Commonwealth sports ministers to meet on eve of the Olympics

Patrick Simmons

JULY 18, 2012 - Grenada’s Sports Minister Patrick Simmons will join his Commonwealth colleagues at the 6^th Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting to consider policy guidelines aimed at strengthening Sport for Development and Peace.

Sports ministers from Commonwealth countries will meet in London on the eve of the Olympic Games to discuss how sport can contribute to advancing development goals.

The meeting, on July 25, will draw attention to how Sport for Development and Peace can be used in efforts to address social and economic challenges and promote global public health.

Ministers will also review comprehensive policy recommendations developed by the Commonwealth to help governments, sports bodies, intergovernmental organisations and civil society organisations in strengthening sport-based interventions.

Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General Mmasekgoa Masire-Mwamba, who oversees the Commonwealth’s work in this area, said: “Sport is not only about competition and elite athletes. It is also not a universal remedy to development challenges, but under the right circumstances, it can convey important democratic principles such as tolerance, solidarity, co-operation and respect. It can also foster inclusion for marginalised people and support vulnerable people, including girls and women, people with a disability, those living in conflict and people recovering from trauma”.

“The recommendations will support governments and sports bodies in member countries and position the Commonwealth as a leading site of progressive sport policy."

Ministers will also discuss how to combat threats to the integrity of sport, including illegal sports betting and match fixing and review preparations for the 2014 Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth Youth Games, which take place in Glasgow, Scotland.

Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting is held every two years on the margins of the Commonwealth Games and the Summer Olympic & Paralympic Games.

The last such meeting (5CSMM) was held in Delhi on October 4 2010, a day after the Opening Ceremony of the IXX Commonwealth Games.

Sports Minister: Officials to meet with Grenadian athletes in New York

Sports Minister Patrick Simmons

By Michael Bascombe

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, July 18, 2012 - The Government of Grenada is collaborating with the Grenada Athletics Association (GAA) and the Grenada Olympic Committee (GOC) to create a greater linkage between Grenada and track and field athletes in the Diaspora, according to Youth Empowerment and Sports Minister, Patrick Simmons.

The Minister confirmed that a meeting is being planned for later this year that will involve athletes and officials in the Diaspora.

“We want to create a greater coordination between Grenada and the athletes outside in the Diaspora,” he said.

He said that the GAA is the driving force behind this meeting where they are expected to meet the majority, if not all, of Grenada’s foreign-based track and field athletes in New York.

The GAA is expected to officially inform the athletes as well as finalised the agenda for the proposed meeting.

“This meeting should provide an opportunity for us to discuss strategies on how we go forward in terms of keeping that line of communication open among the Ministry, the GAA, the GOC and the athletes themselves so they will be able to get better support from the Olympic Committee, better support from the Ministry and better support from the Athletics Association,” said Simmons.

The Consulate-General office in New York is also coordinating some of the initial discussions and there has been communication with the stakeholders in Grenada.

“Our office has made progress in securing the venue and some of the advanced logistics and our Press Attaché (Michael Bascombe) has been coordinating with the Ministry, the Olympic Committee and the Athletics Association,” said Consul General Derrick James.

Only recently the government announced plans to develop a home-grown athletics programme which will involve student-athletes remaining at home to pursue tertiary education as well as train with the nation’s qualified coaches.

The Sports Minister said that initial discussions have taken place with the Ministry of Education and they are expected to partner with the St George’s University (SGU). However, he said no discussions have taken place with SGU as yet.

Grenadian Athletes – Road to London 2012

Courtesy Wayne Wilson

Neisha Bernard-Thomas

It was another successful day at training in preparation for the Olympic Games.

My body is starting to feel good again. I am now getting into the spirit as I think more about the opening of the Games next Friday because I know once that takes place it would be time for serious business.

I am excited to see what’s going to happen. The weather has been the trending topic around England.

I am gearing up to compete at a meet in Amsterdam, Holland on Saturday (EAP Amsterdam Open) so we’ll see where I am at, and shape wise. After not racing since June 2, I am anxious to see where I am now.

But the countdown is definitely on and soon we will be moving into the Olympic village.

Kurt Felix

I had a very light day today because of the weather and competition this week.

However, I was limited to some speed work, hurdles, long and high jump drills. Rain prevented me from a full training programme.

I am leaving West Sussex on Tuesday for Wales where I will compete in the Welsh Athletics International in Cardiff on Wednesday.

This is my final high-level competition before the Olympic Games. I will be competing in the Javelin and Long Jump events.

An exposition of Grenadian culture in Brooklyn

NEW YORK, July 16, 2012 - Despite threats of heavy thunderstorms, hundreds of Grenadians converged on St Andrew’s Park in Brooklyn, New York for the Grenada, Carriacou & Petite Martinique Day.

The annual event is jointly organised by the Consulate-General of Grenada in New York and the Grenada, Carriacou & Petite Martinique United (GRENCAP).

Graced with the presence of accredited diplomats in New York, including Grenada’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Dessima Williams, Consul General Derrick James, Grenadian-born Assistant Commissioner NYC Department of Small Business Services, Gregg Bishop and Council Member Jumaane Williams ( of Grenadian parents), the activities included performances by Edson “King Ajamu” Mitchell, Kevin Rougier, Elimus “Inspector” Gilbert, Ijeal Joseph, and the Spice Isle Rhythm Jammers, among others.

Scores of stalls provided Grenadian cuisine as well as the showcasing of fancy mas costumes and art and craft.

“One of the few occasions we get in New York where Grenadians and their friends can come together and experience our culture, away from home,” said Roy McKenzie, President of GRENCAP United.

Grenadians also had the opportunity to meet a number of Grenadians who either own or manage businesses in the city, including assistant commissioner Bishop (NYC Small Business Services).

“Grenadians continue to demonstrate their appreciation for their heritage and culture and this year was no exception,” said Consul General James.

“The initial feedback we are getting is that this activity allows Grenadians to sample the many local dishes as well as to meet friends and get a prelude to Spice Mas in August,” he said.

He said that, like previous years, the committee will work on the shortcomings to make the next edition, scheduled for Sunday July 14, 2013, more entertaining.

GRENCAP expressed thanks to many of the individuals, groups, organisations and city agencies, including the New York Police Department, which supported this year’s event.

Bringing the spirit of Grenada to Britain

LONDON, July 15, 2012 - Despite the heavy downpour and a rainy week in London, the 4^th Annual Grenadian Heritage Day was convened at the Old Lyonian Sports and Social Club in Pinner, Harrow, London on Saturday July 14^th 2012, with scores of Grenadians and friends sampling tasty Grenadian cuisine, fruits, vegetables, arts, craft, culture, entertainment, on display, as Grenada’s Heritage was showcased for the fourth year running.

The idea, conceived in 2009, is aimed at educating second and succeeding generation Grenadians about their Heritage, and showcasing Grenadian Culture, Expertise and Cuisine.

Since the first event proved to be a tremendous success, the High Commissioner for Grenada and the Grenadian Community Groups in the United Kingdom, decided to make it an annual event.

The Event was Officially Opened by The Worshipful The Mayor of Harrow, Councillor Nizam Ismail accompanied by the Lady Mayoress, who warmly welcomed the culture of Grenada to Harrow.

The event was also graced by the presence of L/Cpl Dr Johnson Beharry VC, Mr Anthony C George, Designer of the Grenada Flag and the Grenada Olympic Team, led by Mr Conrad Francis, Chef de Mission.

The gathering took the opportunity to wish the team success at the games.

Several Grenadian Community Groups, individuals and supporters showcased their artistic talent with a variety of dishes, artistic creations and a wide range of performers in a variety of disciplines.

The Diaspora Youth Forum (DYF) UK took the opportunity to increase the awareness of Grenada’s Heritage among the 2^nd and succeeding generation Grenadians, with a corn-roasting stall and Grenadian-style snow ice, whilst the Diaspora Consultative Committee (DCC) UK also participated to raise funds for Educational Development in Grenada and raise awareness about the Homecoming Events August 5^th – 18^th 2012.

The Grenada Co-operative Bank (a.k.a. the Diaspora Bank), for the second time, participated in the Heritage Day and sensitized visitors on the facilities the Bank had in place for persons in the Diaspora.
Grenadians came from various parts of the United Kingdom including Manchester, Reading, Huddersfield, Birmingham, Wales and from several communities in and around London.

The High Commissioner for Grenada, HE Ruth Elizabeth Rouse, was high in praise for the Chair of the Heritage Day Committee, Mr. Claude Sylvester and his team, for their dedicated service to Grenada, in planning and executing the event.

Special thanks also went out to the stall-holders, sponsors in the UK and Grenada, including the Grenada Co-operative Bank Ltd., The Grenada Board of Tourism (UK), The Grenada Marketing and National Importing Board, Noelville Ltd., Grenada Distillers Ltd., and all others who took time out to support the event and raffle, which included a trip to Grenada.

The proceeds of the event will go towards a chosen Heritage-related Project in Grenada.

The 5^th Annual Grenadian Heritage Day will be convened in London on Saturday July 13^th 2013.

High Commission for Grenada

London

July 15^th 2012