Fri Mar 13, 2015

by Vakeesha John

He is a star. He has a dream. He is a lion. He has a voice. He is a patriot. He has left a mark. He is a light that wants to put out darkness.

The ABC of Calypso has found yet another meaning to his name; Alston Becket Cyrus – ACHIEVING BRILLIANCE through COMPASSION.{{more}} Not only is he a pioneer of “Calypso in SVG,” he is also the founder of a newly formed community group, the BECKET BENEFIT ORGANIZATION of Layou.

Bearing the thought voiced by Cesar Chavez that “we cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community. Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others, for their sakes and our own,” the Becket Benefit Organization seeks to empower love, peace and unity within the community of Layou. With the aim of assisting, guiding and supporting the community in health, education, sports and culture, social services, disaster and the environment, this group is an active and useful group to their community neighbours.

On January 16, 2015, at a general meeting held at the Straker Resource Centre in Layou, this organization was established. An executive body was elected and will serve for a period of two years. The executive consists of: president: Marcus Martin; vice-president: Vernon Mc Dowall; treasurer: Crawford Young; assistant treasurer: Irie Hannaway; secretary: Reesa Matthews; assistant secretary: Clinteisha Prince; public relations officer: Osbert Young; assistant public relations officer: Winston Chief Davis; press secretary: Vakeesha John; chaplain: Roslyn Francis; founder and advisor: Alston Becket Cyrus.

Though this organization has only been officially established in January, the group had already started on its journey since December 2014. Vincentians, party lovers, community supporters, all joined the Becket Benefit Organization on December 26, 2014, in assisting Patricia Matthews of Layou with her unfortunate medical journey. Matthews, who was “born and bred” in the beautiful town of Layou, has been battling with serious illnesses since 2009. Her cries have been heard and the Becket Benefit Organization pledges to assist her with her medical expenses. It is no doubt that this concert, “A night for Patsy,” was the “time of my life” for many persons. Following that event, there was a barbecue on January 29, 2015 in Layou.

Be mindful, this is not a bunch of rich persons. These are people who give their time in trying to raise funds so that they can build their community. Plans are also being made to host other events in the community. Come this Easter Monday, the organization will be having a “Beach Splash” at the Layou waterfront. The Becket Benefit Organization will be grateful to persons who support this dream in any way, especially in having your presence at our fund-raising events.

You hear about helping, but no wealth.

You hear about trying to save one’s health.

You hear about making dreams come true,

But this organization cannot do it without you.

The saying is short, but its meaning has depth; “you make a living by what you get. You make a life by what you give.”

The Becket Benefit Organization is ready!