An eight-hour extravaganza, showcasing the diversity of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique in music, cuisine, arts and entertainment is expected to provide top class entertainment.
This is being organized by The Spice Island Cultural Day Association of Quebec (SICDAQ) and is supported by the Government of Grenada, the Government of Canada and the Grenada Tourism Authority.
The Saturday July 11, 2020 Festival, which will be streamed from 1pm via the Spice Island Cultural Festival YouTube Channel and the Facebook Page, replaces the annual Spice Island Cultural Day which celebrates Grenada’s culture in Montreal, Canada.
This year’s event is being brought virtually due to COVID-19 which prohibits public gathering in Montreal.
Dr The Right Honorable Keith Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada and the Prime Minister of Canada, Hon Justin Trudeau, along with other Montreal City Councilors, will bring Messages of hope and comfort during this pandemic.
Grenada’s Jennifer Hosten – Festival’s Honorary Patron and Miss World 1970, will recount her trailblazing journey as the first black winner of the pageant.
A showcase of young entrepreneurs in the Diaspora will be facilitated by another Grenadian Hon Dr Jean Augustine, who is Canadian politician and community leader.
The lineup of entertainers includes the Royal Grenada Police Force Band opening the festival with the national anthems of Canada and Grenada, steel pan performances by the 2020 Panorama champions of Grenada, Angel Harps Steel Orchestra and the popular Commancheros Steel Orchestra.
Spicemas Carnival costumes on display will add to the festive mood.
There will be Caribbean Jazz performances by Juno Award Winner Eddie Bullen and his sons, solo performances by Calypsonians King Ajamu, Grenada’s Groovy Monarch Dash, Grenada’s 2019 Groovy Monarch V’ghn, Grenada’s 2019 Power Soca Monarch Boyzie and Toronto’s KennyC and longstanding artiste Doggies now residing in Montreal.
Other performers include Montreal’s greatest Jab Jab Orchestra; Delta Antoine and Jenny Noel, along with Moko Jumbie dancers.
More than 30 Grenadian artistes singing Bill Withers classic “Lean on Me” will be produced by Eddie Bullen with funds raised through the Festival’s Go Fund Me page donated to the Grenada Covid-19 Relief Fund.
Caribbean cool deejays will keep the beat along with Mr Junior George on Ridealonglive joining from New York.
Celebrity Chefs from the USA and Canada include culinary rock stars Anthony Mair, Lennox Antoine, Desaline Johnson and Leon Charles who will prepare spicy dishes from around the Caribbean.
Messages from Grenadians on the world stage will come from Olympic Gold Medalist Kirani James, award-winning storyteller Richardo Keens-Douglas, face painting tutorial led by Johanne McMillan’s “Faceination” and Kevin Dolland, cartoonist and doll designer.
During the Festival, guests will be able to donate to a “GoFundMe” page to assist the Grenada COVID-19 Relief Fund. Funds are earmarked to be donated to the front-line workers in Grenada and a Seniors’ Advocacy Organization in Montreal, Quebec.
Anyone donating $50 or more will get an opportunity to be in a draw to win prizes such as: a 7-night stay for two at the Coyaba Beach Resort, a Day’s Tour of Grenada from LaToya Tours, a Basket of Grenada Spices with Clarke’s Court Rum or a Basket of Grenada Chocolates and products, compliments of The Grenada Chocolate Company.
The Children Section will comprise Award Winning Storyteller Richardo Keens-Douglas who will read his story “The Nutmeg Princess”. Johanne McMillian, of “Faceination” will do a tutorial on Face painting of The Nutmeg Princess and Kevin Dolland, of Tamboulay, a Grenadian doll maker and cartoonist will end off with a cartoon show. Fun for the entire family.
“This is the magic of our movement rising to this moment,” said Byron Cameron, President of SICDAQ, adding, “we can rise to this virus with kindness and wisdom and make our Spice Island stronger in the process. Let’s go for it!”
The SICDAQ is a non-profit incorporated organization formed by Grenadians living in Montreal, Canada to celebrate the rich ancestral traditions, history, culture, achievements and aspirations of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite.