The 2004 Grenada Independence celebrations in Toronto began with a church service on Sunday February 1st and culminated with a gala Dinner and Dance hosted by the Grenada Association at the Spirale Banquet Hall on the evening of Saturday February 7th. This event attracted a very large audience that included her Excellency Lorraine Williams, High Commissioner for the Countries of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States; the Honourable Jean Augustine, Minister of State for Multiculturalism and the Status of Women; the Honourable Alvin Curling, Speaker of the Ontario Legislature and other dignitaries. The evening began with Drum Theatre Togetherness, a cultural group headed by Renwick Herry, which thrilled the audience and received a standing ovation for its stunning performance that depicted the history of Grenada from pre-colonial times to the present. The OECS High Commissioner addressed the gathering and described Grenada “as a Country with enormous potential” and its people with “an unstoppable determination,internal fortitude and an indomitable spirit that gives all of us hope for the future”. She urged the Grenadian people to “move forward with trust and unity in the coming years”. In her turn at the podium, Guest Speaker, the Honourable Jean Augustine, thanked the Canadian Government and the Grenadian community in Canada for their continued support of Grenada. She also expressed the hope that as Grenada continues to develop, the distribution of income and wealth in the Country would be one of fairness and equity. SOURCE: Consulate-General of Grenada, Toronto, Canada