US congratulates Grenada on 49th independence anniversary

The Biden administration has extended congratulations to the people of Grenada on the celebration of their 49th anniversary of political independence from Great Britain.

On Feb. 7, 1974, Grenada became a fully independent state under late Prime Minister Sir Eric Matthew Gairy.

“The United States values its partnership with Grenada, especially the work we are doing under the US-Caribbean Partnership to Address the Climate Crisis 2030 and to ensure a safe, secure and prosperous Caribbean region under the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative,” said US Secretary of State, Antony J. Blinken in a statement.

“In the year ahead, we look forward to continued collaboration with Grenada on education, entrepreneurship, climate resilience and energy reform initiatives that will help propel Grenada’s long-term growth and prosperity,” he added.

Blinken said the United States also remains committed to deepening strong collaboration with Grenada to counter transnational organized crime, combat illicit firearms trafficking and promote regional security cooperation “for the good of all the people of our shared region.”

“The United States extends its best wishes to the people of Grenada for a happy Independence Day,” he said.

Nick Cox, the new chairman of the Brooklyn-based Grenada Independence Anniversary Committee of New York (GIACONY) said that Grenadians and friends of Grenada in New York City were in for an “amazingly prideful series of events” that are planned to celebrate the nation’s 49th anniversary of independence.”

Cox said that the celebrations are “a major stop on ‘The Road to 50’”, referring to Grenada 50th Independence Jubilee.

Along with the annually held series of events, Cox said this year’s celebrations featured the visiting presence of Grenada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Export, Joseph Andall; Minister of Mobilization, Implementation and Transformation Andy Williams and Opposition Member of Parliament, Delma Thomas.

All of the scheduled events in New York City, as elsewhere, were held under the theme — “The journey to 50. Reflecting on the past. Planning the future” — which was chosen jointly by the National Celebrations Committee and members of Grenada’s Cabinet.

Acting under the patronage of Grenada’s Consular Office in New York City, Cox said the general public was extended “a warm invitation” to celebrate the 49th Anniversary of the tri-island state’s independence by attending all of the activities that were scheduled to take place from Jan. 27 to Feb. 4, 2023.

The 2023 Independence Anniversary Calendar of Events included A Cultural Evening; The Independence Youth Fest; Independence Ecumenical Service; and 49th Anniversary of Independence Gala, Dinner, Awards, Dance and Raffle, which took place on Sat., Feb. 4, at Antun’s Catering Hall, Jamaica, Queens.

Cox said the culminating Gala event, at Antun’s, included brief remarks by the visiting Government officials from Grenada, as well as the bestowal of awards.

Four outstanding Grenadians in the Diaspora were chosen from among several nominees, based on their accomplishments in relation to “a set criteria”, to receive awards in the following categories: Excellence in Community Service Award; Cultural Heritage Award; Entrepreneurial Spirit Award; and Distinguished Children/Youth Leadership Award.

Additionally, there were door prizes, including a high-tech therapeutic mattress, as well as live entertainment by In-Sync Band, violinist and singer Donnell Best and saxophonist Jarel Bartholomew.

Along with the live performances, classic music was provided by DJs Little Bee, Joe Bailey, One Drop and Naughty Vybz, Cox said.

He said proceeds from the Gala were used to cover the cost of staging the planned activities in NYC and to make a donation to the Nephrology Unit (being upgraded to offer full dialysis services) at the General Hospital in Grenada.