Independence celebrations begin for Vincies in NY

by Nelson A. King in New York 19.OCT.07

Vincentians in the Big Apple begin celebrating their 28th anniversary of political independence this weekend, with a series of events organized collaboratively by the Brooklyn-based umbrella group Council of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, U.S.A. Inc., and the New York Consulate General.{{more}}

The events kick off this Saturday, Oct. 20, with a cultural show at Meyer Levin High School, 5909 Beverly Road, near Ralph Avenue, in Brooklyn.

It features, among other things, poems, skits, plays, steel pan, mas, dance, calypso, soca, reggae, and a children’s talent show.

De Man Age, a former national calypso monarch, along with calysponians, Bomani, Lively and Philly Dilly, as well as the band Solid, and Oscar James and the Ravers will make special guest appearances at the 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. showcase.

Cyril T homas, the Deputy New York Consul General, who carries the calypso sobriquet Scorcher and entertainment promoter Soca Jones will be honored during the event, at which Jones will also serve as Master of Ceremonies.

The following day, Oct. 21, Vincentians will attend an Ecumenical Service of Thanksgiving at St. Marks United Methodist Church, 2017 Beverly Road, between Flatbush and Ocean Avenues in Brooklyn.

The week of activities culminates on Sunday, Oct. 28, with a gala luncheon at Crystal Manor, 1460 Flatbush Avenue, between Farragut and Glenwood Roads, also in Brooklyn.

Selwyn Cumberbatch, a former police sergeant at home, who was recently-elected president of the Council, urged nationals in the diaspora to “pause and give thanks to God for sustaining us throughout the 28 years since becoming an independent nation.”

“We encouraged all Vincentians to join the celebrations, as we try to establish our past, and, at the same time, work towards a productive future in building St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” he told Searchlight.

“Each year, we continue to see favorable numbers of Vincentians attending the church service, as we strive to reach the unreachable,” he added. “And for this, we give thanks.”

A number of Vincentian entertainers will also be celebrating the 28th anniversary of political independence in their own special ways.

Jones will be showcasing a host of calypsonians in a grand show, dance and sports awards ceremony at Café Omar in Brooklyn on Oct. 27.

Calypso Rose, Winston Soso, Bomani, Fafa, Curtie C, Browser, Hailes Castello and Philly Dilly, among others, will be featured.

Three outstanding players in Vincentian soccer, netball and cricket teams have been nominated for the sports awards.

The newly-formed 95th United Non-Profit Organization will also be honoring “extraordinary” Vincentian personalities in another awards and dance ceremony at Red Bress Lounge, at the corner of East 95th Street and Church Avenue.

Winston Soso will receive the “Lifetime Achievement” award; Carnival Players International, the “Best Mas Band” award; Supa Eyes, “Best DJ;” Hailes Castello, “Best Radio Personality;” and Elmo “the Magic” Christian,” “Best Promoter.”

In addition, Castello will highlight Alston “Beckett” Cyrus and the Vision Band in an Independence Dance on Oct. 26 at Tracks Café on Ralph Avenue in Brooklyn.