by Oscar Ramjeet in Florida

In South Florida, a large number of Vincentians who have been living here for a very long time have regrouped and formed a viable organization, aimed mainly to assist their less fortunate brothers and sisters in their homeland.

In the past there were two groups, but a month ago the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Association of Florida was established and the members have vowed to make it a viable body.{{more}}

Last Saturday the Deputy Consul General, Cyril Thomas travelled from New York to address a large gathering at Broward County where he brought members and friends up to date on the development projects which are taking place in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Thomas, a former calypsonian known as Scorcher, explained plans for the new airport and said that assistance for that massive project will come from Cuba, Venezuela, China, Malaysia, and Mexico.

He also explained the role of the Consulate of SVG in North America and the process to obtain and renew passports.

Several well-known Vincentians attended the ceremony including Cameron King, Christopher Crichton, David Phillips, who is heading a big law firm of Phillips and Phillips in Fort Lauderdale, Mourine De Freitas-Ramjeet, and well known architect Moulton Mayers who was visiting his family in Florida.

The Florida Association is now engaged in a book project to send a large quantity of books to the C.W. Prescod School, and Elizabeth Greaves, a former nurse in SVG who is an active member of the Association is spearheading a project to send a mannequin set to teach nurses to carry out blood testing exercises. She also plans to send other medical equipment to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital.

A number of fund raising activities have been planned by the Organization. President of the Association is Septimus Barrock, with Joel Pompey as Vice-President.

Shelly Samuel is the Secretary and Irwin Mounsey Treasurer. The PRO is Clem Dopwell.