Derrick A. Scott, Gleaner Writer
Atlanta Jamaican Association (AJA) president, Allan Alberga (second right), receives a congratulatory hug from association member Leonie Harris, after he was re-elected to serve a second term as head of the AJA at its annual general meeting last Saturday at the Hillside Presbyterian Church Hall in Decatur, Georgia. Sharing in the occasion is Joyce Tomlinson (left), of Air Jamaica, and Mr. Alberga's wife Dr. Janice Alberga (right). - PHOTO BY DERRICK A. SCOTT
ATLANTA, Georgia:
PROMINENT JAMAICAN Attorney, Allan Alberga was re-elected to serve as president of the Atlanta Jamaican Association (AJA) for a second term.
The election took place at the AJA's annual general meeting last Saturday at the Hillside Presbyterian Church Hall in Decatur, Georgia.
Among those elected to serve on the board which assumes office on January 2006, are Vice-President Dawnet Dunbar; Secretary, Sylvia Ricketts; Assistant Secretary, Hope McDonald; Treasurer, Derrick Harvey; and Sergeant-at-arms, Winston Henry.
In his acceptance speech, President Alberga thanked the members for the confidence they placed in him to serve for a second term. He emphasised that there was an urgent need to energise the Jamaican community in Atlanta and to attract more persons to the organisation.
MADE STRIDES
In his annual report, Mr. Alberga, said the AJA made some strides which included becoming a member of the Associated Credit Union, one of Georgia's largest credit unions. He said this would mean that the association's members and their families would be eligible to join the credit union, giving them access to save and receive loans at a low interest rate.
He said the AJA strengthened its association with the National Association of Jamaica and Supportive Organisations (NAJASO) through it's outreach chairman, Derrick Wright, by attending its conference in Jamaica in July of this year, and giving assistance to a number of infirmaries throughout Jamaica.
Mr. Alberga said the AJA applied to the IRS for 501© status and this was approved by the IRS, hence the Association will be establishing the AJA Cultural and Educational Foundation, Inc.
ACHIEVEMENTS
Among other achievements, he noted, was the staging of the successful Independence Ball, awarding of two scholarships, the launching of the Harvey to Marley Theology Book written by Dr. Noel Erskine, the Family Fun Day and participation in the Hands Across Jamaica for Righteousness week of activities in Jamaica.
Despite the growth in membership during the year, the AJA president lamented the lack of participation by members, which he said was conspicuously weak.
The succeeding administration he said, would have to search for the added energy that only new members could provide.
