Two outstanding Vincentians honoured by VINCI in New York

TWO OUTSTANDING Vincentians were honoured, and another acknowledged for her sporting prowess by the Vincentian American Independent National Charities Inc. (VINCI) last Sunday, October 13, 2024 in Brooklyn, NewYork.

Dr. Veronica Francois- Kydd, born and bred in Sandy Bay, a proud Garifuna; and veteran journalist, social commentator, Renwick Rose, were the honourees at a Gala Luncheon organized by VINCI. A special invitation was also extended to local middle-distance runner, Shafiqua Maloney, fresh from receiving accolades at home. She was acknowledged for her feat of grabbing fourth place in the Women’s 800 metres in the recent Paris Olympics, and a collection of financial contributions made to her.

Rose, a SEARCHLIGHT columnist, was recognised for a half century of social organization and political education and his work in civil society, as well as in the journalistic field. His award was collected on his behalf by his nephew, Kamal Rose, himself a qualified chef. Commendations were made on his behalf by Justice Adrian Saunders, President of the Caribbean Court of Justice, and Natallie Corrie-Kordas who worked for over 30 years as a senior officer in the African Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP) Secretariat in Brussels, who testified to his advocacy work on behalf of civil society and banana farmers. But the audience was particularly moved by the online testimonials of this honouree’s last two granddaughters, J’nyah and K’mar, who paid a moving tribute to the patriarch. This is the second occasion in weeks that Rose was being recognised for his work over several decades. On September 26,2024, Rose received the Friendship Medal from Cuba, on the instructions of its President, Miguel Diaz Canel, “in recognition for his support and backing for the strengthening and deepening of ties” with the people of Cuba, “as well as for his outstanding participation in campaigns in defence of the Revolution…”.