St. Vincent and the Grenadines Diaspora Committee of NY Inc.
An organization focused on the Vincentian Diaspora, Migration and Development
Our Motto: “As One People in Many Lands, We Shape our Nation with Many Hands.”
MEDIA RELEASE
12.2.2023
CLARION CALL MADE FOR DECISIVE ACTION TO ENGAGE YOUTH IN THE SVG DIASPORA IN THE USA
In a virtual Community Dialogue held on the evening of November 30, 2023, the members of the St.Vincent & the Grenadines Diaspora Committee of New York Inc. a clarion call was made for decisive action to be taken to engage youth in the life of the diaspora in the USA to ensure continuity of a robust community in North America. The event, which was an annual memorial event held since the establishment of the Maxwell Haywood Memorial Scholarship and Development Fund in 2018, was an insightful and engaging dialogue that resulted in exciting suggestions for ways to engage in a process of leadership transition, renewal and engagement of youth in the Vincy Diaspora in the USA.
Consul General Rondy McIntosh and Cecil Ryan, along with Sherrill-Ann Mason, offered memorial reflections on the lasting legacies of the following Diaspora Leaders: Moreen King, Maxwell Haywood, Junior Soca Jones, Franklyn Supadex Richards, Vaughan Toney, Colin Liverpool and Gailene Windsor, all of whom are now deceased. Their life's work and contributions were acknowledged as models to be emulated, and CG McIntosh challenged all in attendance to make a personal commitment to serve the Vincentian Diaspora community with a similar level of patriotism. Kenley Shortmus John who was originally slated to share reflections was unavoidably absent due to personal reasons.
The evening's proceedings were opened by General Secretary of the Diaspora Committee, Philmore Sprott, who gave the welcome and overview of the program. The major panel discussion was moderated by Chairperson of the Diaspora Committee, Sherrill-Ann Mason, with panelists:
Crispin Friday - President Council of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Organization (COSAGO) USA;
Ivan Morgan - President Saint Martins Secondary School Past Students Association;
Jenell James - President SVG Association of Massachusetts;
Kyra-Lee Harry - Youth Leader and Founder of Future Change Makers Academy; and
Francesca Sam - Playwright, Poet, Actress, and Founder Chatoyer Productions Inc.
The discussions, which lasted for almost 2 hours, were robust. Some of the major takeaways included the (1) need for structured intergenerational dialogue, (2) capacity building for organizations to clarify clear visions and goals for the future to attract youth and new streams of funding, (3) the establishment of a subcommittee of youth focused on youth engagement, and (4) the use of social media campaign utilizing platforms like Instagram to attract and engage youth.
The dialogue was the beginning of a series of dialogues and activities that will address challenges and solutions related to leadership transition in the Vincy Diaspora, and practical ways to engage and empower youth in the community. Follow-up sessions will continue early on 2024, including a social media campaign to include the hashtag: #svgdiaspora to make an appeal to attract 1st and 2nd generation Vincentian American youth to become more involved in the Vincy Diaspora Community.
The session was held on zoom and attended by approximately 60 people representing a cross section of Vincentians living in California, Florida, Boston, Virginia, New York and SVG. The evening came to a close with remarks from Diaspora Committee executive member, Torrance Akinsanya, who gave the vote of thanks and summarized the proceedings.
Consul General Rondy McIntosh and Cecil Ryan, along with Sherrill-Ann Mason, offered memorial reflections on the lasting legacies of the following Diaspora Leaders: Moreen King, Maxwell Haywood, Junior Soca Jones, Franklyn Supadex Richards, Vaughan Toney, Colin Liverpool and Gailene Windsor, all of whom are now deceased. Their life's work and contributions were acknowledged as models to be emulated, and CG McIntosh challenged all in attendance to make a personal commitment to serve the Vincentian Diaspora community with a similar level of patriotism. Kenley Shortmus John who was originally slated to share reflections was unavoidably absent due to personal reasons.
The evening's proceedings were opened by General Secretary of the Diaspora Committee, Philmore Sprott, who gave the welcome and overview of the program. The major panel discussion was moderated by Chairperson of the Diaspora Committee, Sherrill-Ann Mason, with panelists:
Crispin Friday - President Council of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Organization (COSAGO) USA;
Ivan Morgan - President Saint Martins Secondary School Past Students Association;
Jenell James - President SVG Association of Massachusetts;
Kyra-Lee Harry - Youth Leader and Founder of Future Change Makers Academy; and
Francesca Sam - Playwright, Poet, Actress, and Founder Chatoyer Productions Inc.
The discussions, which lasted for almost 2 hours, were robust. Some of the major takeaways included the (1) need for structured intergenerational dialogue, (2) capacity building for organizations to clarify clear visions and goals for the future to attract youth and new streams of funding, (3) the establishment of a subcommittee of youth focused on youth engagement, and (4) the use of social media campaign utilizing platforms like Instagram to attract and engage youth.
The dialogue was the beginning of a series of dialogues and activities that will address challenges and solutions related to leadership transition in the Vincy Diaspora, and practical ways to engage and empower youth in the community. Follow-up sessions will continue early on 2024, including a social media campaign to include the hashtag: #svgdiaspora to make an appeal to attract 1st and 2nd generation Vincentian American youth to become more involved in the Vincy Diaspora Community.
The session was held on zoom and attended by approximately 60 people representing a cross section of Vincentians living in California, Florida, Boston, Virginia, New York and SVG. The evening came to a close with remarks from Diaspora Committee executive member, Torrance Akinsanya, who gave the vote of thanks and summarized the proceedings.
Vincentian Community thrown into mourning on labor day
The Vincentian community was thrown into a state of mourning with the passing of Ambassador-at-Large Vaughan Toney, who slipped away on Labor Day September 4, 2023 after a formidable battle for his health.
Ambassador Toney was bestowed with the ambassadorial honor on September 24, 2022 at the first post-covid event sponsored by the SVG Diaspora Committee of NY Inc. under the auspices of the Office of the Consulate General and new Consul General Rondy "Luta" Mc Intosh.
Mr. Toney was a stalwart in the Vincentian community and contributed significantly to the cohesion in the community and the maintenance of a strong organized community. He was bestowed with the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016 at the Inaugural Diaspora Heritage Awards sponsored by the SVG Diaspora Committee of NY Inc. His contributions are immeasurable. The Friends of Crown Heights Educational Centers throughout Brooklyn had become home and hosts to numerous Vincentian organizations and their events. He was also undoubtedly one of the largest employers of Vincentians in Brooklyn, employing countless persons at the institution. Mr Toney was synonymous with uplifting St. Vincent and the Grenadines and its flag.
Coincidentally, he would have passed on a day, Labor Day, that he had worked tirelessly over the last few years to make sure would be one that there was a Vincentian presence on the West Indian Day parade, which he sponsored through the Friends of Crown Heights Educational Centers' brand. As a result of his leadership there was a Vincentian truck on the West Indian Day parade.
His reach was also felt well beyond the Vincentian community and extended deeply into the Caribbean American community, especially in its political and social life. Mr. Toney had served in city government before leading the Friends of Crown Heights establishment.
Ambassador Vaughan Toney would be sadly missed and it is our hope in the SVG Diaspora Committee of NY Inc., that his memory and legacy will be immortalized by Vincentians in the diaspora in a most significant way. May the life and generousity of this giant be remembered forever. Condolences to his close and extended family and the entire Vincentian and Caribbean American community.
A Celebration of his life is schedule for Saturday September 23, 2023 at the Church of St. Luke and St. Matthew, 520 Clinton Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11238, followed by a repast at Friends of Crown Heights Educational Center, 671 Prospect Place, Brooklyn NY 11216.
Ambassador Toney was bestowed with the ambassadorial honor on September 24, 2022 at the first post-covid event sponsored by the SVG Diaspora Committee of NY Inc. under the auspices of the Office of the Consulate General and new Consul General Rondy "Luta" Mc Intosh.
Mr. Toney was a stalwart in the Vincentian community and contributed significantly to the cohesion in the community and the maintenance of a strong organized community. He was bestowed with the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016 at the Inaugural Diaspora Heritage Awards sponsored by the SVG Diaspora Committee of NY Inc. His contributions are immeasurable. The Friends of Crown Heights Educational Centers throughout Brooklyn had become home and hosts to numerous Vincentian organizations and their events. He was also undoubtedly one of the largest employers of Vincentians in Brooklyn, employing countless persons at the institution. Mr Toney was synonymous with uplifting St. Vincent and the Grenadines and its flag.
Coincidentally, he would have passed on a day, Labor Day, that he had worked tirelessly over the last few years to make sure would be one that there was a Vincentian presence on the West Indian Day parade, which he sponsored through the Friends of Crown Heights Educational Centers' brand. As a result of his leadership there was a Vincentian truck on the West Indian Day parade.
His reach was also felt well beyond the Vincentian community and extended deeply into the Caribbean American community, especially in its political and social life. Mr. Toney had served in city government before leading the Friends of Crown Heights establishment.
Ambassador Vaughan Toney would be sadly missed and it is our hope in the SVG Diaspora Committee of NY Inc., that his memory and legacy will be immortalized by Vincentians in the diaspora in a most significant way. May the life and generousity of this giant be remembered forever. Condolences to his close and extended family and the entire Vincentian and Caribbean American community.
A Celebration of his life is schedule for Saturday September 23, 2023 at the Church of St. Luke and St. Matthew, 520 Clinton Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11238, followed by a repast at Friends of Crown Heights Educational Center, 671 Prospect Place, Brooklyn NY 11216.
FIRST VINCY DIASPORA DIALOGUE HELD IN BROOKLYN IN POST COVID AND ERUPTION ERA
The SVG Diaspora Committee of NY Inc. (DC) under the auspices of the Consulate General of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in New York City held on the evening of Saturday September 24, 2022 hosted an event Vincy Diaspora Dialogue: "Re-Engaging the Vincentian Diaspora in a Post- Covid, Post Eruption Era". The event saw the return of public townhall style events since the onset of the covid 2019 pandemic. The audience heard remarks from Prime Minister Ralph E. Gonsalves, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Keisal M. Peters, Ambassador Lou-Anne Gilchrist, Consul General Rondy Mc Intosh, and Chairperson of the SVG Diaspora Committee Sherrill-Ann Mason.
In addition to speeches that highlighted the importance of diaspora engagement for development, a major high point was the recognition of Vaughan Toney, President and CEO of the Friends of Crown Heights Educational Center, who was bestowed with the honor of being announced as an Ambassador-at-Large for St. Vincent and the Grenadines. He will now carry a diplomatic passport and bestowed all the privileges of that title.
Young pannist Siboney Tannis Hector was also featured along with calypsonian Dennis Bowman as part of the entertainment package.
The event was held in alignment with the organization's mission which states: the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Diaspora Committee of NY Inc. exists to build meaningful linkages between the Diaspora and the relevant institutions and people in SVG and the USA, and to focus on strengthening the policy-making processes in SVG and the USA as they relate to policies directly and indirectly affecting Vincentians living in the USA and in SVG.
In addition to speeches that highlighted the importance of diaspora engagement for development, a major high point was the recognition of Vaughan Toney, President and CEO of the Friends of Crown Heights Educational Center, who was bestowed with the honor of being announced as an Ambassador-at-Large for St. Vincent and the Grenadines. He will now carry a diplomatic passport and bestowed all the privileges of that title.
Young pannist Siboney Tannis Hector was also featured along with calypsonian Dennis Bowman as part of the entertainment package.
The event was held in alignment with the organization's mission which states: the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Diaspora Committee of NY Inc. exists to build meaningful linkages between the Diaspora and the relevant institutions and people in SVG and the USA, and to focus on strengthening the policy-making processes in SVG and the USA as they relate to policies directly and indirectly affecting Vincentians living in the USA and in SVG.
St. Vincent and the grenadines CONTINUES TO experiencE A multifaceted disaster
To learn more about the event and how to donate in support of small farmers and youth affected by the April 2021 volcanic eruptions in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, visit: www.youroumei.com
Months after April 9, 2021, when St. Vincent and the Grenadines experienced its first major volcanic eruption in 40 years, life is far from normal. Lahars, tropical storms and the ongoing covid-19 pandemic continue to compound the gravity of the destruction. The volcano destroyed many homes, displaced over 20,000 people, and disrupted agricultural life, a mainstay of the country's economy. The country's fragile economy had already been impacted by disruptions caused to tourism and trade due to the pandemic. The cumulative effect has been much loss to livelihoods, employment and hope.
And now as many shelters shut their doors, and evacuees return to their homes, the magnitude of the rebuilding of lives and livelihoods is setting in. The reality is, it may take several years to rebuild and restore livelihoods. The Vincentian people must not be forgotten in this ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Find out how you can lend your expertise or donate resources. For more information about the needs, contact the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Embassy to the United States of America at:
1629 K Street N.W
Suite 704
Washington, D C. 20006
Tel: 202-364-6730
Email: [email protected]
Attn:
H.E. Lou-Anne Gilchrist
Ambassador of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to the United States of America
And now as many shelters shut their doors, and evacuees return to their homes, the magnitude of the rebuilding of lives and livelihoods is setting in. The reality is, it may take several years to rebuild and restore livelihoods. The Vincentian people must not be forgotten in this ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Find out how you can lend your expertise or donate resources. For more information about the needs, contact the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Embassy to the United States of America at:
1629 K Street N.W
Suite 704
Washington, D C. 20006
Tel: 202-364-6730
Email: [email protected]
Attn:
H.E. Lou-Anne Gilchrist
Ambassador of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to the United States of America
Plume at
la soufriere volcano
To donate to the Disaster Relief effort in St. Vincent and the Grenadines:
www.helpstvincent.com
www.helpstvincent.com
census 2020: CHECK OUT WHO GOT COUNTED
Vincentians were among the Caribbean Americans who contributed to NYC's increased participation rate during the covid-19 pandemic. For the results of census 2020, click on the button below.
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VINCENTIAN GROUPS SHOW SUPPORT FOR FRONTLINE WORKERS
What do we do?
Awareness Raising
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Institution Building
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Humanitarian
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HIGHLIGHTS OF RECENT ACTIVITIES
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SVG DIASPORA COMMITTEE HOSTS LECTURE WITH THE PRESIDENT OF THE CARIBBEAN COURT OF JUSTICE, ADRIAN SAUNDERS
diaspora committee OF NY INC. partnerS with the carnival development corporation to launch "vincy mas" 2018 in new york
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2nd Annual
SVG DIASPORA
HERITAGE AWARDS HONOREES 2017
SVG Diaspora Committee of NY kicks off Summer Vincy BBQ Season at new location: Friends of Crown Heights, 1435 Prospect Place on May 20, 2017
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Diaspora Committee of New York Inc. partners with Rose Hall Development Organization
as part sponsor of the 2016 Rose Hall Culture Fest
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First International Flights arrived at Argyle International Airport on February 14, 2017:
Sunwing from Canada and Dynamic Airlines & Caribbean Airlines from New York
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Regional Integration and Diaspora Unit (RIDU) Launches new Diaspora Mapping Project funded by the International Organization Migration (IOM):
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Carnival Development Corporation Launches 40th Anniversary of Vincy Mas 2017 in New York and Promises a Spectacular Package for the Hottest Carnival in the Caribbean:
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Successful Diaspora Week of Activities:
Celebrating International Migrants Day
December 18, 2016
SVG Diaspora Week 2016 (Dec 17 - 23, 2016) included a boat cruise up the Leeward coast, church services, a radio program, a development tour to the historic Rose Hall village on the Leeward side of the island, Diaspora Nine Morning throughout the country and a outdoor cookout "Bus-a-lime" at the Rawacou Recreational Park.
The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Diaspora Committee of New York Inc. works in cooperation with individuals and other organizations in the Vincentian Diaspora and in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) and beyond, to assist in building the capacity of Vincentians and their institutions at home and abroad to develop themselves in the Diaspora and to advance the progress of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. photos of Past EventsLeave us a MessageLet us know what you think of our website and how we can improve the experience for you. Also let us know what are some of the issues affecting the Diaspora that you would like us to consider for our programming.
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