On National Colours Day today, the atmosphere was filled with the bright spark of the red, green and gold, the portrayal of National pride.
It’s Friday 4th February, 2022, on the cusp of the country’s 48th Independence anniversary.
The Nation’s citizens, despite the effects of COVID-19, were entrenched in that patriotic feeling.
In many prominent establishments, the public and private sectors, employees were proudly clad in the National colours, with the portrayal of many different creative designs.
Oftentimes, there are competitions, as to honour the best-dressed individuals.
The National Colours Day in which Grenadians participate adds to the beautification of the country, with the many flags and buntings fluttering in the breeze throughout the land.
The Independence occasion, with Grenada downing the British Union Jack flag and relieving itself of the colonial era, is always one that encompasses a celebratory mood and at times like these, it calls for reflection.
This brings into focus the famous speech by the Father of the Nation, Sir Eric Matthew Gairy, in the Nation’s Parliament on Independence Day, February 7, 1974.
History remembers that Independence came with months of local political turmoil, resulting at the midnight hour that the flag raising ceremony was conducted under masanto lights, due to the ongoing strike in the Electricity company.
Gairy’s political opponents were claiming that Grenada was not ready for Independence, and on the other hand, Independence for Grenada but not under Gairy. That, however, did not deter the proceedings.
Sir Eric Gairy, in all grandeur, was prominent on the political stage addressing a joint sitting of Parliament, which was attended by guests from countries abroad, diplomatic and otherwise.
Sir Eric says Independence has brought great joy to Grenada and its people.
Sir Eric says under the circumstances Grenada conquered.
The Father of the Nation, Sir Eric Matthew Gairy, in that flashback when he addressed a joint sitting of Parliament at York House, Independence Day, February 7, 1974.
