ZAMBC’ s First Independence Day Celebration– A Huge Success!
Finally! A sigh of relief and pride washed over many BC Zambians on October 24, 2009 as their countless days of planning, meetings and negotiating came to fruition. That evening, the newly formed association of Zambians living in British Columbia (ZAMBC) celebrated a momentous occasion when it launched its first official event in honour of Zambia’s 45th Independence anniversary. As part of its mandate, the association intends to encourage, to promote and to maintain the rich cultural heritage of Zambia, as well as to foster greater communication ties between Zambians living in BC and those living abroad. The executive body comprises of the: Chairperson Andy Mtambo, Vice Chairperson Mary Chibinda, Treasurer Sitwala Muhongo, Vice Treasurer Lillian Mukanzo, Secretary Ireen Chibinga, Vice Secretary Sau Ngosi, Trustees, Saul Phiri and Angela Malyo.
The event not only saw a delightful turn-out of persons from the Zambian community but the myriad of other nationalities that were represented could hardly have gone unnoticed. Highly represented and not to be left out were a number of Zimbabwean and Mozambican families who would have wanted it no other way.
The evening started out with the singing of the Zambian national anthem and an opening prayer. Then it was followed by an awe-inspiring and informative presentation by the younger Zambian generation who showcased Zambia – its beauty, its secrets and much of its rich oral and cultural traditions. Additionally, as part of the entertainment package, a slide show organized and produced by a group of exuberant teenagers took us into the lives and homes of a number of the Zambian families living in BC. Then finally, the moment that everyone was waiting for arrived – the food! Oh what joy! The unique attribute of this occasion was that the food was not prepared by a hired caterer, but by the Zambian women folk who poured their hearts and souls into providing a host of delicious and mouth-watering dishes from which it was terribly difficult to only choose a few. So most of us just had a bit of everything! The opening of the dance floor by Louis Kabwe culminated the evening’s celebration. Attendees danced until they were wet and even so, they never stopped until the clock struck 2:00am.
The organizing committee wishes to thank all the participants, including those who were not able to be present, attendees and volunteers who helped to make the event the success that it was. Special thanks go to our Zimbabwean and Mozambican brothers and sisters who came out to support us in large numbers. The committee also wishes to thank Salem’s Beauty Supplies and Touch of Africa for their generous gift donations.
Door Prize Winner and on the right is Pres. of Calgary Antigua & Barbuda Assoc. Claude Spencer
The Antigua & Barbuda 28th Anniversary of Independence Celebration
By Len Chan The Afro News Calgary
The Antigua & Barbuda Association of Calgary celebrated the 28th Anniversary of Independence of Antigua & Barbuda with a Dinner and Dance at Crossroads Community Hall Nov. 7. The Hall was fully attended and most important was the top notch Buffet under the direction of Clarence Williams. President of the Assoc. is Claude Spencer and during the opening speech Claude thanked all of his Executive Members and Volunteers for making this a special evening. The Association has their own Building and has also donated to a number of needy organizations. They also have provided scholarships to their young people who are attending Post Secondary and also a number of their members are part of the Mas Making group known as Sykotik Mas. Special guest was Constable Lawrence Cross who is from the Calgary Police Diversity Unit for the Caribbean and America’s. Entertainment from Diversity Dance Group and the Band for the evening was Explosion Band and Kic Up Sound.
