Organisers promise that Vincy Day USA will maintain its uniqueness

Despite the rising cost of staging Vincy Day USA, organizers say they do not plan to change the format, thus

transitioning into a commercial activity.

This was made clear by Tunka Edwards last Saturday, August 16, when the 2025 edition of Vincy Day was again hosted at Hecksher Park, Long Island.

Edwards, a member of the Organising Committee told SEARCHLIGHT that each year the event is costing them more.

“This year we are looking at over $45, 000 and counting, more than what we spent last year to put on this event,” Edwards revealed.

He was, however, grateful to the sponsors who came forward and assisted financially with defraying

expenses associated with executing the annual event.

“We are grateful to those who always stand by our side and give us that help. Hopefully, others, starting from next year, will come on board,” Edwards commented.

He assured that Vincy Day USA will maintain its high standard and they will ensure that it keeps it purity.

Vincy Day USA was conceptualised to be a family affair among persons in the diaspora, bringing them together in one setting of sharing, socializing, rekindling old friendships and exposure to Vincentian cuisine and culture.

That uniqueness was kept intact at last Saturday’s event, as hundreds of Vincentians thronged the sparse campsite to have a day of fun and fellowship.

Cars, vans, and buses rolled in from different parts of the USA and neighbouring Canada to be part of

the 13th Vincy Day, USA.

Littered with tents, tables, chairs, grills, blankets, towels- the aroma of Vincentian food permeated the air, as the constant chatter and Vincy Soca music added spice to the atmosphere.

The smell of breadfruit, loud shouts of “lang time me ain see you; girl / man, wey you been all dem years,” were just some of the obvious expressions that were a common feature of the day, as old friends met face to face and renewed acquaintances.

The day was also characterized by the unprecedented partaking of food, drinks, snacks, whatever there

was on offer, as persons moved around to the various stalls and got what was on offer.

“This is what Vincy Day is all about,” said one woman as she acknowledged the camaraderie.

Vincy Day USA was not complete without the airing of some fine Vincentian music -From Alyssa Seales rendering on the pan and Brother Don and La Fleur Durrant -Sprott offering spiritual upliftment with their gospel singing.

The calypso segment had a performance by Gregory Olive, with Prezzi Don and Skarpyon filling the

Soca slot of the cultural presentation.

The band- Magma, led by Adrian Bailey kept the crowd jumping and waving as they dished out Vincy

Soca from way back to the present. SVG’s Consul General to New York Rondy “Luta” McIntosh, following his delivery of remarks, put on his hat as an entertainer and mesmerised the crowd with some of his hits.

Vincy Day USA is held on the third Saturday in August each year. The first Vincy Day USA was 2012; there was none in 2020 and 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic.