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HOME	JANUARY 29th, 2005

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The National Celebrations Committee has announced that this year's Independence Celebrations will not be as extravagant as the other years.

Chairperson of the Committee, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, Elizabeth Henry-Greenidge disclosed this during a press conference Tuesday at the Ministerial Complex.

Henry-Greenidge said the committee took the decision that given the present economic and financial climate in the country, "we should have a celebration that isn't lavished". She pointed out that it was not wise to spend a lot of money on the event while there are people in the country still going through great difficulties as a result of the passage of Hurricane Ivan in September.

She said that as a result of this, the committee suggested to Cabinet that this year's celebration programme should be scaled down. "Cabinet reviewed the committee's proposal and accepted, and even did a little bit more scaling down...", she added.

According to Henry-Greenidge, since Grenada is in the rebuilding process, following the devastation caused by Ivan, there are now tremendous financial constraints placed on the country. "We have to celebrate independence because it is our nation's birth and we have to be patriotic and demonstrate our patriotism", she said.

"This provides us with an opportunity to show what we have inside as Grenadians, so let it come from the heart", she added. The Theme for Grenada's 31st Independence Celebrations is "Rebuilding with A Vision for a Better Nation".

The Chairperson said that the theme was chosen because "we are rebuilding, and we should be rebuilding with the future Grenada in mind".

The Independence Celebrations activities will begin on February 2 in Petite Martinique with a National Rally to be followed the next day in Carriacou itself for their own National Rally. On February 4, there will be a Forum for the Diplomatic Corps, and also starting on that day is the Patriotic weekend where citizens can engage themselves in patriotic activities.

The Independence Church Service will be held on Sunday, February 6 at the St.Mark's SDA Church in Victoria. The major event will be held on Independence Day itself (February 7) - the traditional Military Parade and National Rally at the Tanteen Playing Field.

As part of the celebrations, there will be an Awards Ceremony and Cultural Evening on February 24 at the Grenada Trade Centre. The ceremony will be dedicated to outstanding persons who have given selflessly during and in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Ivan.