Vincy Group hosts Easter Tea Party in Brooklyn

Last Sunday afternoon Vincentians turned out in large numbers and their finest to attend the Biabou Methodist School Alumni Association’s (BMSAA) annual Easter tea party held at the Friends of Crown Heights centre in Brooklyn, New York.{{more}}

The event opened with remarks from Patrick Sutherland, then a musical interlude from recording artist and popular MC Hailes Costello. After the invocation by Pastor Alwyn Craig, the US and Vincentian national anthems were sung, then the Garifuna national instrumental version was played. Principal of the Biabou Methodist School Joseph Shortte also addressed the gathering; giving a progress report on the school.

Also in attendance were other noteworthy Vincentians, including Vaughn Toney of Friends of Crown Heights, Narissa Morris, attorney at law, Lavern Mc Dowald/Thompson president of the Council of St Vincent and the Grenadines Organizations (COSAGO) along with attorney at law Curlina Edwards, and Joanne Legair, popularly known as Miss SVG of the Chateaubelair Development Organization (CDO).

Donna Weekes of Ethel Fashion showed a 20 piece preview of her annual Spring Intro Fashion show titled Then…and…Now which is slated for Saturday, April 28, to loud, excited applause and screaming.

Weekes told SEARCHLIGHT that her productions this year would be bigger and better as it is her dream to take Caribbean fashion to the world. Weeks also produces Caribbean Fashion Extravaganza, which is in its third year and will take place on September 1. This show is open to fashion designers from around the Caribbean and Caribbean designers living in the US.

“This is growing to become a platform for releasing our creative energies as Caribbean designers and I remain committed as I feel blessed to be a part creating this platform where dreams can soar,” Weekes said.

Also addressing the event was publisher and author Utricia Charles who presented her latest book, “Beyond the Mango Shade”, a follow to her first, “Beneath the Mango Tree”. Both books chronicle a Garifuna saga. Charles and poet Carden Michael were selling and signing copies of their publications in the lobby of the building.

President of the Biabou Methodist School Alumni Association (BMSAA) Lennox Daniel told SEARCHLIGHT that he was pleased with the success of the event and that he is looking forward to next year’s event to be more successful. BMSAA was established five years ago and this was their fifth tea party. Daniel, a former student and teacher at the school, has been at the helm of the organization from inception; Daniel is also a former deputy ambassador to the United Nations for St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Daniel said that funds raised are used to purchase supplies and equipment for the school, fund scholarships and educational tours for students. BMSSA has also provided a library of over 2,000 books at the school. Daniel also said that his organization is grateful to Vaughn Toney of Friends of Crown Heights and Fessy Yorke of Standard Caribbean Shippers and other individuals and organizations for their continued support over the years. The event culminated music where patrons broke loose and partied until 12 midnight.(TY)