ST. GEORGE’S, GRENADA, FRIDAY, JUNE 10TH, 2011 – Spice Divas, one of the newest singing groups on the local Soca scene, has commended the Grenada Carnival Committee and the Minister for Culture for including a Carnival City in the 2011 Spicemas product. 19-year-old Shonis Bain and 18-year-old Appiah Clarke, who performed at the inaugural Soca Thursday, on June 9, said the evening’s activity provided “a good opportunity for people to hear our songs.” The young women, who delivered three spirited tracks, said it was the first time they performed on stage as a group. This is the exact idea behind Soca Thursdays, one of main components of Carnival City, said Minister for Culture, Sen. Arley Gill. Soca Thursdays, he explained, offers new and seasoned artistes a chance to develop and gain exposure by performing in shows. “This event gives young artistes, especially newcomers, the opportunity to share a stage with veterans, learn from their efforts and create a following as the season develops,’’ Sen. Gill said. The first Soca Thursday provided a refreshing experience to patrons. From 7pm, spectators danced and sang along with performers, such as Mr. Killa, whilst being entertained by the wit of host Lyndon “Fatman” George. Carnival City is housed at the historic Fort Matthew. It awakens with festivity every Thursday and Sunday evening. Where as Soca Thursdays is dedicated to the popular musical art form, All Things Carnival Sundays, which begins at 4 pm, seeks to offer a richer cultural experience. “It’s a family affair. This is a historic site,’’ said Chairman of the GCC Colin Dowe as he pointed to the 2011 Spicemas theme, “Uniquely Rooted in Our Rich Ancestral Tradition. Grenada: Home of 100,000 Jab Jabs.’’ According to Dowe, Sundays will feature traditional mas bands, pan jamborees and the “sweeter form of Soca.” Additionally, piggybacking off the historic significance of Fort Matthew, there will be guided tours of the compound’s tunnels and relics. Carnival City is one of many changes made to the 2011 Spicemas product. Its genesis stems from concerns raised by Grenadians regarding the absence of carnival events following the official launch of Spicemas. Entrance into Carnival City carries a small fee. Though children under 12 enter free both days, adults are required to pay $10 on Soca Thursdays and $5 on All Things Carnival Sundays.