Statement from the Chairman –
Sherwood Content Waldensia Homecoming Foundation - August 02, 2009
Rev. Allison, Student Pastor, Rev. Williams, our guest preacher, Rev. Skyers, Deacon Harrison, officers and members of the different denominations of Sherwood Content and Reserve, visitors and friends, I greet you in Jesus’ name – My God, what a wonderful gathering! I take this as a great honour to speak on behalf of the Sherwood Content Waldensia Homecoming Foundation.
This Foundation is managed by an executive body of fifteen (15) members – all volunteers – perhaps not all committee members are here but for those who are present please stand and be recognised. This organisation represents the thousands of persons from the Sherwood Content/Reserve environs (wherever you are residing) this indeed is an international organisation.
Mr. Moderator, this is the 4th Year of homecoming celebrations and we would like to give God thanks for what has happened so far. In 2006, one of the objectives of the Foundation was to have these activities every two years. Because of popular demand it has been taking place annually. We are very pleased of the support that you have given and will continue to give to this noble organisation.
The 1st two years our theme was “Togetherness for Service”. Last year, our theme was “Vision, Volunteerism and Victory. This year, the theme is “Inspired by Excellence, It all Begins Here”.
Church, you will recall the powerful messages delivered by Rev. Goodridge in 2006, at the Baptist Church, Rev. Dr. Roy Notice 2007, at the New Testament Church, and Rev. Peterkin 2008, at the Seventh Day Adventist. We anticipate another one this year from Rev. Williams. We are blessed to produce and be able to call upon these persons with tremendous talents, at such high level.
Members from this area can be identified with most professions and skilled areas, such as medicine, teaching, engineering, nursing, faming, business, law and sports. My friends, any organisation with the size of the Sherwood Content Waldensia Homecoming Foundation which has survived the formative years without crumbling, must be doing something good. Like in any family unit, there will be disagreements, strong and lively discussion will take place but in the end we stand by the decision of the majority. That is why, in four years, starting from “ground zero” (without any money) we are buoyed by our achievements:
1. We have an officially registered, internationally recognised, non-partisan and God Blessed organisation
2. We have created links with families and friends – building greater unity, friendship and comradiere
3. We have established a Computer/Reading Room at the Waldensia Primary School
4. We assisted in the refurbishing of the Piedmont Basic School (Miss Irene)
5. We were instrumental in getting two scholarships – Secondary and Tertiary – from Notice and Dawes families in the academic year 2008/9. Also, three (3) students received Education Grants, courtesy of Mr. Ervin Hudson. I am pleased to announce Miss Whitney Scarlett the recipient for the Notice Scholarship 2009.
6. In 2008, we targeted the installation of a water closet (flush toilets)
at the Waldensia Primary School. This project is ongoing.
7. We have provided financial assistance to the Sherwood Football Club. I am using this opportunity to congratulate the team for winning their football league, thus gaining promotion next year.
8. We have an open door policy at the executive level. More recently we took the decision to invite at least two (2) members from the community to our regular meeting.
9. Church, as a rural community, we have for the 4th year been able to bring members of all denominations to worship in one place (this, Mr. Moderator, is what we term – being inspired by excellence).
10. The Foundation treasures the achievement of our World champion – Usain Bolt – Triple World Record holder (I know he is not here but would like to recognise his parents who are present with us). We believe that “something”, “somewhere” in the community – apart from his home – should be erected in his honour. We have mandated a sub-committee of the Foundation to explore the possibilities. Let us continue to pray for him as he continue to break more records in Berlin, later this month.
Church, I would like to borrow a term made popular by our Prime Minister “we are too blessed to be stressed”. My brothers and sisters, the Foundation is one that is driven by sponsorship. At this point we would want to specially recognised those who provided sponsorship this year (big and small).
As we look forward to our 5th Anniversary we will continue to count on you for your continued support - remember this help can come through you, from other relatives and friends. It is important that you assist us with a ‘contact’ – email or telephone number.
My people of Sherwood/Waldensia community – Windsor, Coxheath, Bottom and Top Town, Fontabelle, Piedmont and Reserve – We love you and call upon you to be strong. The Sherwood Content Waldensia Homecoming Foundation is here to stay but you are a critical ingredient.
May God continue to Bless and keep You.
Fitz O. Brown