Theme: Celebrating 37 years through challenging times with optimism and resilience
On Feb. 7, 1974, Grenada began a journey that has been characterized by periods of success, triumph, challenges and at times, conflict. These attributes are synonymous with the pain of delivery, the glory of birth and the rewards of growth.
Each year, on the Feb. 7, we celebrate another milestone of this journey, as step by step, we march forward to adulthood. It therefore means that our growth and maturity must form the basis for our development, as a nation.
St. Paul, in his writings, reminded us that we must leave the activities of children and youth behind as we step into adulthood. At 37 years, we are crossing over the threshold of youth, as a people.
We must therefore begin to seriously chart the course of our nation, determine our destiny and commit to working harder, together, if we are to overcome our challenges and increase our successes.
This year’s theme, “Celebrating 37 years through challenging times with optimism and resilience,” acknowledges our hope that Grenada will emerge stronger from the various crises that have impacted us over the years. We have a rich history of overcoming obstacles and surmounting difficulties, which have helped to strengthen our resolve and increase our confidence.
We must, therefore ensure that we build, together, a more tolerant society, in which we can harness our strengths while accepting our differences. Our success will be dependent on how strongly we exhibit a spirit of unity and sincerity as we forge forward, while maintaining the values that underpin what makes us truly Grenadian. This is even more crucial as we begin the second decade of the 21st century.
Every Grenadian, at home and in the Diaspora, must now find the motivation, the resolve and the courage to shoulder a personal responsibility, to move Grenada forward. I wish you all a happy 37th anniversary of Independence. May God bless us all.
Tillman J. Thomas
Prime Minister
