FEB 07

An Ecumenical Service of Thanksgiving in celebration of the 30th Anniversary of Grenada's Independence was held at the St. Gabriel's Episcopal (Anglican) Church in Brooklyn last Sunday.

A report from the Grenada Mission Office in New York said that the Service had a record turn out of Grenadian and Caribbean nationals, as well as specially invited guests and friends of Grenada.

Members of the clergy participating in the service included Grenadian pastors from various religious denominations such as the Pentecostal Assembly, Seventh Day Adventist Church, Roman Catholic Church and the Episcopal (Anglican) Church.

Pastor Dave Sylvester from Beaulieu, St. George's and now a resident of the United States, delivered the Sermon and preached about the importance of "Grenadians being recognised in the New York Community not only as Grenadians but also as "Christian Grenadians" with the moral values and beliefs that were inculcated in us as children".

The service was enhanced with inspiring renditions from the St. Cecilia's Chorale and Grenada;s own, Quake USA.
The group performed a number of patriotic songs, which brought an immense feeling of nostalgia, pride and joy to the Grenadian congregation who sang along with the group.
Grenada's Ambassador to the United Nations, Dr. Lamuel Stanislaus, delivered the Prime Minister's Message on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of independence.

Consul General Janice Celestine was on hand to acknowledge the dignitaries present and thanked all those who contributed to the wonderful service.

Deputy Borough President, Yvonne Graham, presented a Proclamation on behalf of the Brooklyn Borough President, Marty Markowitz to the Grenada Government Offices declaring a Grenada's 30th Anniversary of Independence Day in Brooklyn, USA. The Proclamation was presented to Ambassador Stanislaus and Consul General Celestine.

The Congregation included representatives of the CARICOM diplomatic and consular corps, local politicians in New York, former Consuls General of Grenada, Ronald Charles and Stephen Alexander, Chairperson and members of the Independence Committee and representatives of the various Grenadian Organisations in New York.

The Service was followed by a reception where local Grenadian cuisines were served. On Saturday, a very successful Independence Youth Programme was held at the St. Gabriel's Episcopal Center where the audience was treated to poetry, drama and dancing performed by youths of Grenadian parentage.

There was a call for the Youth Programme to be made an annual event where the youth can showcase their talents.