Fellow Alumni,

On Sunday, August 27, 2007 in the beautiful Markam Park of Pembroke Pines, Florida. The current Board of Directors for the Green Island High Alumni of North America Incorporated was nominated and elected to serve for a one year period. As we approached the end of our tenure we would like to take this opportunity to express our sincerest thanks and gratitude to first and foremost our peers who saw in us the ability to take on the task of leadership and so entrusted this task to us. Secondly, to member of the Board we salute you for your dedication and hard work for the betterment of Green Island High School. We must also say thanks to our families, bosses and co-workers who have bent backwards so many times, enabling us to serve this organization and our school as we did this past year.

We would like to thank each and every one who has contributed to GIHANA and to Green Island High during the past year. Those who contributed monetarily (even your membership dues) we thank you and we wish for you continued success and advancement in your lives and careers. Our hope is for all of you to continue to give back to GIHS and to never waiver in your commitment. For those who gave of their time, we thank you and we encourage you to continue as we are on a path, a path that can only illuminate beacons of light at GIHS as we undertake to continue to work with the determination that our motto "EXCELLENCE" is held high. To well wishers and friends, your encouragements have meant a great deal to all of us. We thank you.

Our President, Mr. Carlton Foster started the year by boldly outlining the responsibilities of each office. He then formed committees to ensure that goals were set and deadlines met. Responsibility and accountability were the focus. The achievements of these committees are not a lot and may even seem as nothing to others looking on but foundations have been laid for future boards of GIHANA to use these guidelines to achieve and to build an alumni association that can garner greatness.

At our Annual Fundraising Banquet this coming weekend in Toronto, Canada, the annual reports will state clear our monetary contributions to the school, and the plans that are in place to continue to be a driving force in every aspect of life at GIHS. Our Hospitality Committee under the leadership of our Secretary and her assistant has been going none stop in their efforts to have past student registered as members of the association and come on board in our drive to enrich the lives of every last student that walk along the corridors of Green Island High.

The Projects and Sponsorship committee has been instrumental in identifying the areas and departments at the school which are the neediest. One of the most urgent, the Science Department has been air marked for a major renovation. Our association is backing this venture and is determined to see Green Island High furnished with a Science Department as good as, or even better than any school lab on the Island of Jamaica.

Our association through the Fundraising committee has acquired the assistance of Air Jamaica Limited and Couples - Swept Away Resort. From the assistance given a fundraising raffle was held. Although our set goal was not realized the association financial standing has increased significantly. The Fundraising Committee now has plans in place for a Summer fling in New york, before the end of this summer. Date and place to be announced.

The Public Relations Committee has tried during this past year to keep you all up to date with happening and news, especially as they relate to the school. We would like to thank each and everyone who has given their support and assistance. We would also like to give special thanks to our Treasurer Mr. Dalvin Williams and his assistant for keeping our finances and accompanying records in the best of order. Congratulation is also in order for Mr. Williams who recently finished his course of studies and graduation with a Master degree. To all other who have had great accomplishments we congratulate you. To the ones who are celebrating accomplishments of their children and grand-children we salute you as well.

As we close this year as officers of the GIHANA board, we would like to extend our best wishes and continuous support to the alumni who will be filling the offices for the year ahead. We encourage you all to the keep the fire burning. Keep the torch extended above your heads and lets us brighten the future of every boy and girl that walk through the doors of Green Island High School.

Norrine Tavares
Public Relation Officer