NEW YORK, March 16, 2009 - More than 20 New York-based Grenadian organisations have come together to form an umbrella grouping. They took that decision last Friday (March 13th, 2009) at a meeting initiated by Consul General Hon. Derrick James. The groups have agreed to work together and to coordinate their activities, including networking. They also elected officers for the new grouping which will assume a name in the near future. The elected members include Chairperson – Cicely Mason (Ex-Teachers Association); Deputy Chairperson - Roy McKenzie (Big Apple Social Club); Secretary - Merla Clarke (SJC Grenville); Assistant Secretary - Pauline Williams (SJC St. George’s); Treasurer - Raymond Layne (PBC Old Boys/Commancheros); Assistant Treasurer - Michael Vincent (SDCSS); PRO - Eugenia Alexander Crochu/Pomme Rose); Assistant PRO - Merrylon Campbell (NDC NY Chapter/St. Mark’s Action Committee). Among the immediate plans of the organisation is a Brunch on May 3rd at Nazareth Hall in Brooklyn to raise funds to assist students in New York. They are also planning to observe Grenada Day on June 28th. Meantime, the Consul General was again instrumental in coordinating the formation of the Grenadian Students in New York (gsiNY) organisation. The students met on Sunday March 15th, 2009 and elected an executive for the new student body. The members are: 1. Tonya Hyacinth - President 2. Trisha Louison - Vice President 3. Mondelle George - Secretary 4. Nathalia Vincent - Asst. Secretary 5. Nicole Salfarlie - Treasurer 6. Craig Pierre - Public Relations Officer 7. Shaun Pascal - Asst. Public Relations Officer The students have also drawn up a number of plans which will also incorporate with the new Grenada organization which was formed last Friday. Two of their members will work along with the organizers of the Brunch scheduled for May 3rd. The gsiNY is also planning a social gathering for the end of the Spring Semester where they are hoping to engage more Grenadian students in New York Metro area. Hon. James said that these initiatives will assist the Consulate in ensuring that the many organizations here better coordinate their activities. “I am very pleased to see that Grenadians here have put aside politics and come together for national development,” said Hon. James who only assumed office last October. “This is to the benefit of Grenada,” he said. From Consulate General of Grenada INSIDE GRENADA NEWS