Grenada Cultural and Civic Association (GCCA)

HISTORY OF THE GCCA

The Grenada Cultural & Civic Association (GCCA) was formed in 1988 by some very dedicated Grenadians living in the Miami-Ft. Lauderdale area. The Association chose Michael Hood-Julien as its first president. The aims and objectives of the Association are the same today as they were at its start, that is:- to establish social and cultural interaction amongst Grenadians in South Florida, and to foster the establishment of a Caribbean organization for the benefit of all people from the Caribbean.

Membership is open to anyone who was born in Grenada, Carriacou or Petit Martinique, or whose parent(s) were born in Grenada, or who is married to a Grenadian. However each prospective member must comply with the established application procedures and payment of the registration fee. That fee is $25.00, broken down into a one time $5.00 registration fee, and $20.00 annual membership fee. The right to vote as well as the holding of any office is predicated on a member's good financial standing by paying the annual membership fee.

Over the years the GCCA has extended help to our beloved homeland as well as Grenadians here in America. The GCCA has assisted families coming to South Florida for medical care with their living expenses and medication. The Association has also assisted students attending colleges and universities in the US with book scholarships. We encourage all qualified students to participate in the scholarship program.

The Association has worked closely with CORES International in shipping medical supplies to Grenada to be used for health care services administered by CORES International throughout Grenada.

In the aftermath of hurricane Ivan, members of the Association rose to the occasion to collect food, clothing, medical supplies, construction materials and other items bound for Grenada. We thank those members as well as the American public and businesses, who went above and beyond to aid Grenada in her time of need.

Each year in February, the Association celebrates Grenada's independence with a formal dinner dance. This year 2006, the Ball will be held on Saturday February 11th at the Diamante's Banquet Center at 6501 West Commercial Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale. Because of the tremendous support that the community gives towards the Ball, the GCCA as a way of saying thanks, hosts a free annual picnic on or around July 4th, at West Lake Park in Hollywood. We look forward to your presence to share some hot summer fun with us, and occasionally meet some long separated friends.

In 2005, the GCCA launched its first Newsletter. Beginning in 2006, the hope is to have a publication every quarter. The new GCCA web page is well under construction, and should be available to be accessed anytime now even though construction will continue. Those two media will complement each other to provide as much information about the GCCA, it's history and current events, as well as links to other Grenadian and Caribbean sites. Please check them out to keep current with the happenings of the GCCA.