Posted by
Cecil A. Rawle, landmark in the Goodwill Community
A Message from the Director of the 2010 Goodwill Reunion – Albert Bannis
I have always had a vision of seeing the people of Goodwill come together again as so many of us migrated and have never seen or heard from each other since then. Keep in mind that we remain tied by the concepts of ‘homeplace’ (a mediated site of resistance, memory, and sense of communal belonging). Therefore, no matter where one resides, undoubtedly, there is no place like home.
Three years ago, I started a grassroots campaign going from door to door to meet people from the Goodwill communities and stakeholders to sensitize them about the reunion. Amidst all this, I thought that it was time to transcend beyond the stereotypes within the different communities of Goodwill and foster a positive dialogue among the communities. As humans we have more commonalities than differences and therefore we are more closely linked than we care to admit. In 2009, by God’s grace and having previously sown the seeds of consciousness to many about the reunion project, the topic resurfaced and I was asked to get this project off the ground. So, with my passion for this cause, I humbly accepted to continue the journey and have since been working diligently on the reunion. Indeed, despite such a daunting task, it has been a labour of love and today, I can only say that I am humbled by the reunion becoming a reality.
It is important to note that this reunion is a global initiative. Yes, being based on the concept of koudmen it is all inclusive and includes Dominicans from all walks of life coming together for the upliftment of the Goodwill communities.
The Goodwill Reunion Committee is comprised of a stellar and committed group of Ambassadors who have been volunteering their time to work with me on this project and I want to say a special thank you for your efforts thus far. It has been truly remarkable! At this point, I would like to take the opportunity to call other persons both past and current residents of the Goodwill communities to join in this historic event. This reunion is our moment to ignite nationalistic pride, renew our spirituality, and a timely opportunity for each of us to contribute to youth empowerment. Time surely does not permit me to indulge into the problems that the youths face today – but you already know many of them.
I therefore encourage everyone from the Goodwill communities to become members of the 2010 Goodwill Reunion. However, we must always be mindful of the goals of the reunion: to facilitate a positive dialogue between residents of the Goodwill communities: to contribute towards the collective empowerment of the youths through engagement and active participation, to stimulate capital growth within these areas, and facilitate a resource centre and literary space at the Children’s Ward of the Princess Margaret Hospital.
This reunion will not only be a time for reconnections and celebration, but also a time to motivate and re-energize positivity, patriotism, and self confidence especially among the youths. Join the movement of positive change, contribute to the Reunion CD project (Homegrown), Seeds to Feed and Adopt a Book projects, and sign up to help with the youth conferences or the nightly events. Your contribution will greatly add to the success of this reunion.
The Goodwill Reunion Committee identifies Good will not only as the geographical space but also for its vey meaning – a gesture of a good turn, giving freely from the heart, and the genuine desire to rebuild and reclaim our communities together. Remember, no one can do everything but everyone can do something.
On behalf of our global Goodwill Reunion Steering Committee, Ambassadors, Emissaries, Volunteers, my wife, family, and myself I welcome everyone aboard the 2010 Goodwill Reunion – The Year We Make Contact! For more details, please logon to http://www.goodwillreunion.ning.comand join us.
Warm regards,
Albert Bannis (Bo)
