ST. GEORGE’S, GRENADA, August 13, 2015 – GIS: On behalf of the Ministry of Culture and my own behalf I take this opportunity to sincerely thank everyone for again hosting another safe and fun-filled Spicemas 2015, our largest cultural event. The Ministry is extremely grateful to everyone, particularly in helping to maintain the relatively peaceful environment that characterised the Carnival season, thus allowing all revellers, masqueraders and artistes to have an enjoyable time.

I congratulate and thank all our contestants and winners of our Spicemas Events for another outstanding display of our cultural artforms. Generally, I thought that people were satisfied with the results, which is an indication of the hard work of the judges. 

We must say special thanks to all our visitors, including our returning nationals, who joined us to celebrate and enjoy one of the safest and peaceful Carnival. I was particularly heartened by the large numbers who turned out to participate in the various events, but especially our Soca Monarch and Jouvert – the best in the world. We certainly look forward to seeing you again next year and do have a safe trip back home.

Grenada’s Spicemas Festival certainly cannot be so fun-filled and exciting but yet peaceful without the support of major partners and stakeholders such as Spicemas Corporation, our Sponsors, the Royal Grenada Police Force, our private promoters, artistes, masqueraders, vendors, musicians, spectators and revellers.  We thank everyone, especially the staff of Spicemas Corporation, for the tremendous sacrifice and hard work in making 2015 another safe and enjoyable festival.

Permit me also to join in commending our Royal Grenada Police Force and all the other security agents for helping to again maintain the peace and security during the festive season. At the same time I was indeed saddened to hear of the unfortunate accident in St. David in which a young man lost his life. My deepest sympathies to both the family and the community at this time.

Thanks again and we look forward to working with everyone to make Spicemas 2016 better.

Senator the Hon. Brenda Hood, Minister for Culture.