ST. George’S, Grenada, Thursday, January 6, 2011: A 10-year-old primary school student from St. Andrew has won the 2011 Grenada Independence Theme Competition.
Jelen Thomas, a Grade Five student at the Telescope Primary School, was adjudged as having submitted the best theme in the competition that was organised by the Department of Culture in the Office of the Prime Minister.
Thomas’ entry, which is the theme of the 2011 Independence activities, was: “Celebrating 37 years Through Challenging Times with Optimism and Resilience.”
The competition, held during the final term of the 2010 school year, was opened to students of all primary schools across Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.
Thomas, who resides with his parents in Mt. Horne, will be publicly recognised and awarded at the 2011 Independence Day ceremony on February 7 at the National Stadium.
This year’s theme was selected by the Independence Organising Committee because it is considered “meaningful” and “reflective,” said Senator Arley Gill, Minister with responsibility for Culture.
He made the comment Thursday, January 6, while meeting with journalists at an Independence press launch.
Sen. Gill said Grenadians ought to be proud of the country’s journey over the 37 years of Independence. He urged all nationals to participate fully in the month-long activities that begins on January 7 with the lighting of the first-ever Independence Torch in Petite Martinique. The torch will be taken to every parish in the Tri-island State.
Grenada attained its Independence from Britain on February 7, 1974, under the leadership of the late Prime Minister, Sir. Eric Matthew Gairy.