Community
Silver and Gold: A Glimpse into Gwinnett County Girl Scouts
Being a Girl Scout is about more than selling cookies and earning cute iron-on patches. It’s about young girls coming together to be a constructive force for good in their communities, spending time in the great outdoors and communing with nature.
The Girl Scouts (GS) organization has endured a tornado of change in the past few years, what with similar youth programs such as the Boy Scouts (now Scouts BSA) opening to female enrollees, not to mention the limitations of extracurricular activities in the wake of COVID-19. Yet the merry band of sashed sisters marches on, thriving albeit in new formats.
Angela Pearson, National Delegate for the Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta council and Service Unit Director for Norcross, has served girls in the program for decades and had interesting insight into the current state of the Scouts.
“We have switched to virtual for the majority of our activities. The service unit is not pressing having any in-person events as that is a decision for families to make. Each troop is deciding what type of face-to-face activities they are participating in based upon their comfort level,” Pearson said. “Safety is an important tenant of the Girl Scout program.”
Gwinnett Girl Scouts year round
In a normal year, the Gwinnett Girl Scouts calendar would be overflowing. Girl Scouts in Duluth have participated in the Christmas Tree Cheer Project for over a decade, decorating table-top Christmas trees to bring cheer into the rooms of children hospitalized during the holidays at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA). This year, the partner charity was Meals on Wheels, since CHOA decided not to participate for safety reasons.
“We usually send around 75 hand-decorated trees to CHOA each year. These trees go to children who are stuck in the hospital during the Christmas season,” troop leader Polly Barcena said. “Each Girl Scout troop decides the theme of their trees. I have seen so many wonderful themes over the years. Examples include Star Wars, Micky and Minnie, Candyland, Disney Princess, Minions, Winter Wonderland and the list goes on!”
In the summer, many girls spend the first week of June at Lilburn Summer Day Camp. Nearly 400 girls and volunteers enjoy activities from woodworking to outdoor cooking and science experiments to crafts. Older girls often return to volunteer as camp assistants after years of attending as campers.
Last year, the camp adopted a virtual format to allow for safe fun and fellowship. It is unclear if it will resume the virtual format for 2021, so visit lilburndaycamp.org for updates.
And let’s not forget the Gwinnett County Girl Scout Bake-Off, a staple for close to 35 years. Skillful baking relies on a knowledge of math and chemistry and helps foster an appreciation of the culinary arts. Each year, more than 100 Girl Scouts in grades K through 12 compete locally with a range of homemade goods they make — with no help from mom or dad. Contestants progress based on wins and the final county-wide competition is decided by community judges.
Though some of these events, and many others, have had to be adjusted due to the pandemic, Girl Scouts across the county still manage to connect in different ways and grow with their troops.
A different kind of troop
All troops have their purpose and their place, but some stand out for their unique function. Gamma Gamma Sigma (GGS) is a feather in the cap of Gwinnett County scouting, celebrating 10 years with 35 current Girl Scout members. It was created as an avenue to retain older girls considering leaving the GS program, open to grades 6 to 12.
“The pillars of my troop are Sisterhood, Philanthropy and Academic Excellence,” Pearson said. “We are a community driven organization that strives to help girls build courage, confidence and character to help the world be a better place.” She explained that GGS is a unique leadership development program that combines the proven outcomes of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE) through a “sorority-type” group targeting teens.
In yet another effort to include all young women, Gwinnett Girl Scouts also offers Outreach Troops, to make sure that no girls miss out on Girl Scouts due to language or financial barriers.
“We are committed to providing accessible program opportunities where they are most needed,” said Leslie Gilliam, Communications Advisor Temp of Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta. “This summer, Girl Scouts, in a partnership with Gwinnett County Parks, provided STEAM [Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics] kits to 400 Gwinnett girls to keep them engaged in fun, educational activities as their worlds shrank due to the pandemic.”
A shining golden light
With every unique troop, there are unique go-getters who set themselves apart. For the truly dedicated and enterprising Girl Scout, there is the high honor of the Gold Award bestowed on those who exhibit the noble qualities professed in the official Girl Scout Promise and Law. The main requirement is the completion of an extensive service project that will have a lasting positive impact on a candidate’s community.
Charlotte Burts of Norcross High School recently received her Gold Award with her project dubbed “Peachtree Corners Outdoor Education and Improvement,” which focused on environmental education for children ages 6 to 18.
Burts and her teams produced an extensive field guide about wildlife in Georgia, a children’s book about wildlife and sustainability practices, five directional signs and one message board at the Fields Club in Peachtree Corners. She has used the children’s book for literacy programs at Pinckneyville Middle School, and through this project has promoted environmental awareness at Simpson Elementary, Norcross High School, Simpsonwood United Methodist Church and Gwinnett County Public Library.
“It is crucial that people understand, appreciate and know about ways to protect the environment in their daily lives,” Burts said.
When asked about the fondest memories of her 12 years of scouting, Burts spoke of her troop hosting Father-Daughter dances. “Getting to see the girls and their dads take silly pictures and make their way through the craft tables, and reminiscing the years I did those activities with my dad, always made those nights so special to me,” she said. “My troop participated as the hosts of the dance many times, and every year we had the same excitement of picking themes and songs to give the younger girls the same amazing experiences that we had in previous years.”
Burts clearly has a strong altruistic mindset, along with the other fine young ladies of Troop 1106 that she has grown up alongside. So it makes perfect sense that she would want to make her troop proud with her Gold Award project.
“For as long as I can remember, I have always looked up to older Girl Scout members who were working toward the higher awards in Scouting. Hearing about the impacts that they made on the community and seeing the results of these projects in schools and neighborhoods made me so excited for the time when I would have the opportunity to do the same,” Burts said.
What sets Girl Scouts apart
Kids these days have many worthwhile youth and recreational programs to choose from. So the question remains: why Girl Scouts?
“Girls have unique developmental needs and participating in a program tailored to those needs has well-documented benefits. Girl Scouts is, and always has been, the expert on girls. Girl Scouts is so much more than a single-gender youth program; it’s the only one that’s girl-led!” Gilliam said.
“Girls choose the exciting, hands-on activities that interest them most—whether that’s earning badges, exploring the great outdoors, learning business skills while selling Girl Scout Cookies, or making a difference in their community.”
Gilliam expanded upon the vibrancy of the Gwinnett program, pointing out that “it’s not unusual to see three generations of Girl Scouts in a family.”
The success of Girl Scouts lies with the parents, leaders and girls who spend their time and energy to ensure its success. “Looking back, I am so glad I stepped up to be a Girl Scout Troop Leader,” Barcena said. “It was scary and unchartered territory. But my desire to develop my daughter into a servant-leader helped me to push past my fears.”
Burts explained that development through scouting happens one step at a time. “As you complete service projects, go on campouts and complete Scouting Journeys, you are able to learn so much about yourself and being a member of a community, which is an unparalleled experience for young girls,” she said.
A popular scouting song that has been around for ages (at least as far back as this writer’s tenure as a Brownie and a Junior), sums up one of the great values of scouting: “Make new friends but keep the old. One is silver and the other’s gold.”
And that leads to an old cliché that rings true: Once a Girl Scout, always a Girl Scout.
City of Peachtree Corners
From the Mayor: Let’s Get Growing – Welcoming the Peachtree Corners Garden Club
With such a botanical sounding name, it’s no wonder that residents of Peachtree Corners are looking to form a garden club. To see if the endeavor would take root, (see what we did there?) members of the Garden Club of Georgia (GCG) held an interest meeting on June 18 at City Hall.
Linda Doiron, third vice president for GCG, and Leanne Penman, chairman of the Norcross Garden Club, led the discussion by giving instructions on how to get started and answering questions about all aspects of membership.
“We have several Peachtree Corners members in our garden club in Norcross that I feel like there is a need here,” said Penman. “You guys have wonderful projects you can work on, so let’s make it a reality through unifying your city, conserving your resources and educating your citizens.”
GCG requirements
GCG requires at least 10 members to charter a club. Annual dues to GCG are $10 for each member, and clubs are allowed to decide what they want to charge for additional membership fees. Much like PTA programs, a portion of the dues goes to a national and state organization.
There is also a regional level comprised of the Deep South states (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee) and district levels within each state. The configuration of the districts within the state is a little confusing, however.
Gwinnett County is part of the Laurel District that goes all the way to the Tennessee border. It includes counties such as Forsyth, Hall, Jackson and Barrow, which touch Gwinnett to the north and east, but not Fulton and DeKalb, which are much closer to Peachtree Corners.
Penman said Norcross petitioned GCG to allow them to be part of the Dogwood District that includes Fulton County and had no trouble getting permission.
“It is very structured, and that gives you a lot of benefits. You could form a local club. But with this structure, it ensures success,” said Penman. “It ensures opportunities. And because we have a lot of sharing going on, we suggest if you really want to give it your best effort, having this structure will help engage.”
Both Penman and Doiron agreed that it allows the club to be visible and that helps in finding worthwhile projects.
“We have found this project that’s really beneficial — a garden therapy project,” said Penman. “It may be at an assisted living facility, or we just visited an autism center that has a new, beautiful garden, but there’s just so many opportunities created from our structure and from the sharing.”
What does a garden club do?
The GCG clubs have three defined goals:
“The first goal is beautification, and it’s just to beautify areas and to make it inviting,” said Doiron. “Peachtree Corners already has beautiful plants to do that. The garden club can help with more of that.”
Conservation is the second goal.
“In that respect, one of our biggest conservation efforts right now is the Okefenokee Swamp,” said Doiron. “There’s a group from Alabama that’s trying to mine a certain part of the Okefenokee for a mineral called titanium oxide that’s only used as a paint brightener.”
Penman couldn’t mask her outrage.
“It only makes your whites whiter, and they’re going to destroy the blackwater swamp for that!” she said.
Both women explained that there’s a lot of local effort — much of it from the Garden Club of Georgia — that has enlisted the help of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service who’s looking to extend the boundaries of the swamp an additional 22,000 acres.
This could lead to a potential buyout of the mining project or the establishment of conservation easements, allowing the agency to manage the land for conservation purposes.
“Another thing that happened from our efforts is that UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) is in the process of confirming the Okefenokee Swamp as a World Heritage Site,” said Doiron. “That would protect it and make it similar to the Taj Mahal or the Galapagos Islands or the Great Wall of China.”
The club’s third goal is education.
“We have youth programs,” said Penman. “But we also have lots of courses on landscaping, environmental art, flower design. And you can go through that whole series of courses as a member.”
There are also various workshops on things like flower arranging and wreath making, as well as symposiums about subjects such as native plants and wildflowers.
Getting started
One of the attendees, Lori Van Duyne, volunteered to get things started. She’s a certified Master Gardener Extension Volunteer and helps coordinate and lead the garden club at Pinckneyville Middle School.
She has set up an email address and a Facebook page where announcements will be posted. She has also agreed to attend a leadership workshop set for June 25. Although she’ll be the “acting president” for now, Van Duyne said that other time commitments would preclude her from taking the position permanently.
Once the club is formed, there will be an election for leaders. Doiron and Penman emphasized that the president and the treasurer are the most vital in the beginning. And as it goes along, the club may choose its own main focus. Each club is fairly autonomous in that sense.
“You decide how you want to run your club,” said Penman. “At Norcross, we have an annual plant sale. That plant sale helps fund all of the initiatives through the Garden Club of Georgia that we wish to donate to.”
Club funding also comes from member dues and donations, with significant contributions to scholarships. Most clubs meet eight times a year, starting in September. Others take November and December off.
Both women emphasized the benefits of joining, including access to grants, educational resources and a structured hierarchy.
“We don’t always talk about growing plants, which is the main focus for our club,” said Penman. “Other clubs may decide to be an advocacy group. Another club may be focused on floral design. It’s really up to you, and you would put that in your mission statement for your garden club.”
What’s next?
A club meeting is currently scheduled for August 12th at 7:00 p.m. in Peachtree Corners.
Those interested should contact the tentatively named Peachtree Corners Garden Club at peachtreecornersgardenclub@gmail.com.
Van Duyne has also put together an interest form to get a feel for how members would like to run the club and what activities they’d like to focus on: forms.gle/oQ9VvLBPcXcLuVes9.
For updates, you can access club information on its Facebook page at facebook.com/people/Peachtree-Corners-Garden-Club/61577611141785.
Photos provided by Norcross Garden Club and Peachtree Corners Garden Club.
This story can be found in the July/August issue of Peachtree Corners Magazine.
Countries often have honorary consulates in major cities across the United States in the absence of embassies or consulate general offices. Heading them up are not career diplomats, but private citizens known as honorary consuls, selected to represent these foreign countries on a voluntary basis.
Besides attending embassy and consulate events, honorary consuls promote bilateral relations and educational ties, support citizens of the represented country and ease cultural and commercial exchanges. Some also assist with consular matters like emergencies, passport renewals and legal matters. Others focus on advocacy.
Close to home, I recently had the pleasure of meeting the honorary consuls of Monaco, the Czech Republic, Ghana and Barbados. I’m delighted to share their fascinating stories with you!
Doug Heckman
Peachtree Corners’ link to the Principality of Monaco
From a distinguished military career to the high-stakes world of finance, Doug Heckman‘s journey proves that it’s astounding where life can take you. When honeymooning in Monaco 43 years ago, the young lieutenant just out of West Point never could’ve dreamed that one day, from his Amberfield neighborhood, he’d represent the most exclusive playground of the rich and famous, the glamorous second-smallest country in the world, as Honorary Consul of Monaco.
A decorated career
Before embracing his diplomatic role, Heckman served an impressive 30 years in the U.S. Army, both active and reserve, as a Special Forces officer. His active duty tours took him to Germany and Fort Bragg, while reserve assignments saw him in special operations units across South America and the Middle East, including multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.
A true patriot, Heckman retired as a colonel in 2011, earning accolades such as the Legion of Merit and three Bronze Stars. His extensive military background, which includes Special Forces, ranger and airborne (jumpmaster), as well as Expert Infantry and Combat Action badges, undoubtedly prepared him for diverse challenges.
Beyond his military prowess, Heckman carved out a 30-year career in investment management, culminating in a leadership position with Virtus Investment Partners and working with financial giants like Merrill Lynch.
The allure of Monaco
With the world’s shortest national coastline, Monaco’s total area spans only 514 acres. Yet the sovereign state is synonymous with luxury hotels, high-end shopping, opulent yachts dotting a breathtaking harbor, the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix and the world-famous Monte Carlo Casino. “They bat much bigger than their weight,” Heckman observed.
Monaco is known as a tax haven, attracting the wealthy and famous, including Formula One drivers and sports icons. As Heckman noted, “The tax structure is very friendly.” Since Monaco does not impose personal income tax, wealth tax or inheritance tax on residents, it’s an appealing location for high-net-worth individuals who are able to retain more of their earnings.
America’s fondness for Monaco can be traced to the 1950s when Hollywood star, Grace Kelly, left everything behind to marry Prince Rainier III.
From the U.S. military to Monaco
How did a seasoned American military officer and financial expert become an honorary consul of this European principality situated between the French and Italian Rivieras? Heckman explained that Monaco, a constitutional monarchy, established full diplomatic relations with the U.S. in 2006, eager to expand its global presence.
Heckman’s appointment came through a serendipitous connection with His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco. Serving on the West Point Board of Advisors, Heckman was asked to escort the prince during a visit to New York for UN Week in 2017. This interaction led to the ambassador’s offer for the retired colonel to take over the honorary consul role in Atlanta.
Despite not being a native Monégasque, his international experience and dedication to service made him an impeccable fit. “As far as the U.S. government is concerned you are a foreign agent of the country you represent,” he clarified, a responsibility he takes seriously, balancing his allegiance to Monaco with his unwavering commitment to the United States.
A fulfilling role
Heckman’s role isn’t a full-time job, but it’s undoubtedly a fun one. He emphasized that promoting Monaco is a joy, “If you’re representing a country, you hope it’s a good one,” he smiled. And a good one it is! Beyond promoting tourism and investment, Heckman’s duties include assisting Monégasque citizens who might encounter issues in the Southeast.
Cultural exchanges are facilitated by Heckman, who assisted in planning stops like Savannah, Disney World and Miami on the itinerary of the Monaco Boys Choir‘s East Coast tour last summer. Recently, he regaled a group from Emory’s Global MBA program visiting Monaco with a chance to meet Prince Albert.
While the position is unpaid, Heckman enjoys the camaraderie with eight other Honorary Consuls of Monaco across the U.S. “It’s a fun group to socialize with,” he shared, mentioning they are typically people of noteworthy standing in their communities.
Some of his eclectic counterparts are Jonathan Warren who runs the Liberace Museum in Las Vegas, Greg Lill, vineyard owner in Seattle and billionaire Dick Wolf in Los Angeles, creator of “Law and Order” and its many spin-offs.
Besides attending events like the Princess Grace Foundation Awards in New York or in Los Angeles, there are annual gatherings to stay updated on Monaco’s internal politics and plan joint initiatives. “We’ve become personal friends and communicate often,” Heckman shared.
Cross the entire country on foot!
For those dreaming of a trip to Monaco, Heckman is your go-to expert. He’s full of tips, from where to stay — “$500 gets you a nice hotel room in Monaco” outside of race week — to must-see attractions like the famous Grand Prix circuit, the spectacular aquarium, Musée Océanographique de Monaco and the iconic Casino de Monte-Carlo.
He’ll even tell you about Monaco’s surprising ventures into space technology, the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters tennis tournaments and the glitzy Angel Film Awards.
Heckman continues to lead a charmed, multidimensional life. From military hero to financial rainmaker and now a diplomatic representative enjoying his retirement and traveling the world with his spouse, Patricia, Doug Heckman is a testament to embracing new adventures and serving with passion.
If you’re curious about the extravagant world of Monaco or simply want to chat with a fascinating individual, you can reach Honorary Consul, Doug Heckman by email at dougheckman2008@gmail.com.
Fun Monégasque Facts
- The royals in Monaco never become kings or queens. They remain princes and princesses. This practice dates to the 1200s when they didn’t want to offend the king of France whose protection they needed.
- Monaco is building into the Mediterranean to reclaim land from the sea.
- Want to move to Monaco? You’ll need to open a bank account depositing at least €500,000. Then, you’ll need to be able to afford the most expensive real estate in the world per square foot.
- Too small for an airport, Monaco is equipped with a heliport only. The nearest airport is the Nice Côte d’Azur Airport in France.
- The Monaco Grand Prix Formula One race takes place on the streets of Monaco. The narrow roads make passing difficult, so plans are brewing for a possible expansion that would allow for more overtakes, for the sheer thrill of sports fans.
Monika Vintrlikova
Between Prague and Peachtree Corners
In Lawrenceville resides a remarkable go-getter linking two worlds: Honorary Consul of the Czech Republic, Monika Vintrlikova. Her story is one of entrepreneurial spirit, community dedication and a deep-seated commitment to strengthening the ties between her homeland and her adopted American home.
The family business and diplomatic service
Vintrlikova’s path to becoming an honorary consul began in 2013 when she and her husband moved to Atlanta to establish the U.S. manufacturing arm of their family business, ALBAform, in Flowery Branch. Her parents founded the manufacturing company in the Czech Republic 35 years ago.
Emphasizing her appreciation for Gwinnett County, especially for its manufacturing environment and quality schools, Vintrlikova shared, “We found it, we love it. It’s a good place.”
Her honorary consul predecessor, George Novak, a gentleman who immigrated to Atlanta after the Soviet occupation of Czechoslovakia in 1968, approached her because of her support for the local Czech school. This cultural school, established by volunteers in 2013, aims to preserve the Czech language and culture for families in the Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Marietta, Peachtree Corners and Johns Creek areas.
Novak, who had served as honorary consul since the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, recognized Vintrlikova’s dedication. In 2019, due to health reasons, he resigned and recommended her. “I knew exactly what I was getting into,” Monika said, reflecting on their close cooperation and friendship.
The diverse roles of an honorary consul
Vintrlikova’s role as honorary consul is multifaceted, encompassing three key areas.
• Consular Agenda —This is the core responsibility, authorized directly by the Czech Embassy in Washington D.C. Vintrlikova provides crucial support to Czech citizens living in Georgia and throughout the Southeast. Her main task involves notarizing Czech documents, a service that saves individuals considerable time and expense.
“They bring me powers of attorney, contracts when they are selling or buying real estate … We are making their life easier,” she explained.
Her official Czech Republic stamp eliminates the need for translations or apostilles. She also facilitates passport services and can issue emergency passports for urgent travel needs. Additionally, she helps with dual citizenship applications for American citizens with Czech heritage, guiding them through the necessary paperwork.
• Economic Diplomacy — Leveraging her manufacturing background, Vintrlikova actively promotes economic ties connecting her two worlds.
“I help Czech businesses come to the U.S. or Georgia businesses go abroad to the Czech Republic,” she said.
This involves organizing trade missions, connecting with companies at trade shows and accompanying the ambassador on visits to Czech businesses in Georgia. She views this as a natural extension of her own business interests.
• Public Diplomacy — This aspect focuses on cultivating Czech culture, connections and fostering exchanges. Whether it’s supporting a Czech movie at a European film festival or helping with student exchange programs like the one bringing Czech students to SCAD for summer seminars, Vintrlikova is dedicated. “I would like to get more exchanges going between universities. It’s connecting two worlds that I like,” she emphasized.
While her position is voluntary and unfunded, including office expenses and travel, Vintrlikova sees its immense potential.
Peachtree Corners: The new hub for Czechs
Vintrlikova recently moved her consular office to Peachtree Corners, drawn by the vibrant atmosphere of Atlanta Tech Park. “You could feel the energy of the ecosystem,” she said. This move positions her office alongside a new Czech business incubator, which she is actively promoting.
Despite a demanding schedule, splitting her time between the U.S. and the Czech Republic, Vintrlikova thrives in her role. “I like my life going back and forth. I like to keep the connections on both sides. It’s fun,” she concluded, emphasizing the warm, welcoming nature she finds in both her native and adopted “southeasts.”
Vintrlikova’s devotedness ensures that the Czech Republic has an effective advocate in the heart of Georgia.
Contact Monika Vintrlikova, Honorary Consul of the Czech Republic at 107 Technology Parkway, Suite 407 Atlanta Tech Park in Peachtree Corners or by phone at (404) 433-1400. Her email address is consul@czechconsulate.com.
Fun Czech Facts
- The word “robot” was coined by Czech writer, Karel Čapek.
- The Czech Republic is the world’s top consumer of beer per capita.
- Slovakia supported Hitler in WWII, which played a role in the initial dismemberment of Czechoslovakia in 1939. The split in 1993 into the Czech Republic and Slovakia resulted from a combination of economic, political and cultural factors. It was a peaceful event.
Yvonne Horsley McCowin
Deep roots in Ghana, strong bonds in Georgia
Born in Ghana, Yvonne Horsley McCowin moved to the United States as a child, growing up in Maryland and later Virginia. Her father, a diplomat and Minister of Information, instilled in her a global perspective and a commitment to service.
Though she’s lived in the U.S. for decades, Yvonne cherishes her Ghanaian heritage. “The minute I touched down in Ghana after 20 years, I felt instantly at home,” she recalled.
When Horsley McCowin stepped into her role last November as Georgia’s first Honorary Consul of Ghana, she wasn’t a stranger to serving her community. She had served for years as the President of the Ghana Council of Georgia. “I’ve always wanted to do something good for my country,” she said.
Her trailblazing journey began in 2015 when the Ghanaian president envisioned expanding honorary consulates across the United States. Yvonne knew she was the right candidate. What started as an uphill battle — years of proposals, resubmissions and government transitions — culminated in her appointment eight years later.
Reflecting on her perseverance, Horsley McCowin added, “It took a while, but persistence was key.”
From parking prowess to real estate enthusiast
Before diving into real estate, Horsley McCowin spent 25 years in the parking industry, managing customer relations and coordinating with city officials.
“Parking should be friendly, not free,” she remarked, recounting her experience bridging the gap between governments who appreciate the revenue stream and constituents who don’t love parking tickets.
Her pivot to real estate came during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, she specializes in residential properties in Atlanta and surrounding areas, enjoying the direct relationship with clients.
“You’re helping folks; they’re happy, you’re happy — it’s win-win for all.”
Breaking barriers, building bridges
Being the first honorary consul comes with its challenges, but Horsley McCowin approaches them with determination and grace. Her role spans everything from facilitating visas and passport renewals to procuring legal guidance, connecting businesses and fostering economic and cultural exchanges.
“I’m trying to connect with businesses that might want to go to Ghana to invest,” she enthused. She’s hoping to negotiate a “sister airport deal” with Ghana and Atlanta’s airport. Tourism is also important to her.
“I’m a big proponent of seeing the world outside of where you live,” she stated, actively working on student exchange programs to offer young people a taste of Ghanaian culture and to foster global friendships. Similarly, she’s making efforts to send legislators from Georgia to Ghana and vice versa.
Celebrating Ghanaian culture and cuisine
Ask her about Ghana, and Horsley McCowin lights up with excitement. “Ghana is the friendliest country in Africa, and there’s no food like any Ghanaian dish,” she beamed. From jollof rice to fufu, Ghana’s culinary scene is rich and diverse.
She recommends local favorites in Atlanta, like Ike’s Cafe and Grill and Quabena’s Kitchen, where authentic Ghanaian flavors shine.
Summarizing Ghanaian hospitality with a fun tidbit, she revealed, “Ghana is the only place I know where you can show up uninvited to somebody’s house and they say, ‘Oh, here you are! Come on in.’”
Looking ahead
Honorary Consul of Ghana, Yvonne Horsley McCowin is an ardent advocate for Ghana, tirelessly working to create opportunities.
If you’re looking for assistance with travel to Ghana or curious about this vibrant West African nation, you can reach her office in Duluth at 3855 Postal Drive, Suite 100 or by phone at (770) 688-0245. You can also email her at yvonne@ghanaconsulateatlanta.com.
“I’m wholeheartedly trying to get people to visit or learn about Ghana,” she affirmed. And her dedication shines through in every interaction.
Fun Ghanaian Facts
- Ghana is a leading exporter of cocoa in the world.
- Ghana was the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to gain independence.
David Cutting
A life of global service: Honorary Consul of Barbados
Ever wondered what it’s like to promote a slice of Caribbean heaven on Earth? Just ask David Cutting, the Honorary Consul of Barbados. While music superstar Rihanna may be one of the best-known Barbadian ambassadors, Cutting has been on a decade-long escapade “promoting paradise,” as he so cheerfully puts it.
From international banker to diplomatic envoy
Cutting’s professional life is defined by a quarter-century of international banking while crisscrossing the globe.
“Fourteen of those years in Asia and 10 in Africa,” he recounted, with stops in bustling Hong Kong, Singapore and — as the CEO for Standard Chartered Bank — across Nigeria, Uganda and Botswana. His wife of 45 years, Heather, and their three children embraced the exposure to new countries and cultures with every move.
In a twist of fate, Cutting’s assignment to Nigeria meant he was in Lagos instead of the World Trade Center during the tragic events of 9/11.
After a distinguished career, he landed in Atlanta in 2011, making St Marlo Country Club in Duluth his home. His consulting business leverages his worldwide financial experience.
“I’m focusing on businesses interested in investing in emerging markets in Asia, Africa or the Caribbean,” he said, underscoring the importance of corporations including board members with residential and working experience in those markets.
Promoting paradise
The call to serve the country of Barbados came in 2015 when a friend, Dr. Edward Layne, who held the honorary consul position for 22 years, asked him to step into the role. Cutting did not hesitate to reconnect with his roots; it was a sort of homecoming for him.
“I have always felt like the prodigal son who left Barbados at the age of 18 … The honorary consul role gave me the opportunity to give back to my country,” he said.
“It is not painful to be responsible for promoting paradise. Barbados is not difficult to sell,” Cutting quipped. His mission? To showcase Barbados as a prime spot for both dazzling vacations and smart investments.
Tourism reigns supreme, drawing visitors to its rich history, stunning beaches and food, rum and jazz festivals, as well as to Crop Over festivities, Barbados’ version of Carnival.
Cutting is always eager to highlight Barbados’ robust international business platform, offering a “low tax environment” for savvy companies establishing a presence there, thanks to favorable dual taxation arrangements with over 40 countries.
Beyond the beaches
Cutting proudly declares Barbados “the gem of the Caribbean,” boasting its status as “one of the safest places” with a surprisingly high per-capita income for its cozy population of around 300,000.
The island nation, independent since 1966 and a republic since 2021, is always evolving. During the pandemic, Barbados innovated with a “12-month visa” for remote workers, proving you truly can conduct business “with a laptop on the beach.”
Beyond his promotional duties, Cutting serves as a crucial link for the Barbadian diaspora in Georgia. He works closely with local organizations and other honorary consuls in the Southeast. He also finds time to serve as treasurer on the board of the Atlanta Consular Corps.
“It’s important for us to share with each other. We’re all focused on the FIFA World Cup coming to Atlanta next year, working closely with the World Cup organization and the Metro Chamber to ensure visitors are properly accommodated and safe,” he shared.
A key initiative, “commercial diplomacy,” involves seeking business opportunities for Barbados, scholarship opportunities for Barbadian students and training programs in the hospitality sector.
“Barbados has a 98% literacy rate. It’s one of the highest literacy rates in the world. Education is hugely important to us,” he proudly stated.
Student exchange programs are prevalent. Globally recognized medical schools like Ross University School of Medicine attract American and other foreign students who don’t mind spending a term in Barbados where “it’s sunshine every day, the sea is blue, and the sand is white.”
To the Land of the Flying Fish!
Has Barbados piqued your interest? Contact the knowledgeable Honorary Consul, David Cutting by email at atlbarbadosconsulate@gmail.com or by phone at (678) 907-5887. He’ll be delighted to speak with you.
With direct flights from Atlanta, your journey to this coral island’s charm is closer than you think.
Fun Barbadian Facts
- Established in Barbados in 1703, Mount Gay Rum is the oldest running rum distillery.
- Barbados is the only place outside of the United States that George Washington ever visited. He accompanied his ailing brother there in 1751, hoping the warm weather would cure his tuberculosis. It did not. Washington contracted and survived smallpox during his stay, achieving immunity. That’s how he survived the smallpox outbreak during the Revolutionary War when many of his troops succumbed to the disease.
- Some of the first governors in the Carolinas were expatriate plantation owners from Barbados. Hence, the Gullah language spoken by the Gullah Geechee people of Georgia and the Carolinas shares linguistic connections with the Bajan dialect of Barbados.
- The banking industry in Barbados is largely dominated by Canadian banks.
- The Barbados dollar has a fixed exchange rate with the U.S. dollar. One U.S. dollar equals two Barbados dollars, every day, since 1975.
- Cou-cou, served with steamed or fried flying fish, is the national dish of Barbados. Similar to polenta, cou-cou is made with corn meal and okra. As one might imagine, Barbadian cuisine features fresh seafood.
Jewels of our community
Each of these private citizens shares a thrill in joining cultures, a story that is a testament to the power of international experience and, for most, the enduring call of one’s homeland.
As honorary consuls, they have an inherent desire to serve while championing the countries they represent at their own expense, ensuring their beauty and opportunities are known far and wide.
A version of this article can be found in the July/August issue of Peachtree Corners Magazine.
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