Miller is the first female President of Calypsonians Association

Ann MillEr is the new President of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Calypsonians Association, the first female to hold the post.{{more}}

Miller was elevated to the position when the association held its Annual General Meeting last Saturday at the Red Cross Building in Kingstown.

A member of the Upstage Xperience, Miller, who is not new to national administration, is also the Vice President of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Squash Association.

Miller on her way to the top, defeated three challengers in former President Hassan Kennedy, Nilio Gumbs and Kenneth “Vibrating Scakes” Alleyne.

Miller, who gained 16 of the 35 votes cast, said she was delighted at the confidence placed in her to head an organisation which is need of revitalization.

Cognisant that division among members has been a stumbling block in the forward movement of the association, Miller stated: “We are going to work together, as we need to hold hands and bring the art form along.”

Promising to bring her years of banking experience to bear on the association, Miller said she wants to see greater professionalization of the organisation and a greater level of self-sufficiency.

“We must not expect things to be handed to us; we have to work for it,” Millar said.

The new President indicated that she does not want to see the association being activated only when the Carnival season is nearing, but it must be vibrant all year round.

Miller’s Vice President is immediate past president, Hassan Kennedy, who warded off challenges from Gumbs and Ronald “Ron B” Browne.

Aubrey Burgin, who garnered 22 votes, the most of all the positions contested, defeated Conley Rose, who gained 12 votes in the race, to become the Secretary of the Association.

Shaunelle Mc Kenzie is the association Treasurer, as she successfully stopped Gumbs, and Grantley “Ipa” Constance, who offered themselves for the post.

The position of Assistant Secretary/Treasurer was won by Khalia Beache, in a two-way race against another woman, Marvo Morgan.

Veteran calypsonian Robert “Patches “Knights is the association’s Public Relations Officer.

Apart from the elected members, provisions are in place for the selection of five Committee Members, one from each of the five Calypso tents under the umbrella of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Calypsonians Association.