Members, families, friends and supporters of the Brooklyn-headquartered Independent United Order of Mechanics, Friendly Society, Western Hemisphere, Inc. (IUOM) gathered at Glen Island State Park, New Rochelle on Aug. 16 for the Order’s annual Family Day sponsored by the Executive Committee of Grand Council.

It was picture-perfect weather for this annual gathering of fraternal members, families and friends who began arriving at about 10:00 a.m., with activities ending at 6:00 p.m.

Members of the Planning Committee, under the leadership of Grenadian-born Chairman, Eddie Radix, was assigned the task of chairing the committee, which comprised five District Grand Jurisdictions in New York City– Alpha District Grand Lodge #1, Ben Hur District Grand Lodge #1, Brooklyn District Grand Lodge #1, Composite District Grand Lodge #2, and King Solomon District Grand Lodge #1.

There was also the New England District Grand Lodge #1 for Connecticut/Massachusetts.

“We want to make sure that the members and their families and supporters have a good time,” said District Grand Master Jamaican-born Herald Saunders, leader of the Composite District Grand Lodge #2 and Host District for this year’s Family Day in welcoming guests.

“Hon. Radix has worked very hard with members of his committee to ensure that the day will be a success,” he added, thanking the Deputy Master of the Order and members of the Executive Committee of Grand Council for their presence and for giving Composite District Grand Lodge the opportunity to host this year’s Family Day.

“To all our family members, supporters and friends and especially our sponsors, I want to extend a big thank-you for your continued support”, Saunders continued.

Musical entertainment was provided by Tri-Sonic Sounds, with maestro Jamaican-Chinese DJ extraordinaire “Popeye” at the controls, who was ably assisted by his compatriot music coach/mentor Tyvious Stephenson, also a member of the Order.

Guests danced to Pop, Rock, Hip Hop, R&B, Jazz, Salsa, Reggae, Calypso, African and other genres of music.

Delicious West Indian breakfast and lunch were served by the Committee’s Community Table headed by St. Lucian-born Cynthia Wilkie.

The Day was also packed with fun-filled activities and games for both children and adults.

Games included sack race, egg and spoon, domino, Frisby, track and field, District Grand Master’s Walk, hula hoop and domino contest.

There were also free gives-away with long lines at the Mechanics Spinning Wheel.

Winners and participants were presented with trophies and medallions presented by members of the Executive Committee.

Jamaican-born Rt. Hon. Glenver Jones, Grand Deputy Master of the Order, apologized for the international leader, his compatriot, Rt. Hon. Errol G. Collins, Most Worshipful Grand Master, who was absent due to family engagement.

Jones introduced all five District Grand Masters of NYC Metropolitan Area in attendance:  District Grand Master Jamaican-born Herald Saunders of Composite District Grand Lodge #2 and leader of the Host District for 2025 Family Day; Panamanian-born District Grand Master Kenneth Ponder of King Solomon District Grand Lodge #1; Jamaican-born District Grand Master Sylvester Gibson of Alpha District Grand Lodge #1; Guyanese-born District Grand Master Myrthland Ince of Brooklyn District Grand Lodge #1; and Panamanian-born District Grand Master Federico Beaumont of Ben Hur District Grand Lodge #1, along with some members from the New England District Grand Jurisdiction, who were present in the absence of their District Grand Master.

“Today, we have all the Executive Councilors in attendance, except the Rt. Hon. Errol G. Collins, Most Worshipful Grand Master, and Rt. Hon. Leighton Dingwall, Executive Grand Secretary,” Jones said. “Last week, we were in the Cayman Islands for a District Inauguration. At that time, there were 22 District Grand Lodges worldwide, and with the inauguration of the Cayman District Grand Lodge. Today, I am pleased to report that we now have 23 District Grand Jurisdictions worldwide.

“Family Day is coming back,” he added. “Do you feel it? Is everyone having a good time?”

The gathering responded resoundingly, “yes”.

with applause from the audience.  “Yes” he continued, “I feel it myself”.

Jone said “the sisters are taking over,” stating that, in the past, “the brothers were always the champion domino players, but, today, look at what is happening. We have a team of two sisters from my district, Composite District Grand Lodge, emerging as winners of the tournament”.

Composite District Grand Jurisdiction took home the Domino Championship Trophy, with dynamic duo, Cynthia Wilkie and Jerrel Radix, emerging winning team in the tournament playoff with Ben Hur District, Alpha District and King Solomon District Grand Jurisdictions.

Beaumont was declared winner of the District Grand Master’s Walk.

“Overall, it was an enjoyable day”, said one visitor from Connecticut.  “This is not my first time coming to Family Day with my friends. I always feel welcome, and there is always plenty of food to go around”.

Reflecting on the day’s activities, Jamaican-born Hyacinth Robinson-Goldson, IUOM Community Liaison to the Executive and member of the Alpha District Grand Jurisdiction said: “It was a lot of work, but very rewarding.

“The Committee worked very hard to make sure that this Family Day was a success,” she told Caribbean Life. “I love to see the children enjoying themselves with their families and the interactions with members at our annual Family Day gathering

“It is a beautiful day; the weather really held up,” she added. “Our Order is like a little United Nations; there are members here today from most of the Caribbean islands and other parts of the world. And, today, we are celebrating under one umbrella of the Independent United Order of Mechanics, as one big happy family.

“It is a day of fun, camaraderie, laughter, networking, good food and good vibes,” Robinson-Goldson continued. “We look forward to more participation in 2026.”