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 www.goodwillrenion.ning.com and join us.
Warm regards,
Albert Bannis (Bo)
Congratulations Mr Albert Bannis!
As a D/can, after your letter was read during the launching I decided to jump on the wagon. I’m happy that your dream for that reunion three years ago is no longer a dream.
I pray that the good Lord, that powerful Lord will guide you, your committee and all the other members like me.
I hope that manyyyyyyyyyyy of us will support you whether it’s with a dollar or more, an idea, a coup de main…………….. because at the end of the day, it’s not your thing, it’s our thing, it’s not your country it’s our country. And together we can move forward and make the change we want to see. I think as the leader you can guide us!
God bless Dca, the land of our birth!
Bo is the right feller for dat. He was dere when they brought Coney Island and several fairs on Goodwill Savanna. Things was so diffrent when he used to be in Dominica and represent Goodwill and make us proud in sports. He is a winner yet so simple. It is time for some positive vibes again instead of all dat violence. I am on board and will be rallying more folks. Bo I am on with you – full suuport.
Great””””””””’ I AM READY LIKE FREDDY
Big up goodwill. I think that’s a good idea. I’m a godwill man and i had some really good times growing up in goodwill; playing football and cricket against other lanes like solomon lane , and those days were so special; i miss that feeling! I think if we had more competition in sports instead of all the violence among youth, that would foster a better relationship among dominicans.
The concept is stellar, the message resolute and the people, proud and dignified. This is definitely a step in the right direction. If successful, it could serve as a valuable model where a non-governmental entity can create and foster a sense of community amongst a group of people who have common goals and aspirations for their homeland. Goodwill and the rest of Dominica needs all of us to make it great.
OK. Im down…repping for Bowers Lane!!!!
Wow – dat’s a powerful message! Mister on point.
Keep up the good work !