Errol Ritchie - President

The Atlanta Jamaican Association (AJA) wishes its members and the entire community, a year of good health and prosperity for 2010. For many of us, the year 2009 was a challenging one and by all indications, 2010 will be more of the same. As we contemplate the many challenges for 2010, let us celebrate our successes and remain strong to face the challenges ahead. As your president, I look forward to continuing the work of AJA and helping the organization to better serve our community here and in Jamaica.

AJA has touched many lives over the years and plans to do much of the same and more this year. We are committed to growing the organization and strengthening its appeal to our people and others. Our conduct will reflect our determination to build a financially sound organization that promotes transparency, unity and respect for each other. This we are confident, will earn the support of all our stakeholders.

Growth will require a significant effort by our organization to reach out to all segments of our community in all areas of Atlanta. We will need to engage in activities that appeal to the various interests in our community as we seek to build an inclusive organization. Despite our limited resources and the promise of tough economic times ahead, we will continue to be a source of support for our people. In addition to helping families in times of grief and financial hardship, feeding the poor in Jamaica and assisting those affected by disasters, we will find ways to do more to help the less fortunate. Some of our work will involve partnering with our friends in other for-profit and non-profit organizations.

Growth also requires that we involve the younger generation. Our Youth Development Program will seek to expose our activities to the young among us and engage them to help us develop relevant programs and activities that will address their needs and interests. We are excited about the prospects of this program and trust that all of us will encourage our children and their friends to join.

Many students of Jamaican parentage have benefited from AJA’s scholarship program. The Education Committee will explore how we can improve this program so that many more deserving students can participate. We will try to get financial contributions from the business community to support the program and recognize the businesses that contribute, at our events.

We will intensify our fundraising efforts and continue our effort to acquire a building. We plan to dramatically improve our website to attract more traffic and generate interest in AJA. It will become a good source of information for those seeking to learn more about the Jamaican culture and the major accomplishments of our people. It will also be a great source of information on Jamaican organizations in the Atlanta area. Our Cultural Committee will continue its work to engage us in activities that promotes the Jamaican culture.

AJA’s leadership is confident that with your support and continued involvement, we can take AJA to the next level. We do appreciate your past contributions. If you are not yet a paid up member, please complete your application now. Let us join forces in 2010 and work with all the energy that we can muster, to build a strong AJA that we can all be proud of.