By S.Browne. Updated 9:35 a.m., Thursday, 17 July 2025, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
St. Vincent and the Grenadines 2nd Generation (SV2G), an arts and heritage charity based in High Wycombe, England, has been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS)—the highest honour given to local volunteer groups across the United Kingdom.
Equivalent to the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), the award recognises outstanding contributions made by voluntary organisations within their communities.
SV2G is among 281 local charities, social enterprises, and voluntary groups to receive this prestigious honour in 2024. While the award was officially announced last year, the formal presentation and celebration took place in 2025. Now in its second year under the reign of His Majesty King Charles III, the award continues the legacy first established by Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2002.
The award was formally acknowledged at a celebratory event held in High Wycombe on Saturday, 12 July 2025, where it was also announced that The Countess Howe, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, has been appointed as a Patron of SV2G.
The Countess Howe commended the charity’s longstanding dedication to cultural education and community engagement, stating:
“Working with hundreds of young people as well as adults and families, SV2G delivers a range of innovative and creative combined art projects providing people of all backgrounds with an invaluable educational, creative and cultural experience which has real significance and impact. The dedication of its team of community volunteers has transformed the lives of many across the generations, it has fostered a vitally important connection between diverse ethnic groups and crucially has at the same time enabled people to feel more connected with their heritage. I feel privileged to have been invited to become a Patron and look forward to furthering our relationship together.”
The event was attended by several distinguished guests, including The Right Honourable The Earl Howe, the High Commissioner for St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the Chairman of Buckinghamshire Council, the Mayor of High Wycombe, and the Member of Parliament for Wycombe.
Speaking at the event, SV2G Chairman Chris Roberts said: “We are incredibly proud and deeply honoured to receive The King’s Award for Voluntary Service. This award belongs to every volunteer who has contributed to SV2G over the past 22 years. Their passion, commitment, and creativity have helped us become a national voice in arts and heritage, and a vital part of our community. We’re also thrilled to welcome The Countess Howe as our Patron. Her support brings renewed strength to our mission of empowering future generations through cultural connection.”
St. Vincent and the Grenadines Second Generation (SV2G) empowers diverse communities through cultural, arts, and heritage programmes rooted in African and Caribbean traditions. Its initiatives include the School of Steelpan, Wycombe Steel Orchestra, Carnival Arts programmes, and pioneering heritage education projects that promote intergenerational learning, social inclusion, and wellbeing.
The charity has long been recognised as a pioneer in delivering innovative arts and heritage programmes that uplift communities and foster intergenerational pride. Among its most impactful recent initiatives is the People’s Health Trust programme, which delivered 448 creative wellbeing sessions focused on mental health support, music therapy, and community dialogue. These sessions have benefited hundreds of young people and families, playing a vital role in strengthening intergenerational connectivity and pride in heritage.
For further information, email office@sv2g.org.uk.
The information was sourced from a press release sent to us by St. Vincent and the Grenadines 2nd Generation (SV2G).
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