A Celebration of Excellence

As the mild summer nears its official end, the emphasis on service to country heightened

among nationals abroad, spearheaded by the Sandy Point Benevolent Society, Inc., (SPBS) a not

for profit New York based organization comprising primarily of Sandy Pointers and alumni of

the former Sandy Point High School, now Charles E. Mills Secondary.

On Saturday August 31, 2013, under the most distinguished patronage of Sir Hugh and Lady

Rawlins, excellence soared to an impressionable high as the SPBS pulled out all the stops to

showcase honorees who are the epitome of excellence.

The classy affair, hosted by the vibrant SPBS members and well wishers, was organized with a

view to recognize and celebrate excellent role models for our nation’s youth. The committed

group of civic minded men and women raised thousands of dollars that will ultimately be used

for advancing the lives of students at the Charles E. Mills High School and the federation by

extension

During what was dubbed one of the most prestigious nights of celebration in New York City in

which pillars of the Sandy Point community were honored, emphasis on the celebration of

service to others resonated from wall to wall among the over three hundred attendees. The

SPBS, in collaboration with a host of sponsors, patrons and well wishers, successfully

showcased the effectiveness of a unified effort of citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis the world

over in service to others. The spirit of service to others is ever alive and indeed the

journey continues with organizations such as the SPBS taking the lead.

The accomplished honorees, namely Mrs. Jacqueline “Singing Jackie” Hazel-Leader, MA. Ed, an

educator and stalwart Calypsonian, the elegant Laura Richardson, who accepted the award on

behalf of SPIRIT, Sandy Pointers Inspiring Real Improvement Throughout and the indomitable

Mr. William V. A. Hodge, M.Ed., who left an indelible record of leadership at The Sandy Point

High School, have all been added to the ever growing esteemed list of citizens who continue

to champion the cause for excellence and whose selfless contributions make the lives of

others rewarding.

Interestingly, the concept of service was the theme that rang through during the course of

the evening with great emphasis made by Dr. Spencer Amory, a son of the soil and the night’s

keynote speaker.

Dr. Amory spoke to the importance of service and described how his life is a testimony to the

benefits that is afforded all those who strive to serve others. He impressed upon the

audience that his inner voice, the strong presence of his mother, along with God’s grace kept

him grounded and helped to make him the success he is today.

Dr. Amory stands by four basic principles:

Determine your life’s purpose; acquire a good education; acknowledge your inner voice and

Spend time in service to others.

We all are one! Each of us is a unique expression of one creative force. When we serve our

neighbors we are in fact serving ourselves. Service to others allows us to shift from the

perspective in life that sees only “me” instead of the collective “we.”

According to Dr. Amory, the spirit of service to others brought freedom to his life; freedom

from attachment to money, status, money, people things and freedom from the fear of losing it

all. “Service unlocks the gates to the life we want to lead!” Indeed an appropriate

presentation from one of the federation’s most accomplished professionals.

The SPBS continues its mission to seek out individuals and groups who exemplify high

standards of excellence in various areas of the federation’s development. Regardless to where

our citizens reside, SPBS is prepared to seek out stories of excellence in order to touch the

lives of others.

The night’s packed lineup included a cocktail hour, fantastic door prizes, an appearance by

the tenacious Miss Caribbean USA, Stacy Green, dinner, dancing, musical entertainment, a

grand raffle drawing of a cruise trip for two and a witty host, Mr. Livingston “Gilley”

Richardson, who successfully kept the audience laughing.

An extraordinary cast of supporters, sponsors and well-wishers helped to make the SPBS

celebration of excellence the success it was. Moving forward, the society has attracted the

invaluable support of Sir Hugh and Lady Rawlins by way of an annual generous pledge. In his

brief remarks, Justice Rawlins offered a glowing endorsement of the work of the SPBS and

declared the organization a template of success that has taken volunteerism and service to

others to a remarkable level. The dynamic work of the society has easily found favor with

individuals who now wish to partner with the society for the good of our blossoming community

and federation.

The members of the SPBS, Inc. are in awe and filled with profound appreciation at the wide

array of support and feedback it continues to procure and extends heartfelt thanks to each

and every individual who made last Saturday’s event a resounding success.

As the music died down and the conversations ceased; as the heavy handshakes and wholesome

hugs had been finally exchanged, patrons departed the SPBS’s night of excellence with a sense

of pleasure having attended such an auspicious occasion.

Although the hard work is now but a fleeting memory for the organizers, plans for the fourth

annual celebration of excellence have already begun. In fact, it was a very enthused Dr.

Mervyn Richardson, President of SPBS, who at the end of the Saturday evening’s gala

exclaimed, “I want to thank our patrons. Their generosity is second to none. I think folks

support our journey and tonight they would have been entertained and delighted by our many

firsts — including delivery on our first scholarship, introduction of our first

collaboration with Children of the Caribbean, and a first to a very diverse format for this

gala”. His remarks are an indication that the level of commitment from sons and daughters of

our native land has found a niche. The best is yet to come!