CATEGORY:CELEBRATION ------------------------ INSIDE GRENADA THURSDAY August 2,2007 by Wallace J.A ST.ANDREW’S: Yesterday (Wednesday August 1, 2007) the St. Andrews Development Organization (SADO) celebrated Emancipation Day. This year’s celebration was particularly significant since it marked the bicentennial anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade in the British West Indies. As part of the celebration, the organization staged a march yesterday from Carlton Junction in Grand Bras to the Grenville Car Park. The march started around 7:00 PM and there was good participation from the young as well as from the not so young. Approximately 250 persons turned out to participate in the march, all dressed in their African regalia. They marched to the sound of the drums of the Tivoli and Birch Grove drummers. Participants waved their flambo/ massanto in the air and sang songs that reflected the theme of freedom. Scores of people lined the route to look at the procession as it moved towards the Grenville Car Park. On arrival at their destination (Grenville Car Park), the Emancipation Proclamation was read. This was followed by cultural performances which included poetry, singing, drumming and dancing. The Rainbow City Heritage Queen Contestants also made a guest appearance. Approximately 1000 persons were present to witness these cultural events. The function climaxed with a shot procession to SADO headquarters on Ben Jones Street, Grenville, where the Rainbow City Festival lights were turned on to mark the commencement of the 2007 festival. (The official commencement of the Rainbow City Festival takes place on Sunday August 5 with a church service at the Grenville Anglican Church). This evening (Thursday August 2 ) SADO has organized a panel discussion with Mr. Claude Douglas, a sociologist, and former prime minister of Grenada, Mr. George Brizan, who is a well-respected historian and economist. These two gentlemen will hold discussions on the topic of Emancipation.