Head of RIDU Meets Lord Mayor!

On Friday the 3rd February, we had the honour of having Mr Larry Vaughan Head of the Regional Integration and Diaspora Unit (RIDU), in St Kitts with us in Birmingham for an impromptu visit.

Mr Vaughan took the opportunity to meet with St Kitts & Nevis nationals and descendants whilst visiting in Birmingham. The day began with a ‘Meet and Greet’ with the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Maureen Cornish JP; who very kindly agreed to receive him in her parlour. Our grateful thanks go out to Councillor Sharon Thompson who worked tirelessly to arrange the reception with the Lord Mayor; all at a moment’s notice! But she did us proud, and the Lord Mayor was delighted to meet with Mr Vaughan on the day.

In addition to members of our ASKaND Executive Committee in attendance, there was representation from the Nevis

In this issue

Development Agency in Leicester, the St Kitts and Nevis Young Professionals Network based in London, and the St. Kitts-Nevis and Friends Association in Birmingham.

Mr Vaughan is no stranger to working with people at all levels as he maintains a close working relationship with St Kitts-Nevis Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Dr Terence Drew. As well as using his engaging manner and his ability to build a rapport when speaking with the wider general public.

At the meeting with the Lord Mayor, discussion points included: the St Kitts-Nevis 40th Independence celebrations in Birmingham, joint educational opportunities between Birmingham and St. Kitts and Nevis, as well as exploring the idea of St Kitts & Nevis forming greater links with the City of Birmingham in general. In this month’s newsletter is an article on Mr Vaughan’s RIDU role; which can be found on page 8 in the newsletter.

So, all that remains to be said is “Thank you” to Mr Vaughan for meeting with us and creating an air of excitement on how we, as Descendants, can work more closely with the Regional Integration and Diaspora Unit in St. Kitts-Nevis.

Jacqui Daniels ASKaND Chair