Activists honoured

Seven local community activists were last Thursday 6th honoured for their contribution to the development of this country.

The honouring ceremony saw a coming together of old comrades, many of whom had struggled together over several decades. The honoured included Oscar Allen, Solomon Butler, Nzimbu Browne, Caspar London, Renwick Rose, Cecil Ryan and the late Earlene Horne.{{more}}

The ceremony was the initiative of two New York-based Vincentians, Moreen King and Gary Allen, who said they had been touched by the persons selected during their lives and this was their way of saying thanks. The very emotional King sat at the head table, at which were seated five of the honourees with the exception of Renwick Rose who was away in Guyana. Rose was represented by his daughter Dr. Naale Rose-Roberts while the late Earlene Horne was represented by her daughter Safiya.

The evening at Peace Memorial Hall turned out to be one of interesting anecdotes, emotional tributes and dynamic performances by Naked Roots, La Gracia Dancers and Amistad.

Citations were read by persons who had been impacted on by the honourees before they were presented with plaques by other comrades.

Oscar Allen was awarded for his contribution to national development, Nzimbu Browne for cultural development, Solomon Butler and the late Earlene Horne for rural development, Caspar London and Renwick Rose for socio-political education and Cecil Ryan for social economic development.

A surprise appearance was made by Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves who made some impromptu comments in which he attempted to retrace his own political route to the office of prime minister with the activism of the honourees. Long after the function, the old comrades remained in the lobby of the Peace Memorial Hall reminiscing.