SVG Ottawa Association elects new Executive

A new Executive has been elected to steer the course of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Ottawa Association for the next two years.{{more}}

The elections on Saturday, March 17, at the Association’s General Meeting, saw Ciprani Burke elected President; Maxine Grant-Adams, Treasurer; Beaulah Cato, Assistant Treasurer; Samantha Pitt, Secretary; Akeisha Grant, Assistant Secretary; and Deland Young, Public Relations Officer. The position of Vice President remains vacant.

Following the meeting at the McNabb Community Centre, Ottawa, Canada, Burke said his aim is to establish a new direction for the organization. To accomplish this task, he said he will be working with the new executive to embark on a membership drive, which will target youths. He said he would also wish to foster closer relations between Caribbean groups through the staging of social events.

“We are going to continue our traditional programmes such as offering scholarships to needy Vincentians attending secondary schools, and working closer with organisations such as Lions and Rotary clubs to help to indentify projects,” said Burke, a longstanding member of the Ottawa Vincentian community. He previously served the Association in the positions of Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, and Public Relations Officer.

He used the opportunity to thank Immediate Past President Dalhia DaSilva for her yeoman service to the Association.

Meanwhile, DaSilva expressed thanks to the members of the Association for the opportunity to have served them.

“I must say it has been a challenging year, but despite the challenges our Association continues to strive to be the best,” said DaSilva, in her final address as President.

She recalled activities held during her tenure such as the Unity Picnic with sister organizations; the Family Fun Day; the Annual Independence Banquet, and the Children Christmas Bowling Party.

“We continue to support our community in Canada and in St Vincent and the Grenadines…. Back at home we continue to contribute to worthy causes such as the SVG Music Project, which supplies mainly hand-held musical instruments to children (the brainchild of Leo Lewis),” said DaSilva. She also mentioned the donation of medical equipment to the Georgetown Hospital and the Old Age Retirement Home.

Da Silva thanked the executive and members of the Association for their support. She, however, encouraged everyone to participate in events staged by the executive committee.

She did not stand for re-election, but promised to continue to help in every possible way.

“There are a few things to keep in mind when holding an executive position. Ask yourself what you can bring to the executive and the organization to make it grow and to make a positive impact,” said DaSilva.

She also encouraged the members in attendance to always keep in mind that the Association is a non-profitable organization and needs individuals to contribute to foster its growth.