Vincentian group honors two nationals
Caribbean L BQ ife, Oct. 11-17, 2019 63
By Nelson A. King
The Brooklyn-based Vincentian
American Independent
National Charities, Inc. (VINCI)
on Sunday honored international
soca superstar Kevin Lyttle
and retired national broadcaster
Nina Maloney at the group’s
36th Annual Gala and Awards
Ceremony at El Caribe Country
Club on Strickland Avenue in
Brooklyn.
VINCI also used the occasion
to commemorate the 40th anniversary
of St. Vincent and the
Grenadines’ political independence
from Great Britain.
“Today, we honor two outstanding
citizens of our nation
— Ms. Nina Maloney, who has
had an outstanding career in
media and has helped to shape
the acculturation of many
through her radio programs or
through her civic works,” said
Wayne Raguette, VINCI president
and political consultant in
Brooklyn.
“We also honor Mr. Kevin
Lyttle, who needs very little
introduction,” he added. “He
is a world-renowned recording
artiste and cultural ambassador.”
Raguette also described the
honorees as “two great persons,
who enrich our society, influence
many in a positive way,
contribute significantly to our
nation, the Caribbean civilization,
and will surely leave a legacy
behind.
“We salute them!” he said.
Additionally, Brooklyn Congresswoman
Yvette D. Clarke,
representative for the 9th Congressional
District in Brooklyn,
presented the honorees with a
congressional proclamation.
Kevin Lyttle gives patrons “a taste” of “Home for Carnival” and “Drive Me
Crazy.” Photo by Nelson A. King
“We know Kevin Lyttle and
what he has done to lift up the
nation of St. Vincent and the
Grenadines,” said Clarke, the
daughter of Jamaican immigrants,
in her remarks. “Let’s
give Kevin Lyttle a round of
applause (patrons enthusiastically
obliged).
“And Nina Maloney, she was
extraordinary around the world,”
she added. “And so, we celebrate
here, and I say ‘woman power!’”
Before giving patrons an
acapella version of two of his,
“Home for Carnival” and “Drive
Me Crazy,” Lyttle said he was
“very honored” to receive the
award.
“Not every day you get honored
and appreciated,” said Lyttle,
who flew from his home in
Miami for the honor. “When it
comes from my country and my
people, it’s like a 1,000 times.”
Maloney said it was “a great
pleasure and honor of mine to
say a word that has become very
scarce to say, ‘thank you’.
“I’m so honored to be chosen,”
she said in her acceptance
speech. “Today, it’s mixed feelings
that I accept this award,
because (of) the late Sylvia Wilson
(former VINCI president and
co-founder). I’m happy that this
organization is still going and
still going strong.
“To me, I’m very, very humbled
to accept this recognition,”
Maloney added. “I always have
the feeling to help.
From left, SVG NY Consul General, Howie Prince, Congresswoman Yvette, D. Clarke, SVG
Minister of Health, Luke Browne, Nina Maloney, Wayne Raguette, Miss Continental NY, Vincentian
Kayla McCletchie and Kevin Lyttle. Photo by Nelson A. King