“The organizers, exhibitors, talented performers, artisans and vendors who come together each year to make Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique Day in New York City, a reality, are all set to make this, the 10th anniversary, the biggest ever,” affirms project coordinator, Michael Vincent of GRENCAP United, the organization responsible for staging this annual event.
Like last year, the event will be held at Boys & Girls High School Field, 736 Rutland Road in Brooklyn, NY, from 12:30 pm to 7 pm on Sunday, Aug. 26.
“We are highlighting all of the parishes of our tri-island state, including Carriacou and Petite Martinique, of course, with unique portrayals of each parish,” noted Vincent, who has been a driving force behind this heritage since its conception.
Attendees will this year encounter a wide array of cultural presentations across art-forms, besides the various booths which showcase the arts, crafts, foods and beverages of the tri-island state of Grenada.
Among others, the line-up includes, live performances by Grenada’s international stars Tallpree, Mr. Killa and Lavaman. Additionally, Conception Dance Group from Grenada, led by Cecelia Griffith, will also be gracing the stage for the first time at this event. Hit-man, Elimus Gilbert, aka Inspector, will be the host of this year’s event.
According to Vincent, the day’s event will also recognize and feature Grenada’s very own traditional mas heritage. There will be authentic portrayals of Shortknee Masqueraders, Jab Jab revelers, Moko Jumbie players, Big Drum Dancers from Carriacou & Petite Martinique, the 51st Street Rhythm Section, and the display of 2018 Labor Day Carnival costumes.
The day’s activities will also include special attractions for children — face painting, bouncing castle, arts and crafts, balloon twists and cotton candy.
Special guests at the day’s event will include Minister of Foreign Affairs, Peter David, Humanitarian & Diaspora Affairs Ambassador, Derek James and NYC Consul General, Rosemarie Welsh, along with local NYC Councilman, Jumaane Williams, who is a candidate for NY State Lieutenant Governor; U.S. Congresswoman, Yvette Clarke; and other community leaders.
The governmental and private sector sponsors for the event include: Grenada Communal Credit Union; Grenada Cultural Foundation; Century 21 Grenada; Grenada’s Ministry of Culture; Grenada Tourism Authority; Caribbean Funeral Home; Apple Bank; Dr. Sharon Ogiste-McBain, MD; Glenroy George, Attorney at Law; Bennett Printing; Conrad’s Bakery; Grand Prospect Hall; and Hopkins Consulting Group LLC.
Grenada Day in New York celebrates the multifaceted beauty and wealth of the cultural heritage of the people of Grenada, by bringing the entire Diaspora community together in one place where all can share, showcase, preserve and ensure inter-generational transfer of our ways of doing things.
This year’s action-packed and culturally rich event, will incorporate an awards ceremony to honour some of the individuals who have contributed tremendously to the development of the annual event since its inception in 2009.
More information about this event may be obtained by calling 347-623-9381, 347-882-8784, 917-846-9843 or 347-350-4285.
