With uncertainty but hope hanging over his re-appointment, St. Vincent and the Grenadines Consul General to the United States Rondy “Luta” McIntosh on Sunday, Dec. 7, greeted Vincentians publicly for the first time on behalf of new Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday and his New Democratic Party (NDP) administration.
McIntosh was appointed by former Prime Minister Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves 3 ½ years ago, but, with Gonsalves and the Unity Labor Party’s (ULP) stunning landslide defeat by Friday’s NDP in the Nov. 27 poll in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, it’s unclear whether the new government will retain McIntosh as Consul General.
However, an overwhelming number of Vincentians in the US Diaspora reportedly seem to be in strong support of McIntosh’s retention, given his affability, penchant for hard work, and for reaching out and uniting the Vincentian community, regardless of party allegiance.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, distinguished members of our Vincentian Diaspora, friends and well-wishers, good afternoon. I bring you greetings on behalf of or Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Godwin Friday, our Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Fitzgerald Bramble, the Cabinet and the Consulate General here in the United States of America,” said McIntosh in addressing the Pre-Christmas Annual Gala on Sunday of the Vincentian-American Independent National Charities, Inc. (VINCI) at El Caribe Country Club on Strickland Avenue in Brooklyn.
“It is a profound honor to join you today at the annual Gala and Awards Ceremony of the Vincentian-American Independent National Charities, Inc., a pillar of service, compassion and unity within our Diaspora community here in Brooklyn,” he added. “As Consul General, I am proud to celebrate an organization whose work has consistently reflected the very best of who we are as Vincentians.
“VINCI has long recognized that nation-building is not limited by geography,” the consul general continued. “From right here in New York, you have strengthened the fabric of our sweet SVG (St. Vincent and the Grenadines). Your contributions, whether through support to families in need, or emergency relief during times of natural disaster, have made a tangible difference in the lives of our people.
“These acts of generosity echo loudly across our shores, reminding us that we take the Vincy (short for Vincentian) spirit wherever we go,” McIntosh said. “Diaspora organizations, like VINCI, remain among the most dependable partners in our national development. You are an extended arm of service, mobilizing resources, preserving culture, and maintaining a steadfast commitment to improving the lives of Vincentians at home.”
He said that giving back to St. Vincent and the Grenadines is “not simply an act of charity; it is an expression of identity.
“It is a promise that, no matter where life takes us, we remain bound by the memories, the values and the sense of community that shaped us,” McIntosh said. “Today, I applaud everyone who continues to honor that promise.”
VINCI said that it had also honored former Consul General to Canada Fitzgerald Huggins, but he was unable to attend the ceremony because of prior engagements.
“This afternoon, we also gather to celebrate excellence within our own community. Allow me to extend heartfelt congratulations to this year’s distinguished honorees,” McIntosh said. “To our former Consul General to Canada, Fitzgerald Huggins, who is unavoidably absent. His years of dedicated service, his advocacy on behalf of our nationals and his unwavering patriotism continue to inspire all who serve in the diplomatic corps. His contribution has left a meaningful legacy, and today’s recognition is well deserved.”
The Consul General also applauded the other honoree, Pamela Ferrari-Easter, president of the Brooklyn-based St. Vincent and the Grenadines Ex-Police Association, U.S.A., Inc.
He said Ferrari-Easter’s leadership, commitment to community safety and welfare, and continued engagement in Diaspora service “exemplify the highest ideals of Vincentian citizenship.
“We honor your dedication, and we celebrate your steadfastness in your exemplary representation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” he said. “Honorees, your achievements remind us that service is one of the most powerful gifts we can offer; and, in the words of Calvin Coolidge, ‘no person was ever honored for what they received. Honor has been the reward for what he or she gave. So, make excellence a habit and not an act.’
Coolidge was the 30th president of the United States, serving from 1923 to 1929.
“As Arthur Ashe simply put it: ‘Start where you are, use what you have and do what you can,’” McIntosh added.
Ashe was an American tennis player and social activist, who was the first Black man to win the US Open and Wimbledon.
“To the members and volunteers of VINCI, please accept my commendation. Your work matters. It uplifts families, strengthens institutions and reinforces national resilience,” the consul general said.
“I encourage you to continue pushing forward with the same determination and generosity that have defined your mission for so many years,” he urged. “You stayed true to your motto: Where need exists, you pledge to assist.
“And to the broader Vincentian community here in New York, I urge you to support VINCI and support the organizations that support our people,” McIntosh continued. “Whether through volunteering, donating, partnering, or simply showing up, your involvement ensures that this legacy of service endures. Together, we continue to build a stronger, more united Diaspora and a brighter future for St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
“Thank you, VINCI, for your ongoing dedication, thank you to tonight’s honorees for your service, and thank you to all gathered here for keeping the Vincentian spirit alive across every corner of the globe,” he said. “May God bless you all, and may God continue to bless St. Vincent and the Grenadines!”
Enisha Fern Dopwell, VINCI’s public relations officer, who served as Mistress of Ceremonies, said, immediately after McIntosh’s address, that he is “one of the most effective Consuls General” ever in the Vincentian Diaspora.
“And, today, he delivered one of his best speeches,” she added to loud applause.
