Quarterly Newsletter April 2009 THE ST. VINCENT AND GRENADINES ASSOCIATION OF TORONTO (SVGAT): KEEPING OUR COMMUNITY INFORMED THROUGH COMMUNICATION 555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555

From the President’s Desk Contribution and Service Conference on May 16thwhere, as a SVG Canadians you will To everyone I extend much gratitude for the trust and have the opportunity to submit recommendations and confidence you have exhibited by the various modes of opinions that are essential to the development of SVG. communication sent to me in the past few months. I am In conclusion, please do not hesitate to contact any of your humbled and can assure you that contributing to our Country 2009 SVGAT executive members. In acceptance of your is a reflection of who I am. Like you, it runs within my nominations, we are committed to community service and blood stream as the spirit of Chatoyer stands tall, a gallant therefore, have made our lines of communication open to symbol for our SVG and its people. each and every one of you. Volunteering is about putting With your undivided support, we will over time, accomplish aside that which may seem a hindrance, extracting the those goals and objectives set for us over the past 40 years positive from what may appear negative, and moving by our initiators then and now, and those willing to carry the forward in optimism. By supporting us in living up to your baton; the challenges of today’s objectives such as: expectations, we urge you to become members of our Acquiring our own building; Standardizing our constitution; committee; remembering that our community is a “body” of Strengthening, combining and securing our SVG Canadian many parts that by working together can only achieve historical, social and cultural similarities among our people; “much”. Developing common political values and ethics; Focusing on Let’s as one people heighten our contributions to service. effective leadership that can only lend to positive development to SVG. Have a great and safe summer 2009. In addition to ensuring the publication of our Insight quarterly news letter, we are committed to sharing Sincerely information on a more regular basis via our Elma Gabriel www.vinvytoronto.com website and SVGAT e-mail President, SVGAT [email protected] distribution list. Many of you would have received the February and March monthly general meeting review and have sent feedback of its usefulness in keeping you informed of your Greater Toronto Organization. Although we anticipate larger attendance at our monthly meetings, we do Index

consider those unable to attend due to unforeseen • The President’s Message Page 1 circumstances. We however, know that you will be amongst • The Executive & Committee Chairs Page 2 our patrons at our events. • Hassle Free Travel Page 3 We are currently updating our Canada Post mail contact list,

and do hope that with your ongoing financial support, • Caribbean Court of Justice Pages 3-4 whether by subscribing, by special donations, attending our • Reparations Page 6 events or otherwise, we will in the not too distant future be • Wild Horses, Intl. Development Page 9 in a position to justify the cost of mailing the monthly • Immigration Matters Page 10 review to all members and friends of our community. We • Skeletons found at Argyle Page 11 welcome any recommendation, and or funding that would • Vincy Genealogy Page 12 aid this initiative. • Vincentian wins Miss UVI title Page 12 Our Mothers Day and Unity Picnic tickets are out and can be • Calendar of Events Page 14 obtained by contacting any member of the Executive and the • Map of SVG Page 15 Agents as shown in the event flyers within this issue of • Membership Registration Form Page 16 Insight. Please also check out our “Coming Events” section. Please support the Homecoming Canada Diaspora 2

THE ST. VINCENT AND GRENADINES ASSOCIATION OF TORONTO GENERAL MEETING Please view our events calendar on page 15 and join us at our General Meetings on the last Sunday of each month from 4:00 p.m. at

Northwood Community Centre, 15 Clubhouse Court, North York (Keele & Sheppard). Please bring along a friend with you.

EXECUTIVE Committee 2009

President Elma Gabriel: [email protected] Vice President Audrey Lewis: [email protected] Executive Secretary Donet Trumpet: [email protected] General Secretary Diane Nichols-Mills: [email protected] Treasurer Kenneth Farrell: [email protected] Assistant Treasurer Wendell Cole: [email protected] Public Relations Officer Marcia Farrell: [email protected] Immediate Past President Francelia George: [email protected]

Nominated members: Alfred Compton: [email protected] Anslem Keizer: [email protected] Japheth Trumpet: [email protected] Kwuassi Hutchinson: [email protected]

General Email address: [email protected]

COMMITTEE CHAIRS AND COORDINATORS Fundraising & Entertainment – Alfred Compton Education, Culture & Relief – Japheth Trumpet Building – Kuwassi Hutchinson Finance – Kenneth Farrell Public Relations – Marcia Farrell Sports, Recreation & Youth – Anslem Keizer Past Presidents Committee – Rosie Mc Intosh For more information contact: SVG Unity Picnic: Coordinator – Kenneth Farrell Ronald Crichton Representative – Cordel Telfer VEGETRON INC. 12-3400 14th Ave, Markham, ON , L3R 0H7

Mothers Day Dinner: Coordinator – Edna Hunte Phone: 905-479-3548, FAX: 905-479-3414 Independence Dinner: Coordinator – Audrey Lewis

2 3 On the cover it will have the logo of CARICOM and the words "". The Coat of Arms and the name of the Member State are also featured on the cover.

Hassle Free Travel The CARICOM passport also creates awareness that CARICOM Nationals are Nationals of the Community, as In the Grand Anse Declaration, Heads of Government well as a specific country. agreed that from December 1990 all CARICOM nationals should be free to travel within the Community without the In 2005, Suriname was the first Member State to have issued need for passports. the CARICOM Passport (7 January 2005), followed by St Vincent and the Grenadines (20 June 2005), St Kitts and The overwhelmingly popular support for this decision was Nevis (25 October 2005) and Dominica (14 December conveyed to the West Indian Commission time and time 2005). Antigua and Barbuda, issued the new Passport on 16 again throughout its consultations and as a result, the issue January 2006. of hassle-free travel was identified by the Commission in its 1991 Progress Report, as one of the six areas for immediate On 16 January 2007, Saint Lucia became the sixth Member action. State to have introduced the Passport, followed by the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago on 24 January 2007. Hassle Free Travel refers to the freedom of CARICOM Grenada introduced the CARICOM Passport on 29th nationals to travel "into and within the jurisdiction of any January 2007. Member State without harassment or the imposition of impediment". This is intended to foster a greater sense of community. It is also designed to encourage greater intra- introduced the CARICOM Passport on 13 July 2007 CARICOM tourism. and Barbados on 1 October 2007. and introduced the CARICOM Passport on 2 January Implementing hassle free travel has not proven as easy as 2009 and 16 March 2009 respectively. might be expected, however, given the need to reconcile the differing requirements within Member States (between the As a result, all twelve Member States participating in the immigration and tourism departments, for example) and CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) are now among Member States. The forms of identification that are issuing the CARICOM passport. acceptable to some Member States include: travel permits; ID cards with photographs; birth certificates; and, drivers’ (19 March 2009) 2009 Caribbean Community licences. However, among the countries which accept these (CARICOM) Secretariat forms of identification, limits are still imposed with respect to the specific countries whose nationals will be allowed to use the facility. Commentary: Is there a future for Two accompanying elements of hassle free travel are the use the Caribbean Court of Justice? of common embarkation and disembarkation cards (E/D By Oscar Ramjeet Cards), i.e. the forms which all persons entering Member States are required to complete (commonly referred to as It is more than three and a half years since the Caribbean immigration forms/cards), and the establishment of common Court of Justice (CCJ) was inaugurated with two countries, lines at ports of entry for citizens, residents and CARICOM Guyana and Barbados accepting the CCJ as the final court of nationals. These lines are in place in all Member States apart appeal and although seven governments have changed in the from The Bahamas and Trinidad and Tobago. In The region within this period, the number still stands at two, with Bahamas, people entering the country are free to use any line no other country joining. while in Trinidad and Tobago, there are specific lines for CARICOM nationals. We see a change of government in St Lucia, Jamaica, Bahamas, Grenada, Belize, and CARICOM Passport Barbados since the establishment of the regional Court on Heads of Government agreed to the issuance of a April 16, 2005, but the new governments have not initiated CARICOM passport by Member States as a defining symbol steps to join the Court. The BVI is a dependent country and of regionalism. The introduction of the CARICOM passport is not a signatory to the agreement setting up the CCJ, and is also part of the measures to promote hassle-free travel for Barbados is already a member. CARICOM nationals.

A CARICOM passport is a National passport which is being issued in accordance with an agreed format for intra-regional and extra-regional travel.

3 4 This is very disturbing and A lot of money is being spent on the regional court, which is what is more troubling is grossly under-utilised, since only two of the twelve countries that there is no indication are making full use of the court and only a handful of cases, that any other country has mainly from Guyana, were dealt with. expressed its willingness to rid the Privy Council as the Funds to operate the well-equipped Court in Port of Spain final Court and accept the are administered by a Trust Fund, which has been CCJ as the final Court. established and capitalised in the sum of US$100 million by the Caribbean Development Bank, and the CARICOM I have written several Secretariat has had indications of interest in contributing to articles asking about the the Fund from sections of the international donor future of the Court. I even community. suggested that the authorities, maybe The Heads of Government have mandated Ministers of Oscar Ramjeet is an attorney CARICOM, seek the Finance to provide funding for the recurrent expenses of the at law who practices assistance of a lobbyist, Court for the first five years of its operation. The question is extensively throughout the someone of the statute of what happens after April 16, 2010, the expiration of the five- wider Caribbean. He is also a special correspondent for Sir Shridath Ramphal, year period? Caribbean Net News. former Commonwealth Feedback to: Secretary General and who An eminent Caribbean Dame Dr Bernice Lake, QC, an [email protected] served as CARICOM Anguilla Attorney, told the Daily Observer in Antigua the advisor, to woo governments as well as the opposition to day the CCJ judges were in Antigua, that regional join the court, but this has not materialized. governments disenfranchised the public when they set up the CCJ without referenda. But, instead, steps have been taken by the CCJ to launch a series of public education initiatives to enhance the Dame Bernice said, "The Caribbean governments have not knowledge of the Bar and Bench in the region and to invite done what the constitutional prescription envisages" and business, labour and members of the public to be part of the criticised the regional governments for rushing into the exercise. setting up of the court and now essentially leaving the court in limbo. CCJ judges went to Jamaica and Antigua last month in their education drive to dispel some of the misconceptions of the She added, "I believe that it has been the case that the court's operations. political leaders who spearheaded this new court have taken the view that this was to be their legacy and they have The CCJ was established by CARICOM member states not rushed into without putting into place the underpinnings of only as the final Court of Appeal replacing the Privy education and consultation." Council, but to resolve disputes between Caribbean countries that are parties to the revised Treaty of It is very unfortunate that the regional court is still limping Chaguaramas. The revised treaty seeks to promote economic after such relatively long period. I have no doubt that the integration among the States Parties and to create a single judges would like to have much more work in order to CARICOM Single Market Economy (CSME). develop a Caribbean jurisprudence since they are better suited to the needs of the Caribbean people because they are Although Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Belize, Grenada, grounded in the region. Dominica, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Dame Bernice suggested that the governments of all Suriname have not yet put in place the required mechanism countries requiring constitutional referenda should conduct to accept the CCJ as their final court, they can nevertheless the processes simultaneously in an effort to prevent the use the CCJ to deal with treaty matters and international law result of earlier referenda unduly influencing subsequent issues, but after 42 months only one single CSME issue ones. reached the CCJ. But, in my humble and respectful suggestion, before this can It is a case filed by the Trinidad Cement Limited and TCL be done, CARICOM should take the lead in this regard by Guyana Incorporation against the Co-operative Republic of organising with an influential lobbyist to work along with Guyana AR 1/2008, an application for Special Leave to the ten defaulting governments, as well as the opposition, in appear as parties before the Court. order to achieve this goal.

The question therefore remains is whether the Court is Source: Caribbean Net News serving very little use. Will it be a white elephant and will it eventually die like The West Indies Federation?

4 5

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5 6 Chatoyer's work and the suffering his people underwent at the Keep up the demand for reparations, hands of British colonialism. says St Vincent PM “When Europe encountered this country they met the Callinago KINGSTOWN, St Vincent: The vexed topic of reparations for acts people. They had their own system of governance, their own of genocide committed by Europe against the indigenous peoples economy, their own culture. The fact that history may recall that of the Caribbean and Africa is central to the diplomatic work of the there were people who were here before the Calliganos is not an Dr Ralph Gonsalves administration in St Vincent and the issue for the discussion today,” Gonsalves said. “The fact is when Grenadines and Gonsalves says the demand for reparations for Europe encountered this country they met a thriving civilization. genocide and slavery must be kept up. These persons were not mere occupants of the landscape and seascape they were permanently here; it belonged to them and the Europeans came to take it and they fought so that they can keep it and for over 200 years of struggle they fought the European and the encounter and came to a climatic conclusion in 1795 when Chatoyer was killed.”

“Europe, steeped in Christian values, committed horrendous acts of genocide against a people who did not disturb them. I am not making a case against Christianity because I am a Christian, I am only making the point that the Europe which committed genocide against the Callinago and the Garifuna it was a Europe steeped in Christian values but which went awry from those values,” Gonsalves said.

Gonsalves said the Europeans met stern resistance from Chatoyer and his army but after he was killed, the Europeans slaughtered his people and marooned 5,000 of them to the Grenadine island of Balliceaux, where there was no food, water or proper sanitation.

“Within a period of three to six months some 3,000 of them died and the remaining 2,000 were shipped off to Roatan island. Historians tell us the only animals which could have survived there were lizards and iguanas, but the Garifuna people survived and thrived and from that exile, today in Belize, there are thousands of the descendants of the Garifuna people with the retention of their language,” Gonsalves said.

On Saturday The Vincentian Prime Minister said after conquest in the St Vincent Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, March 14, Caribbean, the Europeans turned to Africa for labour and the slave along with locals paid their respects to their first the people of trade began and this was later followed by the arrival of indentured National Hero, Garifuna Chief Joseph St Vincent servants from Madeira and India. Chatoyer. Photo Duggie Joseph and the Grenadines “Out of our people who have come we have built a civilization of paid their respects to their first National Hero, Garifuna Chief nobility. It has historical legitimacy and it has a trajectory for Joseph Chatoyer, who was killed during a battle with the British on further ennoblement and that is why we embraced Chatoyer that March 14, 1795. we will never desecrate our future of this civilization,” Gonsalves Speaking at a ceremony to pay homage to Chatoyer, Gonsalves said. again made the call that those who were involved in the destruction of the indigenous peoples of the Caribbean and Africa must pay. In 2006, while addressing the United Nations General Assembly, Gonsalves made the call for reparation for the genocide by those “Today, we have a partnership with Europe but we must never nations involved in slavery. allow that partnership with Europe; which is a requisite of all modern civilized peoples, to blind us to the fact of genocide and The following year the United Nations General Assembly agreed we must keep up the demand for reparations for genocide and for to erect a permanent memorial in memory of the 400-year slavery,” Gonsalves said, as he delivered the main address at the Transatlantic Slave Trade and designated March 25th as the monument that was erected at Dorsetshire Hill in the area where it official International Day of Remembrance for the Victims of is reported Chatoyer died. Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

“This government led the way at the United Nations for this call. It By Duggie Joseph is central to our diplomatic work; it is vital to our project of Caribbean Net News St Vincent Correspondent historical reclamation. There are some people who may say drop Email: [email protected] the call for reparations for genocide and for slavery, well, if you want another government to do that you can get one, but not this one and not this one headed by Ralph Gonsalves.”

Gonsalves used the occasion to give a historical background of 6 7 ST.VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES

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WILD HORSES, INTERNATIONAL Guests stay in low-cost, simple rooms with prices from $US 50.00/night including full board. Activities include hiking DEVELOPMENT the Trinity Waterfall and Rainforest Trails, and the Soufriere volcano. Staff also give lessons in hiking and swimming with horses.

Speaking of horses, shortly after arriving in St. Vincent two years ago, Stina came across an abandoned herd of wild and starving horses in the Buccama area. They had been brought to St. Vincent 8-10 years ago to take tourists on trail rides. For some reason, the owners abandoned both the project and the horses. Stina removed their shoes, allowing them to heal naturally in a large pasture and the sea. They were de- wormed, de-ticked and cared for, slowly becoming healthier and gaining weight.

To train the horses to regain trust for humans, she introduced what is known as Liberty Training: No Tack, No Ropes, No Whips or Sticks, No Pens, just Stina and the horse, free; at Liberty, building a willing trust. Over time, they have come to trust her and actually come to her, where previously they feared humans. She has developed a bond with the horses.

Stina said, “We are able to offer a very different kind of How many readers of The Vincentian know what is horse program. Instead of people coming to ‘rent’ a horse for happening at the end of the Leeward Road in Richmond? a trail ride, they can come for a ‘magic’ ride. Ride the herd How many of you knew there was a Richmond-Vale without tack, walk 5 horses together in the rainforest and Academy training students from around the world to do enjoy nature at its unique best.” development work in poor countries? Or a place in

Richmond where wild horses are being given a new life? Richmond Vale Farm is also part of the enterprise,

producing a variety of fruits and vegetables, including THE VINCENTIAN did a mini-survey, And not one person passion fruit, limes, and bananas as well as passion fruit and was aware of the incredible work being done by Stina lime juice which is sold in most stores on the island. It also Herberg from Norway and her husband Jesper Friis of employs 15 people from Fitz Hughes, Chateaubelair and Denmark. Spring Village. Richmond Vale Academy is a training centre for persons planning to do development aid work for HUMANA People Richmond Vale: A training centre for development workers, to People Projects world-wide. a Nature and Hiking Centre for tourists, a very productive

farm providing employment for Vincentians, and the magic Humana is an international movement of non-governmental of wild horses that up until now you only heard about in organizations running over 200 development projects in over books and movies. 30 countries, including Africa, India, China, Brazil and

Ecuador. They fight HIV/Aids, do community work, establish children’s aid projects, run farmer’s clubs and The VINCENTIAN income generating projects. Author: Ben Harrison - International Correspondent Published: 03/12/2009

Its recent Africa training course ran for 14 months, and trainees from 25 countries learned about fighting poverty in Africa, the Caribbean and Latin American countries. Their training included the HIV/Aids epidemic, languages, development work, cooperation skills, teaching and BEREAVEMENT NOTICE problem- solving. Part of their training involved carrying out The Executive and Members of the St. Vincent and the community work and events in the North Leeward area of Grenadines Association of Toronto extend condolences to all St. Vincent. members and friends of our community who have lost loved ones. The day after The Vincentian visited the Academy, 18 We wish you God’s blessing as you cope with your loss and we program graduates left for assignments in Mozambique. trust that those who have departed will find rest in the Lord. Richmond Vale also operates a Nature and Hiking Centre, 9 10 Other useful tips would be to read periodicals and visit places that are likely to offer valuable information i.e: library, community centers, churches, etc). The strength of by Sandra Sutherland H&C applications lies in both the hands of the applicants and their representatives. Being involved in your community Tips for Establishing Yourself in Canada. makes your case an easier sell to immigration officials.

In my immigration practice, I often encounter candidates Sandra Sutherland is a Certified Canadian Immigration who would like to apply for their permanent resident status Consultant (CCIC) and can be reached at (416) 431-2829 under humanitarian and compassionate (H&C) grounds or via e-mail at [email protected]. whose cases are not recognized as being strong enough to View her advertisement in this copy of the Insight or visit warrant a satisfactory degree of success. her company’s website at www.suthernimmigration.com I counsel these candidates and offer suggestions that could improve their chances of success. Some candidates are discouraged upon hearing that the immediate submission of their application may not glean success and so they retain other counsel who usually advises them otherwise and so Coming to LCBO Stores in Ontario they immediately submit their application to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). Starting June 20, 2009 What has occurred, on several noted occasions, is that their St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ application is subsequently declined due to insufficient of hardship and/or establishment grounds. Some applicants may be requested to submit further evidence to prove their grounds. I’ve had applicants then return to me confessing that they wished they had relied upon my advice. Proving grounds can sometimes be a challenging task. Two important grounds that applicants have difficulty in proving are hardships in leaving Canada and their degree of establishment in Canada. It is vital that candidates use their time wisely in acquiring pertinent information, skills and other resources that would aid them in fully establishing themselves and thus secure permanent resident status.

The following criterion and tips should help candidates to better establish themselves and thus build their cases to a will be available at selected LCBO Stores higher degree of success. We need the community’s input for placement 1. Job Stability/Security: - Steady employment in a secure field or industry, good potential for Please visit long-term employment. www.calypso‐imports.com 2. Economical Stability: - Self-sufficiency and and click on “Where would you like to find Sunset independence, having adequate provisions for care, shelter and other basic necessities. Rums?” or call us at Tel 703 464 5550 3. Community involvement: - Donation of time (i.e: volunteering at a food bank, being a companion to the elderly, reading to children, volunteering on sports teams, starting a sport team or league for youths, involvement or membership in non for profit organizations (i.e. church, associations, etc.), financial donations to charitable TORONTO CONSULATE OFFICE organizations or worthy causes, Consulate of St.Vincent and the Grenadines participation in volunteering groups or agencies. 333 Wilson Avenue, Suite 601 4. Skills/Educational: - Completion of short-term Toronto, Ontario, M3H 1T2 certificates programs or upgrading courses, learning a trade or skill. Mr. Steve O. Phillips Consul General 5. Sound Financial Management: - good management and accountability of your Tel: (416) 398-4277 Fax (416) 398-4199 funds, savings, investments, or asset ownership. Website: www.svgconsulate.org Email: [email protected]

10 11

Centuries old skeletons found at Argyle

Archaeologists Magarita Deguzman and Jode Mackay unearthing a 1000-year-old skeleton at Argyle.

SEARCHLIGHT: Adrian Codogan

Archaeologists working at Argyle may have made one of the most important finds in the Windward Islands within recent times when they unearthed three skeletons believed to be over a 1000 years old.

One of the skeletons was found lying, while another is in a sitting position with its legs drawn in and arms folded across the chest. Lead archaeologist Joe Moravetz said that the burials look like primary burials that took place outside the house, while a secondary burial took place with the corpse dismembered and certain parts like the head buried indoors.

Moravetz told SEARCHLIGHT that the site has been yielding many interesting objects, including stone tools, pottery and ornaments. The area being excavated is called Escape, just above the P’tani Resort; they used a backhoe to grade the top soil until they get to a yellowish soil with dark areas which indicate where objects were buried. The Office of the Consulate General in Toronto is According to Moravetz, some of the pottery found may be here to attend to the needs of Vincentians. It also from the Saladoid period named after Soladera, an area in strives at strengthening its ties with organizations Venezuela where the first of similar material culture was looking to do business in St. Vincent and the found. At another area of that site, pottery believed to be Grenadines. from the Suaziod period, a later era, was also found.

The process of unearthing artifacts is very delicate and time consuming, as care has to be taken not to damage the objects, so the archaeologists and volunteers are using a ADVERTISING YOUR BUSINESS TO VINCENTIANS variety of tools from shovels to hand scoops and even dentist tools. Our sincere thanks to those companies who have provided assistance to this publication. The three archaeologists Moravetz, Jode Mackay and Magarita Deguzman represent Bison Historical Services To place an ad, please e-mail us at [email protected] Limited, of Canada, and the University of Calgary, also of or contact any member of the Executive Canada; Marcia Lawrence, a former school teacher, is also a Support our advertisers! regular volunteer. 11 12 Miss UVI 2009-2010. Glasgow’s win marked the first time that a student enrolled on the St. Croix campus won the Miss UVI title. She also walked away with the titles of Miss Photogenic, Miss Intellect, Best Performing Talent, Best The topic “We and our Genealogy” was the highlight at our Ambassadorial Presentation and Best Evening Wear. February meeting when we celebrated Black History Month. What an evening of undivided interaction amongst the group “Right now I think I’m still in a state of shock,” Glasgow of 42 in attendance. The members who participated in that said two days after the competition. Glasgow explained that session are asking for a repeat of the topic. her preparation for the pageant began late, because of other Ms. Cheryl Hazel facilitated the session. Cheryl was born in commitments - including being a resident assistant in the Kingstown, and now resides in Toronto. She is an avid dorms and her course load of 18 credit hours. She attributed patriot who has dedicated her time in researching her own much of her success to her coach Jamal Drummond. Being ancestry, the genealogy of SVG Nationals in general, and the relaxed during the competition also paid off for Glasgow. historical data that compliments this research. She must be “For some reason on Saturday, I was really calm,” Glasgow commended for her excellent contribution to the evening. said. “In the end it worked out well.” Like a magnet, the topic brought a sense of patriotism to the evening, where everyone just embraced his/her opportunity Glasgow is a 2003 graduate of the St. Vincent Girls’ High to tell what they knew of their family tree, their African, School. She is the daughter of Carolyn Nelson. Upon Scottish, Carib, or Garifuna connections, while in the earning her computer science degree in 2012, Glasgow plans process realizing how close we really are in lineage as a to return to St. Vincent and the Grenadines for a few years Caribbean/Vincentian people. before going on to graduate school. “The computer industry And when we thought that was the peak, the President in St. Vincent and the Grenadines is growing, like surprised the gathering by inviting the producers/directors of everywhere else,” Glasgow said. “It needs qualified the film in progress, “Vincy Connections” to give us the professionals and I plan to be one of the qualified opportunity to be interviewed and filmed in the upcoming professionals to take the industry to the next level,” she said. episode that will showcase Vincy people in connections all Glasgow added that she is proud of her heritage and over the world. represents St. Vincent and the Grenadines well in the U.S. The evening ended with yu-me-yum refreshments specially Virgin Islands. prepared by Mrs. Adina James. This allowed for prolonged mingling amongst the SVGAT members and friends in As Miss UVI, Glasgow will serve as an ambassador - attendance, while the camera operator and Ms. Paradise participating in the University’s recruitment efforts and Hendrickson did interviews with the motivated attendees being visible in the UVI and general communities. She will until the closing of the evening. receive a scholarship that covers full tuition for the Spring The Executive is looking into allocating the last hour of our and Fall semesters, a Mary Kay gift basket, two round-trip meetings for positive interaction and similar educational tickets on Seaborne Airlines, a two-night stay at Marriott initiatives. Frenchman’s Reef and Morning Star Beach Resort, a $100 gift certificate to the UVI Bookstore and a gift certificate to Indulgence Spa.

Vincentian wins Miss UVI Title The Psychology Club, Math Boosters, the Travel Club and the UVI Bucs Dance Squad are some of the organizations to which Glasgow holds membership. Glasgow said UVI is very special to her because when she first came to St. Croix from St. Vincent and the Grenadines she was skeptical about participating in any campus activities. Now, Glasgow must find time to balance her many extracurricular activities, her academic life and her new role as Miss UVI. “I’ll just try to be the best ambassador I can be,” she said.

The competition’s first runner up was JaeDee Caines. The second runner up was Christina Clement, who also won the

titles of Most Popular and Miss Congeniality. Carice Glasgow SEARCHLIGHT A standing-room only crowd attended the pageant at the Staff Reporter 09.APR.09 Cafetorium on UVI’s St. Croix campus.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines native Carice Glasgow won the Miss University of the Virgin Islands Ambassadorial Competition held on March 28, on the University’s St. Croix campus. In a history-making pageant, Glasgow was crowned 12 13

For information, please contact: Sailor’s Wilderness Tours, P.O. Box 684, Middle St, Kingstown, St. Vincent, W.I. Tel: 784-457-1712 or 784-457-9207 Email: [email protected] Website: www.sailortours.com

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We Carry a Variety of Ethnic Products from Various Manufacturers

Wigs, Pony Tails, Human and Synthetic Hair, Accessories, Membership Discount Cards 416-391-1410 Visit Us At: Winter Specials Unit 16a – 1725 Kingston Road, Pickering

(Brock & Kingston Road in Mandarin Plaza) Tel: (905) 426‐8293 Toronto to St Vincent (return, 1-4weeks) Email: [email protected] Hours: Prices from CAD $699 + 214taxes Sun: 12 Noon – 5:00 p.m. Mon ‐ Thurs: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. St Vincent – Toronto (return, 1-4weeks) Fri: 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Prices from CAD $793 + 191taxes Sat: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

BEAUTY SALON SERVICE Call for Vincy Carnival prices! NOW AVAILABLE --- Cruises, Vacation Packages & More! To make your appointment, Funeral Travel Arranged Please call URSULA: Book online at 905 ‐550‐5854 WWW.CLICK2LEAVE.COM

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THE ST. VINCENT AND GRENADINES ASSOCIATION OF TORONTO CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR 2009

Sunday, April 26 Monthly General Meeting Northwood Community Centre Sunday, May 10 Annual Mothers’ Day Dinner Crawford Adventist Academy Sunday, May 31 Constitution Review Meeting Northwood Community Centre Saturday, July 18 Vincy Unity Picnic Brown’s Bay Provincial Park, 1000 Islands Sunday, July 26 Monthly General Meeting Northwood Community Centre Saturday, August 1 Caribana Dance Venue to be Announced Sunday, August 30 Monthly General Meeting Northwood Community Centre Sunday, October 25 Thanksgiving Church Service Rosewood Church of the Nazarene Saturday, October 31 Independence Banquet Riviera Banquet & Convention Centre Sunday, November 1 Town Hall Discussions Venue to be Announced Saturday, December 20 Children’s Christmas Party Northwood Community Centre Christmas Week Christmas Hamper Project Across the Community

The St. Vincent & Grenadines Association Of Toronto Organized by SVG Associations Of Celebrating

Come celebrate our “Oneness”

Sunday May 10, 2009

3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Luncheon & Entertainment Saturday, July 18 2009 Youth Guest Speaker: Charleen Moses THE PARK OPENS AT 7:00 A.M & CLOSES AT 7:00 P.M. Toronto Buses leave at 7: 00 a.m. From: - ¾ Dufferin & Lawrence (Close to the McDonald’s Restaurant) Centennial College Student Centre ¾ Jane & Finch (Outside McDonald’s Restaurant) 941 Progress Ave, Scarborough ¾ Scarborough Town Centre (Outside YMCA Building) (East on Progress @ Markham/401) ¾ Hamilton – Main St. E & Dundum (Close to Fortinos) (Contact: Kurlene – 905-546-5034) Free Parking @ Lots 5 & 6

Adult Tickets: $35.00 – Fare is $45.00 per seat

Kids 12 & Under $20.00 Light refreshments on all buses Ticket Sales Agents:

For information Contact:- Exeter Garraway Ruby’s SVG Cordel (905-789-9731) Kenneth (416-822-3601) Claudius (416 726 2841) Elma Gabriel (416-282-4557) Hairoun Bakery Beauty Mechanical Beauty Salon Consulate (416 754-3854) Supply Services Inc. Office Ruby’s Beauty Salon (416-736-7896) Pickering 905-619-6980 416-736- 416-398-4277 Phyllis Baynes (416- 248-2853) Garraway Mechanical (905-619-6890) 905-426- 7896 Exeter Beauty Supply (Pickering) (905-426-8293) 8293 Grafton Bibby (647-405-9209) Route (from Toronto) - Hwy 401 East Exit 675 to Alfred Kenneth Hairoun Grafton Brown’s Bay Compton Farrell 416- Bakery Bibby IT IS AGAINST THE LAW TO USE ALCOHOL ON

416-495- 766-4716 416-754- 647-405-9209 THE BUSES AND AT ALL ONTARIO PARKS

0858 3854

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Map of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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The St. Vincent and Grenadines Association of Toronto Membership Registration Form Become a Member! Join with us in achieving our goals. Mission Statement The St. Vincent and Grenadines Association (SVGA) of Toronto is a non-profit community-based Association. We are committed to providing assistance and support to groups and institutions in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Ontario, and wherever the Association deems fit. We are also committed to provide an anti bias forum for Cultural, Educational, Social and Recreational enrichment and to maintain a network of communication through information and referral.

Objectives To maintain a high level of volunteerism through recruitment, training and effective utilization of skills To provide a forum to promote leadership and advocacy for the enrichment of Culture and Education To provide an anti bias environment for the discussion of matters of general interest to its members To plan, implement and participate in fundraising activities to meet urgent human needs. To promote social and recreational events to enrich the lives of Children, Youth, Adults and Seniors. To maintain a network of communication through information and referral

Our membership meetings are held on the LAST SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH from 4:00 p.m. at Northwood Community Centre, 15 Clubhouse Court, (Keele St. & Sheppard Ave. W. area), North York.

We hope to see you there!

NAME: ______

ADDRESS: ______

______

TELEPHONE: ______

E-MAIL: ______

FAMILY MEMBERS: ______

______

NEW MEMBER OR RENEWAL: ______

AMOUNT ENCLOSED: $______($2.00 for new membership registration, $20.00 annual subscription)

Please make cheques payable to THE ST. VINCENT AND GRENADINES ASSOCIATION OF TORONTO and mail to:

THE ST. VINCENT AND GRENADINES ASSOCIATION OF TORONTO P.O. BOX 392, STATION F, TORONTO, ONTARIO, M4Y 2L8 Website: www.vincytoronto.com email: [email protected]

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