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6TH ANNUAL AWARDS BANQUET A RESOUNDING SUCCES
Saturday, January 28, 2017
Press Release
    Mr. Ulester Douglas, Guest Speaker
     Photos 1 of 14 

    SANDY POINT BENEVOLENT SOCIETY 6TH ANNUAL AWARDS BANQUET A RESOUNDING SUCCESS

    Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis, January 23, 2017–

     

    On December 26, 2016, The Sandy Point Benevolent Society (SPBS) hosted an extravagant Award Banquet at the Marriot Hotel. The New York based organization chose to hold its 6th Annual Awards Banquet in St. Kitts & Nevis to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Sandy Point High School (SPHS)/Charles E. Mills Secondary School (CEMSS). The dinner was under the distinguished patronage of Hon. Shawn Richards, Deputy Prime Minister of St. Kitts & Nevis.

     

    The banquet was a three-part event. The first was a cocktail where the guests were entertained by members of the CEMSS steel orchestra. It was simply amazing seeing and hearing the students play popular classics, as it was only a few months ago SPBS donated these new pans to the students at CEMSS. As the orchestra entertained, the scores of eloquently attired attendees queued up to secure their seats in the beautifully decorated banquet hall. In short order the hall was filled to capacity.

     

    SPBS 6TH Annual Awards Banquet The second portion was the dinner and awards section. The Honorable Shawn Richards, Deputy Prime Minister, in his address stated he was “overwhelmed by the hundreds of SPHS/CEMSS alumni who made the pilgrimage to be a part of history”. He also expressed that “the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis, especially the Ministry of Education, remains appreciative of the faithful and sterling contributions of SPBS”. Dr. Stewart Williams, President of SPBS welcomed the guests, which included the Honorable Timothy Harris, Prime Minister, Sir Tapley Seaton, Governor General, Honorable Shawn Richards, Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Education, Youth, Sports & Culture and Honorable Dr. Denzil Douglas, Leader of the Opposition. In his remarks he spoke about how satisfying it is to be a member of such a society. He also recognized and thanked Dr. Hanna Guishard, the Honorable Constance Mitcham, Robelto “Tango” Glasgow, Alrick Warner, Kirk Schulz and Sir Hugh Rawlins, who have made extraordinary contributions to SPBS.

     

    Guests also had the pleasure of hearing Mr. Ulester Douglas. Mr. Douglas is the executive director of Men Stopping Violence, and a licensed psychotherapist with more than twenty-five years of experience working with individuals, families and communities. In his address, Mr. Douglas reminded us all how we can work together to enrich the life of others.

     

    SPBS Distinguished Awards:

     Alumnus and Leadership Award - Mr. Stachio Williams is the owner and co-founder of SKNVibes, the federation’s oldest, largest and most reliable online multimedia house.

     

    Alumna and Leadership Award - Miss. Stacy Desiree Gumbs is the personnel officer in the Ministry of Education for the government of St. Kitts & Nevis. Many may describe her as an educated, hardworking and trustworthy individual. She is dedicated to the development of self and others.

     

    Community Service Award - Mr. Austin Duncan is an entrepreneur, sexton and a past member of the Boys Brigade Island Council where he served as their extension officer.

     

    Alumna & Educator Award - Miss Carline Edwards is known to many as a religious minister, educator, teacher and musician. She formed a school choir at her alma mater in the early 90’s. She made history by successfully lobbying for the inclusion of music in the school curriculum at the start of the 2004 academic year.

     

    Community Service Award - Miss Angeline Revan is known by many as ‘Teacher Ann”. Serving as the first guidance counsellor at the Sandy Point high school and CXC examiner for many years she is respected by many in the Sandy Point Benevolence Society.

     

    Leadership & Community Service Award - Mr. Calvin Farier held the position of Permanent Secretary to the Prime Minister/ Premier of St. Kitts & Nevis from 1980 – 1995.

     

    The banquet ended with celebration, where the guests were invited to mingle while they enjoyed the selections of the popular DJ E.K. It was particularly remarkable to see the guests dance, talk and drink in celebration of the efforts and work of the Sandy Point Benevolence Society.

     

    The night finally ended at 2:25 am (twenty-five minutes later than it should have) when the DJ said he had to go. Some of the comments heard at the end were:

    • Oh my God, what an event! 
    • When is there going to be the next one! 
    • I am glad I didn’t miss it!

     

    The incredible turn out at this event speaks to the high level of support not only from the government of St. Kitts and Nevis, particularly the Ministry of Education but also, the residents of the federation on a whole. The members of SPBS would like to thank all our sponsors especially our Gold Sponsors – National Caribbean Insurance, Brimstone Hill Fortress and Harowe Servo -, all those who donated in any way and guests for welcoming our society to St. Kitts & Nevis and for making the 6th annual banquet such a success. Special mention is made of Ms Shermin Stevens for the wonderful job done beautifying the banquet hall.

     

    For more information about The Sandy Point Benevolence Society, please visit http://spbsinc.org.