Legendary Caribbean musical arranger Dr. Franklyn “Frankie” McIntosh was among five Vincentian “icons” inducted Saturday night during the inaugural St. Vincent and the Grenadines Cultural Hall of Fame at Nazareth Regional High School in Brooklyn, hosted by the Brooklyn-based Dynamite Cultural Organization (DCO).

DCO, renowned for its dynamic presence in New York’s Caribbean community, is the home of the Dynamite Calypso Tent of New York, the lone Vincentian calypso tent in North America.

Dr. McIntosh was inducted for his role in the performing arts.

The other inductees were Veronica John and Roy “The Dragon” Ralph (both posthumously) for culinary and visual arts, respectively; the Spiritual Baptist Religion in the heritage and legacy category; and historian Dr. Adrian Fraser for literary arts.

DCO described McIntosh, D.Litt., as “a true giant in the world of Caribbean music.”

It said his “holding an honorary Doctorate of Letters from the University of the West Indies reflects his vast accomplishments” and that he is “celebrated as a musical genius, calypso maestro and a foundational architect of Soca music.

“His innovative arrangements, infectious melodies, and profound inspired contributions have left an indelible mark on the Caribbean music scene, solidifying his place as not only a national but also a regional treasure,” DCO said.

It remembered John as a “culinary visionary” who founded VeeJays Restaurant in Kingstown, the Vincentian capital.

DCO said John had a “profound impact on Vincentian cuisine” and that VeeJays was “more than just a restauranteur.

“She was a culinary matriarch, who defined the essence of Vincentian hospitality and championed the unique flavors of the nation,” it said. “Her influence on the Vincentian palate and culinary traditions continues to resonate today.”

DCO characterized the Spiritual Baptist Religion as “a cornerstone of Vincentian history and identity,” which is “recognized for its enduring legacy.

“This seminal institution shaped the social and spiritual fabric of the nation, embodying resilience and unwavering faith in the face of historical persecution,” it said. “Its inclusion highlights the importance of faith and community in the Vincentian narrative.”

DCO said Ralph was “an iconic mas man and visionary costume designer.

“His revolutionary contributions transformed Vincy Mas, injecting creativity, innovation, and awe-inspiring artistry into the annual carnival celebrations,” it said. “He pushed the boundaries of costume design and brought a fresh perspective to traditional mas, leaving an enduring legacy for future generations of mas men and women.”

DCO said Dr. Fraser, “a distinguished historian, author, and educator, is recognized for his unwavering dedication to preserving and disseminating Vincentian and Caribbean history.

“His extensive research, insightful publications, and commitment to education have played a vital role in fostering a deeper understanding of our and the region’s rich cultural heritage and complex historical narratives,” it said.

In introducing McIntosh at the induction ceremony – with former St. Vincent and the Grenadines Minister of Culture Renee Baptiste and DCO President Carlos “Rejector” Providence serving as Mistress and Master of Ceremonies, respectively – Cyril “Scorcher” Thomas, a St. Vincent and the Grenadines Cultural Ambassador and former Deputy Consul General to New York, said, in jest, that McIntosh was “responsible” for him “offending you over the years.”

“I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart,“ Thomas said. “Frankie is one of the humblest persons I’ve ever met. Tonight, I want to thank you for the gift you’ve given to St. Vincent and the Grenadines.”

In his acceptance speech, McIntosh said that when he migrated to New York, he brought with him the “skillset and experience“ he had obtained in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

However, he said he was “grateful to America, especially Brooklyn College (City University of New York), for the opportunity to fully develop“ his skills.

In accepting the award in honor of her late mother, flanked by her nephew, Liam Minors, 10, Linette John said Veronica John’s journey was “guided by passion.“

“Her culinary experience was soulful,“ she said. “It was a way of bringing people together. Her legacy will live on.”

Mas designer Ricardo “Puzzle“ Grant, who inducted Ralph, described the late mas producer as an “innovator“ and “perfectionist,” among other things.

Garry Buddha Ralph, who accepted the award on behalf of his father, said Ralph was “not just a man of great talent and passion for the arts—he was a visionary, a cultural ambassador, and a true icon in his own right.

“Many of you may know him for his unforgettable presence as one of the most iconic mas men this country has ever known,“ the younger Ralph said. “For those who had the pleasure of witnessing his work, they will know that his designs weren’t just costumes—they were expressions of history, heritage, and the heartbeat of our culture.”

Accepting the award on behalf of the Spiritual Baptists of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Bishop Philip Quow, who was born in Rose Hall and grew up in Rose Hall and Coulls Hill – both in North Leeward, St. Vincent and the Grenadines – said: “To be in your presence today is a spirit and honor.

“We were born in obscurity,“ he said after a lengthy spiritual rendition of “Lamb of God.” “Twenty-one years ago, we were registered in Geneva (Switzerland) and became an established religion.

“We have been survivors,“ Bishop Quow added. “Our evolution has been astonishing. Today is, indeed, a fait accompli.

“I’m proud to say our Houses of Worship are built with other established religions,“ he continued. “I thank you for how far we have come. I thank God.”

After Bert Fraser, who flew to New York from the Dallas area in Texas, introduced his brother, Dr. Fraser, the latter noted that, for over 20 years, he’s written about the Spiritual Baptists and wrote a book “especially for them.”

Dr. Fraser thanked DCO for initiating the ceremony and inducting him into the Cultural Hall of Fame.

Later, he told Caribbean Life he felt “humbled to be honored.

“I’m honored to have been selected,“ Dr. Fraser added. “What they have done is not only historic – it’s something that should have been done before. It’s really appreciated.”

Providence, a calypsonian, also presented a plaque to his vice president Peter Burke and his wife for their “hard work to the organization.”

St. Vincent and the Grenadines Consul General to the United States Rondy “Luta“ McIntosh, a soca artist himself, said, “The contributions of tonight’s inductees transcend time.“

DCO said selecting the inaugural inductees was “a meticulous and comprehensive process.”

It said nominations were solicited from the Vincentian public and that “each submission underwent a rigorous vetting and fact-checking process by a diverse panel, comprising DCO members and Vincentians residing both in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and across the Diaspora.

“This commitment to inclusivity ensured that the selection panel truly represented the global community of Vincentians, guaranteeing a process free of bias and rooted in genuine merit,“ DCO said.

“The inaugural class of inductees represents a pantheon of Vincentian luminaries, each a titan in their respective field,“ it added. “This landmark initiative aims to enshrine the legacies of individuals and institutions that have significantly shaped and enriched Vincentian culture and heritage both within St. Vincent and the Grenadines and across the Diaspora.”

Providence said DCO has “long recognized the need to honor, respect, and celebrate our heroes—not just to glorify the inductees but also to inspire and educate this and future generations about the tireless and ingenious work of our heroes, thus encouraging continuity.“

DCO’s public relations officer, Glenroy “Gobells“ Phillips, said his organization was “incredibly honored to launch the St. Vincent & the Grenadines Cultural Hall of Fame.

“These inductees embody the very best of Vincentian culture, their contributions enriching our community and the world at large,“ he said. “This ceremony is a tribute to their remarkable achievements and enduring legacies, ensuring they receive the recognition they so richly deserve.”