Vincies to set up committee in St. Kitts

Boasting the largest non national contingent at the East Caribbean Central Bank Headquarters, and high profile positions in the public and private sectors of the twin island Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, Vincentians there believe that its time for them to become unified under an umbrella body.

A group of these Vincentians committed themselves to the cause, as they gathered recently to discuss plans for tomorrow’s 28th anniversary of Independence.{{more}}

As part of Independence celebrations, the annual flag raising ceremony takes place tomorrow at the Bank’s Headquarters, with other activities to follow during the week.

Attending the meeting was legal advisor to the Government of St. Kitts/Nevis, Vincentian Dr. Ken Ballantyne, who believes that a formal committee would benefit nationals on the island or those visiting.

Ballantyne said that a recognized, organized group could assist new Vincentians to acclimatize with the environment, and also help existing nationals with other matters, diplomatic or otherwise.

But Vincentians in St. Kitts have always held out a hand to visiting nationals, especially teams that visit for sports competitions.

One of the most memorable moments for most in the room was the performance by the Vincy Heat football team over St. Kitts/Nevis in a 2006 World Cup Qualifier.

Apart from those employed at the ECCB and Dr. Ballantyne, Vincentians are also embedded in the Police Force, teaching institutions, construction, tourism industry, medical and legal fraternity.

A number of Vincentians have also achieved distinctions on the island: pharmacist Joy Carr has been awarded the CARICOM Pharmacist of Distinction Award, and in the Education arena, Hilary Ferguson, daughter of ECCB employee Elizabeth Tempro, secured ten grade ones at the 2007 CSEC examinations.

The Carrs’ son Ian, a budding basketball prodigy, also secured ten passes.

The group indicated that when established, they aim to set up a website, where they would be able to post information so that Vincentians here at home, as well as other Vincentians around the world, could be kept abreast of their activities. They also said that the website could be used by individuals or contingents to alert the group of intended visits to the islands.

The group members lamented that recently they have been unable to visit home as often as they did in the past because of the rising cost of air transportation.