St. George’s, April 25, 2010 – An important step in preserving and protecting Grenada’s history was taken last Friday, April 23, at a ceremony attended by a host of dignitaries led by Governor-General Sir Carlyle Glean, and Prime Minister Hon. Tillman Thomas.
The ceremony, part of the tri-centennial celebrations of the founding of the Town of St. George, was for the declaration of Fort George, Fort Frederick and Fort Matthew as “National Heritage Sites.’’
Following the reading of the citation and the announcement of the declaration, the Chinese Government – through its Embassy in Grenada – presented a cash donation in support of the Town of St. George 300th anniversary celebrations.
Chinese Embassy officials then joined the Prime Minister, Governor General, Tourism Minister Glynis Roberts and other dignitaries in a procession from Fort George, through stairs of the newly opened Tri-centennial Park onto the National Museum.
Friday’s event was just the start of a weekend of activities celebrating the capital city’s 300th anniversary. On Saturday, April 24, the Tri-Centennial Committee and volunteers of the Carenage staged a highly successful day of sports and culture. The Grenada Postal Corporation also sponsored a treasure hunt for children at the Botanical Gardens.
“I was really pleased with the way things went on Saturday,’’ said Hon. Peter David, parliamentary representative for the Town of St. George. “I would suggest that we can perhaps have a celebration of a similar nature, of sports and culture, each year from now on. There are just a few things that we can work on and improve and make this an even bigger and better celebration. But I want to commend the members of the Tri-Centennial Committee, the Carenage volunteers and others from elsewhere, who worked so hard to make the event such a tremendous success.’’
Hon. David, who is also Minister of Foreign Affairs, kept a promise and participated in the swimming event. At the end of the race he was mobbed by reporters seeking comment on a race that was dominated by teenagers.
“It was fun being there,’’ Mr. David said.
The day began with a cycle race that began at Maurice Bishop International Airport and ended on the Carenage.
The Carenage Sports Complex was the venue of extremely competitive but friendly small-goal football, cricket, netball and basketball competitions. Spice Isle Skilled Youth was football’s winner; Upsetters 2 won the cricket; River Road took netball’s first place; and Four Roads came out on top in basketball.
Two residents of St. Andrew dominated in a pool tournament organised by the Grenada Pool Players’ Association. The winner was Don Lewis, and the first runner up was Larry Lakati.
The Carenage, between Hughes Street and Hubbard’s Hardware Store, was jam-packed by evening with people from across the country, including Finance Minister Nazim Burke; Housing Minister Alleyne Walker; Tourism Minister Roberts; Minister with responsibility for Culture, Sen. Arley Gill; and Gilbert Massell, a member of the Grenada team that successfully negotiated the maritime agreement with Trinidad and Tobago.
Following earlier performances from the Jolly Boys and a Carriacou String Band, the action moved to the “Grand Finale Stage,’’ where the live acts included well-known national figures such Black Wizard, Scholar, Mr. Killa, General PP and Fatman George. Former calypso monarch, Walter “Dictator’’ Thomas, also gave a rendition of his classic hit, “Brighter Out of Darkness.’’
The local performances, by others such as Heatwave band, Rhythm Mix, Randol Robinson and Veni Wai La Grenade dancers, was complemented by an appearance from a visiting Indian Dance Company and an amazing firework display of more than 20 minutes.
The carnival-like atmosphere was authenticated by the presence of an individual who, early in the day, was enjoying himself in the Ghetto area of the Carenage as a one-man red jab jab.
Several persons also used the opportunity to purchase autographed copies of “White Frock & Coals Dust.’’ The book, written by journalist Lincoln Toro Depradine, is an anecdotal account of some remarkable characters of the Carenage, and of major events that have occurred in the community. It is available at local bookstores or online at www.grenadamarket.com
The weekend of activities, which included a special Sunday breakfast hosted by residents of Moritz, culminated on Sunday evening with another large turnout of people, including MP David, for a tri-centennial cultural programme in the Four Roads/Grenville Street area of the city.
The Sunday evening programme was headlined by radio personality Anthony “Jericho’’ Greenidge, a favourite son of Four Roads; and by a sterling concert performance from 2009 national panorama champions, Coyaba New Dimensions, which makes its home in the community.
The next community-based tri-centennial event will be held in River Road in May.