Saturday, 30 January 2016, saw the staging of two major independence events take place.
The return of the national motorcade from the Burns Point Roundabout made stops at all the major towns and villages across the island. According to the organizing committee, the event was geared at stimulating a sense of patriotism and pride of the country as Grenadian’s were called out to rally around the island in the spirit of Independence. The motorcade was an excellent opportunity for families to come out and enjoy a day of true ‘Grenadianism’, according to organizers of the event.
The motorcade proceeded from the Burns Point Roundabout heading into the town of St George, through River Road, up Marrast Hill, down Lowther’s Lane, through Kirani James Boulevard into Grand Anse. It then proceeded along the eastern corridor into St David, stopping at Central St David and La Tante Junction. The next major stop was in the town of Grenville and then onto the Pearls airstrip. The motorcade then made its way down the western corridor with stops in Sauteurs, Victoria, and Gouyave before heading back into St George’s.
Persons were asked to walk with their refreshments. The organizers were optimistic that it would have been a major event and extended an invitation to clubs and other social groups to participate. The usual independence décor was visible as the vehicles moved across the nation and the music played by the DJ was strictly patriotic and local.
Following the motorcade, the action continued at the Grenville Bus Terminus with the staging of the Independence Calypso Monarch Competition, where 13 artists came up against the 2015 Monarch, Sean Niles, Sour Serpent. The competition started at 8 pm, with a small fee of $5 to enter.
The weekend ended with the National Church Service at the Blessed Sacrament Church in Grand Anse organized by the Grenada Conference of Churches. The service commenced at 3 pm, with an open invitation to everyone.
The weekend’s activities will be followed by major events this week, including the National Colours Day and the Cultural Extravaganza in Gouyave both happening this Friday, and the National Military Parade, Rally, Made in Grenada Expo and Cultural Extravaganza on Sunday, 7 February — Independence Day, starting at 10 am at the National Stadium.
GIS
