Monroe Celebrates Caribbean Independence Days

Independence season is Monroe student Milano Remie’s favorite time of year. In his home country of Dominica, the beginning of October is a time of celebration and partying, recognizing the nation’s freedom from British rule since 1978. 

“Being away from home, especially during this time of year, was particularly challenging for me,” Milano said. “And being far from home made it difficult, but this event made me feel at home for a moment. I could almost picture myself, no longer battling the cold weather, but back home, enjoying the sun with my fellow Dominicans.”  

Milano was one of more than 60 Monroe University international students and dignitaries from Caribbean countries gathered for collective Independence Day festivities for three nations. Held at The Dining Lab at Monroe’s New Rochelle campus, international students from Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines celebrated their nations and cultural heritage with music, dancing, food and community on November 1. 

Last year, Monroe President Marc Jerome launched the International Initiative, an effort to create a greater sense of belonging and community among international students at the institution’s New York campuses. 

“The purpose behind this initiative is to foster meaningful connections and create a 'home away from home' for our students,” said Joeane Laurent, a former international student herself and current Director of Residential Life at Monroe. “Recognizing these important national holidays helps international students stay connected to their heritage while studying abroad, building a supportive and inclusive campus environment.”  

Specifically, the November 1 event celebrated the independence days of Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, and St. Vincent & the Grenadines as part of its commitment to honoring and embracing the cultural diversity of its student body.  This celebration aimed to foster greater cultural awareness and appreciation, while recognizing the nations’ successful bids for independence.  

Celebrating Antigua and Barbuda’s Independence Day at Monroe University felt like “both a privilege and an honor” to graduate student Roshade Collins.  

“Coming from a small island like Antigua, I never expected much representation in a place as big as the United States,” she said. “Seeing my country proudly celebrated at Monroe University was surreal. It’s uplifting every time I see the Antiguan flag, meet an Antiguan staff member, or connect with other Antiguan students.” 

Accounting major Shaida Francois, also from Dominica, said she ultimately chose Monroe after she had heard from others on her island about how at home they felt in their time there, despite being thousands of miles away.   

“I would definitely recommend Monroe to others from Dominica,” Shaida said. “The staff makes you feel genuinely welcomed, and the college truly celebrates everyone’s culture. The diversity here is amazing—you have the chance to meet people from all around the world, including your own.”  

Like Milano, Forensic Psychology graduate student Melisia Cordice was disappointed that she was missing the festivities back home in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. When she learned that Monroe would be holding an Independence Day celebration for its Caribbean students, she was excited and a little nervous.  

“I am so happy Monroe University made it possible for me to celebrate,” she said. “I was able to wear my national colors, sing my nation's anthem, share its history, and eat with other Vincentian students. This experience brought back memories and a taste of the unity and camaraderie I feel at home.”  

Monroe University was honored to have many dignitaries join in the event, which was a wonderful surprise for the students who felt truly honored by their attendance. Our deep admiration and gratitude to all those who were able to attend and make the event even more special, notably: 

Antigua and Barbuda 
Aubrey Webson, Ambassador   
Michelle Lightfoot, Consulate   
Dr. Sanjoy Semper-Edwards, Alum and Executive Board Member for the Antigua and Barbuda Student Association  

Dominica  
His Excellency Dr. Philbert Aaron, Ambassador, Permanent Representative and Permanent Mission of the Commonwealth of Dominica to the United Nations  
Mr. Sheldon Peter Anthony, Consulate  

St. Vincent and the Grenadines  
Richard MacLeish, Director of Sales, USA St. Vincent and The Grenadines Tourism Office 

Several Monroe staff members were instrumental to the success of this particular event and we thank them for their continued dedication to making sure that international students feel like they have found a home at Monroe. They are: 

Antigua and Barbuda  
Tenisha Sebastian, Graduate Assistant for Student Activities  
Desia Monsanto, Monroe University Assistant Director of Graduate Practical Training & Career Services  

Dominica  
Robert Cascio,  Assistant Director NR Student Services  
Staren Brayboy, Monroe University Career Advisor/Internship Coordinator             

St. Vincent and the Grenadines  
 Sarine Hannaway – Graduate Residence Director 

It was a fun, festive event.  We will be sure to do it again next year!