BASSETERRE St. Kitts, June 25th 2012 - This was the theme to mark Green Valley Global's fifth annual Father's Day Celebration; and indeed what a celebration it was on Sunday June 17 2012, when Fathers were given due honour from the members of Green Valley Global, their loved ones and their friends.
The balmy New York weather on the outside was in stark contrast to the warm and extremely spirited ambiance on the inside of Green Valley Global’s event venued at the Basement Lounge, in Harlem, New York.
The evening's celebration took off at around 6:45 p.m. following a brief meet and greet segment.
Green Valley Global’s President Ms. Glennis "P" Belgrove offered welcome remarks to the guests reminding them that after 5 years, the vision of Green Valley Global is to continue to have an active presence in the Green Valley community and it's environs and to make a difference as an organization in the lives of others.
The organization's Assistant Secretary Ms. Heather Archibald invoked God's presence with a stirring prayer following which the night's host, Mr. Lincoln Swanston, was introduced.
Mr. Lincoln “Santoy” Swanston proudly revisited his past as an entertainment host and found favour with the audience in his role as this year's Fathers day host. Those who hadn't a clue about his onstage alter-ego were pleasantly surprised. Santoy surely used the opportunity to reveal his comical side as well.
He definitely lived up to the Father’s Day ideal of a Strong Man who, in his personal life, is defying medical odds, thanks to the support of his wife, family and close friends.
Tributes to fathers began with a variety of poems in honour of fathers. "Our Fathers" was a tribute in honour of the strong men in his life, presented by Narje Phipps. Aaiesha Phoenix presented "A Poem For Dads", which was a short but relevant show of love for dads. Finally, Iyasu Benjamin read his poem entitled "Walk A Little Slower Daddy" in which he summoned dads to take time out to show their kids how to be more like them.
The tributes to dad ended with a brilliant performance by musical prodigy, Najee Georges, whose craft on the saxophone is steadily improving, much to the delight of his proud parents and the captivated audience.
An entire world of opportunity awaits Najee and the other children whose performances certainly drove home the point that strong fathers are part of the primary ingredients that make our communities stronger.
The guests indulged in a delectable serving of West Indian cuisine followed by a tasty sweet treat for dessert. The titillating sounds of one man band Delbert Gumbs was pleasantly received by the audience as they indulged in the evening’s spread. Gumbs also proved how talented he is, not only as a musician but also as a comic, giving the audience a belly full of laughter throughout the night.
Ms. Sherisma Liburd opened the post dinner segment of the evening with her rendition of Shania Twain’s "Forever and For Always".
And then, the host Santoy, turned over the mic to popular calypso entertainer, Lord Kent to host the infamous Father’s Day Bacchanal.
The show down started with a preview of Lord Kent’s 29-year old hit song “Lord Kent Come Back.” The audience sang along by which time, the sizzle began as the temperature in the Basement Lounge rose steadily.
The first Calypsonian to grace the stage was the King Lennox who sang his version of “Know Who Your Heroes Are”. His was an interesting presentation as he relied on four-hand written manila paper mounted on a from which to deliver his song. This he explained was necessary given that his vision has been compromised because of old age. A technical glitch with Lennox's music got the best of him and he tried to no avail to overcome the glitch. He later yielded to the next act so not to further delay the other Calypsonians lined up behind him.
The interruption did not stop the upbeat spirit of the audience and the laughs continued once the next Calypsonian, newcomer “Taddy” Morris took to the stage. Dubbed “De Mascot”, the young and energetic Calypsonian, after misfiring his tune twice, rendered a catchy song called "Come And Join With Me” on his third try. It was a fantastic delivery of a tune commending Green Valley Global’s work in the community at home and abroad. The audience surely sang along stirring absolute merriment in the process.
The Mighty Greene T created a more somber mood that evening following his rendition of a tune called “Happy Father’s Day” in honour of one of the contributors to the Father’s Day event, the King Feddy, who unfortunately lost his 12 year old daughter 2 months ago to a brain tumor. It was a profound tune, delivered with deep respect and honour for young Shania Williams, Elvis "King Feddy” Williams’ daughter. Some of the guests, mindful of Feddy’s loss, were moved to tears.
The somber mood quickly turned to an ocean of laughter once King Feddy returned to the stage to perform “Humpty Dumpty”.
His sheer wit and body language had guests in complete amusement. At one point, King Feddy dropped a plastic bag of eggs to demonstrate how “Humpty Dumpty” put all his eggs in one basket only to lose those very eggs once the basket fell. His comical presentation brought the curtains down on Green Valley Global’s Father’s Day Calypso Bacchanal”. All of the Calypsonians were celebrated with cheers and thunderous applause for a job well done.
The evening ended on an extremely high note, a demonstration from four of the federation’s fathers that they too are strong men to stand before an audience of over 80 guests to spew calypso tunes that were all very well received.
Tokens of appreciation were presented to each Calypsonian as well as the musical Goliaths behind Green Valley Global’s events, namely Lincoln “ Santoy” Swanston, Kenrick Georges and Delbert Gumbs. One of the organization’s musical partners, Mr. Trevor “Bridges” Bridgewater, could not attend Sunday’s event but was quite instrumental in assisting some of the Calypsonians who sang on Father’s Day.
Green Valley Global’s fifth year anniversary celebrations will draw to a close in November 2012 when the youths of Kittitian and Nevisian heritage will put on a talent display during the organization’s second annual Children’s Talent Showcase.
Since its inception some five years ago, Green Valley Global continues its mission to create, provide, and maintain high standards of service, leadership, education, and social recreation, and to promote health, character development, and citizenship. We cannot achieve any of these goals alone and we remain thankful for those who diligently give of their time and talent to contribute to the mission of the organization.
Thanks to all who support the efforts of Green Valley Global.
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