THE DIASPORA RETURNS HOME 'ANSAR 2008' - Democrat Newspaper

[Anguillan newsboy]

THE DIASPORA RETURNS HOME 'ANSAR 2008'
Dr Violet Jeffers - Luncheon Speaker Dr Linda Banks Dr Spencer Amory - Keynote Speaker Lorna Callender

For the thirteenth time, nationals of Anguilla, St. Kitts and Nevis living abroad reunited ostensibly as their website states,

• to renew and strengthen old friendships,
• to provide an opportunity to participate in workshops, seminars, panels with topics of cultural, social and economic concerns,
• to foster the development of contacts and networking, to advertise or promote their businesses, local and overseas

But this time it was special because these nationals were returning home and there were the added benefits of seeing friends and family at home with whom they were not in contact, and of revisiting haunts that held special significance in their love life, family life or working life. And for those who were retiring, here was a chance to observe the changes that had taken place and to see whether they could indeed find a retirement home and resettle.

But it was at the semi-formal Ball on Saturday and at the Luncheon on Sunday that one could see just how much renewing old friendships meant to the returnees and how much the jollification on the dance floor helped them to return to their old roots.

It was amazing to watch how many eyelids flew back and how many arms stretched out to hug and rock an old friend, co-worker or family member; how many times the words, “Good to see you, man” were uttered; and how many times layers of foreign personas fell off and the original youthful self bubbled to the surface when they met with persons who ‘knew them from small’. No where was this more evident than at the Girls’ High School Reunion held on Tuesday night at the ‘old Boys’ School.

With the Marriott Resort Hotel as their home base, practically all of the events were held there and though this centralization of activities is understandable when the event is held abroad, it is regrettable that more efforts were not made to enable the returnees to mingle and share their experiences with curious and aspiring ‘homers’. Even on Sunday, when persons should have felt free to attend their former parish churches, a large ecumenical service was held at the hotel – understandable if abroad, but unfortunate here. It might not have been necessary to give it this exclusivity when at a home base.

Kudos must go to the East Caribbean Central Bank as well as the only indigenous brokerage firm in the region CMMB (Caribbean Money Market Brokers) who hosted a remarkable “Open for Business Forum” to educate the Diaspora on the investment climate here locally and regionally as well as investment opportunities. The presentations were ‘eye-openers’ to even locals attending and the intricacies of Caribbean money markets was well received by locals and returnees alike.

Hostesses of the event were dressed in national dress and very local tastes were titillated with indigenous food like black pudding, conkee, salt fish and ‘ball o’ corn’, goat water, salt fish balls, bread pudding and lemon gr*** tea. The old adage, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” could now be read ECCB style as “The way to a man’s purse is through feeding him local food.”

The unity of nationals promoted by ANSAR should not be overlooked by our politicians. The people of St. Kitts, Nevis and Anguilla are family and friends forever, and divisions should not be widened and exploited by political activists and leaders. The speakers at the Luncheon were chosen from each island and the name ANSAR places the islands in alphabetical order to avoid any perceived bias or priority placing. It was also in this order that the speakers were called upon. They were Dr. Oluwakemi Linda Banks of Anguilla, Dr. Violet Jeffers of Nevis and Mr. Washington Archibald of St. Kitts. Keynote Speaker at the Official Opening was Dr. Spencer Eugene Amory. All speakers were very well received and highly commended.

ANSAR must be complimented for being able to keep alive from 1984 until now the union of these islands. And this year was especially successful as it was revealed that some 500 persons flew in from the U.K., the USA and Canada, the major outposts of the Anguilla, Nevis and St. Kitts diaspora. Perhaps their success lies in the fact that they always affirm
[FONT='',Arial,'','',sans-serif,'']“the Reunion is non-sectarian, non-partisan, and non-political, and[FONT='',Arial,'','',sans-serif,'']the coordinators do not underscore any constitutional rights, realities and jurisdiction of the territories or nation of these nationals.”[/font]
[FONT='',Arial,'','',sans-serif,''] [/font]
This theme was consolidated in the talk given by Dr. Violet Jeffers of Nevis when she repeatedly confirmed that “All arwe are One”. It is also well summarized in the ANSAR theme song which states:

“We are working for the glory

Of this country we all call home

In unity in harmony……”

and

“All for one and one for all

Coming together

Founded in love, people never give up

On each other

Because we are one people.”

-Words by Rosamund Payne

Recognition, thanks and respect go to Faustina France-Carbonneau whose brainchild this all was. Best wishes for future and continuous gatherings!
[/font]

For More Articles For The Week of: 29-Jun-2008