Grenada Cultural Association of South Florida (GCA) presented an exuberant blast of Grenada’s Carnival Mas at GCA’s 26th Dinner-Dance and Church Service honoring 42nd Year of Grenada’s Independence.
Over 200 guests from across the Caribbean sampled tasty Grenadians favorites such as fry bakes, fry salt fish, fry breadfruit, coo-coo, callaloo dip, coconut buns and current rolls for cocktail at the Sheraton-Fort Lauderdale Airport Hilton, on February 6, 2016.
The evening program was MC by Grenada’s former Honorary Consul General in Miami Richard Nixon under the leadership of GCA President Elizabeth Allick. Keynote speaker General Secretary of Grenada Community Development Agency (GRENCODA) Judy Ellen Williams outlined the agency’s 30 years of community outreach and mentorship, providing support in personal finances, education, legal aid, business development, and institutional strengthening for families, especially children and young mothers through communities in Grenada, Carriacou and Pettie Martinique. Williams thanked the GCA for their dedicated support with donations of essential school supplies to Grenada’s promising students.
Grenada’s Historic Mas was a hit, as most guests were up on their feet dancing as the Moco Jumbie, Shortknee, Jab Jab and Vieux Corps entered in live colorful costumes and pulsating Caribbean music. Other highlights includes Dunblare Scholarship recipient, 18-year-old Danielle Coard, for her essay about “Pros and Cons of Electronic Media and its Effects on Grenadian Youth.” The Founders Scholarship was awarded to Tamicka Augustine. Mr. Leonard “LEO” Augustine received the GCA 2016 Community Service Award. and other service awards were given to many members of GCA.
GCA 2016-2018 Executive Members were also presented – President Elizabeth Allick; Vice President Gerald James; Secretary Mona Hood-Julien; Treasurer Stephanie Vincent; Assistant Tresuarer/Secretary Danielle Marecheau; Parliamentarian Arthur Mareaheau; Public Relations Arlene White; Liaison Officers Christopher Hinds, Frank James and Joseph Alexander; Senior Coordinator Sonia Marryshow-Duncan; Youth Coordinator Earl Allick; Advisors Gordon Telesford, Eulette Edwards and Kenneth Nedd.
