Grenada Independence Celebrations 2009 - Grenville

Ricardo Keens Douglas is a gem in this tri-island state. This man basically organized an event that brought Grenadians together in a very special way in a small and cosey town. With the participation of the best of Grenada's cultural individuals and groups a pre-independence show of amazing success was generated.

The multitude of people present and the atmosphere present reminded me of the mood of crowds when they would listen to Maurice Bishop speak. The show was truly a huge success and I give a huge thumbs up to Ricardo Keens-Douglas - great job. I also applaud all the participants who truly gave their best for Grenada's 35th independence celebration.

Personally, I have never seen Grenville that alive in years. I smelld fish and great food cooking in the streets as Gouyave Fish Friday came to Grenville (marvelous idea). I don't see why Grenville meat market vendors can't have one every week also - what's stopping them? They can make it slightly different and can involve the market vendors who can make local dishes. Money can be made and all can be happy. Just think about it.

The crowd in Grenville was very peaceful and jubiliant. I have never seen Grenadians in such a great mood since the recent elections. I hope we can use that positive energy to get us through the rest of the year.

As I walked through Grenville last night I once again thought about how the people of St. Andrew's have recently failed to maximize their creative potential and community building spirit - something that is very strong in areas like Tivoli and Birchgrove to be specific. I think that good things like live music and cultural performances should not just be left for Carnival and Independence. I believe that we can make our lives more rich and find great outlets for entertainment if these activities are done year through. In this way, everyone, especially our youth, will develop their acting, singing, drama and other skills that are in abundance and just waiting to be realized.

Things that can be done year through are:

Live music (DJ's are great but there is nothing to compare to live music):

Reggae (where are our Serani's, Bob Marley's, Pressure's, John Holt's?)

Calypso (we have this in abundance)

Drumming (Tivoli Drummers we salute you)

Dance: De La Grenade, Grenada School of Dance & all other Grenadian Dancers we salute you

Rhythm and Blues (where are our Anthony Hamilton's and Marvin Gaye's?)

Soul (where are our Jill Scott's?)

Live Bands (We salute Rhythm Mix & the Royal Grenada Police Band)

Ok...so you think live music cannot thrive? Imagine a live band music session upstairs Ebony or The Box Shop on a Friday evening or Saturday night. Wouldn't that be great after years of hearing loud music in Grenville from afar but, upon coming to Grenville, getting only street Dj's and people waking around aimlessly? Imagine hearing the great sound of a live band and then finding one performing with other community members in attendance; imagine the lovely light conversations and relaxing atmosphere every Friday and Saturday - something to look forward to.

Encouraging our Youth to Form Live Bands - You have no idea how far this can take our struggling and currently non-competitive music industry. If Jamaica, also a Caribbean island, has done so much with music (both entertaining the world and making money) why can't we??? I think it is because we need to encourage music arts. Some effort has been made by introducing steel pan and wind instrument training in school. However, are we encouraging the youth to do greater things with their musical talent and their voices? Are we telling them it's a waste a time? Grenadians - we have to think bigger than that. I think the next big thing we need to organize - perhaps on a high school basis - is a live band competition which should include playing of various instruments, individual compositions and perhaps some non-original compositions and vocalists. Just like GRENLEC sponsored one of the biggest debate competitions just a few months ago, another socially responsible entity (banks, other local businesses) can take up the challenge to organize and sponsor this event. I think it will really spark the interest of our children in organized music ventures and give them a sense of purpose. There are many benefits to be gained from this. Many school alumni's can help by donating instruments and other musical equipment which can be obtained cheap overseas and which the government can offer duty free concessions on as an incentive to promoting music involvement among the youth.

Grenadians - Grenada can be a much more interesting place. it's just up to us to use our imaginations to take it to the limit - or perhaps we will discover that there truly are no limits as to how far we can go.

Happy 35th Independence!