CELEBRATIONS IN WASHINGTON, D.C. In Washington. D.C. celebration marking the 31st Anniversary of Grenada's Independence began on Saturday night when the Screen Actors Guild Held its 11th Award and Special Viewing Party and art show to benefit Grenada Hurricane Relief Fund. At the black tie event at the OAS Headquarters, television anchors and members of the Hollywood Screen Actors Guild remembered Grenada during the awards party, which included a silent auction art show and music. Speaking to the Guild, Ambassador Denis Antoine said: "With so much happening, the problems of small countries like Grenada become forgotten too quickly. Rebuilding Grenada after Hurricane Ivan will take many years and much money, therefore Grenada needs your help. I thank the Screen Actors Guild and its sponsors for including Grenada to benefit from this very visible event." A major highlight of the celebrations was the annual rendering of art works by a Grenadian artist. Ms Devi Mc Donald’s creations were displayed this year at the OAS Headquarters and will continue on display at the Embassy of Grenada until March 1st, 2005. On Sunday February 6th Members of the CARICOM Diplomatic Corps joined Grenadians and friends for a thanksgiving service and brunch, which was held at the Holy Comforter Church in NW Washington DC. At that service Cannon Davis gave an inspiring sermon when he reminded Grenadians that "the Mountains of Grenada should be regarded as in the Bible as figures of strength, and remember that the mountains of Grenada were not destroyed." Ambassador Antoine reminded Grenadians that for as many setbacks as Grenada has had, there have been as many comebacks and that this comeback after 31 years of Independence requires recommitment and courage. Following the church service, Grenadian national Earl Bridgeman read the proclamation from the Mayor of the District of Columbia Anthony Williams proclaiming January 31-February 7th 2005 as Grenada week in Washington DC. Grenadians and friends were also treated to a Grenadian style brunch complete with Grenadian foods Other activities to mark the 31 Anniversary of Independence include a Dinner-Dance sponsored by the Grenada Cultural and Social Group on February 19 and a Round Table Discussion sponsored by the Embassy of Grenada on March 26 at the University of the District of Columbia. Embassy of Grenada Washington, DC. CELEBRATIONS IN LONDON An Evensong Celebration Service was held in London on Tuesday February 8 at Westminster Abbey where special prayers were said for Grenada’s 31st Anniversary of Independence, followed by High Commissioner Joslyn Whiteman addressing the British Caribbean Association at the House of Commons, House of Parliament. The Service was well attended by numerous nationals and friends. Prayers were said for the Government and people of Grenada, following the devastation of Hurricane Ivan on September 7 2004. Independence activity continues with the Grenada, Carriacou and Petit Martinique Arts Promotion Trust hosting a Grand Ball on Saturday February 12 2005 at the Princess Room, Ealing Town Hall, and concludes with the Grenada Support Group UK Independence Dance on Saturday February 19 2005 at the Fulham Town Hall. High Commission for Grenada London CELEBRATIONS IN NEW YORK Grenadians in New York this week continued with celebrations marking the 31st Anniversary of Grenada’s Independence. On Sunday January 30th, an Ecumenical Service was held at the St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church in Brooklyn, NY with special prayers being said for the Government and people of Grenada and for the recovery of Grenada following the passage of Hurricane Ivan. The Chairman of the 2005 Independence Celebrations Committee in New York, Rev. Cn. Leopold Baynes, thanked the Grenadian Community in New York for their sterling support and assistance in the aftermath of the Hurricane. Saturday February 5th, the celebrations continued with a Gala Awards Dinner and Ball where the following persons were honoured: Dr. Albert A. Duncan, Chantimelle Ex-Students Association, Monique A. Peters, Shornda H. Cadore, Winston T. Ollivierre, Lawrence Medas (Guaranteed International Freight & Trade Inc.,)., and Dr. Joseph A. McAuley. The glittering affair also raised funds for the reconstruction process in Grenada. The Prime Minister’s message was delivered by Senator The Hon. Einstein Louison, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office with responsibility for National Security and Business and Private Sector Development. Monday February 7th, the national colours of Grenada were illuminated on the tower of the Empire State Building in honour of Grenada’s National Day. Ambassador Ruth Elizabeth Rouse, accompanied by Mr. Derek Ventour of Dee Vee International Promotions, the architect behind the event, switched on the lights during a brief ceremony on Monday morning. Quake USA and Eddie Bullen provided a lively and colourful cultural presentation to the guests and visitors to the building. Mrs. Christine Noel-Horsford, the GBT representative in the USA, ably assisted Mr. Ventour in the staging of the event. The celebrations will conclude on Sunday February 13th with a Youth Programme at St. Gabriel’s church at 4.00 p.m. This event was originally scheduled for January 22nd but was postponed due to bad weather. The Ambassador/Permanent Representative takes this opportunity to thank the 2005 Planning committee and all those associated with the Independence Celebrations activities in New York, for their generous support. Permanent Mission of Grenada to the United Nations New York Celebrations in Toronto The Consulate General of Grenada, in conjunction with Grenadian Associations in Toronto, kicked off the 2005 Independence celebrations on January 22nd with an evening of fun, entertainment, refreshments and dancing to say thanks to the many persons who gave up much of their time and resources to purchase, prepare and ship relief supplies to Grenada in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Ivan. Honorary Consul General, Conrad Gibbs, noting the “care” and “concern” and willingness of many persons to “reach deep into their pockets” to assist the people of Grenada, thanked them for making it possible for the Consulate General, in three months, to transfer $200,000 (Canadian) to the Grenada Hurricane Ivan account in Grenada; and to also ship twelve 40-foot containers full of relief supplies. Honorary Consul, Jenny Gumbs, presented certificates to persons who volunteered space at their business establishments to be used as drop-off centers for the relief supplies. To wrap up the official part of the function, Honourable Jean Augustine, Special Adviser to the Government of Canada on affairs related to Grenada, reported on her recent trip to Grenada and the preparation that is being made for the reconstruction and development of the Country. The function ended with dancing to the sound of DJ Shears, DJ LP and Street Vibes Entertainment. Consulate General of Grenada, Toronto