This
month, we end Club Year 2001-2002, and on behalf of the Executive Board, I
would like to thank everyone for making this year a memorable one for all
of us.
This year has seen a lot of restructuring on the Board as officers resigned because of other commitments or left the country to new postings and those who remained had to take on extra responsibilities. Let me take this opportunity to thank not only the present board but also those who left: Membership Chairperson Bep Flueren, 1st Vice President Leocardia Byenkya, Welfare Chairperson Violet Millioni, Publications Chairperson Jean Sack, Hospitality Chairperson Sita Bandaranayake and President Patsy Lobo.
I would like to extend our gratitude to the members of the working committees who have worked so hard this year to keep the association going. Their names are listed on the first page of the newsletter.
Our thanks to Janet for speaking at the February General Meeting about the nominations and the coming elections. Janet will present the nominees at the AGM before the elections.
Warm applause and thanks to Dr. John Morrison, Director of the Acid Survivors Foundation who spoke on the work carried out by his team of surgeons, psychologists, lawyers and educators in ensuring that patients get help quickly, the criminals tried and sentenced within a short time, and that the survivors get the support and training they need to face their future.
To all the organisations who joined in the Crafts Fair and lent a festive air to the general meeting, our appreciation and good wishes. The dedicated members of the Welfare Committee has really put on a great show for the organisations we support. Our thanks to Kate Arnold for lending us her lovely garden for this event.
The Pearl Restaurant deserves our thanks for donating the delicious coffee and tea and sending their waiters for the occasion.
Special thanks to Hitomi for helping with editing the articles in this issue, to Yuko for the beautiful pictures, to the UNDP office for printing the newsletters, and to all the dedicated volunteer couriers who make sure your copies are delivered to you on time all year round.
By the way, I realise now that I have been numbering the newsletters wrongly - so let me finally get it right- this is Volume 26, Issue 9. Next month will be Volume 27, Issue 1.
See
you all at the AGM,