Caracas, February 9th, 2009: On Saturday February 7, a cross section of Grenadian nationals resident in the City of Caracas joined with Ambassador Richard Mc Phail at an Official Military Ceremony held here to commemorate Grenada’s 35^th Anniversary of Independence.

This Ceremony was held at the Panteon Nacional at 10.00am in the company of officials from the Ministry of Popular Power for External Relations and the Ministry of Popular Power for Interior Relations & Justice.

A Platoon of soldiers from the Bolivarian Armed Forces of Venezuela participated along with a Military Band. For entrance and exit of the Nationals, the Band played appropriate music and a General salute was also accorded.

A wreath was placed at the tomb of the great Liberator, Simon Bolivar. In laying the wreath and paying homage, the Ambassador was accompanied by four persons. This was followed by the Military Band playing the National Anthems of Grenada and the Bolivarian republic of Venezuela.

As an integral part of this Official ceremony an official record book had to be signed. This book was signed by Grenadian citizens residing in the Bolivarian republic of Venezuela who are executive members of the Grenada Association in Caracas, Ms. Deslyn Mc Queen, Ms. Grace Bishop and Mr. Samuel Collier, member of the Mission’s staff, Mrs. Patricia Garcia de Flores, two officials from the Ministry of Popular Power for External Relations (Protocol Division) and Ambassador Richard Mc Phail.

Later in the evening, the celebrations climaxed with the hosting of a Cocktail reception at the Ambassador’s Official residence.