The Kirani James Athletics Stadium buzzed with excitement last Friday as thousands gathered to mark the nation’s 51st Independence Anniversary.
Celebrating under the theme “The next fifty: Embracing a future of development, transformation, and unity.”
The event paid tribute to five decades of progress since 1974 while igniting hope for a future built on collaboration, innovation, and national pride.
Guest speaker, prominent African businessman and philanthropist Aliko Dangote delivered an impassioned address urging Grenadians to unite for a prosperous future.
“That historic day when Grenada got its independence in 1974 has laid the foundation on which you have built a society that has transformed in so many remarkable ways,” stated Dangote, who is the President and Chief Executive of the Dangote Group, and is regarded as the richest man in Africa.
“Over the past five (5) decades, you have created a nation of educated citizens, improved healthcare infrastructure, and social services. Today, Grenadian children have access to better schools, and its citizens live healthier and longer. I believe the success you have made in these critical human social infrastructures has set the groundwork for a prosperous and successful future for all Grenadians,” he told the gathering.
In keeping with the theme for this year’s celebrations Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell reflected on the resilience of the Grenadian people in his brief address to the crowd.
Citing the recent challenges posed by Hurricane Beryl, PM Dickon Mitchell encouraged the nation to continue working together to overcome future obstacles on the road to a century of independence, in-keeping with the strong words of encouragement that “greatness is in every Grenadian.”
“Through the resilience of our citizens, through the empathy, the spirit of kindness and voluntarism, and with the remarkable support and partnership of our brothers and sisters, starting first with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and the further afield from as far as Africa, the Middle East, North, Central and South America, Europe, and Canada, we have been able to rebound stronger and more united, more resilience and prepared to face the next 50 years of challenge,” the Grenadian leader remarked.
Apart from the military parade there were many highlights of the evening including another impressive drone show, and the presentation of fifty national awards to Grenadians in recognition of their contributions and years of service to the country over the years.
Governor-General Dame Cecile La Grenade presented 64 awards to individuals for their distinguished contributions to Grenada.
According to the 31 January 2025 Government Gazette, 14 were designated as National Awardees, three for 2022 and 11 for 2025, while an additional 50 awardees were recognised for their exceptional contributions over the last 50 years.
Head of the National Celebrations Committee Jacqueline Alexis explained that the additional 50 awards were presented to persons “by the Government of Grenada for exceptional contributions in their respective fields in the last 50 years, as we acknowledged the closing of our 50th year and the beginning of the next 50.”
The awardees represented 20 different categories, showcasing achievements in fields ranging from healthcare to sports.
Among the honorees for 2022 were Audry Lyons, recipient of the Spice Island Award for emulative service in nursing, and Marva St. Paul alongside Meryl Hutchinson-McQueen, both awarded the Camerhogne Award for meritorious service to Grenada.
The prestigious Spice Island Award is presented in Silver to individuals who have rendered exemplary service in any field of human endeavour, while the Camerhogne Award recognise meritorious contributions that have enhanced Grenada’s national prestige.
The 11 awardees for 2025 included notable figures such as 3-times Olympian Kirani James, who will now be entitled to add “Sir” to his name.
Also honored were Dr. Nicholas Earle Brathwaite, Gloria Payne-Banfield, Vyra McQueen, Shirley Robinson, Michael Darbeau, David Edwards, Francis Urias Peters, Zaid Azam Rahaman, Beverley Grey, and Anselm LaTouche.
In accordance with the 2007 National Honours and Awards Act, awardees are honored with distinctions such as the Companion of the Grenada Order, the Spice Island Award, the Camerhogne Award, or the Medal of Honour.
The 51st independence celebrations not only reflected on the past achievements of Grenada but also set a hopeful tone for the future.
