CATEGORY:CEREMONIAL OPENING -------------------------------- INSIDE GRENADA Tuesday February 27,2007 by Wallace J.A ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada: A massive crowd – estimated to be in the region of 9,000 persons – turned out last weekend at the Grenada National Stadium to be a part of an official blessing and opening ceremony. Representatives from the different religious sects and denominations throughout the island were present (Dr. Clinton Lewis from the Grenada Conference of Seventh Day Adventists; Mr. Stephen Joseph, representing the Rastafarian Community; Dr. Iqbal Bhaiyat, representing the Muslim Community; Mr. Prem Chandiramni of the Hindu Community; Fr. Sean Doggett representing the Christian Faith among others). In delivering his message, Fr. Doggett asked for the Almighty’s continued blessings and guidance for the leaders and workers of the nation. The welcoming remarks were delivered by Hon. Roland Bhola, Minister for Sports, Community Development and Co-operatives. Remarks were also delivered by Mr. Han Tao, Charge d’Affaires from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China (the Chinese have built the National Stadium as a gift to the people of Grenada). The feature address was delivered by the Prime Minister, Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell, who told the gathering that Grenadians can now experience a sense of national pride and ownership of one of the best cricket facilities in the region. Congratulatory remarks were delivered by Sir Daniel Williams, Governor-General of Grenada while his wife, Lady Gloria Williams, cut the ceremonial ribbon to indicate the official opening of the National Stadium. Cultural performances from the National Folk Group, along with Tambu Bamboo from La Poterie, captivated the large gathering at the stadium. Calypsonians Inspector, Zingo and Sheldon Douglas also provided live entertainment. Senator Brenda Hood, Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Culture and the Performing Arts, gave the vote of thanks, which brought to an end the ceremonial blessing of the impressive sporting structure. The Prime Minister’s Eleven then took on a Combined Team in an enthralling cricket match out in the middle of the cricket field. When the match was over, there was a magnificent display of fireworks, which brought the curtains down on the day’s activities. Many of the persons who attended the function at the stadium told Grenadian Connection that although they would have seen the building from the outside and looked at the inside on television, they could not allow an occasion to view the facility in person to pass them by. They informed GC that they were quite impressed with what they had seen and were very proud to be inside of the splendid sporting structure. They said that they felt like if they were not in Grenada but in a magnificent building in some developed country.