Eight residents of Union Island have been recognized for their contribution to sports and culture on the southern Grenadine isle.

The men and women were honoured during an event at Determination Bar in Clifton, an establishment operated by Edwin Snagg, the Unity Labour Party’s (ULP) caretaker for the Southern Grenadines.

Given recognition were twins Cecil and Cecelia Edmund, Adina Regis and Samuel DeBique. The four were part of the Carifesta delegation that represented St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) in Barbados in 1989. DeBique continues to contribute to the culture on the island in the form of the Roots Connection School of Maroon and Traditional Drumming and Dancing.

Also recognized were Ulrick Clouden, Matthew Harvey, Hyacinth Hooper and Aldrick Stowe. Clouden was also part of the 1989 delegation. Stowe is a sportsman who has played an important role in basketball on the island while Harvey is noted for his role in environmental preservation. Hooper was the first female to gain her boat captain’s license in the Grenadines.

Snagg, the person behind the initiative commented last Friday that Union Island is filled with culture and history and it is important to recognize the persons who have made significant contributions to the identity of the island.

Apart from recognizing these stalwarts, the event also had cultural displays from the Union Island Cultural Conquerors dance group, the Culture Train Parang Band from Carriacou and a live band from Union Island.

The performing groups provided persons with an opportunity to experience the rich culture of the island through dancing, drumming and singing.