Four Vincentians awarded in the UK

Four Vincentian nationals in the UK were formally recognised for their contribution to the development of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and services to the Vincentian Diaspora in the United Kingdom.{{more}}

Judy Boucher, Yvette Thomas, Norris Bullock and Trotton Mercury were selected by High Commissioner Cenio E. Lewis to receive awards signed by the Prime Minister Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Consumer Affairs Dr. Douglas Slater.

The High Commissioner, who was unable to personally present the awards because he was representing St. Vincent and the Grenadines at the 2011 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Australia, said ‘The recipients have shown a consistent and outstanding commitment to the development and promotion of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The UK has one of the oldest Vincentian diasporas and it is heartening to know that they feel so passionately about the land they refer to as ‘Home’.

Thomas, one of the recipients of the award, said ‘I am a little taken aback, but very proud to receive any recognition as a Vincentian…I can’t quite believe it.’

The awards were presented to: Judy Boucher – Entertainer – an internationally acclaimed singer, who frequently waives her performance fee for Vincentian fundraising events.

Yvette Thomas – Educator – among other things, she was influential in arranging the linking of a number of schools in SVG with those in Buckinghamshire through the British Council.

Norris Bullock – Community Leader – established the SVG Luton Association and has developed many projects in Luton to assist the Vincentian Community residing there.

Trotton Mercury – Entertainer – considered to be the Granddaddy of Vincentian DJs in the UK and has promoted Vincentian music in the UK for over 30 years.