Vincentian youths ready for historic inauguration

This weekend, Vincentians Kamal Wood and Natesha Alexander will join outstanding university students from across the globe to participate in the historic inauguration of the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama.{{more}}

First reported in the November 14, 2008, issue of SEARCHLIGHT, Wood and Alexander will leave the country tonight and will arrive in Washington D.C. tomorrow, January 17th. The five-day programme, which is hosted by the University Presidential Inaugural Conference (UPIC), aims to provide scholars with a deeper understanding of the history behind the electoral process and the traditions surrounding the inauguration.

Marguerite Regan, Dean of Academic Affairs for UPIC, stated: “…it will provide them a chance to become more familiar with and attuned to the president who will govern the United Stated over the next four years. We certainly hope this will inspire the next generation of leaders.”

Following the inauguration, Wood and Alexander will “…experience the grandeur of the inaugural parade” where the president, vice president and their families will travel down Pennsylvania Avenue from the Capitol Building to the White House. Additionally, they will attend a Black Tie Gala Inaugural Ball.

The scholars will have the opportunity to interact with White House officials, congressional staff members, political experts and other VIP’s such as former Secretary General of State General Colin Powell and former Vice President Al Gore. They will also take part in panel discussions and debates with commentators such as James Carville, Mary Matalin, Paul Begala and Tucker Carlson.

Wood, a 2006 National Scholar, and currently studying at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, and Alexander, a Mathematics Teacher at the Union Island Secondary School, are eagerly anticipating the historic event. “I am proud that myself and Natesha are going to have this opportunity!” Wood enthused. (JSV)