The Consulate of St. Lucia is kicking off the island nation’s independence month with a gospel festival at the Advent Fellowship on Feb. 3. The annual concert brings together some of the best St. Lucian performers of the genre and other entertainers. On Saturday, returning artists like Emrand Henry will take the stage at the show, and some new and interesting ones, said vice consul.
“This will be Emrand Henry’s third time performing for us, and then we have new performers like Rootsy Pierre — who used to sing calypso but has now moved over to sing gospel,” said Jeremiah Hyacinth.
Other performers include Children of Culture, Miriam Drakes, Kayanna Lampkin, Ashley Norbert, and Grace Ramjeawan.
Set to mark 39 years of independence on Feb. 22, the country is close to observing a milestone decade and St. Lucians are hopeful of what is to come for their home, said Hyacinth.
“We are growing as a nation, and as we are approaching the 40th year — now more than ever what I learned as a St. Lucian is that we are resilient, all will go well for us, and the future looks bright for our country,” he said.
St. Lucia is a fairly young country, but is rising and making some great citizens, said Hyacinth. He adds that his country, though small, continues to make a substantial global impact because of its driven and up-and-coming generation.
“We are a young nation but we’ve been able to produce some remarkable people in education, entertainment, and politics, and that itself speaks to the wealth of knowledge of the young people of Saint Lucia,” he said.
The concert is only the start of celebratory independence activities and events. On Feb. 11 the Saint Lucia House is hosting a “Saint Lucia Market Place,” where people can buy goods, and on Feb. 17 there will be a “Cultural Explosion,” event, according to Hyacinth.
But one of the most popular activities is the Young Professionals Networking Mixer, being held at the new East Flatbush venue, Caribbean Social on Feb. 15. Hyacinth says the mixer is one of the most anticipated event from the younger crowd.
“This year is our third year hosting this mixer and we expect about 150 young St. Lucian professionals networking at this St. Lucian owned business — which gives me enormous pride as a St. Lucian,” said Hyacinth. “We look forward to this every year and it gives the young professionals the opportunity to exchange ideas and network and interact with other like-minded people.”
“Independence 39 Gospel Festival” at Advent Fellowship of Brooklyn [1666 Bergen St. between Rochester and Buffalo avenues in Crown Heights. Feb. 3 at 7 pm. Free.
