The National Council of St Vincent & the Grenadines Associations UK, in collaboration with the SVG High Commission London and the Wycombe Community SDA Church, celebrated the St Vincent & the Grenadines 44th Independence with a Thanksgiving service on 19th November 2023 at the Wycombe Community SDA Church in Victoria Street. This is an annual event and is held in different areas every year where there is a high concentration of Vincentians.
In attendance were the:-
Local MP, Hon. Steve Baker
The Mayor of High Wycombe, Paul Turner
Vice-chair BCC Mini Harker
Thames Valley Commissioner of Police Emma Burroughs
Local community leaders and
The High Commissioner of the SVG, His Excellency Cenio Lewis.
This annual event brings together the various Vincentian communities in the UK.
Representations came from Luton, Coventry, Derby & Long Eaton, Reading, London, and High Wycombe.
High Wycombe hosts the largest Vincentian community in the UK.
His Excellency Cenio Lewis addressed the congregation and outlined the achievements of the government of St. Vincent & the Grenadines thus far but stated there is still much work to be done. Looking back, he said the government had to deal with important events and situations, many of which are still unfolding, at times challenging but a most rewarding experience.
He also mentioned the work untaken by The National Executive of St Vincent & the
Grenadines UK, chaired by Deiana Stapleton, forms a solid and active engagement with
the SVG National Council.
It is the most significant development in the UK for the Vincentian
Community. To a considerable extent, the National Executive Council will determine howsuccessful we are in carrying out the manifolds entrusted to the Council.
The highlight of the evening was an award ceremony where the High Commissioner was
awarded for service to his country and as the longest-serving High Commissioner in the UK
from the English-speaking Caribbean nations. Other awards were given to Mrs
Carolin de Freitas Sawh for 25 years of service to the Mission.
The proceedings concluded with a reception dinner held at the Hilltop Community Centre
Cressex, where Hon. Steve Baker and Mini Harker addressed the gathering. The gathering was entertained by prominent Vincentian artists such as Kemmuel Spence, Saxophonist, Rowland Sutherland Flutist and Ken Wiseman Singer.
