Six nation builders awarded for their service

On Saturday, November 5, a packed crowd, which included former South Leeward Representative Jerry Scott, Calypso super star Alston Becket Cyrus,{{more}} Parliamentary Representative Nigel Stephenson and well wishers of South and Central Leeward area, saw six outstanding Nation Builders awarded for their service.

This event took place in Cane Grove as the United Returnees Association Cooperation (URAC) held its first award ceremony.

Awarded were Sir Louis Straker, retired Politician and Philanthropist; Betty Mathias, a Nurse for over 20 years; Trevor O’Garro, a transport provider for 30 years; Anne Jones, Retired Headteacher and Community activist; Dr. K.P Rao, former district Doctor, who still practices in South Leeward, and Clement Ackee, a farmer and care giver.

The keynote address was delivered by the General Manager of GECCU and the Chairman of the National Insurance Services Lennox Bowman.

“If the country of St. Vincent ever needed hard workers and volunteers it’s now; if the world ever needed it, my friends it is now.” Those were the words of Bowman as he delivered a powerful message on volunteering to uplift your surroundings.

The packed crowd saw entertainment by La Gracia Dancers, Mr. Joseph and symphonic Steel and Comedian Sylvia Williams-Gould.

The United Returnees Association cooperation is a non profit group based in South and Central Leeward, with thirty one members.

At present, the URAC is sponsoring two secondary school kids, one at Buccament Bay Secondary, the other at Thomas Saunders Secondary. The URAC is hoping to add a new child every two school years.

The next event of the URAC will be on December 15, when it will host 65 elderly persons from the National Insurance Services Golden Years Activity Centre and surrounding areas for its Seventh Annual Christmas Luncheon at the NIS Centre, Cane Grove, and then its own Christmas Dinner on December 16.