The Department of Diaspora Affairs has successfully facilitated the clearance and release of charitable items upon their arrival in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The items were donated by Dede’s Bright Futures Foundation, a Montreal-based charitable organisation founded and owned by a Vincentian.

Through the Department’s assistance, the organisation was able to avoid additional customs duties on donations directed toward supporting children and communities in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

The donation included more than 60 school bags containing school supplies and other educational materials. The items were distributed on Friday, August 21, 2026, to students at Clare Valley and Questelles Government Schools.

On Monday, August 24, 2026, representatives of Dede’s Bright Futures Foundation paid a courtesy call to the Department of Diaspora Affairs, and met with Ms. Sharon Jones, Senior Advisor, to express their appreciation for the Department’s support of this charitable initiative. 

The representatives included Mrs. Desria Frederick-Wilson, a Vincentian living in Canada and Founder of Dede’s Bright Futures Foundation, and Ms. Leslieanna Joseph, the Foundation’s Liaison Officer based in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

The Department of Diaspora Affairs extends its sincere gratitude to the Office of the Director General within the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning for its assistance in facilitating the clearance and release of the charitable items.

The Department remains committed to strengthening its engagement with Vincentians in the Diaspora and looks forward to continuing to support charitable initiatives that contribute to the well-being and development of children and communities throughout Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

SOURCE: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Foreign Investment and Diaspora Affairs