Sports, Culture and the Arts

The contribution of Vincentians of Indian heritage to sports, the arts and entertainment is vast. Here, we present just a tiny sample of some of the many Vincentians who have made an impact in these areas. {{more}}

One of St.Vincent and the Grenadines’ foremost poets is Peggy Deane-Carr, great granddaughter of Indian immigrants Calu Ramphaul (William Deane) and Mary Madhu (Mary Deane). Carr, who is currently living and working in Taiwan, will soon have one of her poems published in the “Oxford Book of Caribbean Verse” to be published by Oxford University Press. She has published several collections, and her latest effort will go to press next month.

Cheryl Deane-Rodriguez is Peggy Carr’s aunt. Rodriguez has been a member of the Carnival Development Committee for 10 years, with specific responsibility for the Beauty Shows Committee. Her name has become synonymous with our premiere beauty pageants, and her many years of service on the Carnival Development Corporation is a testimony of her commitment to the development of culture and her desire to give national service.

Legendary musical arranger, Frankie McIntosh is the great grandson of John Balusingh, Indian immigrant from the North Punjab region. McIntosh is well known for his work with Alston “Becket” Cyrus and many other regional musical heavyweights.

Ahmin “Spider” Soleyn, a local calypsonian in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s, is credited with being one of the pioneers of the local calypso tent. Later on, calypsonian “Phoenix” created a storm with his smash hit, “Let me through Victoria Park” in the 1980’s.

Prolific songwriter Lennox Bowman, his brothers Ricky, Roland and Dennis, and his daughter Michaella have all enjoyed local hits. The Bowmans, who originate from Kingstown Park, are perhaps best known for their Christmas Album with favourites “This Christmas”, “Don’t wait ‘til the 25th”, and “We going Nine Mornings.” Lennox Bowman also served on the Carnival Development Corporation for many years in various capacities, including Chairman.

Local table-tennis ace, Calique Bailey of the North Windward town of Georgetown is part of the national squad to the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Australia. He comes from a sporting family as his sister Cheron was once national and OECS women’s table tennis champion. Cheron, who won an island scholarship in 1993, was also the Jamaica national women’s champion while she was a student at the UWI in Jamaica. Their brother Raffique also achieved national fame, having represented St.Vincent and the Grenadines in cricket.