By Joseph Greenidge On October 23, 2007 Grenadians will be privileged to have visiting the Isle of Spice, Mr. Vernon Winfrey and his wife Barbara, together with Mr. Ray Stephenson and his dad, and our own beloved Son of the Soil, Joe Country. They will be here to participate in our annual outdoor thanksgiving concert under the theme “Uniting to Build”. This concert will be held on October 25 in Grand Anse, St. George’s. During their trip to Grenada, they will also be visiting several schools and will be talking to students on the subject “I’M STRONG LIKE A BULL, NOT WEAK LIKE A BULLY”. This function is held under the auspices of the Grenada Cultural Foundation in conjunction with the Grenada Board of Tourism. Vernon Winfrey is the father of the talk show queen Oprah Winfrey. Mr. Winfrey is a top class barber and operates his own barber shop in Nashville. He has also been a part-time actor and is currently writing a book. Ray Stephenson is no stranger to Grenada. About five years ago he sang at the Trade Center in Joe Country “Welcome Home Concert” in Grand Anse and at the old Vincennes R.C. School. Ray is a singer/songwriter, craftsman, guitarist and visual artist. Recently, one of his songs was recorded by Country Music legends Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard and John Anderson together. Joe Country is an articulate and peculiar Grenadian who is known for his perseverance and dogged determination. Joe made history in entertainment circles by being the first artist to take Country Music to the “Showtime at the Apollo” TV program then hosted by comedian Steve Harvey at the Apollo Theatre in New York City. Joe has also appeared on the Jimmy Kimmel Live show hosted on ABC. He is also planning to begin publication of his first book titled “Love Your Darn Self, Stupid”. Joe is the founder of Grenadians With Purpose, Inc., a New York-based nonprofit organization dedicated to youth empowerment. Joe’s newly recorded album entitled “Building Back Our Country” was inspired by the devastation caused by Hurricane Ivan. He hopes that this song will motivate and inspire Grenadians to cultivate a “Storm” attitude to rebuild our country. He is hoping that our guests will become friends of Grenada and will help us in the rebuilding process. This entire project could not have been possible, had it not been the engagement through hard work by Mr. Arthur Hosten, Chairman of the Grenada Cultural Foundation, with support from the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Culture and the National Celebration Committee. All Grenadians who have Grenada at heart are invited to come out in large numbers to meet and welcome our guests at Grand Anse on October 25, 2007. “Uniting to Build” focuses on the youths from every segment of society. We endeavor to encourage our young people to express themselves through art and culture. We encourage the churches and the community to participate in this effort with our American visitors. It takes a united effort by all citizens of Grenada, Carriacou and Petit Martinique to come together, joining together as one nation for the purpose of building. Grenada is our land. We are one people. Let us unite in an effort to rebuild our communities and our nation at large.