Nick Cox, the new chairman of the Brooklyn-based Grenada Independence Anniversary Committee of New York (GIACONY) says Grenadians and friends of Grenada in New York City are in for an “amazingly prideful series of events” that are planned to celebrate the nation’s 49th anniversary of independence.”
Cox said on Wednesday 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 will feature 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, will be 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 has been extended “a warm invitation” to celebrate the 49th Anniversary of the tri-island state’s independence by attending all of the activities that are scheduled to take place from Jan. 27 to Feb. 4, 2023.
The 2023 Independence Anniversary Calendar of Events will include A Cultural Evening — Friday, Jan. 27, 7:00 p.m., at Our Lady of Refuge Church Hall in Brooklyn; The Independence Youth Fest, Saturday, Jan. 28, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at Our Lady of Refuge Church Hall in Brooklyn; Independence Ecumenical Service, Sunday, Jan. 29, 4:00 p.m., at St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church Hall in Brooklyn; and 49th Anniversary of Independence Gala, Dinner, Awards, Dance and Raffle, Saturday, Feb. 4, 9:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. at Antun’s Catering Hall, Jamaica, Queens.
Cox said the culminating Gala event, at Antun’s, 96-03 Springfield Gardens in Queens, will include brief remarks by the visiting government officials from Grenada, as well as the bestowal of awards.
Four outstanding Grenadians in the Diaspora have been 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 will be 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 will be provided by DJs Little Bee, Joe Bailey, One Drop and Naughty Vybz, Cox said.
He said proceeds from the Gala will be 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.
“The entire team at the Grenada Independence Anniversary Committee of New York is collectively beseeching you to be a part of the celebrations wherever you are — Grenada’s 49th Anniversary of Independence 2023 — ‘The journey to 50; reflecting on the past; planning the future,’” Cox said.
More information about the Gala is available at Eventbrite (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/grenada-49th-independence-anniversary-ny-gala-and-raffle-tickets-502601443447); at GIACONY’s Facebook Page “Grenada Independence Anniversary Celebrations New York” (https://www.facebook.com/giacony74?mibextid=ZbWKwL); and can be sourced by calling 212-599-0301, 718-666-1110 and 347-528-3038, and by emailing giaconypr@gmail.com.
