FEB 07

A week of activities to mark Grenada's 30th Anniversary of Independence began in Washington on January 31, and is due to end on February 7. The week began with a proclamation from the Mayor of the District of Columbia.

A steering committee, which was convened by the Embassy of Grenada in Washington and chaired by June Lindore, planned a series of activities; which began at the Auditorium of the University of the District of Columbia with a heart-warming concert. This included a steel band performance by the Positive Vibrations Youth Steel orchestra, a component of Cafe that is a recognized musical force in North America.

The group has toured the USA and gone as far as Senegal in West Africa as youth Ambassadors. Many of the members are sons and daughters of Grenadians.
The main feature was Quake USA, a Grenadian Caribbean Brooklyn based group that journeyed to Washington to spice up the evening.

Their performance included Grenadian and Caribbean folk songs and renditions of Grenada's history in song and dance. "It was colourful. It was warm. It was emotional. It took you to the brink of tears and back to laughter," said Ambassador Denis Antoine.

The President of the University of the District of Columbia, Dr. William Pollard, said: "I feel a kinship. I feel the rhythm of Africa. Now I understand better, the strength and how familiar to mine is the Grenadian culture, and I am pleased that the University of the District of Columbia is associated with this wonderful display of such rich and diverse cultural expressions."

Dr. Pollard presented a surprise Presidential Citation to Ambassador Antoine for exceptional service to Grenada, noting that Ambassador Antoine serves as an inspirational example of service to his country, his alma mater the University of the District of Columbia, and the University Community.

On Sunday morning, Grenadians, and other Caribbean Nationals, friends of Grenada, the Diplomatic Corps of the Caribbean Community and representative of the OAS General Secretariat attended the Grenada Independence church service, which was conducted by The Reverend Canon Kortright Davis of the Church of The Holy Comforter St. Andrew's Parish in NW Washington, DC.

The service was inspirational, Ambassador Antoine said. "Listening to Cannon Davis render a sermon called, "The Grenada Storyâ was a proud and blessed morning for Grenadians in the Washington Metropolitan area, and for all Grenadians".

The congregation also heard Ambassador Antoine thank the Diplomatic Corps for their strong turnout. He also delivered the Independence message of Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell.

Following the service, the entire church community was invited to enjoy a true traditional Grenadian, Caribbean style brunch complete with cocoa tea, bakes, salt fish, four types of chicken, fishcake and more, including sorrel and mauby.

Grenada week continued in Washington with a Business Symposium at the Embassy on Wednesday. An Open House and Games Night is planned for Friday (February 6) and the week is due to end with a gala, arts exhibition and awards ceremony at the OAS Headquarters on February 7.