NEW YORK, February 4, 2010 – For the second consecutive year the Grenada Independence Committee in New York held a tea party for senior citizens in the community on Thursday evening.
 
 The committee, led by Derek Ventour, socialised with the seniors at the Bethany United Methodist Church in Brooklyn as part of the week of activities marking Grenada’s 36th anniversary of Independence.
 
 In a brief address to the Tea Party, Consul General Derrick James commended the attendees for their sterling contribution to their communities in Grenada and New York.
 
 “The young ones should remember we are only here because you (seniors) have paved the way for us,” said the Consul General.
 
 “Independence is a time for us to put aside differences and unite for one cause,” he told the gathering which included former St. Joseph’s Convent St. George School Principal Sister Gabrielle Mason and Carriacou-native, Helen Beatrice Lucas.
 
 At age 91, Grande Dame Helen (knighted by the Queen in 2005) was the oldest senior at the Tea Party.
 
 Originally from Bogles, Carriacou, Grande Dame Helen has been residing in the United States for a number of years.
 
 “I’m into everything and doing everything,” she said, when asked about her activities.
 
 “I used a stick for stability but I am strong otherwise”.
 
 Other members of the committee present at the Seniors Tea Party included Raymond Layne, Dr. Barbara Gordon, Janet John, Jean Taylor, Pauline Williams, Gloria Rennie and Constance Pitt..
 
 The Independence activities continue on Friday with a Social Gathering at St. Gregory the Great Parish School from 7-10:00 p.m. and on Saturday, the celebration climaxes with the Independence Gala and Awards Ceremony at Antuns in Queens, New York, starting at 9:00 p.m.