Nine Goodwill Ambassadors named

Nine Vincentians have been awarded the status of Goodwill Ambassadors.

At the opening ceremony of the Homecoming Conference on Wednesday, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves announced that Cabinet had decided to offer goodwill ambassador status to five men and four women, and issue stamps bearing the images of nine others from various fields and endeavors.{{more}}

“My government has instituted the practice of affording the status of Goodwill Ambassadors to deserving nationals. This rank bestows on them the privilege of the grant of a diplomatic passport,” the Prime Minister said.

“Similarly we issue stamps through the appropriate authority to esteemed patriots of distinction.”

According to the Prime Minister, Goodwill Ambassador status will be awarded to musicians Sylvester and Frankie McIntosh, calypsonian Glenroy ‘Sulle’ Caesar, international basketball star Adonal Foyle, sports personalities Genita Lewis and Gloria Ballantyne, activist Nelcia Robinson Hazel, retired health care provider Ann Anderson and businessman Reginald DaSilva.

Those to be honored with stamps are female basketballers Sophia Young and Sancho Lyttle, the author and musical arranger of this country’s national anthem Phyllis Punnett and Joel Miguel respectively, educators Grace Eustace and Festus Toney, entertainers Delroy ‘Fireman’ Hooper and Kenneth ‘Vibrating Scakes’ Alleyne and Historian Dr. Edgar Adams.

Gonsalves indicated that the stamps will be issued at intervals over the next few months.(JJ)