Our Lady of Refuge Church Hall and St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church, both in Brooklyn, will be two of the locations celebrating Grenada’s 49 years of independence this weekend.
To mark “The journey to 50. Reflecting on the past—Planning the future,” the Grenada Independence Anniversary Committee of New York (GIACONY) will host the 49th celebration of independence. The committee “[w]elcomes Grenadians and friends to celebrate this astonishing accomplishment with a series of awe-inspiring events.”
The theme of the scheduled events was chosen by the National Celebrations Committee and members of Grenada’s Cabinet. Along with the annual series of events, this year’s celebrations will feature the visiting presence of Hon. Joseph Andall, Grenada’s minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Export; Hon. Andy Williams, minister of Mobilization, Implementation and Transformation; and Hon. Delma Thomas, member of the opposition in Grenada’s Parliament.
“The entire team at the Grenada Independence Anniversary Committee of New York, is collectively encouraging Grenadians and friends of Grenada, to celebrate ‘The journey to 50, reflecting on the past, planning the future,’” said Gerry Hopkins, GIACONY spokesperson and events co-organizer.
Events will be held from January 27 to February 4, 2023, featuring three major events that will lead to the annual 49th celebration. The festivities will kick off with “A Cultural Evening” on Friday, Jan. 27, 7 p.m. at Our Lady of Refuge Church Hall in Brooklyn. The second event is “The Independence Youth Fest” on Saturday, Jan. 28, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the same location. The third and last event for that weekend will be “The Independence Ecumenical Service” on Sunday, Jan. 29, 4 p.m. at St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church in Brooklyn.
“Don’t worry, you will get a chance to cool off your feet for the week, but then you will need to get back on it to close out the Grenada Independence tradition and celebrate with GIACONY for the 49th Anniversary of Independence Gala, Dinner, Awards, Dance & Raffle on Saturday, Feb. 4, 9 pm to 2 am,” said Hopkins.
The gala will be held at Antun’s Catering Hall (96-03 Springfield Gardens, Queens). Four highly accomplished Grenadians in the diaspora will receive awards for Excellence in Community Service, Cultural Heritage, Entrepreneurial Spirit, and Distinguished Children/Youth Leadership.
There will be free drinks and door prizes, including a high-tech therapeutic mattress, Hopkins said, 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.
But wait, there’s more, Hopkins added: “There will be a chance to win a $5 raffle [for] a Cartier watch and cash prizes of $500 and $1,000.”
Proceeds from the gala will be used to cover the cost of staging the planned activities in NYC. Donations will be made to the Nephrology Unit at the General Hospital in Grenada, which is being upgraded to offer full dialysis services.For more information, go to https://www.facebook.com/giacony74?mibextid=ZbWKwL), call 347-350-4285 or email giaconypr@gmail.com.