Grenadians in Canada, like nationals in their Caribbean homeland, have been engaged in a busy round of activities in commemoration of Grenada’s 50th anniversary of independence.
A key player in the events in Canada has been Gerry Hopkin, the Consul General based in Toronto. Other organisers have included the Grenada Independence Planning Committee, the Grenada Association Toronto (GAT), and the Grenada Nationals Association of Montreal Inc.
In Ontario, the events have included an Interfaith Thanksgiving Service; the lighting of the clock tower at Brampton’s city hall; the illumination of the waters at Niagara Falls in the national colours of Grenada; and, the raising of Grenada’s red, green and gold flag above Toronto city hall.
Consul General Hopkin, and the Consulate of Grenada in Canada that he heads, also endorsed and promoted Golden Jubilee celebrations in Calgary, Alberta, Vancouver, British Columbia, as well as galas in Montreal and Toronto.
The Toronto gala, on 10 February, was attended by Hon. Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell and Hon. Andy Williams, Minister of Mobilisation, Implementation and Transformation.
Prime Minister Mitchell, in the keynote address, implored Grenadians against putting “factional interests over national interests.” Mitchell also called for “healing and denounced the placing of “personal egos and ambition over the interests of the nation” and expressed displeasure at Grenadians who “play position rather than team.”
“There is only one team; and that team is Team Grenada,” Prime Mitchell said in his Toronto speech. “Grenada belongs to all of us. And, it is all of us who are required to make the difference and to make Grenada a spectacular, special, wonderful place for the next 50 years.”
The Toronto gala was attended by more than 600 people. They included diplomats, business executives and federal Liberal Party parliamentarians Ahmed Hussen, who is minister of international development; and MP Michael Coteau, who has direct family ties to Carriacou.
“This special occasion offers a wonderful opportunity to reflect upon the history of Grenada, to highlight its many accomplishments since it achieved independence, and to look to the future. It also offers a chance to celebrate the many contributions that Grenadian-Canadians make to our country’s multicultural fabric and prosperity,” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a written message that was included in a booklet distributed at the gala.
Other messages were from public figures such as Grenada-born former Canadian MP and cabinet minister, Dr Jean Augustine, Ontario Premier Doug Ford, and Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow.
Although Prime Minister Trudeau did not attend the gala, his Liberal Party and government were represented by Minister Hussen and MP Coteau.
“As someone, whose roots are deeply embedded in the vibrant culture of Grenada, this occasion holds a special place in my heart,” said Coteau. “The values instilled by our Grenadian heritage — resilience, community, and an unwavering love for our land — have shaped who we are as individuals and as a collective Diaspora.”
Another of the messages was from MP Marci Ien, the Canadian Minister responsible for Women, Gender Equality and Youth. “As someone with Grenadian heritage, it fills me with pride to see the continued growth and prosperity of your beautiful country,” she said.
“Canada and Grenada share a strong bond, not only through diplomatic ties but also through the vibrant connections of our citizens. The contributions of the Grenadian Diaspora in Canada have been invaluable, enriching our multicultural fabric and fostering understanding between our nations.”
Live entertainment from Dance Caribe and from a band, headed by award-winning musician Eddie Bullen, also formed part of the evening.
Prime Minister Mitchell said neither Grenada’s small size, nor internal challenges — such as public protests against Sir Eric Gairy, a national strike and an electricity blackout — daunted him as he pursued in leading the country to independence.
“Notwithstanding those difficult circumstances” and “against the odds” and “the trials” Gairy believed that Grenadians, “as a people with hope, a people of resilience, a people who have gone through struggles, that we were entitled to chart our own course and our own destiny”, said the Prime Minister.
“I’m confident that as long as we remain united, that as long as we put the nation’s best interests above our personal interests,” Prime Minister Mitchell said, “that we can collectively, truly create, not just a natural gem that the good Lord has blessed us with; but, a gem of humanity that others can view as an example.”
Mitchell pledged to continue in the service of building a Grenada “for the next generation of Grenadians. So that 50 years from now, they too can look back at this seminal moment in our history and be proud that together, we made the right choices to put country over political party; to build our institutions of governance over personal ambition for power; to serve and walk away when it’s time to walk away; to love and to forgive when it’s time to forgive. And to hold each other’s hands and set the example for the next generation of Grenadians.”
Prime Minister Mitchell thanked Grenadians in Canada who have contributed “in building and making Grenada what it is today.” He raised a toast in commemoration of the 2024 independence anniversary. He also led a moment of silence and asked the audience to stand, as a mark of respect to Anthony Conrad George. Grenada-born George, 86, died 7 February in the United Kingdom. He was responsible for Grenada’s red, green and gold national flag that was hoisted for the first time at independence in 1974.
The gala also included the award of Grenada Association Toronto (GAT) scholarships. Of the 5 GAT scholarship winners, one is at school in Grenada. Mia Matthews is studying at T A Marryshow Community College (TAMCC).
Recipient Ramon Griffith is a student at Georgian College in Barrie. He was awarded the “Pearline Garraway Education Foundation Inc. Scholarship.” Pearline Garraway, after whom the scholarship is named, is a former principal of the St George’s Anglican Junior School. Garraway died 12 June 2016, at 93.
The other scholarship awardees were Shinique Solomon of Toronto Metropolitan University; Bjorn Bubb, a Carleton University student; and York University’s Christian Phillip.
“Community Engagement” awards for professional achievement and community service awards from GAT and Consul General Hopkin, were presented to businessman Caleb Japaul; Kay Baxter, president of the Carriacou Association of Ontario; businessman Junior Ettienne; retired registered nurse Joan Charles; longtime volunteer Joyce Billy Griffith; philanthropist Ashton Bleasdille; and former Grenada consul general Jenny Gumbs.
Consulate of Grenada in Canada
