Vincentians celebrate SVG’s independence in the USA

Celebrations in the United States of St Vincent and the Grenadines’ 33rd anniversary of Independence continued on November 3 with the annual dinner and dance in Pennsylvania.{{more}}

The function, under the auspices of the SVG Organisation of Pennsylvania (SVGOP), heard addresses from President of the association Arlette Dopwell-James and Consul General Selmon Walters.

Walters urged Vincentians in the diaspora to take advantage of the opportunities for self and national development.

He further urged those who reside in the “city of brotherly love” to keep up the good work.

The consul general praised the patrons, as he said he doesn’t “get many requests for deportation from Pennsylvania”.

Walters also read a speech from La Celia Prince, SVG’s ambassador to the United States and permanent representative to the Organisation of American States.

The crowning moment of the event was the honouring of three outstanding stalwarts, including Winston Soso, the “Rolls Royce of Calypso”.

Soso was honoured for his outstanding carriage of the cultural art form and received the “Vincentian person of the year award”.

He thanked the SVGOP for acknowledging his contribution and said he was “proud to be a Vincy”.

Also honoured for their continued contribution to the SVGOP were Kyla Herberto, who was given “the Caribbean person of the year award” and Vincentian Dunniston Woods was given the “SVGOP member of the year award”.

Vincentians in New York, Boston and Washington, along with Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Cecil ‘Ces’ Mc Kie attended the function.

The event concluded with live entertainment from a number of artistes, including Soso, with Vincy band “Solid” doing the back stopping.

Prior to the Pennsylvania celebrations, there were a number of other events.

On October 28, the Council of St Vincent and the Grenadines Organisation (COSAGO), in conjunction with the Consulate of SVG, held its annual luncheon and dance at Tropical Paradise Ballroom on Utica Avenue.

The over 300 persons who attended heard addresses from a number of dignitaries, including Camillo Gonsalves — SVG’s ambassador to the United Nations, Consul General Walters, President of COSAGO Laverne Mc Dowald-Thompson, US Councilman Juamane Williams, and Vincentian Emile Cox, who delivered the feature address.

Walters read the Independence Day message from the Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves, which updated listeners on development projects in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

This event also saw the honouring of Alston “Becket” Cyrus — the “ABC of Calypso”, Jose Franciso Avila and Dr Kendall Stewart.

Independence activities were also celebrated in Boston and Washington. All areas held church services, as well as dinners/luncheons.

The Vincentian community in California will stage their celebrations later this month.