The National Organising Committee (NOC) is continuing to mark Grenada’s milestone independence. The Committee recently launched the 50th Anniversary of Independence Commemorative Magazine — a unique publication honouring Grenada’s journey to 50.
This commemorative magazine serves as a window into the life of Grenada spanning the last 5 decades, capturing not only the milestones and achievements but also the essence of the nation’s journey towards independence and its drive towards a prosperous future. The 126-page publication contains numerous stories, features, photos, and articles on Grenada’s history, culture, and achievements, offering readers an array of information written by authorities in various fields.
Dr John Angus Martin, who played an integral role in the production of the magazine, emphasised the importance of preserving Grenada’s history through storytelling, stating, “We wanted to use the magazine to tell the stories that have inspired us, made us cry, made us shake our heads in disbelief, made us laugh, or made us want to change the world.” Dr Martin underscored that the magazine should share “stories of Grenada that we want our children and grandchildren to know were important to us.”
The NOC will distribute limited printed copies of the magazine to key institutions such as schools, statutory bodies, diplomatic missions, and government agencies. The magazine will also be available for sale at EC$80 from the Secretariat Office on the Carenage. An online version will become available as a digital interactive book, and there are plans to make it available for purchase through Amazon.
Local agency Concepts Communications produced the commemorative magazine under the leadership of Rudolf “Rolf” Hoschtialek. Hoschtialek said that apart from the articles highlighting Grenada’s recent achievements, the magazine also highlights the older generation’s contributions, ensuring that their legacies are publicly acknowledged and preserved. Hoschtialek justified this direction of the magazine by explaining, “If we don’t capture what the former generation has done, then we lose it forever.”
Hoschtialek also urged readers to appreciate the contributors who made the magazine possible. He said, “When you go through the magazine, please look at the final page and the list of contributors. Not only is it a who’s who of writers and photographers, but it showcases the persons who made it possible.” The contributors’ dedication and passion have ensured that Grenada’s history and achievements are celebrated and preserved.
While serving as a celebration of Grenada’s past, the magazine also aims to inspire future generations by chronicling the resilience and achievements of the Grenadian people. Gail Purcell, Director of the Independence Secretariat, described the magazine as “a time capsule that will serve our future generations as a recollection of the past, a source of inspiration, and a code of our identity.”
The magazine will soon be available for public readership through the Grenada Turns 50 website and social media platforms.
NOC