It was a carnival-like atmosphere at the Maurice Bishop International Airport last Monday as specially invited guests gathered to greet the US$10M Gold Trophy. Coca Cola Pan Wizards was playing their hearts out as the moko-jumbies danced away, while drummers and folk dancers prepared to brighten the morning. At the landing of the FIFA-Coca Cola jet, the carpets were rolled out with the U17 National Female Football team lined the path. The official party, led by Governor General – Dame Cecile La Grenade, had already boarded the aircraft to take out and unveil the Trophy, when it was obvious that it would rain. The party had to return without the Trophy and under umbrellas. All outdoor activities were therefore cancelled and everything was rescheduled for indoors.
Chairman for the celebration – Ricardo Keens-Douglas invited Rev. Christian Glasgow to lead the prayers, followed by welcome from Mrs. Francis-Taylor, who recognized all former national players and thanked them for their contributions towards the development of football in Grenada. There were also brief remarks from GFA Chairman Cheney Joseph, FIFA World Cup Ambassador – Dwight York and Sports and Ecclesiastical Minister – Hon. Emmalin Pierre, all of whom spoke of the historic day for Grenada and the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have the FIFA World Cup Trophy on Grenadian soil.
Minister Emmalin Pierre first apologized for the unavoidable absence of the Prime Minister, then she said how excited she was for the arrival of the Trophy to Grenada. She said that at the time of the FIFA World Cup Trophy in Grenada, the world is focused on Grenada and therefore it is a good way of marketing itself. “It is an excellent opportunity to show the world what Grenada truly is”, she pointed out. The Minister pledge Government’s commitment and support to the development of football in Grenada as she encouraged partnership not only with the GFA but with FIFA.
The Minister pointed out that the Government is not only talking but is actively engaging in partnerships as is evident from the Fond Recreation Ground development where Government allowed FIFA to invest $3M, and making the facilities available at the Queen’s Park for the construction of a home for football. She assured the gathering that the Government is prepared to do all that is necessary to promote the game in Grenada and promise to have the Trophy permanently on Grenadian soil one day.
The GFA president said “Today we start the dream that one day we will have the trophy in our hands”. He talked about the dream that Dwight York had many years ago and many others had but which eluded them. The President stated that ten years ago Grenada never thought of Gold, coming until Kirani James did it. He said that as small as Grenada is the potential is there to reach the world stage of football, and therefore Monday’s ceremony provided that opportunity for us to continue that dream.
Dwight York expressed pleasure at accompanying the Trophy to Grenada as FIFA ambassador and stated that he is aware of the passion Grenada has for football. He added that the youths have so many avenues to go out and fulfill their dreams; “it takes a lot of hard work and determination but it is quite possible that Grenada could be on the world stage of the World Cup.” The FIFA Ambassador pointed out that football is a global sport, that brings communities together as well as people of different countries and ethnic backgrounds. He thanked the sponsors for their support in this venture.
Following the brief remarks, Governor General – Dame Cecile La Grenade was invited to unveil the Trophy, which she lifted and showed to the invited guests. Photo opportunities with the Trophy then followed with directives from the Chairman.
Reprinted from the Grenada Informer
