Gospel Fest to Kick Off New York City Activities Marking Saint Lucia’s 44th Anniversary of Independence

New York, NY: The Consulate General of Saint Lucia in New York today released its program of Independence 44 activities. Organized in conjunction with the Brooklyn-based Saint House Foundation and several community organizations, these activities will run throughout the month of February.

This year’s festivities begin with the Independence Gospel Fest on Saturday, February 4. This annual event, which this year features performances by Emrand Henry, the Royal Saint Lucia Police Band, the National Youth Choir, and a host of other Saint Lucian gospel artists and groups, will be held at Waymark Ministries, 185 Remsen Avenue, Brooklyn, starting at 6:00 PM.

The calendar of activities includes ta fashion show featuring Saint Lucia designer Chrystal Jonas-Clarke, a flagraising ceremony, Independence gala, a church service, the annual Independence Marketplace, the Young Saint Lucian Professionals Mixer, and the Saint Lucia

Cultural Explosion.

“Independence Dialogue Tuesdays”

As part of its activities commemorating the 44th Anniversary of Saint Lucia’s Independence, the Consulate General of Saint Lucia in New York will be hosting a series of weekly conversations, entitled “Independence Dialogue Tuesdays: A Time for Reflection on National Gains, Present Challenges, and a Way Forward.” They will be held every Tuesday during the month of February via the Zoom platform.

The goal of the dialogues is to engage with fellow Saint Lucians both at home and throughout the Diaspora.

The first installment of the series is scheduled for February 7, from 7:30 PM and will focus on "Saint Lucia’s PostIndependence Socio-Economic Transformation.” Saint Lucian Professor Dr. Tennyson Joseph of the University of the West Indies will be the featured speaker.

Since August 2007, Dr. Joseph is a Senior Lecturer in Political Science at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Cave Hill. Between 2000 and 2003, he served as the administrative attaché to former Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Hon. Dr. Kenny Anthony. He was also an Opposition Senator in the Parliament of Saint Lucia for a brief period in 2007. In addition to his teaching position, Dr. Joseph is frequently engaged as a public policy consultant and political pundit.

The Consulate General of Saint Lucia in New York encourages all Saint Lucians and friends of Saint Lucia in the tri-state area to participate in the planned activities.

For more details regarding Independence 44 activities, contact the Consulate General of Saint Lucia in New York at 212.697.9360, or sluconsulateny@govt.lc.

Listen to an interview with Consul General Hon Jermiah Hyacinth at www.cawnyc.coml

Music’s Biggest Night was a Big Night for NYC! MOME Congratulates the NYC Winners and Nominees Annual GRAMMY Awards

Kitchen Corner

Blackened Salmon Fillets

Fire up succulent blackened salmon with an exciting blend of Cajun-style spices!

Recipe by Jeff Calkins, AllRecipes.com

Ingredients

2 tablespoons ground paprika

1 tablespoon ground cayenne pepper

1 tablespoon onion powder

2 teaspoons salt

½ teaspoon ground white pepper

½ teaspoon ground black pepper

¼ teaspoon dried thyme

¼ teaspoon dried basil

¼ teaspoon dried oregano

4 salmon fillets, skin and bones removed

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

Directions

Step 3

Heat 2 tablespoons melted butter in a large, heavy skillet over high heat. Add salmon and cook until blackened, 2 to 5 minutes. Lift fillets, add remaining melted butter to the skillet, and flip fillets into the butter. Cook until the other side is blackened and fish flakes easily with a fork, 3 to 5 minutes.l

Nutrition Facts

• Highlights include Bronx-born Samara Joy, who took home GRAMMY awards for Best New Artist and Best Jazz Vocal Album, and the New York Youth Symphony, who made history as the first youth orchestra to ever win a GRAMMY, in the category of Best Orchestral Performance.

• NYC was well represented throughout the night, as Jennifer Lopez, Cardi B and Billy Crystal all took the stage as presenters, while Mary J. Blige performed her nominated song “Good Morning, Gorgeous” and Jay-Z joined an ensemble group to perform the nominated song “God Did.” During the GRAMMY Premiere Ceremony, Brooklyn’s Arooj Aftab performed, as well as the night’s big winner, Samara Joy.l

Step 1

Mix paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, salt, white and black pepper, thyme, basil, and oregano together in a small bowl.

Step 2

Brush salmon fillets on both sides with 1/4 cup butter, and sprinkle evenly with the spice mixture.

Per serving: 511 calories; total fat 38g; saturated fat 17g; cholesterol 166mg; sodium 1248mg; total carbohydrate 5g; dietary fiber 2g; total sugars 1g; protein 37g; vitamin c 4mg; calcium 38mg; iron 2mg; potassium 802mg

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 10 mins

Total Time: 25 mins