by Rawle Paterson
The indigenous cultural practices of the People of Carriacou and Petite Martinique reflects the natural nature of the natives and cognizant of this, the Grenada Electricity Services (Grenlec) is committed to assisting with the further enhancing of the showcasing of the various events.
Another vivid reminder of their rooted attachment to the culture, came shining through at the launch of this year’s edition of the Maroon Festival.
In keeping with the essence of the festival which is food and music; the Company’s local Branch Manager, Wallace Collins, presented a tray of various food to Chairperson of the Carriacou Maroon Festival Committee, Faithlyn George, to represent Grenlec’s $10,000 contribution towards the 2017 Maroon experience which will be held Friday 28 to Sunday 30 April.
In the presence of Government officials led by Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, Hon. Elvin Nimrod, and other members of the Maroon Committee, Collins says that this a further demonstration of Grenlec stepping forward once again towards ensuring a greater explosion of the richly diverse cultural practices of the sister isles.
Grenlec he noted has always been associated with the staging of the festival dating back to many years ago. “This festival has also helped to accelerate the local economy ” added Collins. “which is so badly needed.”
Coining the festival as a “Premier Event” The Local Branch Manager, went on to urge the committee on the importance of having the young population properly meshed into the Festival, so as to ensure that it has longevity.
A grateful George noted that Grenlec is one of their loyal and dedicated sponsors towards the event. In praising the electricity company for again coming forward in this challenging financial times, the female chairperson assured that the 2017 festival would surpass those of previous years.
Apart from the many local and regional groups, this year’s Festival, she told the opening, would be graced with the presence of Jamaican Songbird “sing for the ladies” Jah-Cure and his band.
The Festival was officially declared open by Hon. Elvin Nimrod.