ST. MARK: On Thursday March 11th the Grenada Cultural Foundation met with the St. Mark Development Committee along with about 35 persons from the Parish to determine the way ahead for the Committee and community-based activities in the Parish. At the meeting one of the major challenges identified was the drop in employment because of the closure of the Nutmeg Pool in Victoria and the need to augment that loss with innovative and creative ways of empowering the people of St. Mark. With the election of a new and expanded execution the St. Mark Development Committee is positioning itself to be able to deliver additional opportunities – social, economic and otherwise. The new executive is already in full work mode having to undertake planning for the annual St. Mark Day celebrations which will takes place from April 25th – May 02nd, 2010. Additionally, the Committee is responsible for the monthly St. Mark Food Festival which takes place on the last Saturday of every month on Diamond Street St. Mark. The 23 year-old Organization is looking to gather momentum as it prepares for the significant celebration of its 25th anniversary in 2012. ST. PATRICK: The St. Patrick Organization for Development is in the middle of its St. Patrick Day Festival. Some of the activities that have already taken place include a gospel concert, story-telling/ole time night and the Run St. Patrick road race. The Festival culminate this coming weekend with a comedy night on Friday March 26th, DJ clash and reggae night on Saturday March 27th and Art & Craft and food exhibition and cultural showcase on Sunday March 28th. All these activities take place at the St. Patrick Anglican School Yard. The St Patrick Organization for Development celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2011. STEEL PAN: Last Wednesday (March 17th) two lesser known pan movements were given some attention through the efforts of the Grenada Cultural Foundation ably supported by the Grenada National Lottery Authority. The Grenada National Lottery Authority facilitated the visit of ace pan arranger and pan tuner, Mr. Mario Joseph from Panland, a steel pan factory based in Trinidad. Mr. Joseph visited the Unity Pan School of Hillsborough Carriacou where he was able to complete a comprehensive assessment of the Pan School and determine the immediate and long term needs of the School. Mr. Joseph also got the chance to listen to some of the talent on the Sister Isle, including the young players from the Dover Primary School. The Unity Pan School is headed by Mr. Leroy Sylvester who serves as the tutor for the students of 5 Primary Schools in a continuing program to return to Carriacou the interest in pan reminiscent of the 1960’s and 70’s. In fact, seven steel bands once existed in Carriacou with the Dixie Stars from the villages of L’Esterre and Harvey Vale capturing the National Panorama title in 1967. It is the hope of the Grenada Cultural Foundation to continue to provide assistance wherever possible to ensure a full renaissance of steel pan on the Sister Isles. Mr. Joseph also got to view the instruments of the now defunct Syncopators from Victoria, St. Mark. This particular steel band was last active in 2003 and again the Grenada Cultural Foundation is committed to securing for the town of Victoria and the parish of St. Mark a fully active steel band to not only represent at National competitions, but that can provide an alternative means of social and cultural engagement for the people, especially the younger ones, of the Parish. MT. MORTIZ The Mortiz Community Development Organization launched its 25th anniversary celebrations on Sunday March 21st, with an Official opening ceremony and Art & Craft exhibition at the Mt. Mortiz Playing Field and Community Center. The festivities will climax on Monday April 5th with a Family Fun Day. The two-week period will include varying sporting competitions, a festival queen show and a historic lecture. The Organization will host a very special version of its West Indian breakfast on Sunday March 28th at the Mt. Mortiz Playing Field. Additionally, the Organization has begun the lighting of the playing filed an accomplishment that would add another dimension to sporting and cultural activities in the village of Mt. Mortiz. Dexter Mitchell CEO Grenada Cultural Foundation