The Labor Day weekend in the United States is chock full of activities that attract the Caribbean diaspora. Thankfully, the Sandy Point Benevolent Society – a nonprofit organization operating in New York secured its share of loyal supporters who turned out in their numbers to celebrate the return of its Annual Awards Banquet on Saturday September 3rd. “We had a full house this year. It seemed as if people could not wait to experience this event after it was put on pause for the last two years owing to Covid-19,” reported Stewart Williams President of the SPBS. “We are truly appreciative of the support we received as this is one of our major fundraising activities that finance our scholarship and other projects,” shared the President.
One of the highlights of the banquet was the honoring of deserving volunteers who went above and beyond the call of duty to work with the executive of the SPBS. For this, five persons received plaques of recognition which were presented by the organization’s president. They were Sylvester “Sacrotes” Hodge, Tessa Allen-Dennehy, Coreentje Phipps-Benjamin, Jacqueline Payne-Smith and, Eloise Herbert.
Winners of the SPBS Raffle, which is annually promoted along with the banquet, also received their prizes that night. The first prize of a 7-day luxurious cruise for two was won by Lisa Zapata. Lamont Lawrence was the winner of the second prize of a Meta Quest 2, while a $100 Amazon Gift card was won by Alston Brookes.
The event this year was graced by the presence of Bronx Borough President – Vanessa Gibson who spoke highly of the SPBS’ role to contribute to the growth and development of young people. Also in attendance at the event, were Jackiema Flemming, current Miss UVI and Miss HBCU and SPBS scholar and President of the SPBS St. Kitts Chapter, Shermin Stevens.
Distinguished alumnus of SPBS and Assistant Vice President for Research and Economic Development/Director for Technology Transfer and Commercialization at Jackson State University, Dr Almesha Richardson-Campbell delivered the Feature Address around the theme “Creating opportunities and measuring impact”.
Retired Commissioner of Police and OECS Ambassador to the Kingdom of Morocco H E Ian Queeley was the patron of the event this year.
The formal part of the banquet gave way to the customary networking and dancing as the celebrations to mark the 10th annual awards banquet continued into the wee hours of the morning. The executive and members of the Sandy Point Benevolent Society has expressed its deepest gratitude for the strong show of support in 2022 and remind all that the 2023 event will be held in St. Kitts & Nevis.
