Cultural Entrepreneurship & Documentation Program in Grenada – At the end of two busy weeks working on the Cultural Entrepreneurship and Documentation Program in Grenada, the staff and students from TAMCC and NSCC gathered for a celebratory cookout at a local beach. At one point, the Grenadian and Canadian students danced and sang along as three of the TAMCC staff played, “Rivers of Babylon” on the drums.

“Rivers of Babylon” is a song about oppression and freedom and, as I listened – surrounded by sun and sand – I could not help but think of its relevance with respect to Grenada’s rich and complex history. The people I met and learned from, and the stunningly beautiful places I visited, all shined with pride shaped by positive and negative influences of pre/post-independence, occupation/invasion, natural disaster, arts, crafts, culture and love. In those specific moments on the beach, the song of choice seemed meaningful and connected to all things Grenada.

“Let the words of my mouth, and the mediation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight”, are lyrics that rang true during my participation in CEDP. Those meaningful moments on the beach represented a fraction of the countless incredible experiences I had on the island.  The overt spiritual aspects of the experience permeated every part of me, whether it was in the warmth of the sun and the people, the vastness of the rainforest, or the waves of the ocean, Grenada definitely sings “a song of love”.

Melissa Randell

Adult Learning Program Faculty

NSCC Akerley Campus