The Melisizwe Brothers have been presented with a plaque by the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) in recognition of the group’s contribution in the area of music; for donating a quantity of musical instruments to the Police Band and; for promoting the name of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) on the global stage.

In a brief handover ceremony held via Zoom Live at Police Headquarters Conference Room on Monday June 29, 2020, Commissioner of Police Colin John handed over the plaque on behalf of the Government and people of SVG to Mark James, father of the Melisizwe Brothers.

According to Commissioner John, the Melisizwe Bothers have impacted positively on the RSVGPF and SVG as a whole. He thanked the brothers for their generous contribution of the musical instruments donated to the RSVGPF Band on June 8, 2020. He further stated that the instruments would play a pivotal role in the development of the Police Band at this moment and in the future.

Commissioner John informed that the instruments were donated at the right time because the Police band will be launching its 2020 Apprentice Programme on July 1, 2020; and the same instruments would be used to teach the participants involved. He further encouraged the brothers to stay focused.

Mark James in accepting the plaque on his sons’ behalf expressed sincere gratitude on behalf of the boys and his entire family. He stated that the smiles on his sons’ faces illustrate their passion and appreciation of the plaque. He outlined that he is more than happy to partner with the RSVGPF Band and the Police Force as a whole to promote future ventures. He thanked the Commissioner and the Police Force for recognising his “boys” and articulated that the plaque is well received.

The Melisizwe Brothers, who witnessed the ceremony via Zoom Live, thanked Commissioner John and the Police Force for the efforts made to connect the presentation of the plaque live, which they opined meant a lot to them. They stated that the collaboration with RSVGPF enables the group to reach many youths throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Speaking on the “Gold-mind” initiative which they have created, the Brothers outlined that their main focus is to collect musical instruments to donate to young people and organisations all over the world that have an interest in developing youths through music.

The plaque was designed and created by Vincentian craftsman Mr. Rowland “Scrappie” Dopwell and crew.