SVG Association of Ottawa

About SVG Association of Ottawa

The SVGAO was founded by Vincentians in Ottawa on October 27, 1979, the same date our native homeland gained full independence from Britain and the year of the eruption of the volcano, La Soufriere. We are a non-profit organization that operate in Ottawa, and are mainly composed of members of the Vincentian Diaspora in Canada. The over-arching purpose is to provide and organize supportive services and activities for persons of all ages to members of the organizations and the wider community, as well as offering support to our homeland.

Mission Statement

To promote, support, and advance the goals and aspirations of Vincentians and their descendants from St. Vincent and the Grenadines within the National Capital Region, while also contributing to the development and well-being of our homeland. This is achieved through cultural storytelling, film, and community-based cultural programs that preserve and celebrate our heritage.

Objectives

To promote storytelling through film, cultural programming, and creative expression as a means of preserving and sharing Afro-Caribbean heritage.
To support environmental education and awareness through the integration of traditional knowledge, bush medicine, and sustainable land-based practices.
To foster youth engagement, including youth-focused initiatives in arts, leadership, civic participation, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI).
To promote seniors’ wellness through culturally grounded social, educational, and community-based programming that supports connection, dignity, and active participation.
To foster strong working relationships with other Vincentian groups in Canada and abroad, strengthening diaspora connections and collaboration.
To build positive and meaningful relationships with other ethnic and cultural communities across Canada.
To provide a forum for discussion on matters of interest to members of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Association of Ottawa, encouraging engagement and collective decision-making.
To participate in social, cultural, civic, and educational activities within the context of Canada’s multicultural (Canadian mosaic) framework.
To promote social, cultural, civic, and educational initiatives that reflect the interests and needs of members of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Association of Ottawa.
To liaise on behalf of the Association with Federal, Provincial, Municipal, and Territorial governments of Canada, as well as other relevant authorities.
To act as a representative body in engagement with agencies and institutions of the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

PRESIDENT

Suzette Weekes

VICE PRESIDENT

Marion Duncan

SECRETARY

Venessa Baptiste

TREASURER

Samantha Tim

PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER

Mia Weekes

ASSISTANT PRO

Marcia Wiltshire

ASSISTANT SECRETARY

Vacant