Grenada’s National Day revs up Expo 2020

Grenada celebrated its Expo 2020 Dubai National Day in colourful fashion as the Island of Spice provided the Caribbean flavour at Al Wasl Plaza.

A team of dancers, musicians and two vocal artists led exotic cultural performances, including reggae, soul and soca vocal artist, Thamara St Bernard Neckles.

Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Commissioner-General of Expo 2020 Dubai, welcomed Dame Cecile La Grenade, Governor-General of Grenada, and Oliver Joseph, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Grenada.

Sheikh Nahyan said, “Under a theme that focuses on the movement of people, culture, products, and services, Grenada’s student-designed pavilion sheds light on a business-friendly nation with ample opportunities. Visitors will discover why this is a sought-out tourist destination is a country of rich history and culture passed down through generations.

“We hope that, through Grenada’s presence at Expo 2020 Dubai, we will be able to build on the existing partnerships between our two countries and explore the potential for further collaboration in various areas of mutual interest.”

Oliver Joseph said, “Grenada’s rich history, culture and heritage is as diverse and integral as our landscape. The natural beauty of our islands is great. Investment opportunities are born across a wide range of sectors, particularly in tourism and hospitality, health and wellness services, education services, and business and energy development.

“I take this opportunity to express deep appreciation to the UAE for the extraordinary efforts in making Grenada’s participation in this Expo 2020 Dubai a reality. Additionally, let me express sincere appreciation and gratitude to the government and people of the UAE for their cooperation and efforts that have contributed significantly to Grenada’s fight against COVID-19.”

At Al Wasl Plaza, lively beats were driving the music of Thamara St Bernard Neckles, followed by Dash, who has been rated Groovy Soca Monarch King of Grenada on three occasions. Known for his upbeat and lively performances, Dash had the crowd around the Al Wasl Plaza cheering and dancing along. Both artists were joined by an ensemble of dancers and musicians and helped to bring Grenada’s unique sounds to Expo 2020 Dubai.

The Grenada Pavilion boasts an iconic piece of spicy art featuring nutmeg to highlight the island’s love of and connection with the spices that give the nation its unique fragrance. The pavilion reflects Grenada’s lifestyle, with its tranquil waters. Visitors can also take a colourful tour of the Island of Spice, enjoy calypso, soca, folk, steel pan, the big drum and jab jab rhythms, or experience the ‘bean-to-bar’ chocolate process for which Grenada is famous. National and Honour Days at Expo 2020 Dubai are moments to celebrate each of Expo’s 200-plus international participants, shining a light on their culture and achievements and showcasing their pavilions and programming.

Each features a flag-raising ceremony at the Stage of Nations in Al Wasl Plaza, followed by speeches and cultural performances.

A day earlier Djibouti also celebrated its National Day at Expo 2020 with a visit from Prime Minister Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed and a performance by a Djiboutian folk group, including a series of traditional dances and folk songs, reflecting both Bedouin and city life.

The Prime Minister was welcomed by Sheikh Nahyan.

Sheikh Nahyan attending the  Djibouti National Day celebration said, “The Djibouti Pavilion provides Expo 2020 visitors with a clear vision of this Arab country, its capabilities, culture and innovative ideas, as well as its ambitious plans for the future. It also offers visitors the opportunity to explore Djibouti as a logistics centre in East Africa, and its tourism offers and efforts to transform to renewable energy.

“Our relations have always focused on cooperation in sustainable development. Over the years, the UAE has been and continues to be a solid and reliable partner of Djibouti in various fields, such as infrastructure development and in attracting foreign direct investment, among others.”

Prime Minister Mohamed said, “Expo 2020 Dubai provides a platform for multifaceted dialogue between cultures and civilisations, presenting new technologies and infrastructure to the world that strengthen relations between peoples and the culture of peace. This is a time to celebrate the ingenuity of the men and women who are providing a glimpse into the future.

“I invite you to visit the Djibouti Pavilion to discover not only the cultural richness and the stunning natural beauty of our country but also the latest development infrastructures put in place by our nation.”

Located in the Mobility District, the Djibouti Pavilion introduces the country as the ‘Land of Trade and Meeting’, a hub for transportation and logistics, and a future economic and technology leader. The pavilion’s shipping-container design reflects Djibouti’s aim to become Africa’s largest logistics centre by 2035, and a sustainable one, ushering in a new era of environmentally-friendly trade and energy.

National and Honour Days at Expo 2020 Dubai are moments to celebrate each of our 200-plus International Participants, shining a light on their culture and achievements, and showcasing their pavilions and programming. Each features a flag-raising ceremony at the Stage of Nations in Al Wasl Plaza, followed by speeches and cultural performances.

Running until 31st March 2022, Expo 2020 has invited visitors from across the planet to join the making of a new world in a six-month celebration of human creativity, innovation, progress and culture.

WAM