, who looked beyond their present circumstances to the potential of a people to fulfil any aspiration and navigate any hurdle, if together we harness our talents and skills.

The baton has been passed and this generation, our generation, must now successfully run its leg of the race and contribute to the success of our homeland.  It is for this cause that our administration has developed the mechanisms, aimed at deepening the relations with the Diaspora, allowing Grenadians everywhere to play a role in the enhancement of our homeland.

We must, therefore, change the view of ourselves as being small and insignificant. We must indeed reflect pride in our uniqueness, espousing those virtues that make us who we are. We must use our differences as building blocks rather than stumbling blocks.

As we celebrate, I urge you to reflect on your own contribution to our country. Our patriotism must not only be reflected at Independence, it must drive our productivity, our respect for each other and our determination to strive for greater achievements, as one people under one flag”.

The evening’s proceedings were momentarily interrupted to laud Kirani James’ success at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix in Boston, Massachusetts.

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, British Airways and the Grenadian- by- Rex Resorts who sponsored a prize trip and accommodation, respectively, won by Ms Hazel George.

The celebrations will conclude on Thursday February 9^th with Evensong at Westminster Abbey in London, when intercessory prayers will be said for the Government and people of Grenada, and the High Commissioner will read the second lesson.

Photos:

1.  Guests enjoying

2.  High Commissioner with Head Table Guests

3. High Commissioner with Host Committee

Photo Credit: Erran Stewart Photography

High Commission for Grenada, London - February 5^th 2012