Hundreds turn out for inaugural Vincy Day in Florida

Over 400 Vincentians in Central Florida gathered at the Turkey Lake Park on Hiawasse Road, Orlando, April 16, 2016, for the historic inaugural Vincy Day Event — which was described as a “resounding success”.

The event was organised by the Orlando Vincentian Association, which is headed by this country’s honorary Consul, retired High Court judge Alban Niles.{{more}}

Vincentians and friends came from as far south as Miami and as far north as New York. It was a day of sharing and greeting — a wonderful display of Vincentian love and hospitality.

In addressing the gathering, Justice Niles thanked everyone for supporting the event, and said that it will be held annually. He spoke of his desire to give back to the land of his birth, and urged the gathering to adopt a similar approach. Niles also made a plea for the formation of Vincentian organisations throughout Florida, and that Vincy Day events be started in those locations as well.

Consul General Selmon Walters also addressed the gathering, giving an update on the progress of the Argyle International Airport — as well as issues regarding passport applications.

Walters also promised to look into the possibility of organising a charter from the USA to Argyle for the opening of the international airport.

Also addressing the gathering was Mrs. Rosalind Goodluck, treasurer of the Vincy Day USA, Inc. in New York. Goodluck gave a synopsis of how Vincy Day is done in New York. She made a plea for longevity to the Florida event, and said how pleased she was to see that the event that started in New York is spreading.

A strong contingent of New York based Vincentians attended the event. This included Gideon ‘Fessie’ Yorke, owner and manager of Standard Shippers in Brooklyn; members of Vincy Cares Inc. — among others.

Vincy Day was started in New York in 2011 when Consul General Walters formed a committee to organise the event. Since then, the popular event has been organised in Washington DC, Philadelphia and now Florida.

Vincy Day USA is held annually on the third Saturday in August at the Heckscher State Park on Long Island, New York. The event is in its fifth year. Last year over 10,000 Vincentians attended.

Consul General Walters thanked everyone for supporting the event and said he would love to see a strong Florida contingent in New York this year.

He also gave an update on the proposed Vincentian Cultural Arts Festival to be held at Martha’s’ Vineyard on August 27 this year. He urged everyone to give this new initiative their full support.