Schedule Of Activities:
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Although the reunion concentrated extensively on one week, several family members remained in SVG for two weeks, and a few remained for one month. Upon arrival in SVG, the Phills family planning committee comprising of Dr. Jim Sr., Gertie and Artie went into high gear immediately. The events that follow will only whet your appetite, because it will take a novel to capture all of it.
Friday 24th
7-10 p.m. - Meet and Greet - Host Dr. Jim Sr.
11:30 p.m. - Church Service
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The "Meet and Greet Reception" held at Sunset Shores Hotel located at Villa Beach, and hosted by Dr. Jim Sr. was a raving success. This was the first family gathering, and what a kick-off event it was. Everyone had access to an open bar and finger licking delicacies for the entire evening. Our leader and host, Dr. Jim could not have done a better job.
The majority of the Phills family, relatives and acquaintances attended the Carol Service at St. Paul's Anglican Church at Calliaqua. The Church was packed, and as was expected, the Rector, The Rev. Richard Paynter welcomed the Phills Family as he initiated the Peace among the parishioners. For many, it was a rewarding experience to be back at St. Paul's and to be greeted by many familiar faces.
Saturday 25th
12 noon - 6:00 p.m. - Family Dinner - Mariner's Inn:
Sing Carols - 1 minute biography from the Phills family.
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Saturday being Christmas, the family congregated at Mariner's Inn Restaurant for Christmas Luncheon. Mariner's Inn is also located at Villa Beach overlooking the infamous Young Island on which Dr. Jim Jr. and his charming wife, Dr. Debbie stayed. This was the first formal setting for the family Reunion, and Artie, co-leader, was the Master of Ceremonies.
At this event, Dr. Jim Sr. eloquently spoke of the Phills family heritage. He emphasized that the Phills family was blessed with great genes, and that we could be anything we wanted to be. His message left an impact on the younger generation. Following Dr. Jim Sr. each Phills member presented a one-minute personal testimonial, including family origin, educational achievements, business orientations and future plans. The presentations were simply incredible. As one member said, "The Phills Family is a remarkable family", comprising of Doctors, Ministers, Scholars and Business Professionals, and Authors.
Following dessert, Charles led the group in singing their most favorite Christmas Carols.
Sunday 26th
7 a.m. Church Service - St. Pauls, Calliaqua
10:00 a.m. tour The Falls of Baleine
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Sunday's activities were for the survivors, since some members felt ill from the previous day's event. Nevertheless, the tour to the Falls of Baleine was very enjoyable. A group of approximately 30 members left the Villa/Young Island Jetty in two powered-boats for the 1 1/2 hours speedboat ride to the Falls. The ride was spectacular as the speedboats meandered in and out of the coastline, permitting us to take pictures of the coastal towns and settlements, while exploring the coves and the inlets. At the same time, the skipper of the boat provided a natural historic tale as we proceeded with haste along the coastline.
When we got into the vicinity of the Falls of Baleine, we could see the Island of St. Lucia in the distance. As the boats entered the cove to embark for the Falls, there was no jetty and the boat could not go onto the shore because of rocks and the outboard motors. Therefore, the boats went in as close as they could, so that the members could swim ashore. Although we were all wearing life jackets at this time, it was a real challenge for some swimmers to assist non-swimmers ashore. Once we were all ashore, the Falls were only 100 yards away. The view was spectacular, and many members swam at the base of the Falls.
The ride back to Villa was uneventful, as the boat captain chose to return in a route at a greater distance from the coastline so that we could view the mountain peaks from a distance. At this time, we had drunk enough rum punches to influence the skipper to open the trottle at full speed. Overall, we all had a great time, and would do it again.
Monday 27th
Reception at Dr. Bertram's (Chic) Home
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Monday is a holiday in SVG that is referred to as Boxing Day after a British tradition. To celebrate the glorious occasion, Artie collaborated with Dr. Chic and others to host a reception at his marvelous home. This was a tremendous event, because the scope of bonding and fellowship included family and acquaintances. There are no words to describe Dr. Chic's home and its appeal, as many members inhabited the various porches overlooking the Grenadines, the coastline, the surrounding mountains and Sand Bay beach just below.
The food and drinks were quite appetizing, and we danced into the late evening. I believe that this experience was first of its kind, so Dr. Chic, we thank you for your generosity
Tuesday 28th
Free Day
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Tuesday was a free day, so many members chose to visit Kingstown and conduct some individual and personal business.
Wednesday 29th
Trip to the Island of Bequia
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The boat ride and tour of Bequia was another exciting event. Approximately 40 members boarded Admiral 1 Ferry at 9:00 a.m. for the one-hour ride to Bequia. The ocean was calm, so the trip was tolerable. Artie had arranged for some mini vans to drive us around in Bequia. We traveled through various parts of Bequia observing the smaller islands (Grenadines) as we drove along the coastline.
The group split up for lunch at two notable Restaurants in Bequia, the Frangipani and the Ginger Bread Restaurants. The lunches were quite enjoyable. Those who lunched at the Frangipani Restaurant enjoyed the pleasure of wining and dining with Sir James Mitchell, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Sir James was so impressed with the discussions, warmth and rapport that he spent over two hours talking to the Phills family. The only disappointment at this event is that the Phills members from Canada did not meet the Prime Minister.
After lunch, the vans took us to the fabulous beach called "Low Bay" where we swam for about two hours. We then returned to the Ferry for the trip back to the mainland. A few days later, we were able to obtain a videotape of Sir James Mitchell Television message to the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, in which he recognized and praised the Phills family reunion. In so doing, he indicated that family members came from the United States and Nova Scotia, and how he knew members of the Phills family in St. Vincent.
Thursday 30th
Bus Trip to Salt Pond, Owia
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The trip to Salt Pond, Owia was another thrilling event. Owia is the second most northern point on the island. "Fancy" is the name of the most northern community. Approximately 40 of us in two buses went on this gorgeous
1 1/2 hour trip. The buses traveled along the windward coast, parallel to the Atlantic ocean. We traveled through various towns, villages and banana plantations. After leaving Georgetown, we crossed the "Dry River" which at the time had boulders and small streams of water. The drivers had to navigate quite skilfully to cross the wide river-bed. Usually, when it rains a lot and the waters from the La Soufriere Mountain come down, no traffic can cross the river for days.
The next community after Georgetown is Sandy Bay, home of the Caribs who were the first residents of St. Vincent. Owia is the next community after Sandy Bay. The roads between Georgetown and Owia were very threatening as a result of the mountainous nature of the island and the narrow roads in that part of the island. During the trip, Dr. Jim Sr. narrated some history of the island.
The Salt Pond site and overall vicinity were extremely scenic. Only pictures can describe the scenes. Try to imagine being on an elevation and looking down at a bed of rocks in shallow waters, and waves 15-20 feet high beating against the outer rocks and the water sizzling over and through the bed of rocks. Within the bed of rock are ponds of salt water where one can soak and swim short distances. One of the challenges is to get to the ponds to swim. This is difficult, because one has to step on rocks that are very sharp and pointed which can cut your feet.
There are about 200 steps that take one from the elevation to the bed of rocks. A number of members enjoyed the ponds. After swimming, everyone congregated on the elevation and enjoyed fine foods and drinks.
On the way back, the bus tour took a diversion through the Mesopotamia Valley to give us an internal view of the rich country vegetation and the interior villages. Overall, this was another wonderful day.
Friday 31st
Bus Trip to Richmond on the Leeward Coast
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The events on this day were incredible. The day started with the bus trip to Richmond on the leeward coast in the morning, returning in the afternoon with only a few hours to relax before the grand New Year Eve's celebration that started at about 8:00 p.m. Here are some highlights of the day.
The Rev. Neville and his wife Jackie organized the trip to the leeward coast. In our pursuit to Richmond, we traveled through several towns and villages, including the ones in which Neville and Jackie ministered to the Methodist
Parishioners. We actually saw the Methodist churches that were under his direction and the house in which Neville and Jackie resided.
We visited an area called "Paradise", and we slowly walked up a steep trail called "The Vermont Nature Trails". We came to the Brereton's Property, and filled up on oranges that were available from an orange tree.
The trip to Richmond was awesome. It was very interesting driving through the towns that we saw from the ocean (boat ride) when we visited The Falls of Baleine. It was even more amazing as we traveled up the mountainous roads and looked down at the communities in the deep valleys and the ocean. At times we found ourselves at the top of mountains surrounded by higher mountain peaks.
Friday 31st
Old Year's/New Year's Eve Celebration at Sunset Shores Hotel
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The New Year's Eve event at the Sunset Shores Hotel was the celebration of the century. Practically everyone attended this function in semi formal attire. Everyone including the youth looked gorgeous. There were food, drinks and music galore through the wee hours the next morning. We listened to the soft melodious sounds of one band while we dined. Then we danced profusely to the sounds of the Calypso and Soca band, while tracking back and forth between the two open bars. Dr. George was having so much fun that he danced with every lady on the dance floor.
The crowd was ecstatic as the clock struck midnight to introduce the new century. The band played Auld lang syne and the moment was filled with excitement, bonding and fellowship. Spectacular fireworks on the beach, initiated by the Sunset Shores Hotel management staff complemented this thrilling moment. Overall, this was an evening and an experience to remember.
Saturday 1st
Family Fellowship and Bonding at the Joshua's
Honoring three Aunts
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The hallmark of this day was the family reception at Aunt Emily's home to honor Aunts Emily, Eloise and Sarah. Cousin Gertie (Co-Leader) led the activities for this reception. This was a very special occasion as Gertie discussed the Phills family tree, and the family discussed the Phills family heritage in general. There was some discussion also that Bobby Phills (famous basketball player) and his family may be descendants of this Phills family tree.
Several speeches and testimonials were expressed at this occasion. Artie indicated that he was planning to donate a sum of $853 Eastern Caribbean dollars to the Rector and Principal of St. Paul's Anglican School on behalf of the Phills Family. Artie indicated that the Family as a whole should be proud of this undertaking. The following is an excerpt of some key elements of the letter:
To: The Rev. Richard Paynter
Re: The Phills Family Scholastic Fund
Dear Father Paynter,
Greetings and Salutations from the entire Phills Family who has just celebrated the Millennium and a marvelous Family Re-Union in St. Vincent and the Grenadines from December 23 through January 2, 2000. In memory of this historic event, the Phills family has elected to contribute the enclosed sum of Eight Hundred and Fifty Three Eastern Caribbean dollars ($853.00 EC) to the St. Paul's Anglican School. The purpose is to assist students with financial need, who have graduated from the St. Paul’s Anglican School to enter any Secondary High School in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
The oversight and administration of this financial aid is delegated to Fr. Paynter and Ms. Pam Charles, the Principal of the St. Paul’s Anglican School. Because education is of utmost importance to the Phills Family, we feel that there is no better gift we can provide to our future generation. Please provide us with periodic status on the progress of this undertaking; etc, etc;
In closing, the speechmakers including the younger family members revealed that the reunion was a wonderful experience that should be repeated soon. Then, The Rev. Neville devoted a very touching prayer in honor of the Aunts, and for everyone travelling back to their various destinations.
Sunday 2nd
Departure for some family members
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This Sunday marked the official ending of the Phills Reunion. Some members went to the airport to bid farewell to Dr. Jim Sr. and Gerry, and Cousin Gertie and Raymond who were travelling back to the United States. Also to Dr George and Aclima who were travelling back to Canada, via Trinidad.
The other family members remained in SVG for a longer period. Some participated in other exciting activities and shopping during the second week. The majority left on Friday, 1/7/00.
