Residents of Carriacou and Petite Martinique are urged to learn from history and “use it as the foundation upon which we build a re-imagined future for the next generation and us.”
Minister of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs and Local Government Hon Tevin Andrews called on citizens to be proud of their heritage, in his Independence speech at the parish rallies on both islands.
“It is our common heritage that binds us together as family in good times and tough times. It’s our common history that has formed in us our resilient spirit and our shared desire to be self-governed. It is from our past, our legends like Michael Caesar, H A Blaize, Eva Sylvester, Frederick B Paterson, Nicholas Brathwaite and Winston Fleary, that we learn that our aspirations can become our reality and that we can be the greatest little island in the world.”
The Minister continued, “as we embark on this journey of transformation, we seek not to whitewash nor to rewrite our history. Instead, we endeavor to learn from our past and use it as the foundation” for the future.
Looking to the next 50 years, Minister Andrews suggested envisioning a nation where “youths are skilled for the global workplace, no child goes to school or bed hungry, healthcare is a priority of world-class standard and yet affordable to the ordinary Grenadian, the voices of the people have a place in national discourse and farmers and fisherfolks have access to the resources they need to continue to feed the nation.”
He noted that everyone must be on board to achieve the aforementioned. “We need your ideas, talents, gifts and skills. It’s going to take all of us, Kayaks near and far to steer this ship called Carriacou and PM to safe water,” the Minister stated.
According to Minister Andrews “Independence is more than a display of national colours. It is a reminder of our dream of self-governance and freedom for all. Therefore, as we gather today to celebrate the 49th anniversary of our independence, let us pay homage to our past, embrace our present and design our future in an atmosphere of peace and love, surrounded by the ocean that has been the lifeblood of this island.”
Activities to mark the independence celebrations took place on Carriacou and on Petite Martinique on February 02 and 03. These included a march through the streets by members of the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) and students to various venues. The rallies saw speeches by Minister Andrews, and a pre-recorded message from Governor General Dame Cécile La Grenade and presentation of awards to outstanding individuals.
Other activities held in the lead up to the February 07 celebration included sporting activities, cultural evening at the Botanical Gardens, church services and an award ceremony and cocktail on January 28, 2023.
The Independence Award Ceremony and Cocktail held at the Cassada Bay Resort in Carriacou saw 10 individuals awarded for their contributions towards the development of Carriacou and Petite Martinique.
They were Patricia John, who was awarded for Public Service; Lambi Queen Tours owner Sherwin Noel received the award for Tourism; Shop owner Dave Gabriel was awarded for Business; Northern Development Action Committee for their contribution to Community Service; Police Constable #831 Arnold Cornwall and table tennis coach Mario Blaize awarded for Sports; farmer Gerald John for Agriculture; Dr Wilfred Siesa for Health; Barbara Charles, who entered the education system since 1986 as a teacher then later vice principal for Education; and Christopher Jones, who has been playing Shakespeare mas over 20 years for Culture.
At the awards, Minister Andrews told the awardees that this was a small token to show appreciation for their dedication and service and advised them to “continue to serve and give it your all” in their various professions. “Grenada needs all hands on deck to move Grenada forward.”
Photo caption: Minister of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs and Local Government, Hon Tevin Andrews presents award to Christopher Jones for his contribution to culture
Minister Andrews awards Gerald John for his contribution to Agriculture
Senior Administrative Officer Diane Stanislaus presents award to Mario Blaize for his contribution to Sports
Minister of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs and Local Government, Hon Tevin Andrews address attendees at Independence rally
Minister Tevin Andrews inspecting the guards
Drill display by RGPF
Children on the parade
Build on our heritage to re-imagine our future
Residents of Carriacou and Petite Martinique are urged to learn from history and “use it as the foundation upon which we build a re-imagined future for the next generation and us.”
Minister of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs and Local Government Hon Tevin Andrews called on citizens to be proud of their heritage, in his Independence speech at the parish rallies on both islands.
“It is our common heritage that binds us together as family in good times and tough times. It’s our common history that has formed in us our resilient spirit and our shared desire to be self-governed. It is from our past, our legends like Michael Caesar, H A Blaize, Eva Sylvester, Frederick B Paterson, Nicholas Brathwaite and Winston Fleary, that we learn that our aspirations can become our reality and that we can be the greatest little island in the world.”
The Minister continued, “as we embark on this journey of transformation, we seek not to whitewash nor to rewrite our history. Instead, we endeavor to learn from our past and use it as the foundation” for the future.
Looking to the next 50 years, Minister Andrews suggested envisioning a nation where “youths are skilled for the global workplace, no child goes to school or bed hungry, healthcare is a priority of world-class standard and yet affordable to the ordinary Grenadian, the voices of the people have a place in national discourse and farmers and fisherfolks have access to the resources they need to continue to feed the nation.”
He noted that everyone must be on board to achieve the aforementioned. “We need your ideas, talents, gifts and skills. It’s going to take all of us, Kayaks near and far to steer this ship called Carriacou and PM to safe water,” the Minister stated.
According to Minister Andrews “Independence is more than a display of national colours. It is a reminder of our dream of self-governance and freedom for all. Therefore, as we gather today to celebrate the 49th anniversary of our independence, let us pay homage to our past, embrace our present and design our future in an atmosphere of peace and love, surrounded by the ocean that has been the lifeblood of this island.”
Activities to mark the independence celebrations took place on Carriacou and on Petite Martinique on February 02 and 03. These included a march through the streets by members of the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) and students to various venues. The rallies saw speeches by Minister Andrews, and a pre-recorded message from Governor General Dame Cécile La Grenade and presentation of awards to outstanding individuals.
Other activities held in the lead up to the February 07 celebration included sporting activities, cultural evening at the Botanical Gardens, church services and an award ceremony and cocktail on January 28, 2023.
The Independence Award Ceremony and Cocktail held at the Cassada Bay Resort in Carriacou saw 10 individuals awarded for their contributions towards the development of Carriacou and Petite Martinique.
They were Patricia John, who was awarded for Public Service; Lambi Queen Tours owner Sherwin Noel received the award for Tourism; Shop owner Dave Gabriel was awarded for Business; Northern Development Action Committee for their contribution to Community Service; Police Constable #831 Arnold Cornwall and table tennis coach Mario Blaize awarded for Sports; farmer Gerald John for Agriculture; Dr Wilfred Siesa for Health; Barbara Charles, who entered the education system since 1986 as a teacher then later vice principal for Education; and Christopher Jones, who has been playing Shakespeare mas over 20 years for Culture.
At the awards, Minister Andrews told the awardees that this was a small token to show appreciation for their dedication and service and advised them to “continue to serve and give it your all” in their various professions. “Grenada needs all hands on deck to move Grenada forward.”
