Beyond the Mas: Reflecting on Spicemas 2025

by Michael Bascombe

Spicemas 2025 has come to a close, and once again, Grenada has demonstrated its ability to deliver a Carnival that is safe, vibrant, and culturally rich. The festivities—from J’ouvert to Last Lap—showcased the creativity and energy of our people, backed by months of hard work from stakeholders across the board.

To the Spicemas Corporation, our artistes, musicians, mas bands (both traditional and fancy), band leaders, performers, queen contestants, pannists, promoters, broadcasters, volunteers, healthcare and sanitation workers, and patrons, who contributed to this success. And a special salute to the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF), whose consistent and visible presence was key in maintaining law and order. We also extend congratulations to all the winners across the various competitions. Your performances were a credit to the season.

However, as tradition dictates, Dimarche Gras sparked fierce debate, particularly regarding the results of the Calypso Monarch competition. Carnival results have long stirred passionate discussions—everyone believes their favourite should win. And in the digital age, where opinions can be shared and amplified instantly, these conversations grow even louder.

While debate is healthy in any artistic competition, it is vital to remember: competition is judged, but appreciation is personal. Art resonates differently with each of us, and while not every result may align with public sentiment, this does not diminish the significance or talent of any performer.

Still, reflection is necessary. As we celebrate Spicemas, we must also consider how we sustain it.

One concerning trend is the disappearance of pan on the road. Beyond Panorama, steel bands are increasingly absent from street parades. This points to a broader issue: are the main contributors—pannists, calypsonians, soca artistes, and traditional mas players—being fairly valued and supported?

If we are to protect the essence of Spicemas, we need more than pageantry—we need policy, investment, and continuity. Here are some recommendations:

1. Rebalance Compensation Structures
2. • Ensure cultural contributors are properly remunerated for their creative input, not just judged on competition results.
3. Reintroduce Pan to the Streets
4. • Provide incentives, transportation, and logistics beyond Panorama night. Create incentives for pan on the road, introduce mobile performance routes, and support pan yard showcases to bring back steelband visibility in public spaces.
5. Revive and Support Traditional Mas
6. • Offer financial and creative support to ensure traditional bands can thrive and involve younger generations. Support traditional bands through funding and community outreach. Encourage youth participation via school programmes and apprenticeship opportunities with veteran masqueraders.
7. Education and Mentorship
8. • Integrate Carnival arts into schools and community programmes and promote year-round training in music, performance, costume design, and storytelling. Let today’s performers teach tomorrow’s leaders.
9. Digital Storytelling and Promotion
10. • Use online platforms to share the stories behind the songs, costumes, and characters. Let the world understand the heart of Spicemas.
11. Transparent Judging and Feedback Loops
12. • Consider creating spaces for public engagement on judging criteria to foster trust and understanding while preserving the integrity of the art form.
13. Long-Term Planning
    Spicemas must be treated not only as a national event but as a strategic cultural industry. Investments in infrastructure, promotion, and artist development must be sustained throughout the year—not just in the Carnival season.

Grenada should be proud of the achievements made this year. Spicemas 2025 was a cultural triumph. But as we bask in the success, let us also embrace the responsibility to preserve, protect, and progress our traditions.

For Carnival to evolve, we must ensure that it remains inclusive, artistically diverse, and financially sustainable. The future of Spicemas depends on the choices we make now.

Let’s keep the conversation alive. And let’s keep the culture even stronger.

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 

Fostering cultural cooperation between CARICOM and Canada

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, May 9, 2012 - Identifying technical assistance to build capacity in cultural cooperation and trade and innovation was one of the areas focused on at a consultation for negotiations between CARICOM and Canada.

Officials of CARICOM and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) visited the island recently to meet with local stakeholders to hear first-hand the concerns specific to Grenada to include in the negotiations with Canada.

Some of the areas under technical assistance in the draft text include the development of digitalisation of audio visual archives; and the development of film animation and video art capabilities.

Grenada also reported keen interest in securing technical assistance in facilitating compliance with international and regional standards to ensure compatibility and interoperability of audio-visual technologies, and in the development of international theatre technology standards.

The consultation also sought to increase the awareness of the private and public sectors of the CARICOM-Canada Trade and Development Agreement.

Malcolm Spence, Senior Coordinator of the Office of Trade Negotiations (OTN) of the CARICOM Secretariat said the concerns gathered from Grenada and other regional member-states will fast-track efforts to meet the deadline to complete an agreement with Canada.

The Senior Coordinator of the OTN said Canada has a current waiver in place for CARICOM which will expire at the end of 2013. He also noted that Ministers of Trade in the region have requested a report by the end of July this year to have a clearer understanding of how negotiations will likely unfold.

Grenada’s Minister with responsibility for Information, ICT and National Mobilisation, Sen. Glen Noel, indicated that discussions for the new trade and development agreement between CARICOM and Canada began in 2001.

He said CARICOM Heads of Government proposed to their Canadian counterpart for negotiations that would lead to a more mature trading relationship to enhance existing arrangements, and to fulfil the objectives of the economic development of CARICOM countries.

The objectives include broadening the scope of the current instruments of trade and economic cooperation; deepening disciplines to improve market access for CARICOM exports of goods and services; and providing a more secure and predictable environment for bilateral trade.

Mrs Sally Anne Bagwhan-Logie, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment and Trade, noted that trade and culture play an important role in the socio-economic development of Grenada.

She said fora, such as the CARICOM/OECS consultation, give calypsonians, playwrights and other artistes an opportunity to share information on barriers faced when seeking to export cultural services.

The Permanent Secretary said the Ministry welcomes additional inputs from stakeholders in driving the process forward.  
SOURCE: Kareen Morain, Public Relations Officer
Ministry of the Environment, Foreign Trade & Export Development

ShortKnee art workshop at Pepper Pot Centre in London

LONDON, UK, April 11, 2012 – At the invitation of the High Commission for Grenada in the United Kingdom, Grenadian artist Suelin Low Chew Tung, currently in the UK to attend a conference in Leeds, met with residents at the Pepper Pot Day Centre in Ladbroke Grove.

Fourteen residents took part in an art workshop - creating collaged art masks from paper and cardstock. They also learned about the Grenada ShortKnee, and the history behind this indigenous masquerade that Suelin is researching from a visual art point of view. The Pepper Pot Centre 'provides a wide range of drop-in activities, a hot Caribbean lunch and full day care for older people, part of a comprehensive service to older people from the African Caribbean community in Kensington and Chelsea, to enable them to live more independently in their own homes.' The High Commissioner for Grenada is a Patron of the Centre.

 Suelin also left a small piece of artwork created as a momento of her visit to the centre.

 The High Commissioner congratulated Suelin on this initiative and the Centre also expressed its appreciation to the Grenadian Artist.

Papers on the Grenada's ShortKnee to be presented at four international conferences

ST GEORGE’S, February 27, 2012 - Grenadian art culture in the form of the Grenada ShortKnee is to be represented abroad at four international conferences. Local artist Suelin Low Chew Tung is scheduled to present papers based on her March 2011 solo exhibition entitled ICON: ShortKnee as Art, at conferences in Puerto Rico, Guadeloupe and the United Kingdom.  These conferences are timely, given that the theme for the 2012 Carnival celebrations focuses on the Grenada ShortKnee: Legacy of the Chantuelle.

CONFERENCES

March 22-24 Puerto Rico, USA

1.       Negritud-Afro-Latin American Studies 3rd International Conference, San Juan

Paper entitled: Our Present Image: The Grenada ShortKnee, Instrument of History

2.       College English Association, Caribbean Chapter (CEA-CC) 2012 conference, Arecibo

Paper entitled: The Grenada Shortknee: Ritual in Exile

May 28 – June 1, Guadeloupe

1.       37th Annual Caribbean Studies Association Conference 

Paper entitled: The Grenada ShortKnee: Religiocultural Relic

July 4- 6 Oxford, UK

1.       36th Annual Conference of the Society for Caribbean Studies, University of Oxford

Paper entitled: The Grenada ShortKnee: Straddling the carnivals chasm

Her papers follow two presentations in 2011, at the Edna Manley College/Rex Nettleford Inaugural Arts Conference Jamaica, and the 14th Annual Eastern Caribbean Island Cultures Conference, held in Grenada. All the papers inform on the Grenada ShortKnee and its Carnival history through a visual art perspective, in an effort to bridge the gap between visual arts, heritage and culture, and introduce Grenadian visual art to an untapped assembly.

About the artist

Suelin is a self-employed independent visual arts practitioner living and working in Grenada. She explores the ShortKnee (and its variants, the Vecco and Shakespeare Mas) as art subjects outside the realm of Carnival.

Suelin Low Chew Tung

Box 2066, Sans Souci,

St George’s, GRENADA

Studio: 1-473-456-1953

Email: artstung@gmail.com

Blog: arstung.blogspot.com                                                                              

 

biography     

I am a self taught acrylics and mixed media artist. My work explores issues of life and history specific to my immediate island environment, and is in tandem with my penchant for uncovering and unfolding things mysterious in the underbelly of Grenada, that say more about us as a society and an island civilization. I find that brilliant colour affects a distinctive overtone for the easy digestion of even the darkest subject matter that affects our daily lives, and encourages scrutiny of invisible subjects under the surface of the much-touted Caribbean idyll. Since 2008, as part of a self-directed and largely self-funded research/art project, I have begun to chronicle the histories of our island in paint and other visual medium. Part 1 explores Grenada’s carnival icon, the ShortKnee, one of Grenada’s indigenous carnival characters, which emerged from, and was influenced by the creation of Carnival as a mark of celebration of the ending of the colonial slave era. Part 2 visualises the island’s journey from the arrival of the Amazonian peoples to 1899, by creating new artworks from historical written accounts of Grenada 1650-1899.

My writings include papers on the ShortKnee history research and art process, the chronicling process of Part 2 (above) and an unpublished collection of short stories reflective of our island culture.

select exhibitions

2011                2nd Biennal d'Art de Corbera d’Ebre, Tarragona, Spain

2011                ICON: ShortKnee as Art, Grenada

2010                Chantuelle series – Grenada Pavilion, Shanghai Expo, China

2009                1st Biennal d'Art de Corbera d’Ebre, Tarragona, Spain

features

2005               Small Island Art –Potential Untapped by Dr Susan Mains,

IX^th Congress of the Society for Caribbean Research, Lisbon, Portugal

1995                Grenadian Painters & Sculptors Volume I by Trish Bethany,

Caribbean Art Search Foundation, Provincetown, Massachusetts, USA

 papers/publications

2011                Edna Manley College/Rex Nettleford Arts Conference, Jamaica

The Grenada ShortKnee: Street Performance to Canvas, Getting Past the Carnival

2011                University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras/University of the West Indies-Cave Hill Barbados 14th Annual Eastern Caribbean Islands Cultures Conference, Grenada

The Grenada ShortKnee: Street Performance to Canvas

A Slice of Spice

A Slice of Spice at the home of Grenada's culture, Spice Basket. Every Wednesday from 7:00 p.m.

Spicemas Corporation meets, approves 2012 carnival theme

Members of Spicemas Corporation

St. George’s, February 8, 2012 – The theme of Grenada’s 2012 carnival has been approved by the newly established Spicemas Corporation.

The Corporation, which replaces the Grenada Carnival Committee, was formalized last July following the passage of a bill in parliament and subsequently given royal assent by Governor General, Sir Carlyle Glean.

The Spicemas Corporation, which recently held its inaugural meeting, is the sole body charged with the responsibility of operating, organizing, managing and promoting carnival, within and outside Grenada. 

“The meeting agreed that the theme for carnival will remain unchanged since traditional mas is one of the strengths of Spicemas. The 2012 tagline, however, will bring focus on the Shortknee,’’ said Colin Dowe, chairman of the Spicemas Corporation. 

The 2012 Spicemas theme is, “Uniquely Rooted in Our Rich Ancestral Traditions. Shortknee: Legacy of the Chantuelle’’. 

Under the Act establishing the Spicemas Corporation, the organization’s Board of Directors must have representation from each of carnival’s major stakeholders – mas, steelband and calypso. 

Others on the board with Dowe are Claudette  Joseph, Brenda Baptiste, Rhanisha Alexander and Edvin Martin.

Dowe, at the first meeting of the Corporation, reminded members of the significance of carnival as a major economic cultural activity. He stressed the need to create an environment not only for the expression of the carnival arts, but also to lay a platform for carnival as a lead economic driver.

For their part, board officials renewed their commitment to fostering the growth of the nation's biggest cultural event, and discussed the setting up of subcommittees to begin work on Spicemas 2012.

They also formulated proposals for fundraisers to be held prior to carnival, and for hiring staff to work at the Corporation’s office.

Mrs. Jennifer Woodroffe has been engaged to serve as the CEO of the Corporation.

Spicemas 2012 will culminate with two days of street parade on Carnival Monday and Tuesday, August 13 and 14.

“Grenadians can expect bigger and better things for this year’s Spicemas, including greater professionalization of the festival which will be taken to another level by the Corporation,’’ said Senator Arley Gill, Minister of State with responsibility for Culture.

He participated in the Spicemas Corporation’s inaugural meeting.

SOURCE: Ministry of Culture

Tribute to be held for Aunty Tek on Wednesday

St. George’s, December 23, 2011 – A cultural celebration is being organized to commemorate the life of the late Thelma Ermintrude Knights, who was popularly known Aunty Tek.

The 85-year-old renowned folklorist and storyteller will be buried on Wednesday, December 28. Prior to the service, a cultural celebration will be held at the Grenada Trade Centre, beginning 10 am.

“Aunty Tek has contributed immensely to our sense of national pride in our culture and in developing and cementing our Grenadianess,’’ said Senator Arley Gill, Minister of state with responsibility for Culture.

“For Wednesday’s tribute to Aunty Tek, we have assembled a cast of some our best artistes such as Richardo Keens-Douglas and Wayne Bubb,’’ Sen. Gill added. “We want all Grenadians, whether they are involved in culture or not, to attend the tribute. Aunty Tek was a genuine national icon, truly one of a kind. She cannot be replaced.’’

A well-known resident of Springs, St. George, Aunty Tek was a pioneer among women in Grenada, breaking long-held stereotypes about females.

She is a former teacher and principal, and was among the first Grenadian women to own and drive a car.

The annual Spice Word Festival, which is organized by the Ministry of Culture, is named after Aunty Tek.

Joe "Country" Greenidge publishes book

NEW YORK, December 17, 2011 – Well-known Grenadian singer and composer, Joseph “Country” Greenidge has published his first book.

The 56-page book entitled Come On, Stupid, “Love Yourself” was launched at a ceremony in Brooklyn earlier this month.

Joe “Country” Greenidge is a uniquely gifted personality. He is known as a Country Gospel artist and musician. He has several recorded albums to his credit.

He was the first to take country music to, possibly, the most difficult audience ever, which as when he appeared on the popular New York City television programme: “It’s Showtime at the Apollo”, in Harlem, New York.

In the words of the show’s host, Steve Harvey, “I have never seen this one before; this is a momentous moment here. You may never see this one on the Apollo’s stage again. I have never heard of a countryman that came here before.”

Joe "Country" Greenidge autographs books at launch

Joe can also boast of having a very close relationship with Mr. Vernon Winfrey, the father of television talk show hostess, and celebrity, Oprah Winfrey. Mr Winfrey, a professional barber, and owner of his own shop was Joe’s barber during his residency in Nashville.

In November 2007, Joe had the privilege of taking Mr Winfrey and his wife Barbara, along with Mr Ray Stephenson, a country singer also from Nashville, to his homeland, Grenada.

Following that, another major highlight that garnered him more success, was when he was contacted in 2007 by the Jimmy Kimmel TV Show executives in Hollywood, California.

This invitation was for him to participate in the Jimmy Kimmel TV Show “Search for America’s Greatest Black Yoldeler.”

The book, which is being sold for US$10.00, has already received rave reviews.

“Come on, Stupid, “Love Yourself” is a poignant and thought-provoking dissertation whose undergirding theme is love of God, love of self and love of neigbour, in a balanced and harmonious manner,” wrote Dr Lamuel Stanislaus, retired Dentist and UN Diplomat .

“The author seeks to arouse those of us in the society, who by our belief and action, seem to have a propensity of not loving ourselves”.

“This book is delightful, concise, and colorful words of wisdom about life and loving yourself. A very enjoyable and thought provoking read,” said Ray Stephenson, Musician, Singer and Sculptor, Nashville, Tennessee.

Persons interested in purchasing copies of the Book, Come on, Stupid, “Love Yourself” can contact the author by email at comeonstupidloveyourself@live.com or by telephone at 718-773-4354.

Aunty Tek was “one of a kind’’

By Lincoln Depradine

St. George’s, December 15, 2011 – Grenada is mourning the loss of another national icon. Renowned folklorist, Aunty Tek Phillip, died Wednesday at the age of 85.

“The death of Aunty Tek is a monumental lost to our cultural community. Aunty Tek was a genuine cultural icon, truly one of a kind, and she cannot be replaced,’’ said Senator Arley Gill, Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Culture.

Sen. Gill, who has special responsibility for culture, expressed “heartfelt and deep condolence’’ to the family and friends of Aunty Tek on behalf of his ministry and on behalf of the Grenada government.

“Aunty Tek has been an immeasurable treasure to culture not just in Grenada but also in the Caribbean,’’ said Sen. Gill, who noted that her death came less than two months after the passing of Anthony “Jericho’’ Greenidge.

Greenidge’s contribution to media, sports and culture evoked an outpouring of national grief.

Born Thelma Ermintrude Knights, Aunty Tek adopted the name, Phillip, after marriage.

A well-known resident of Belmont, St. George, Aunty Tek was a pioneer among women in Grenada, breaking long-held stereotypes about women.

She was among the first women to own and drive a car in Grenada. She was a teacher and principal, as well as a leading Grenadian and Caribbean stage actor.

Aunty Tek – founder  of her own junior theatre company and of the now defunct Bee Wee Ballet drama group – was an undisputed master of folk tales, especially the “Ole Nancy Stories.’’ As a raconteur, she is perhaps rivaled only by the late Jamaican folklorist, Louise “Miss Lou’’ Bennett –Coverley and Trinidad-born and Grenada-raised, Paul Keens-Douglas.

Keens-Douglas’ younger brother, Richardo, is among the best-known of a current generation of storytellers.

A graduate of the Teachers’ Training College in Trinidad, Aunty Tek once worked as Chief Social and Community Development Officer for Education and Culture for the Grenada government.

When the government of Prime Minister Tillman Thomas hosted the first Spice Word Festival in 2010, Aunty Tek was honoured and presented with a special award. She performed at both the opening and closing of the inaugural festival.

In 2011, the festival was renamed after Aunty Tek. In making the announcement of the festival’s renaming, Sen. Gill said the aim was to “immortalize’’ Aunty Tek’s name.

The 2011 Aunty Tek Spice Word Festival was held from October 18 – 23.

“While we mourn the passing of Aunty Tek, we are pleased that we were able to honour her by naming the Spice Word Festival after her. She was very appreciative of the honour,’’ Sen. Gill said.

Diaspora Youth Forum showcases Grenada through Art

Congratulations to The Diaspora Youth Forum (DYF) UK on the convening of their first Art Exhibition

“WE ARE GRENADIANS”

Held on Sunday 9th October 2011,

From 3pm – 7pm,

At The Gallery On The Corner, 155 Battersea Park Road, London, SW8 4BU

The Event was advertised as:

‘‘A show to celebrate the creativity of our wonderful island.’’

The beautiful Spice Isle of Grenada is a jewel in the Caribbean that has inspired many who have been fortunate to visit and experience this paradise.

Perhaps the only thing that matches the beauty of this great nation is the rich history and proud heritage that Grenadians have been fortunate to inherit and share with the world. One of the most enduring expressions of Grenadian history, society, culture and heritage is through art.

Art through portraits, photography, sculpture and performances has captured history, changed society and inspired a culture.

This art exhibition seeks to share, educate, enlighten, entertain and celebrate what it means to be Grenadian and promote Grenadian culture.

The Exhibition was supported by a medley of Drums presented by members who hail primarily from the sister Isle of Carriacou. The variety of talent on display was indeed “feast to the eyes” and the young artists (some teenagers) were highly commended for their talent and effort.

The High Commissioner for Grenada HE Ruth Elizabeth Rouse, was high in praise for the Diaspora Youth Forum (DYF) UK chaired by Ms Raedonna Griffiths, and thanked those who participated as well as the guests who supported the Exhibition.

Photos/video can be viewed at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ghclonuk

High Commission for Grenada

London

9^th October 2011

Photo: Artists with Chair of the DYF Raedonna Griffiths (Middle in Red) 

PM Thomas announces Cabinet changes

Address by Grenada's Prime Minister Tillman Thomas regarding Ministerial Portfolio Adjustments.

SGU Medical Student Represents Grenada at Jaycees Caribbean Queen Show

Nakitta Noel, a student at St. George’s University, School of Medicine (SGUSOM) is representing Grenada at the 2011 Jaycees Caribbean Queen Show.

She will join her fellow classmates at SGUSOM’s Fall 2011 White Coat Ceremony, in reciting the Oath of Professional Commitment and donning white coats that will symbolize their entry into the School of Medicine. 

When asked about her future as a physician, she stated, “My aim then is to dutifully perform my task as a general practitioner and provide the best health care in my capability. I seek to adjust the health sector in my country for the betterment of my Grenadian people because I love the country and its people…”

She went on the say, “I am committed to my 4 years in medical school and my career as a Medical Doctor (M.D.).  My motivation, my hunger for success and my passion for the medical industry will carry me through.” She credits having the value of the importance of hard work being instilled in her at childhood with playing a role in her ambition and focus.

As the reigning Miss Grenada Carnival Queen 2010, Nakitta was given the opportunity to represent Grenada at this competition. 

The Jaycees Caribbean Queen Show is being held in Antigua and participants are expected from nine other countries across the Caribbean: Antigua & Barbuda, Anguilla, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Guyana, Montserrat, St. Kitts and St. Maarten.   

We wish Nakitta best of luck and are certain that she will continue do herself and country proud.

Published on 7/28/11 – www.sgu.edu

Photo credit: Spice Vibes Grenada

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.

Pannist enjoys Grenada, grandfather’s homeland

Keina Calliste

By Lincoln Depradine

St. George’s, June 5, 2011 – Trinidadian Keina Calliste is the daughter of one of the Caribbean’s greatest calypsonians and she has familial ties to Grenada.

Calliste has just completed her first visit to Grenada and felt right at home.

“I like it. It’s not that much different from Trinidad. We have a lot of similarities,’’ said Calliste, daughter of Leroy Calliste who is popularly known as Black Stalin.

A five-time winner of the Calypso Monarch competition of Trinidad & Tobago, as well as the I999 Calypso King of the World, Black Stalin was born 1941 in San Fernando to George and Elcina Calliste.  His father was Grenadian.

Black Stalin became Dr. Leroy Calliste in 2008 after the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, recognized his contribution to calypso music and culture by awarding him an honourary doctorate.

Among his well known hits are “Black Man Feeling to Party,’’ “The Caribbean Man,’’ “Wait Dorothy Wait,’’ and “Bun Dem.’’

Black Stalin was a limbo dancer before turning his attention and energy to calypso singing. His daughter chose to pursue neither singing nor dancing the limbo.

She became a pannist almost accidently, and now performs with her hometown steel orchestra, TCL Skiffle Bunch of San Fernando.

It started 19 years when Keina Calliste was still a young school student. Initially, Calliste admitted, she “really didn’t like pan much.’’ However, all that was soon to change.

“We had a school band so I decided to just fool around after school and I liked it and I stuck with it,’’ she said in an interview. “I was still going to school when I joined Skiffle Bunch and I never left since then.’’

Skiffle Bunch, who gave two public performances in Grenada on the weekend, visited under an arrangement involving the Grenada Carnival Committee, the Grenada Steelbands’ Association and George F. Huggins Grenada Ltd.

Calliste, who holds a degree in business management from the School of Business and Computer Science in Trinidad, has toured places such as Antigua and Barbados with Skiffle Bunch.

She is impressed with the performance of Grenadian pannists, as well as their knowledge of the pan movement in T&T.

“The standard here and the passion are very high,’’ Calliste said. “It was really amazing also that people here know so much about pan in Trinidad. People in Grenada really keep up to date on the pan movement.’’

Skiffle Bunch has never won a national panorama championship in Trinidad. But Calliste believes it’s only a matter of time.

“We have everything that it takes. Every year we just seem to the missing one element. I think we’re going to get it,’’ a confident Calliste said.

Government encouraged to forge ahead with Film Commission

ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada, April 4, 2011 - Grenada has been told that there are many tourism and other economic spin-offs to be gained from the establishment of a local film commission.

The government was encouraged to see its vision of a film commission to fruition by producer Klaus Graf of Graf Film, a German-based film production company now shooting a movie in Grenada. The movie is titled, Running With The Wind.

The establishment of a film commission will provide a platform for easier access for other film producers and companies to come to Grenada, Graf added.

Tourism Director Simon Stiell also commended Sen. Arley Gill and the Ministry of Culture for having the vision, and putting the necessary framework in place, for the establishment of the commission.

Film commissions are used worldwide, he said, for marketing and promotion, and for showcasing many destinations in a creative and cost-effective way.

Stiell suggested that Running With The Wind can be viewed as a pilot movie production for the proposed Grenada film commission.

For more than a year, government has been indicating its interest in setting up the commission. Sen. Gill, the Junior Minister of Culture, said that Grenada now has an excellent opportunity to develop and hasten the pace of bringing the dream of it to reality.

“We have an excellent opportunity to learn firsthand, the do’s and don’ts as well as what measure needs to be in place in order to attract other film production companies to come to Grenada,’’ he said.

According to the Minister, the decision of the Germans to select Grenada as the location for Running With The Wind is important to our country. It is not just about filming a movie but it’s the genesis of the film industry in the Spice Isle, he explained.

The film, when completed, will be shown throughout Europe. Local tourism officials believe it will have positive and far-reaching marketing and promotional value for Grenada.

SOURCE: Keville Frederick/Ministry of Culture

Grenada Carnival Launch - Toronto

Grenada Carnival Launch - Toronto
Saturday, May 21st, 2011
inside the elegant & sophisticated Lithuanian banquet hall at 1573 Bloor St. West JAB JAB, Shortknee, Fancy Mas, Steel Pan, Calypso, Grenada's top 4 Artists.
presented by Lex_uz Promotions in association w/ Ministry of Culture, Grenada & the Consulate General in Toronto