The Grenadian Cultural Association of BC (GCABC) was incorporated on July 21, 1998. Its aims and objectives are:
- to develop and maintain a sense of unity among Grenadian in BC to act as a resource for Grenadians in BC
- to promote awareness of Grenada within the community
Brief history of Grenada
Grenada is an island in the Caribbean, located at the southern end of the Grenadine Island chain. The
state of Grenada consists of three islands: the larger, Grenada, the smaller, Carriacou and the smallest,
Petite Martinique. Together, they comprise 348.5 square kilometers (134.6 sq mi), with a population of
112,523 (2020). The capital of Grenada is St. George.
Grenada is known as the Isle of Spice because of its prolific supply of nutmeg, cinnamon and other
spices.
Grenada was first inhabited by the Caribs and Arawaks, indigenous peoples from South America. In
1498, Christopher Columbus spotted Grenada. Europeans arrived thereafter and disagreements and
resistance from the indigenous people followed. They were eradicated and some jumped to their deaths
over the cliffs at the north of the island rather than be subjected to the Europeans.
Frequent scuffles took place between the French and the English over attempts to colonize the island.
Grenada changed hands 14 times before coming under British rule in 1763 from the Treaty of Paris.
British rule continued until 1974, except for a brief French takeover between 1779 and 1783.
Grenada gained its independence on 7 February 1974 under the leadership of Eric Gairy, who became
the first Prime Minister of Grenada. The new country became a member of the Commonwealth, with
Queen Elizabeth as Head of State. In March 1979, the New Jewel Movement overthrew Gairy’s
government in a bloodless coup and established the People’s Revolutionary Government (PRG), headed
by Maurice Bishop as Prime Minister. In 1983, Bishop was arrested and executed by members of the
People’s Revolutionary Army, prompting a U.S.-led invasion in October 1983. Since then, the island has
returned to a parliamentary representative democracy and has remained politically stable.
Official Tourism Website
Message from the President, Kenyo Alexander
Welcome to the Grenada Cultural Association of British Columbia. Our community is dedicated to preserving our vibrant traditions, promoting cultural awareness, and connecting Grenadians and friends of Grenada across BC. Whether you're interested in music, dance, cuisine, or history, we offer events and programs for everyone. Join us in fostering unity and pride in our cultural roots while embracing the diversity of our beautiful community. As President, I invite you to explore and celebrate with us the rich cultural heritage of Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique. Together, we can keep our culture alive and thriving in British Columbia!
Charitable Donations: Some Past recipients
Covenant House: Vancouver, BC
Vancouver Co-op Radio: Vancouver, BC
Boca Secondary School (Grenada)
Princess Alice Hospital (Grenada)
Christian Education Centre (Grenada)
Executive Members
President: Kenyo Alexander
Vice President: Claudia Modeste
Treasurer:
Secretary: Ramona Cruickshank
Past President: Monifa Ayinde
Director: Janette Elibaccus
Director: Karlan Modeste
Director: Karen Griffith-Henry
Membership
Membership shall consist of the following:
Membership is open to people of all nationalities, colour and creeds. This is similar to what one would expect to find in the makeup of the people of Grenada, and in many other islands of the Caribbean..
Full membership - shall be open to anyone 18 years of age and over and their dependents that are willing to observe the principles of the Association.
Youth Membership -shall be open to anyone under eighteen years of age who has paid the youth membership fee, but such youth member may not vote at a general meeting, but may vote as a committee member. shall be open to those 18 years and older who are not eligible for full membership and who are willing to observe and accept the guiding principles of the Association.
Prospective members will be admitted only upon written application. Each application must be endorsed by a member of the Association, in good standing, and will be filed with the Secretary.
Membership Fees
Meetings
Meetings are currently held on the third Friday of each month (except for July and August) on Zoom and
in-person. The venue of in-person meetings will be communicated to members by email.
Yearly Events
• Independence Gala - includes dinner, cultural performances and dance
• GrenFest – Grenada Food Festival
• Summer Family Picnic
• Grenada Tea and Fashion Show
Contact Us
Mailing address: #309-1190 Pipeline Road, Coquitlam, BC V3B 7T9
Phone: 604-942-9618 and 604-802-6051
E-mail address:
Website: gcabc.org
