Dear members and friends,

Our community lost a very special person on October 2, 2009, when Mrs. Lyris Aquing, Treasurer of the Trinidad & Tobago Cultural Society of BC for many years, passed on after an extended battle with cancer.

Despite the warning signs, when the end came, it was still a shock. It is not easy to reconcile that this gentle soul is no longer with us. She was truly wonderful in the eyes of so many.

Although Lyris expressed clearly that she did not wish for any recognition of this sort, we would be sorely remiss if we did not take time to mention the exceptional significance that she holds in the history of our Society. She deserves the highest honour for the sacrifices she made for us, and recognition of the personal suffering it caused -- always endured with her quiet dignity.

This year at Caribbean Days Festival, we received a letter that truly underscores how the Festival successfully meets its mandate to promote multiculturalism in our part of Canada.

The letter, from the Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, can be viewed here. The full text follows.

Are you a second-generation or other younger member of the local Caribbean community in Vancouver? If so, here is an invitation for you.

View an archived edition of Kiss Ka Dee Kalling