SVBLA showcases local producers and artists

Some team members of the SVG Building and Loan Association – SVBLA in their independence attire.

By Admin. Updated 5:55 a.m., Friday, October 29, 2021, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4)

Local producers and artists were showcased on October 26, 2021 when the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Building and Loan Association – SVBLA held its independence celebrations.

Recently installed marketing manager at SVBLA, Ms. Candace Sealey told One News SVG that the celebrations happened under the theme: “42 with no time to be blue, do local,” which was developed by SVBLA staff members.

Sealey said that this year, the organization decided to “focus on the things that make us inherently Vincentian, things that contribute to our national identity”.

At the inaugural showcase featured Vincy Fresh, Camara Tea, and several artists, including Kareen Singh and Danville Toney.

Singh, a 20-year-old university student and artist from Mesopotamia told One News SVG she has been painting all her life but has been on canvas for five years.

Karen Singh, University student and artist.

She said art helps her to express herself and that “if you have a talent, you should share it with others, especially if they enjoy seeing it”.

She said her pieces depict social issues and the natural environment. “I want to portray that parts of St. Vincent that we don’t normally see, or that we shy away from,” she said.

A piece by Kareen showing dasheen leaves growing in the Mesopotamia Valley, which is an agricultural belt in St. Vincent.

Meanwhile, trained engineer, senior environmental health officer, and artist, Danville Toney told One News SVG that he is “very patriotic” and that he tries to choose subjects that are relevant to St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

A piece by Mr. Toney showcasing Barrouallie.

Toney said he is a self-taught artist and that he has been drawing all his life.

Mr. Toney said that one of his first painted pieces was the national bird.

Engineer, environmental and artist, Danville Toney showing his art depiction of St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ national bird, the Amazona Guildingii.

Meanwhile, the SVG Building and Loan is also celebrating its 80th anniversary of operations.

Andrea Patterson, an employee with the SVBLA for over 30 years and an assistant in the customer service department told One News SVG that the SVBLA values its customers and seeks to promote more financial independence.

Ms. Andrea Patterson – SVBLA employee for over 30 years.

“We have offer many new products and services to our members. We have moved from offering advanced shares to now our Super Savers,” she said, adding that members get good interest in their savings.

Marketing Manager, Candace Sealey encouraged Vincentians to focus on their financial independence. She said the SVBLA has launched a financial independence campaign to help more Vincentians be financially independent.