The Ministry of Culture has begun planning for the celebration of Grenada’s 35th anniversary of independence on February 7th, 2009. Minister of Culture Senator the Honorable Arley Gill says the 2009 celebration will see the return of the Independence Calypso competition. “We are re-introducing the Calypso competition because we believe it is an integral part of our cultural expression and has a place in the expression of our independence as well,” said Senator Gill. He called on calypsonians to begin writing their pieces for the competition in time for the deadline of January 17th, 2009, when recorded songs must be submitted to the independence committee. According to Senator Gill the semifinals will be held on January 24th and finals on January 31st, 2009. “This is the time for our young calypsonians to begin to show their skill and talent. We want as many of our performers who work to display their skill at carnival to also take our independence competition very seriously,” he said. He said like Carnival, it is important for the planning for Grenada’s major festivals and historic occasions, such as Independence, to start early and involve as many people as possible. Contact: Press Secretary Office of the Prime Minister pmoffice@gov.gd | pmoffice@spiceisle.com 473-440-7258