St. George's, (GIS) _ Organizers for the 2009 Independence Calypso Competition are anticipating a successful event. The competition, which has been on the backburner since 2003, is being reintroduced not only as a feature of Grenada's cultural offering, but also as one of the avenues for celebrating national pride. Chairperson for the Independence Calypso Committee, Dexter Mitchell, says the level of interest by calypsonians been astounding. "The interest level has actually exceeded our expectations. We thought that 2009 we would be just introducing the program and have to build on it in years to come. However, the expectations have gone beyond that", he said. Mr. Mitchell is confident that after hearing the songs on radio, people will turn out in large numbers to see the live performances of the competing artistes. The semi-finals of the Independence Calypso Competition will be held on January 24 at La Sagesse Playing Field in St. David. The final, and the crowning of the 2009 Independence Calypso Monarch, will be at Fond Recreation Ground in St. Patrick on January 31. The formal celebration of the 35th anniversary of Independence of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique is on February 7. From GIS INSIDE GRENADA NEWS