Local News

PURELY GRENADIAN

On Friday February 28th, Grenadians around the world were glued to their television sets, tablets, PCs etc. as they rallied behind another son of the soil as he attempted to win a major International Soca competition. Also in the running was Cultural Ambassador Tallpree as he made his 8th appearance at the International Soca Monarch competition. Mr. Killa gave a very good account of himself, represented his Country well and made Grenadians the world over very proud with his second place finish. Tallpree re-confirmed that the title of Jab Jab King will, for now, be exclusively in his possession.

Apart from the exploits of those two soca bards in Trinidad, this weekend in particular saw a notable amount of representation of Grenada by Grenadians in a variety of fields, along with proud and passionate expressions of Grenadian culture and expression.

On Friday February 28th the annual Tivoli Saraca was held, a heterogeneous countenance of traditional African culture and heritage. The Tivoli community must be commended for its unremitting efforts to keep this extremely crucial component of Grenada’s identity alive.

Simultaneously, on the Sister Isle of Carriacou the Elders have re-instituted the traditional maroon with the Village of Mt. Pleasant one week earlier and Hillsborough, Beausejour and Prospect Hall re-kindling the flames of African ancestry on February 28th.

The Sister Isle also, ably, hosted its leg of the two-tier carnival celebrations of the State of Grenada. A most unique occurrence in this part of the world, without a clear policy and little or no advertisement, the People of Carriacou have been able to grow their carnival to a point where it attracts thousands. The overall growth of the product is still an issue to be addressed, at another time.

Seven time calypso monarch, Findley ‘Scholar’ Jeffrey was a special guest Artiste at the Dominica Calypso finals held on Saturday March 1st at the Windsor Park Stadium in Roseau.

On the field of sports Grenada was not to be left out. On Friday February 28th (that date again) Preston Mc Sween returned to the island from West Indies under-19 duties in the ICC World Cup in Dubai. Devon Smith, Andre Fletcher and Nelon Pascal were in St. Lucia representing the Windward Islands in the regional four-day tournament. In fact, Pascal recorded match figures of 8 for 103 (including a five-wicket haul in the first innings) as the Windwards defeated Barbados by nine wickets.

Deon Lendore of Trinidad and Tobago recorded the fastest 400m time of the year to date, last weekend. He represents Texas A&M and is trained by two-time World Indoor 400m champion and 2004 Olympic Finalist Alleyne Francique.

Almost as a daily occurrence there is something of significance that reminds us all of the very special blessing God continues to anoint on Grenada and Grenadians. We are also constantly reminded that our greatest asset is indubitably our People. A proud, passionate people who continues to epitomize the indomitable spirit of our ancestors, the courage to scale heights and achieve goals, even when our size would be an adequate excuse for not even trying.

It does not require a million-dollar advertising campaign to realize that the main attraction for any visitor to Grenada is the people of Grenada, it does not engage too many brain cells to determine that the best mechanism for selling Grenada is the use of Grenadians, especially since we have so many who have excelled regionally and internationally.

As our anthem serves to remind us on every occasion we patriotically sing it vigor and pride …Heads, hearts and hands in unity, To reach our destiny…whatever course that journey to our destiny may take, it is a journey that must be embarked upon as one people; one family…Grenadians may God Bless You!

Dexter Mitchell

Comments are closed.