James Cordice and Godfrey Pitt were given special recognition by the St Vincent and the Grenadines Ex-Teachers Association of New York at a ceremony on January 19.{{more}}

Their moment of honour came at the association’s annual luncheon which took place at the Grand Prospect Hall in Brooklyn.

Cordice and Pitt were praised for continued selfless contribution to St Vincent and the Grenadines and their adopted home – the United States of America.

In congratulating Cordice, the Ex-Teachers Association said citation:

“Your unselfish dedication has not gone unnoticed….. Your quiet style served as a great inspiration to young and old. Your strength lives in the attitude of service. May the seeds you sow in the world’s garden bear fruits that continue to feed those whom you influence.”

Originally from the Clare Valley community, Cordice carried along his training gained in the hospitality sector in St Vincent and the Grenadines, when he migrated to the USA in 1988.

But it was his unrelenting service to several organizations in the US, especially in Philadelphia which has stood out.

Among Cordice’s areas of involvement are his committee post in the Kensington South Neighbor’s Advisory Council; chair of the Pasty Saunders Island Brunch Committee; and being founding member and research analyst of Caribbean- American Heritage Collaborative, legal committee and election member.

Additionally, Cordice has been part of the Mayor’s Commission on African and Caribbean Immigrants, has chaired the SVG Economic Development Plan Summit in Philadelphia, and is the immediate past co- chair of Team Jamaica Bickles.

Cordice served as president of the SVG Organisation of Philadelphia for six years as well as other positions on the executive.

In most recent times, Cordice was very instrumental in St Vincent and the Grenadines having a presence at the Penn Relays. This was pursued by the Thomas Saunders Secondary School, which participated from 2011 to 2013.

Currently, Cordice is an executive board member of the Garifuna Coalition USA.

In 2010, Cordice was also honoured by COSAGO; while in 2011, he was also recognised by the city in Philadelphia, and honoured by SVG Nationals of Washington, DC.

For him though, one of his proudest moments was when he led the charge that resulted in the hoisting of the SVG flag in Ben Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia on September 19, 2010.

The other honouree, Godfrey Pitt, was born in Georgetown.

A former member of the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force, who carried the force number-227, Pitt was an original member of the Special service unit. He migrated to the USA in 1978, after eight years in the force.

Pitt prides himself as a servant of the people especially, his own nationals.

Pitt served as President of the SVG Ex-Police Association- USA for 13 years.

Under his leadership, the association held numerous functions giving back to St Vincent and the Grenadines continuously.

Pitt continued to show that dedication by linking the association with the Caribbean Law enforcement officers of NYPD.

He has worked with the community affairs unit of the NYPD to do outreach programmes with the Caribbean Ex-Police Association.

This linkage forged bore fruit as the RSVGPF was the recipient of a quantity of equipment, and conducted workshops and lectures.

In return, the US officers were treated to Vincy hospitality, which they spoke of long after they returned.

In 1999, Pitt graduated from the citizens Police Academy of the NYPD.

It was Pitt’s trip back home with the USA-based Caribbean law officers, and the problems they encountered with Liat that led him to take up another big task- that of aiding in the building of the Argyle international airport.

This saw the emergence of the “Friends of Argyle International Airport USA.”

Since its formation, the organisation has so far handed over close to $40,000.

“Giving total commitment to the team, seeking commitment from each member, holding each member accountable to that commitment. You have shown that all things are possible. Keep the fire lit. SVG needs more sons and daughters with like-minded vision,” the association cited of Pitt.

But while Cordice and Pitt were the main honourees, the association also paid special mention of Lennox Duncan for his unstinting support.

President of the association- Jackson Farrell noted that Duncan has attended every luncheon staged and is responsible for the sale of numerous tickets.