As Vincentians in the New York metropolitan area began celebrating their country’s 47th year of political independence from Great Britain on Sunday, Oct. 18, Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday reminded nationals in the Diaspora that building the multi-island state “belongs to all of us.”
“For those of you living abroad, distance does not lessen your connection to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines,” Friday said in his independence message, delivered by Consul General to the United States Roland “Patel” Matthews at an Ecumenical Service of Thanksgiving at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in the Canarsie section of Brooklyn.
“You remain part of our families, our communities and our national story,” the prime minister added, speaking on the theme of the 47th Independence Anniversary, “Hand in Hand, Uplifting Our Nation.” “Through the support you give to loved ones, the knowledge and experience you share, the investments you make, the traditions you preserve and the pride with which you represent our country, you continue to contribute to its development.”
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Consul General to the United States Roland "Patel" Matthews, left, with Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday at town hall meeting, on Sept. 20, 2026, at the Friends of Crown Heights Educational Center in Brooklyn.Photo by Nelson A. King[/caption]
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St. Vincent and the Grenadines Consul General to the United States Roland "Patel" Matthews delivers Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday's Independence Message at Ecumenical Service of Thanksgiving at St. Alban's Episcopal Church in Brooklyn on Sunday, Oct. 18.Photo by Nelson A. King[/caption]
Friday said he looks forward to engaging with more Vincentians across the Diaspora in the months and years ahead, emphasizing the value of the contributions nationals continue to make to their homeland.
“And I want to hear from you, to understand your experiences and ideas, and to strengthen the connection between our country and Vincentians wherever they may live,” he said. “Your contribution matters. Your perspective matters. And you remain an important part of the future we are building together.”
The prime minister said independence also asks “something of every generation.”
“Those who came before us did their part,” he said. “They built institutions, raised families, strengthened communities and created opportunities that many of us inherited. Now, it is our turn.
“Our responsibility is to continue building a Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in which our children can see possibility, our elderly can live with dignity, our people can pursue opportunity, and every Vincentian can feel that there is a place for them in the future of this country,” Friday added. “Wherever we may live, we share that responsibility.
“So, as we celebrate this independence, let us remember where we came from, give thanks for how far we have travelled and remain hopeful about where we can go together,” he continued. “To our Vincentian communities across the Diaspora, thank you for continuing to keep Saint Vincent and the Grenadines close to your hearts.
“May you celebrate proudly, surrounded by family, friends and the traditions that remind you of home,” he said.
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St. Vincent and the Grenadines Ambassador to the United Nations Vynnette Fredericks delivers maiden address at Ecumenical Service of Thanksgiving at St. Alban's Episcopal Church in Brooklyn on Sunday, Oct. 18.Photo by Nelson A. King[/caption]
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The Rev. Derwin Grant, pastor of Trinity Methodist Church in Brooklyn, delivers sermon.Photo by Nelson A. King[/caption]
In her first Independence Anniversary message, Ambassador to the United Nations Vynnette Fredericks told nationals they have “a responsibility to build St. Vincent and the Grenadines.”
“Choosing to heal starts right here in the church, in our homes, in every village in St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” she said.
“We pray for those to govern with justice and humility,” Fredericks added. “My message is to speak with your neighbors with grace. Let us speak with grace. May God heal our divisions, and let us be one united people.”
Several members of the Vincentian clergy in the New York metropolitan area participated in the 2 1/2-hour service, organized by the Council of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Organizations, U.S.A., Inc. (COSAGO), an umbrella group for Vincentian organizations in the United States, in conjunction with the New York-based St. Vincent and the Grenadines Consulate General to the United States.
Preaching on the topic “St. Vincent and the Grenadines Supernatural Support System,” the Rev. Derwin Grant, pastor of Trinity Methodist Church in Brooklyn, said “the everlasting arms are a support for everything.”
“Whatever it is, it is in the hands of the everlasting God,” he said in his sermon. “You can learn humility from Him.
“I’m saying to our people, if you listen to what is happening in the US, we need to lean on the everlasting arms,” Grant added. “If we’re facing high crimes and misdemeanor, we have God’s everlasting arms beneath us.
“Our best days are ahead of us,” he continued. “When I look at some of our young people, it gives me hope. I’m here to remind you, with a small nation, there is an everlasting God.”
The Rev. Louis Straker Jr., son of former St. Vincent and the Grenadines Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Sir Louis Straker Sr. and pastor of The Reflections Church on Utica Avenue in Brooklyn, served as liturgist throughout the service.
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Haywood Thomas, 100, was the only Vincentian centenarian at the Ecumenical Service of Thanksgiving. He was recognized by COSAGO Vice President Laverne McDowald Thompson with a special pin.Photo by Nelson A. King[/caption]
During the intercessory prayers, the Rev. Dr. LeCroft McKenzie, who is transitioning from Trinity Temple Baptist, prayed for the government and people of the United States. Pastor Simeon King of Evangelical Mission for God prayed for the government and people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Bishop Robert Yearwood of Elim Spiritual Baptist prayed for youth and young adults, and Pastor Ronald John of Faith Assemblies of God prayed for regional peace and stability.
In the absence of Bishop Leroy Cuffy of Judah Worship Center Ministries and Pastor Michelle Hector of Deliverance New Testament Church of God in Culina Hills, Esq. and Crispin Friday, COSAGO president, prayed for St. Vincent and the Grenadines organizations in the United States and Vincentian centenarians, respectively.
Haywood Thomas, 100, was the only Vincentian centenarian at the Ecumenical Service of Thanksgiving. COSAGO Vice President Laverne McDowald Thompson recognized him during the service.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Independence Anniversary celebrations in the New York metropolitan area continue Sunday, Oct. 25, with the COSAGO-organized Gala Independence Anniversary Scholarship Awards Luncheon. The event, held under the auspices of the Consulate General to the United States, will take place at Russo’s on the Bay, a catering venue in the Howard Beach section of Queens.
On Independence Day, Tuesday, Oct. 27, a flag-raising ceremony will take place at Bowling Green in Lower Manhattan.
