Dr Kendrick Lewis, a Grenadian who is a Corporate Research Fellow with Momentive Performance Chemicals, will be the guest speaker at the annualIndependenceevent for a Grenadian/American non governmental organization based inCentral Florida.
The Grenada American Educational and Cultural Organisation will commemorate the island’s 38th Independence anniversary with a Pre Valentine Gala and Awards on February 11th. It will be held at the Holiday Inn Hotel,5905 Kirkman Road,Orlando,Florida. The main entertainer for the night will be former calypso monarch Edson “Ajamu” Mitchell while the honorees for the night will be aUS based Grenadian promoter and a juvenile in the community where the organization is based.
The juvenile is currently participating in a probation/rehabilitation programme and has submitted an essay about plans for his or her future in an essay competition organized by GAECO. The author of the winning essay will receive financial assistance to continue with their educational pursuit.
The other honoree will beBrooklynbased Derek Ventour of DEE VEE International Productions. He will be recognized for his exceptional contribution towards promotingGrenada’s and by extension Caribbean culture in theUS.
As a Research Fellow, the Guest speaker’s research interests encompass catalytic reactions of silicon and silicon compounds and the use of silicon compounds in medical and dental applications. He has authored a number of technical publications and inventor of thirty issued US patents and published patent applications. Momentive Performance Materials Inc. is a global leader in silicones and advanced materials, it delivers science-based solutions by linking custom technology platforms to opportunities for customers.
Born in Gouyave, Dr Lewis is a former student of theGrenadaBoysSecondary Schooland is the immediate past President of the GBSS Alumni Association of New York. He is also the principal benefactor of a scholarship fund initiated in 1991 in the parish ofSt John’swhich provided financial assistance to the student who places first in the parish in the common entrance examinations.
President, John Munro said that the organization which was formed in 2006 will continue to provide financial assistance to the Grenada Patient Kidney Foundation. “There continues to be more and more referrals to the Foundation because most patients in need of dialysis treatment cannot afford to pay. They need the help and we in our own little way will continue to make our contribution towards this worthy cause,” he said.
The Independence Gala and Awards is the main fundraising event of GAECO.