The Regional Integration and Diaspora Unit (RIDU) is forging stronger ties with several community groups.  Members of the RIDU staff met with Representatives of community groups who participated in Vincy Homecoming 2009.  This meeting was held at the Foreign Affairs Conference Room on Wednesday, 20th January, 2010.

Ambassador Ellsworth John, Director of RIDU said that the purpose of the meeting is to make Vincy Homecoming sustainable and to build on the enthusiasm that was generated in communities during Vincy Homecoming in St. Vincent & the Grenadines.

Ambassador John said that over twenty-five (25) groups were represented at the meeting and that it was necessary for the groups to develop networking teams and that RIDU will be collaborating with the Community Department, Youth and Gender Affairs and the Adult Literacy Unit to enhance the lives of people in the community.

The winners of the Best Village Competition were also announced -   25 community groups participated in the competition. The winners from first to third position are as follows: Rose Bank ($75 000), Edinboro ($50 000) and Park Hill ($25 000).  Winning communities are required to submit a community development project after which the funds will be disbursed.

Mr. Errol Edwards of the Rose Bank Development Organization said that “community has always been a force to reckon with when it comes to culture” adding that they put effort into whatever they do.

Communities were judged based on their level of participation and activities coordinated for Vincy Homecoming 2009.