Public Invited to Celebrate Vincy Culture at Youlou Art Centre on Dec 13 

By S.Browne. Updated 5:50 p.m., Tuesday, December 9, 2025, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

The Youlou Arts Foundation, in collaboration with the SVG Drum Foundation, is inviting the public to attend “Hold On To Your Roots”, a cultural event taking place this Saturday, December 13th, 2025, from 4 p.m. at the Youlou Art Centre in Indian Bay.The event aims to celebrate Vincentian culture through music, visual arts, literature and traditional performances.

The evening’s programme includes poetry, a book launch, drumming presentations, and an exhibition and sale of artworks and crafts. Food and drinks will also be available throughout the event.

One of the featured segments will highlight the work of the late Albert ‘Jus’ Edwards. His daughter, Marisa Edwards, will present archival footage captured by her father, who documented significant cultural moments around St. Vincent and the Grenadines, including a Spiritual Baptist baptism ceremony and carnival scenes from years gone by.

The programme also includes the launch of Nolan Peters’ book, “A History of St. Vincent and the Grenadines – A Journey Through Resilience and Triumph”, which explores themes of national pride, resilience, and the experiences of Vincentians over time.

Poets scheduled to perform include Marcella Dublin, Maralyn Balantyne, Zenna Lewis, Jemielle Williams, Slim J, Vaness Francis and Gloria Williams. Drumming groups Naked Roots and Youremei are also set to perform.

Visual artists exhibiting their work are Dinks Johnson, Hannah Archibald, Vaness Francis, Tash Johnson and Camille Musser. Crafters showcasing items include Shennika Simmons, Dawn Bacchus, Ashika George and Vaness Francis.

Founder of the Youlou Arts Foundation, Camille Saunders Musser, emphasised that this cultural event is happening at the right time. “Today we are witnessing in the United States efforts to try and distort history. This is always a danger. Educating the public about their history and cultural heritage should always be promoted. As the late great Bob Marley sang ‘In this great future You can’t forget your past.’”

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