Five Nationals Honored in New York Gala

Attendees

ZIZ News…Sept 9, 2011 – The Sandy Point Benevolent Society held its First Benefit Gala in New York City this past weekend, Saturday, September 3, 2011 at the famous Eastwood Manor Banquet Hall located at 3371 Eastchester Road, Bronx, NY 10469. This historic event was held under the distinguished patronage of Her Excellency, Mrs. Jacinth Henry-Martin, St. Kitts & Nevis Ambassador to the USA who received the host organization’s Distinguished Alumni Award. Regrettably, Ambassador Henry-Martin was summoned to official duties outside the country making it impossible to be present. She was represented at the Banquet by the Embassy’s First Secretary, Kemoy Liburd-Chow who delivered greetings on the Ambassador’s behalf.

By all accounts, the Benefit Gala was a smashing success. Hundreds of “proud” Sandy Pointers, their family and friends from across the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis and other Caribbean States turned out to support the inaugural event. “With over two hundred guests in attendance, and given the range of Caribbean based activities held over the action packed week end,” stated SPBS President, William Hodge, “the date picked for the Banquet was the best day.” Even the heavens appeared to cooperate with and smiled on SPBS with excellent tailor-made weather for the evening.

Dr. Allan Somersall

The evening was a true celebration of excellence, connecting and reconnecting, with friends, classmates, schoolmates, teachers and nationals of the Federation. Lots of delicious Caribbean food, drinks, fun, laughter, music, dancing, and celebration made the night one to remember. Patrons were surprised with a gift bag upon arrival. Each bag was a touch of class containing a fantastic souvenir magazine, a variety St. Kitts and Nevis branded trinkets, pens, and literature.

Live entertainment was headlined by well-known Kittitian artist, Richie Buntin and the Experienced Band. Bermudian born, of Kittitian parentage, Disc Jockey, DJ Wasi added to the night’s entertainment with an array of genres of Caribbean and Kittitian music, then and now.

Dr. Allan Calvin Somersall was another of the five nationals of St. Kitts and Nevis to be honored. He received the SPBS Distinguished Community Service Award for his contributions to Medicine and to St. Kitts. Dr. Somersall, Kittitian-born Scientist, former State and Leeward Island Scholar, medical doctor, professor and entrepreneur delivered a most timely, energetic and passionate keynote address.

Honorees	Honorees