According to Jen Westmoreland Bouchard, in an article ‘Portrait of a Contemporary Griot’, before the written word became a prevalent form of self-expression in West Africa, the griot served as the oral historian, musician, and entertainer of the community. His role was complex, and became even more so during and after (French) colonial rule. The modern griot’s function shifted along with the extreme socio-political change Senegal experienced during the emergence as a nation after independence. As West African countries, such as Senegal, sought to establish a national identity, the griot’s role became increasingly political. During this time, many self-proclaimed griots and artists emerged. (http://www.africaresearch.org/Papers/J09/JAL6_Burch.pdf)

The voice of the National Democratic Congress

Vol. 1 No. 3, 01 - 07 August 2010

This Week . . . .

August 01  is Emancipation Day!

Emancipation Day or Freedom Day, as it was formerly called is a public holiday celebrating the abolition of slavery. Although officially acknowledged worldwide as August 1, Grenada’s Emancipation Day is celebrated on the first Monday of August, with numerous cultural activities throughout the country especially in Grenville, St. Andrew. These include the Emancipation Day Parade with a flambeau procession, arts and crafts exhibitions, and various types of celebration throughout the state.

This weekend is the Carriacou Regatta: http://www.carriacouregatta.com/

Diaspora Preparatory Conference – August 5th and 6th

The objective and importance of the Conference are to create the momentum for taking broad reaching decisions on the agenda of Diaspora development and the time frame for the Founding Conference of the Diaspora in 2011. The Prep-Conference will comprise of an opening plenary meeting, followed by working groups, round tables and a closing plenary session.

http://www.grenadaconsulate.com/diaspora_preparatory_conference.pdf

Spice Mas 2010 ramps up a notch. Carnival is August 9 & 10:

http://www.spicemasgrenada.com/

Happenings in Carriacou & Petite Martinique 

The national Democratic Congress congratulates the Public Relations Desk of the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs on the publication of the seventh edition of the Ministry's Newsletter. A copy is available at link: CLICK HERE

And ... in St. George South

The George South Constituency of the National Democratic Congress holds a luncheon on Saturday August 7, 2010 at the Breweries Car Park, along the Maurice Bishop Highway.
 
Oildown and Cow Heel Soup will be on sale, for only $15.
 
First serving begins at 11 a.m.

Remember This Date - NDC Women in Action

The Women's Arm of the NDC will be hosting a Day of Fun at the Darvi Beach in St. Patrick on Sunday, October 24, 2010. Mark that day in your calendar and come and socialize and build the bond among the brothers and sisters of the NDC. Bring a friend and come prepared to have fun.

Agro-processing and local saltfish production

Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, Denis Lett, expressed pride at the contribution of the fishing industry to the nation’s food security program.

As the ministry moves deeper in the direction of agro-processing, Hon. Lett is hopeful that soon Grenada can begin producing its own saltfish to sustain its domestic market.

“We, at the Ministry of Agriculture, are very interested in adding value to our products,’’ he said. “We are looking at the day when we would be able to produce saltfish, something that we are now importing. A lot of money is going out of the country as a result of the importation of saltfish.”

Saltfish production for domestic consumption reached its peak in Grenada in the early 1980s. Only a few persons now produce saltfish on a very small scale.

http://gov.gd/egov/news/2010/jul10/27_07_10/item_2/agro_processing_saltfish.html