“Let the festivities begin,” and so it started with the soothing sounds of DJ Wayne and his “Mi-grain” sound system fresh from Miami. This event was destined to be fantastic as it was postponed for three months and planned meticulously. The Atlanta executive board analyzed and studied all our past events and decided we needed to adopt a tight fiscal policy with an extremely low break even point for this year’s event. Most importantly we needed to put in place a very capable Project Manager.
With at least two previous successful projects under his belt, the entire board felt Mr. Glen Laman was the most suitable person to lead this project, so he was elected and asked to create a budget. He worked hard at making sure everyone stayed within their allotted numbers, so it was no surprise when on the appointed night, September 16, that everything flowed well and no major surprises were encountered.
Our Emcee, Mr. Winston Stewart, was flawless in his introductions and warmed up the crowd with witty commentaries and titillating pleasantries. Mrs. Alicia Adams, our treasurer’s wife gave a heart-warming rendition of the Jamaican National Anthem only to outdo herself with an even more stately rendition of the USA national anthem. By the time our food was served at nine pm the crowd was already in a festive mood.
At nine-thirty when the main speaker, Dr. Barbara Gloudon, walked to the podium, everyone was enthralled and enveloped with deep anticipation wanting to hear what words of inspiration she had brought from Jamaica for us. She didn’t disappoint: a poignant and engaging speaker, she delighted the crowd with her recollection of current news and folksy sayings. She chided her ex-patriot hosts with the mantra to “Never tear down Jamaica” as we had our problems here also, we just don’t give a voice to it publicly, she said. She imbued our hearts with pride as she recalled a story about how her Dad achieved notoriety by “talking back to Backra” because he believed in the importance of family. She encouraged the KCOBs to strive to instill excellence in the youngsters as this is the only way they would achieve their full potential. At the conclusion of her rousing speech, Mrs. Gloudon, was presented with flowers by the wife of the chapter President, Mrs. Arlene Barrett, who thanked her for many contributions to the Jamaican Diaspora.
"Guest Speaker" Barbara Gloudon
"Honoree" Lennox Graham
Barbara Gloudon receives bouquet from Arlene Barrett
The presentation part of the program saw the organization honoring five people. The main honoree for the evening was Mr Lennox Graham, who as head track coach has led the KC team to six straight championships, and has brought the track and field program back from a virtual last position to the lofty one it enjoys today. Truly an outstanding and committed young man, he deserves all the accolades we could heap upon him.
The next awardees were Mike and Norma Martin proprietors of Capt Mike Jerk & Seafood restaurant. They have been steadfast in their support for the KCOBA-Ga organization and over the past years have donated goods and service far in excess of a few thousand dollars. Mike Martin was awarded the outstanding alumnus award.
The other outstanding alumnus award went to Mr Glen Laman who has been the vice-president of the Atlanta chapter for the past three years and in that capacity as presided over numerous fund raising activities. A driven and hard worker, Glen has been a key personnel in the operation and management of the Atlanta chapter. Acting as the liaison officer, he has frequently traveled to Jamaica to attend meetings at the school that would eventually help to chart a clear and precise path to the school’s success. He has given of his time and other resources to help other organizations in the Atlanta area like the St Hugh’s Alumni and a host of other church and civic organizations. Glen also spearheaded the introduction and establishment of the KCOBA newsletter that has now become the international news organ of choice for the entire KC family. As previously mentioned he assumed Project Manager duties for this event and others like the annual Christmas party, doing it all with enthusiasm and a selfless devotion. He truly is an outstanding Kingston College alumnus.
Robert Kelly (President KCOBA NY) and family
Allan Alberga - President / Atlanta Jamaica Association
The final awardee was Mr Earl Adams, Web Master, Treasurer, and Graphic Artist par excellence. Earl has been the Treasurer for as long as Glen has been vice-president. When the first issue of the newsletter first came out, Earl saw the need to upgrade the format and make it more user-friendly and easily accessible. He spearheaded the technical drive to make it into a modern day electronic news board. Under his direction and with his development the newsletter now goes out to over twenty countries around the world, and it carries an extensive advertising section that has already started to bring revenue into the KCOBA coffers. As if that was not enough work, Earl Adams also designed and created the 2006 commemorative Journal. He has shown that giving of his time and expertise is a commitment and sacrifice that only those who truly believe in the KC purpose can sustain. We embrace his conviction with similar passion.
It was truly an inspiration to see Old Boys like Mr Robert Kelly, President of KCOBA-USA and the legendary “Fat” Clarke take the time to travel and celebrate with us. The entire event was a fine display of camaraderie which we hope will grow into an even more grand celebration as the years progress. The preliminary figures already in, show that the event will not only be a social and cultural success, but a financial one as well.
