Three events this past weekend attested to the patriotism of the Grenadian Diaspora in New York as they came together to honour, support and contribute, never forgetting their homeland. On Friday December 9, 2005, the Grenada, Carriacou and Petit Martinique Nurses Association, under the distinguished patronage of H.E. Ruth Elizabeth Rouse, Grenada’s Ambassador to the United Nations, celebrated their 19th Annual Black and White Dinner Dance Scholarship Awards and 26th Anniversary at Le Cordon Bleu in Woodhaven, New York. President Deloris Herry updated the gathering on the activities of the organization during the past year which included donations to the General Hospital in Grenada and a team visit in October of volunteers from the organization, which included Health Fairs at District Clinics in all parishes. This year’s scholarship was awarded to Ms. Yolande Griffith, who is completing a Master’s Programme in Nursing. The Association is one of the oldest Grenadian Groups in New York with a membership comprising the young, middle-aged and not-so-young. That same evening, the Grenada Women’s Organization (New York Chapter), held their 4th Annual Dinner and Awards Gala at Crystal Manor in Brooklyn, NY. The feature address was delivered by the Minister of Health of Grenada, Senator The Hon. Ann David-Antoine, who was also honoured by the Organisation. New York City Councilwoman Yvette Clarke, presented the Minister with a Proclamation from the city of New York, as well as other honorees, Mrs. Nadia Benjamin and Mr. Sheldon Scott from Grenada, for their contributions to community development in Grenada. The Organization, which is chaired by Mrs. Joy Rathan, is committed to the empowerment of women and works closely with the women’s desk at the Ministry of Social Development. The group visited Grenada in March of 2005 with a team of doctors, nurses and social workers hosted a conference on HIV/AIDS in conjunction with the Ministry of Health and also facilitated Health Clinics in some parishes. This team was also recognized that evening for their contribution to Grenada. On Saturday December 10, 2005, the Grenada Boys’ Secondary School Alumni Association of New York, Inc. convened their 14th Annual Scholarship Awards Dinner Dance at Antun’s in Queen’s, New York. Honoured guest, Sir. Paul Scoon, former Governor General of Grenada, addressed the gathering, recalled his service at the GBSS and his passion for education. Minister of Health, Senator The Hon. Ann David Antoine, was in attendance as well as Ambassador to the United Nations, HE Ruth Elizabeth Rouse, Consul General Hon. Allen McGuire, former Ambassador to the United Nations, Dr. Lamuel Stanislaus, Honorary Consul in Cincinnati, Dr. Alpha Seales, alumni from near and far including the Toronto alumni president Kenroy Gordon and the Grenada Liaison Representative of the New York Chapter, Mr. Rodney George. Scholarships were awarded to five students who are enrolled at colleges in New York. Keneisha R Hobson (Forensic Science - John Jay College); Maurice Thomas (Journalism – Iona College); Crystal Hunter (Health Science, Stony Brook); Abbie David (Criminal Justice, St. John’s University); Jeffrey Bartholomew (Business Management, Syracuse). The evening’s programme incorporated a special feature, an 8-minute video presentation (produced by Grenadianconnection.com) on the GBSS today, including the recent fires, rebuilding and the refurbished auditorium. The New York and Toronto Alumni Associations, earlier this year, donated a total of 1,040 chairs for use in the auditorium. Association president, Alec G. Telesford, congratulated the Grenadian Diaspora for supporting the rebuilding process at the school and encouraged them to continue their support in the New Year. The three organizations mentioned above are all committed to the reconstruction process currently taking place in Grenada. Source: Office of the Prime Minister

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