A toast at the end of the presentation. From left: Michael Frederick, Vanessa White, Pedro Wilson, Beyoncé Amerikaan, Urmain Dormoy and Inigma Amerikaan. (Robert Luckock photos)
SUCKER GARDEN--Life does not always have to be put on hold because of a physical disability, and often one can find an outlet to pursue a passion that makes life more bearable, no matter how hard the challenge is. Beyoncé Amerikaan is proof of that.
Beyoncé (16) was born with cerebral palsy, which means she can’t walk, but her life has changed since she discovered drumming and Generation New Status STM Band, and mobility is already returning to her legs and left arm.
Beyoncé with drum teacher Pedro Wilson.
At an informal gathering in the band’s clubhouse Corona Park, Sucker Garden, on Wednesday afternoon, Beyoncé was presented with a drum set by Urmain “Youmay” Dormoy’s Council of Cultural and Artistic Expressions Foundation (COCAAE).
“Beyonce has been drumming and training with us for over a month now every Monday and we thought it a good idea to get her a drum kit she can use at home to continue her therapy,” explained Urmain. “She is very eager. She loves music. Her favourite band is ‘Earth, Wind and Fire’ from the ’70s. We are keen to see how she progresses. Drumming could be something for other persons with reduced mobility.
“It’s good for other kids to see this. Beyoncé shows that there’s no need to be afraid or shy away from a challenge. She’s part of the band, she’s energetic and has a great personality. That’s very important for self-esteem. She’s not feeling sorry for herself.”
The chemistry between Beyoncé and her drum teacher Pedro Wilson, Urmain’s brother, is very evident. The two interact constantly. Once behind the drum kit and a funky backing track starts, she is grinning from ear to ear.
The fundraiser to buy the drum set was organised by avid music lover Vanessa White who runs the Facebook group SXM Live Music. Contributions to purchase the drum set were made by seven tourists and three local residents, including long-standing supporter of Generation New Status band Michael Frederick. US $550 was raised in less than a week. Certificates of appreciation were given to those who donated.
Addressing all the band members, she said. “I want you to know the reach that you have. It’s not just here on this island. SXM Live Music gets 18- to 19-thousand hits a month, from North America, Central America and Europe. Everyone wants to know about the music community on this island.”
The donation was a poignant moment for Beyoncé’s mother, Inigma Amerikaan. She expressed a mixture of happiness and gratitude and some regret over the treatment on the Dutch side for someone in Beyoncé’s condition.
“If she had received the proper therapy she would have been walking by now, but our system doesn’t work 100 per cent in these kinds of cases,” she lamented. “The schools also need to do more. But I heard through word of mouth about Urmain and Generation New Status Band, so I asked him and he agreed to try her out. Now she is doing better and better, moving her legs and arm more often. We are seeing progress.
“It is strange to us that she likes all the music from the ’70s, but that’s the way it is. She also likes being a DJ. When other kids are looking at social media, Beyonce looks at drumming tutorials.”
The presentation ended with a jam session with the band and Beyoncé giving it her all. Urmain made an appeal for funds to repair the wooden clubhouse, which needs strengthening and a new roof. The clubhouse doubles as an art gallery.
The COCAEE Foundation can be reached at (1-721) 581-2912 or email
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