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.

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.

Grenada's Immigration & Passport Dept receives UN award

NEW YORK, June 25, 2012 - Grenada’s Immigration Chief believes that the recognition of his department for improved delivery of service is a reflection of the potential of the public service in Grenada.

The Immigration and Passport Department of Grenada on Monday received an award as part of the 2012 United Nations Public Service Awards at the UN Headquarters in New York.

The award was for “Improving the Delivery of Public Services” in Latin America and the Caribbean region.

Superintendent Godfrey Fleming received the award as part of activities marking the 10^th anniversary of United Nations Public Service Day and the start of the Public Service Forum.

It rewards the creative achievements and contributions of public service institutions that lead to a more effective and responsive public administration in countries worldwide.

“This award will serve as a flagship for the rest of our public servants and civil society in Grenada in the way we execute our responsibilities,” said Supt. Fleming.

“I also hope that this award will create a better synergy between the public service and the customers that we are serving in Grenada.”

He credits the award to what he described as a group of committed officers who go beyond the call of duty, even working on weekends to ensure that they accomplish targets.

Supt. Fleming was accompanied by Consul General Derrick James and Immigration officer Cpl. Ron Joseph.

A total of 471 nominations from more than 80 United Nations Member States were received in 2012, with 16 Member States participating for the first time.  

The winners are as follows:  first place — Bahrain, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Dominican Republic, India, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Republic of Korea, Senegal, South Africa, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates and United States; and second place — Australia, Canada, Egypt, Georgia, Grenada, India, Kenya, Mexico, Morocco, Oman, Republic of Korea, Rwanda, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, and Turkey.

The United Nations Committee of Experts on Public Administration selects winners according to category and region.  The five UNPSA categories are:  prevention of corruption; improving service delivery; promoting innovative mechanisms for citizen participation in policy-making; advancing knowledge management in government; and promoting gender responsive service delivery.

Also honoured were winners that have made outstanding progress in improving their e-service delivery and strengthening their citizen engagement through e-participation modalities.  The top five regional performers in the 2012 Survey were recognised:  Republic of Seychelles for Africa; United States for the Americas; Republic of Korea for Asia; Netherlands for Europe; and Australia for Oceania. 

More than 400 participants from across the globe attended the event, which will also include the United Nations Public Service Forum.  The Forum will take place from June 26 to 27, and will focus on “Innovation and Citizen Engagement for Effective Governance”.

This high-level global event is expected to make recommendations on how to promote greater understanding of policy options and practices to promote innovation in pubic governance and effectively engage citizens.  

Areas of focus will be institutional frameworks, leadership capacities, national development strategies and uses of information and communications technologies, including e-participation and preventing corruption in public service.

Grenada's Immigration & Passport Dept accepts UN Award

http://youtu.be/SopBBO1He9s

Grenada's Immigration Chief says UN award reflects potential of public service

http://youtu.be/0EEq7Lc_wFI 

A CARIBBEAN BICKLE AT PENN

By: Andrea Daley

New York, May 7, 2012 - The Penn Relays are behind us; hard to believe, especially from my vantage point. Months of planning by Team Jamaica Bickle, preparing for the entire contingents from Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, St. Vincent & The Grenadines, seem to have whizzed by over the three days—just like that.

Days morphed into one as teams started arriving in Philadelphia on the Monday for the Thursday start of the relays.  In the two team hotels, Wyndham Gardens and Ramada, an active vibrant bunch of pubescent and post-teen athletes, (a la UWI, Utech & G.C. Foster), all ready to compete, consort and socialize, kept the place abuzz. Socialize, you say? Yes of course. Did you think it was all about the competition? But that’s a whole other conversation. For almost a week the two team hotels were alive with the sights and sounds of athletes; a beautiful sight!

As cold and damp as Philly was, the warm Caribbean spirit enveloped Franklyn Field, particularly  the Big ‘Bickle’ tent; the enthusiasm ramped up a few notches with the anticipated visit of Jamaica’s Prime Minister, The Most Honorable Portia Simpson Miller, O.N; M.P.

This year saw a number of new and exciting elements with the addition of two more Caribbean nations; Grenada & The Bahamas, joining Trinidad and Tobago and St. Vincent and The Grenadines, under the big ‘Bickle’ tent. It was fun meeting and interacting with the coaches, members of the teams and officials representing the various governments; the atmosphere of music, Caribbean food and people priceless.

The excitement reached a crescendo on Saturday when the prime minister visited the tent. It was a crush of photographers, and people all angling to see, to capture the historic moment, to touch, to engage the PM whose warmth personality and engaging spirit, are legendary.

The introduction of the KiDz HuB junior broadcasters from Jamaica, added a whole new dimension to the Bickle village.  The bunch of smart, savvy pre-teens was on their first trip to the Penn Relays to broadcast live and package reports for various stations across the Caribbean and the US. They had some big ‘gets’ as they say in the business; the biggest of them all, Prime Minister of Jamaica, The Most Honorable Portia Simpson Miller. They interviewed Grace and LIME Executives, Chas Dorman of the Penn Communications office (a first by Caribbean media, I am told) and countless others; the two standouts of that team; Joshua Dillon and Inzingha McCarthy.

The Prime Minister was accompanied by Minister of Tourism, Wykeham McNeill and Delano Franklyn, special advisor to the Prime Minister. 

Also welcomed to the Bickle tent were newly appointed Consul General of Jamaica to New York, the Honorable Herman G. Lamont, Deputy Consul General, Sharon Burrell Green, Jamaica’s Honorary Consul for Pennsylvania, Dr Alston Meade; former Jamaica Consul General to New York, Dr. Basil Bryan and community relations officer, Jamaica Consulate NY, Christopher Castriota.

Counted among the dignitaries were representatives of various Caribbean countries: Messrs. Cecil McKie, Minister of Wellness and Sports, St Vincent & the Grenadines; Derrick James, Consul General of Grenada and Paul Johnson, Brazil’s honorary Consul General, Philadelphia.

Members of the business sector were also out in full force, especially on Saturday with several executives from Grace Foods, and Grace Kennedy Remittance Services in attendance as well as representatives from LIME, JAAA, ISSA, Tower Isle, UWI, UTECH, MVP, the Diaspora Board among others; a fitting collective for Jamaica 50, as we celebrated proudly, another year at Penn. 

PHOTO CAPTION II – #45

The Grenada Team with (front row l-r) Irwine Clare, Sabrina HoSang, Derrick James, (CG-Grenada) Vincent HoSang & Blane Stoddart 

Photo credit: Donovan Gopie

PHOTO CAPTION I-# 2784

Members of the T&T contingent pose for the cameras 

Photo credit: Collin Reid

PHOTO CAPTION III – 0032

The STVG team with the country's Minister of Wellness & Sports Cecil McKie (3rd left)

Photo credit: Dennis Hinkson

Grenada's champion school team arrives for Penn Relays

NEW YORK, April 21, 2012 – Consul General Derrick James and co-ordinators Kent Simon and Michael Bascombe were among officials who greeted the Westerhall Secondary School’s team at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport on Saturday.

The 2012 Boys’ Inter-col Champions are scheduled to compete in the Annual Penn Relays in Philadelphia starting on Thursday.

Five athletes accompanied by two officials are being accommodated in Brooklyn, New York before departing for “Philly” on Wednesday. The Consul General along with Simon, Bascombe and Dr Earle Clarkson are coordinating the logistics including accommodation, meals and training for the team while in Brooklyn.

The team includes Stephen Frank, Akim Samuel, Tevin McMeo, Elvis Joseph and Keymal Williams and the coaches are Damian Castle and Timon Thomas.

The “Iguanas” will compete in the Preliminaries of the High School Boys’ 4x100 metres Small Schools on Friday and the 4x400m on Saturday.

The Grenada National team will also compete in the USA vs. The World Men 4x400m Relay on Saturday.

The Penn Relays are the largest annual relay meet in the world. Over the course of three days, more than 19,000 athletes from all levels will race in front of more than 100,000 spectators.

Returning nationals in Carriacou prepare for the Homecoming Celebrations

HILLSBOROUGH, Carriacou, April 13^th, 2012 - Developing a closer working relationship with Grenadians living abroad is part of Government’s development plans.

And, as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs prepares for the Grenadian Homecoming in August 2012, officials met with returning nationals in Carriacou to inform and seek their participation in the activities.

Permanent Secretary Elizabeth Henry- Greenidge said that its government’s intention through the Office of Diaspora Affairs to build partnerships between the Diaspora communities and home.

Also present at the meeting was Consul General for New York Derrick James who noted that the Diaspora plays a critical role in nation-building with over sixty (60) Grenadian groups and organisations existing in the New York area.

Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs Senator George Prime said that the government recognises the importance of the Diaspora and will utilise the skills, resources and experiences of nationals living abroad.

Meanwhile, Consul General James presented a cheque of US$1,100 to the Parish Priest of the Hillsborough Roman Catholic Church Father Carl Haynes from the Independence Committee to assist with rehabilitation work on the church.

SOURCE: Deanna Isaac, Public Relations Officer

Tributes for former late Prime Minister Brizan in New York & D.C.

NEW YORK, March 6, 2012 – Two memorial tributes will be held in the United States for the late former Grenada Prime Minister George Brizan who died last month at the age of 69.

Mr Brizan, who became Prime Minister in 1995 following the resignation of Nicholas Brathwaite, died at the General Hospital in St George’s on February 18.

Messages of Condolences and Tributes have been expressed from various individuals and organisations in Grenada and around the world.

The Consulate-General in New York opened a book of condolence last week and will hold a tribute in honour of the former Prime Minister on Thursday in Brooklyn.

It will include Prayer and Scripture Readings by Canon Leopold Baynes and Rev. Wesley Daniels; remarks by Consul General Derrick James and tributes including songs, dances and poems.

The event in Brooklyn will be held at the Holy Cross School Auditorium at 2530 Church Avenue (between Rogers & Bedford Avenues), beginning at 7:00 p.m.

The Grenada Embassy in Washington, D.C. will also hold a Celebration of and Tribute to the Life and Legacy of former Prime Minister Brizan on Saturday at the Embassy’s Headquarters at 1701 New Hampshire Avenue, NW Washington, D.C., beginning at 4:30 p.m.

The programme will include remarks by Ambassador Gillian Bristol and tributes by Ambassador Hubert Charles, Dominica’s Ambassador to the United States; Cuthbert Braveboy and Historian and Author, John Angus Martin.

A Special Joint Sitting of the Grenada House of Representatives and the Senate was held on Tuesday. The former Prime Minister will be laid to rest on Friday March 16 in St George’s.

Athletes' Ceremony5

Ceremony to honour Grenada's Team which participated in the 13th IAAF World Championships in Athletics. The ceremony was held at the Wingate High School in Brooklyn, NY on Sunday September 25, 2011.

Athletes' Ceremony4

Ceremony to honour Grenada's Team which participated in the 13th IAAF World Championships in Athletics. The ceremony was held at the Wingate High School in Brooklyn, NY on Sunday September 25, 2011.

Athletes' Ceremony3

Ceremony to honour Grenada's Team which participated in the 13th IAAF World Championships in Athletics. The ceremony was held at the Wingate High School in Brooklyn, NY on Sunday September 25, 2011.

Athletes' Ceremony2

Ceremony to honour Grenada's Team which participated in the 13th IAAF World Championships in Athletics. The ceremony was held at the Wingate High School in Brooklyn, NY on Sunday September 25, 2011.

Athletes' Ceremony1

Ceremony to honour Grenada's Team which participated in the 13th IAAF World Championships in Athletics. The ceremony was held at the Wingate High School in Brooklyn, NY on Sunday September 25, 2011.

Ceremony to Honour Athletes

Country Boys hosted at Consulate in New York

NEW YORK, July 1, 2011 – The Consulate-General of Grenada in New York this week hosted an official welcome reception for one of the most popular bands from Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

The Country Boys are in New York on a three-week tour with performances which began last weekend and will culminate at the annual Grenada Day Celebrations at St Andrew’s Park in Brooklyn on July 17.

Members of the band visited the offices of the Consulate and the Permanent Mission of Grenada to the United Nations on Thursday followed by a social evening which was attended by Ambassador Dessima Williams and Consul General Derrick James.

“You are not here as Country Boys but as ambassadors of the State of Grenada,” said Consul General James. He thanked Mr Leo Joseph for organising the Country Boys’ tour to the United States.

The touring group performed to a sell-out audience at the Nazareth High School in Brooklyn on June 25 and will stage another show on July 10, followed by their opening acts at the Grenada Day Celebrations.

PM Thomas seeks trade and investment opportunities

NEW YORK, June 20, 2011 - Prime Minister Tillman Thomas believes that Grenada could benefit in economic and technical areas from New York City.

The Grenadian leader expressed these sentiments as he held discussions on Monday in New York with City Comptroller John Liu and his Deputy Eric Eve.

Prime Minister Thomas, who was accompanied by Consul General Derrick James and President of the New York-based Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CACCI) Grenadian-born Dr Roy Hastick, discussed areas of cooperation between New York City and Grenada including agriculture, education, health, technology, tourism, trade and alternative sources of energy.

“Government is continuing to explore new opportunities with investors especially in the productive sectors,” said Prime Minister Thomas.

The Prime Minister spoke about the initiative by the Grenada Southern Fishermen’s Association to launch its all-natural, smoked fish product, Bacon of the Sea. He suggested similar investments in these areas as well as markets for local products, especially among West Indians in the New York Diaspora.

“Investments like these especially in the productive sector provide sustainable jobs for the population and government will continue to create the enabling environment,” he told Comptroller Liu.

Comptroller Liu, in noting the delegation’s request for technical assistance, said that the discussions are not open-ended and his office will examine specific investment opportunities.

The two delegations also discussed assistance for Grenada in cancer screening and research and possible twinning arrangements between Grenada and Brooklyn, noting the cultural and historical ties between both places.

“The Caribbean, like other parts of the world, has provided New York with an abundance of gifted personalities in various areas and we now need to find avenues to re-invest some of these talents into the region,” said Dr Hastick.

The Prime Minister suggested that a New York Trade and Investment mission to visit Grenada where potential investors could meet and discuss with Grenadian officials. He said that the mission could be a collaborative effort involving the Office of the City Comptroller, the Grenada Consulate in New York and CACCI.

The meeting between Prime Minister Thomas and Comptroller Liu was coordinated by Councilman Jumaane Williams, whose parents are Grenadians and Dr Hastick of CACCI.

Comptroller Liu is the first Asian American to be elected to a city-wide office in New York City and has been credited for making government more efficient and accountable after only a few months in office.

Grenada deposits Instrument of Accession to ICC

NEW YORK, May 19, 2011 – Grenada became the 115^th nation to join the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Her Excellency Ambassador Dessima Williams, Permanent Representative to the United Nations on Thursday deposited Grenada’s Instrument of Accession to the Rome Statute of the ICC at a small ceremony at the Office of Legal Affairs of the United Nations in New York.

Grenada’s accession brings to 26, the number of States Parties of the ICC in Latin America and the Caribbean and the last among the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). Only The Bahamas, Haiti and Jamaica in the Caribbean have not joined the ICC.

Ambassador Williams said: “The Government of Grenada is very pleased to join with many other CARICOM countries as well as 114 other members of the United Nations in acceding to this statute.”

“We look forward to being a very vigorous participant in the implementation of the Court to the extent that we could therefore bring about greater international law and order in the service of humanity for justice, for rights and for the efficient and legal administration of international affairs,” said Ambassador Williams.

His Excellency Ambassador Christian Wenaweser, Permanent Representative of the Principality of Liechtenstein and President of the Bureau of the Assembly of States Parties to the ICC welcomed Grenada’s accession to the Court and appealed to the remaining CARICOM states to join the ICC family.

“On behalf of 114 states that have so far made up this assembly it’s a great honour to welcome you (Grenada) as the 115^th member to this assembly and that’s a very important further step on our part towards a universalisation of this Court,” he said.

“We are looking forward toward welcoming the three remaining states of CARICOM also as part of the ICC family.

The Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA) said that Grenada’s accession confirms and reinforces the Caribbean’s important role in making the ICC a lasting and effective reality.

Also attending Thursday’s ceremony were Gabrielle Goettsche-Wanli of the Office of Legal Affairs of the UN; Consul General Derrick James; Consellor (Grenada) Marguerite St John-Sebastian; Counsellor (Trinidad and Tobago) Cherry-Ann Millard-White; Attaché (Grenada) Tricia Keens-Douglas; Programme Director, Coalition for the ICC, Jelena Pia-Comella; Regional Programme Assistant, CICC, Tania Deigni and Programme Associate, Parliamentarians for Global Action, Leyla Nikjou.

NY Consulate tap into Diaspora

NEW YORK, February 7, 2011 - The Consulate General of Grenada in New York has embarked on a campaign to encourage more first and second generation Grenadians to return home as often as possible and assist in National Development.

The Consulate has created a skills database of nationals living in the Tri-State area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut and is spearheading the efforts of the Diaspora Consultative Committee in New York.

Consul General Derrick James said that some progress has been made and the registration will be ongoing to include other Grenada events in the metro area.

Mr James was delighted about the patriotism among nationals during the activities held to commemorate Grenada’s 37^th Anniversary of Independence. He pointed to the acceptance of an invitation by the Parliamentary Opposition to attend the Dinner and Awards Gala on Saturday.

Senator Denneth Modeste, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Environment, Foreign Trade and Export Development was government’s representative while Senator Dwight Horsford represented the Parliamentary Opposition.

“Independence is all about reflecting on the struggles, resistance and resiliency of our forefathers and the future economic and social development of our country,” he said.

Among the first and second generation Grenadians at the Dinner and Gala were New York City Council Member – District 45, Jumaane Williams; Broadway Musical cast member, Oneika Phillips and popular WABC-TV Eyewitness News Reporter, Carolina Leid.

“I want to thank our press officer, Michael Bascombe for making contact with Ms Leid and providing us with the background. This is part of our outreach programme in the communities,” James said.

Carolina’s mother is from the Dominican Republic and her father, Jonathan Paul Leid is from Sauteurs, St Patrick.

Before joining Eyewitness News, Carolina worked in Cleveland as a general assignment reporter and fill in anchor. There, she broke the story of a homeowner's association management company pocketing hundreds of thousands of dollars in association funds across northeast Ohio without homeowners being the wiser.

Prior to working in Cleveland, Carolina worked as a general assignment reporter in Orlando and fill in anchor in Spanish. She covered four hurricanes in a row and practically lived in a satellite truck for the 2004 hurricane season.

Formerly a featured member of Abdel Salaama’ Forces of Nature Dance Theatre, Oneika’s theatre credits include the workshop, FELA! A New Musical, “Anita” in the 50^th Anniversary International Tour of Jerome Robbins’ West Side Story, directed by Joey McKneely and nominated for the West End’s Oliver Award for Best Musical Revival, winning the Theatergoer’s Choice Award in the same category.

Council Member Williams also presented four city council citations to Derek Ventour, Cecily Mason, Gloria Rennie and Gracelyn Harris for their contribution to the Grenadian community.

The Independence activities were organised by the Consulate General of Grenada in New York in collaboration with the Grenada Independence Anniversary Committee, headed by Merle Clarke.

Grenadians celebrate Independence in New York

by Michael Bascombe

NEW YORK, February 6, 2011 - It was an evening of true Grenadian patriotism as nationals turned out to the Annual Independence Dinner & Awards Gala at Antun’s in New York on Saturday.

It was the final event in a series of activities in New York to commemorate Grenada’s 37^th Anniversary of Independence which will be observed on Monday.

Senator Denneth Modeste, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Environment, Foreign Trade and Export Development delivered the Prime Minister Tillman Thomas’ Independence address while Senator Dwight Horsford brought greetings on behalf of Opposition Leader Dr Keith Mitchell.

In his message, Prime Minister Thomas said that the strength of the country will be dependent on how strongly we exhibit a spirit of unity and sincerity.

“Every Grenadian, at home and in the Diaspora, must now find the motivation, the resolve and the courage to shoulder a personal responsibility to move Grenada forward”.

Dr Mitchell called on nationals at home and abroad to take the opportunity to renew their commitment to nation building.

“We are confident that one day, we shall be able to stand as a proud people and say yes we have struggled and have travailed and persevered. But through it all and in spite of our differences we have stuck to the task of nation building and now we can be truly and justly proud,” he said.

The sold-out event also included awards to an individual and two organisations for services to the communities in New York and Grenada.

Clinic Manager at the New York University College of Dentistry, Gracelyn Harris and Big Apple Social Club received the annual Independence Awards while NYU College of Dentistry accepted the Consulate’s humanitarian award.

The Consulate’s Community Service Award was presented to Dr Randy Glean during the Ecumenical Service of Thanksgiving on January 30.

Ambassadors to the Permanent Mission of the United Nations including Grenada’s Dessima Williams; Caribbean Consuls General; Councilmember Jumaane Williams and Kings County Supreme Court Justice, Sylvia Hinds-Radix were in attendance.

Among the other invited guests at Saturday’s Gala were Grenadian-born Broadway performer Oneika Phillips and ABC’s Channel 7 Eyewitness News Journalist Carolina Leid, whose father is from Sauteurs, St Patrick, along with Miss Grenada/USA; Miss Caribbean; Miss Barbados/USA.

Carriacou's Elisha Ackie celebrates 107 years

NEW YORK, December 20, 2010 - At 107 years, Elisha Ackie is believed to be the oldest surviving Grenadian.

The centenarian, who is from Belair, Carriacou and residing in Brooklyn, New York, was serenaded by members of the Grenadian community including Consul General Derrick James on Saturday.

The Consul General brought birthday greetings and best wishes from the Government of Prime Minister Tillman Thomas and also presented her with a bouquet of flowers and a card.

“I bring you happy birthday greetings from all the people of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique including the Prime Minister and his cabinet and the hope that you would celebrate 10 more,” he told the elder who celebrated her birthday on December 14.

Born in 1903, Elisha Ackie grew up on the sister isle and vividly remembers caring for her family’s cattle.

“She always speaks about the cows and the corn on the plantation,” said Jean Ackie, her only child.

“Doctors have asked me what has kept her living so long and with sharp memory and I say to them fresh fish, okra (ockroo) and callaloo”.

Elisha Ackie, who also received citations from Brooklyn’s Borough President Marty Markowitz among others, has never drank alcohol or smoke.

She enjoys reciting the Lord’s Prayer, the 23rd Psalm and her favourite quote “Look at me, I’m up in the air, see I let go both arms, yet I do not fall”.

She is first cousin to former Prime Minister the late Herbert Blaize who died on December 19, 1989.

She arrived in Brooklyn 22 years ago and has been an inspiration to her extended family including eight grandchildren.

The Consul General was accompanied by Jenny Pascal and Michael Bascombe of the Grenada Consulate.

Video equipment for GIS TV

NEW YORK, September 13, 2010 – The Government Information Service (GIS) received a boost for its television programming with the acquisition of a video scan converter.

The converter was donated by Grenada’s Consul General to New York, Derrick James and presented to Foreign Affairs Minister, Peter David while in transit in New York recently.

The Scan Converter is a device that can be used to convert a computer signal to a standard video signal and is expected to assist the GIS in receiving special international programmes including the United Nations, Organisations of American States, the World Bank and other organisations with webcasts.

“The donation of this equipment was initiated by our Press Officer Michael Bascombe, who was in contact with the technical people at the GIS and Junior Information Minister, Senator Arley Gill about accessing specialised equipment for programming,” said Mr. James.

“The hope is that the GIS will be able to acquire important regional and international programming on areas of development,” he said.

Hildebrand James, who received the equipment on behalf of the GIS, welcomed the donation noting that the opening of the 65th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations on Tuesday, September 14th, 2010.

He said that the GIS would endeavour to carry coverage of Grenada’s delegation to the General Debate and other United Nations’ Meetings including the Summit on the Millennium Development Goals; High-level meeting of the General Assembly as a contribution to the International Year of Biodiversity; and the Mauritius Strategy +5 Review (Five-year review of the Mauritius Strategy for the Further Implementation of the Barbados Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States).