Dear Members and Friends of ABAG:

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The Antigua and Barbuda Association of Georgia (ABAG) is having its third Fish Fry fundraising event on Saturday, July 17th, 2021.  Additionally, ABAG has two concurrent, specifically targeted fundraising campaigns.  We are collecting donations and raising money to help disadvantaged children in our native Antigua and Barbuda, and we are also raising funds to help our brothers and sisters in St Vincent and the Grenadines who suffered losses as a result of the La Soufrière volcanic eruptions.

We will be accepting in kind school supplies as well as cash donations. You may bring your school supplies to the Fish Fry on July 17, 2021, 125 Leyland Cypress Way, Ellenwood, GA 30294, while cash donations can be made via Zelle to ABAGINFO@GMAIL.COM.  Use ANUSCHD2021 for the school drive and  SVGLAVA2021 for the St Vincent and the Grenadines volcano victims in the message section of your Zelle transfer.

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Although we are giving back to our communities, we are also having fun.  Pansonic Steel Band will be at the Fish Fry to provide some steel band entertainment.

Dear Members and Friends of ABAG:

Our organization (ABAG) continues to move forward during these unusual times. As the world at large, and the USA in particular, cope with the COVID-19 pandemic over time, a clearer picture has emerged as to how daily life can proceed as the society on a whole
search for a pathway that will return us all to pre-pandemic life. It is in this context that I am writing to you. We have begun to flesh-out our calendar and I want to share that information with you. However, before I address the events coming down the pike, let me say a special “Thank You” to each of you for your support as we raised money for the fire victim in Antigua. We just sent off a check for $830.00 (USD dollars) to Antigua to be presented to the fire victim. The presentation will be done by a former vice-president
of ABAG who now resides in Antigua.

Another big “Thank You” is in order for your support of the Fish Fry hosted by ABAG.  You came out in large numbers and supported the event and as a result we were able to make a satisfactory profit which will help to boost our financial bottom line. It is fitting at
this point to announce that the next Fish Fry will be June 5th (Father’s Day weekend).  We intend to make it a huge event and offer more fish than we did at the recent one. The use of Zelle and the placing of pre-orders proved to be efficient and beneficial. Kudos to
each of you!

Now here is a glimpse of our up-coming activities:

• April 24 General Meeting

       - Launch of the ABAG Wellness Corner

• May 13 Launch of ABAG’s Book Club

• May 21 General Meeting

• May 29 Trivia Night

• June 5 Fish Fry

• June 12 ABAG Movie Night

• July General Meeting

       - Presentation on the process for obtaining an Antiguan /Barbudan passport by Miami consulate

• September 25 General Meeting

• Presentation: Financial Literacy 101

The particulars pertaining to these activities will be forthcoming.
 

Best wishes,

Worthson Richards
President, ABAG

Dear Members and Friends of ABAG:

I hope that all is going well with you as you navigate these challenging times. I just want to give you an idea of where we are as an organization. As you are aware, we had our elections in January and elected a new president, vice-president, secretary and one new member-at-large. Following the elections, the new executive has been meeting and making plans with a view to promote, facilitate and stimulate the business of ABAG. We have formed various sub-committees and have been trying to identify persons who would be interested in serving on them. These committees are as follows:

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1. Membership

2. Fundraising, Culture, Recreation

3. Finance

4. Hospitality

5. Special Projects

The process of recruiting persons who would be interested in serving on any of the above committees is an ongoing one and we solicit your cooperation. Please contact me or any member of the executive if you are interested in serving; ABAG needs you!!!!

Here are two important upcoming dates:

1. March 27th…. ABAG general meeting via Zoom at 5pm

2. April 3rd……. Fish Fry (pick up and go)

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You will hear more about these two events in the coming days.

Please be reminded of the following:

1. We have extended the fund-raising exercise for the fire victim in Antigua (the lady who reached out to us after she lost everything she had in a devasting fire) to March 17th. Please get your donations in if you want to help.

2. All membership dues for 2021 are due and payable. Please send those in by the end of March.

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ABAG hopes that all constituents are following the health guidelines given by the relevant health officials in our communities. There is light at the end of the tunnel. Stay safe.

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Yours in the service of ABAG

Worthson Richards

President

Dear Members and Friends:

ABAG would like to offer assistance to an Antiguan compatriot who has reached out to our organization for help, because she has lost her house and all her belongings in a devastating fire. This incident took place in Antigua where she currently resides. Since one of the purposes of ABAG is to assist, when possible, our brothers and sisters in Antigua and Barbuda and other disadvantaged individuals in the society (see by-laws…article v.3), the executive has decided to help.

Pursuant to our consultations with the fire victim, we decided to raise some money to pay at least one month’s rent as she tries to stabilize her living situation. To this end, I am personally appealing to you, as fellow members of the diaspora of Antiguans and Barbudans and all friends and associates of ABAG, to join us in this effort by contributing whatever you can afford.

Please send your donations to ABAG using Zelle, check or cash. If you are sending via Zelle, please use the following email address: abaginfo@gmail.com. If you are mailing your contribution then send it to ABAG, P. O. Box 95, Morrow, GA. 30260. In all cases, please indicate that the donation is for the fire victim. Any amount will be deeply appreciated.

Let us rally around our fellow national. Since time is limited, we would like to run this promotion until the end of February. We will let you know how much we were able to collect.

Yours in the service of Antigua and Barbuda,

Worthson Richards

President of ABAG

Dear Members and Friends of ABAG:

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Your new executive has hit the ground running and there is much excitement about the programs for this year. The organization’s planning was handicapped by the pandemic last year. This was so because it was a new experience for all of us, and we were not sure exactly how to operate amidst the novel circumstances we were facing. Now we are better able, through our collective experiences, to figure out ways to work around the challenges that Covid-19 poses. To that end, there are several ideas that are being discussed and very soon we will share them with you. One thing that is in the works is the return of our legendary Fish Fries. We think we can stage a successful take-out fish fry, which is organized within the confines of the CDC guidelines. Stay tuned for more information on that.

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During our last general meeting the idea of prior membership dues rolling over into 2021 was mentioned. Since then, the new executive has reviewed the matter and decided that it is best that we return to requiring all dues for 2021 to become due and payable as dictated by the by-laws. As a result, all members are asked to submit their dues for 2021 by the end of March. Here are the particulars about the dues.

FOR CURRENT MEMBERS  

(persons who are on our current membership role)

• The family rate, (which includes couples and their children under 18 years old) will be $40.

• Single persons who are 18 years and older will be required to pay $25.

• Dues can be paid by check, cash and by using the Zelle app.

• Zelle is ABAG’s preferred way to facilitate monies paid into the ABAG account, and we suppose, may very well be the most convenient method of payment for most persons.

• If using Zelle, enter the organization’s email address and the rest should be straightforward. The email address is abaginfo@gmail.com . (Be sure to list your name and/or the names of the family members in the memo section if you are paying a family rate.)

• If your Zelle app requires you to put in a name of the organization, then it should be Antigua and Barbuda of Georgia (some cases do not allow you to put in the full name of Antigua and Barbuda Association of Georgia). However, the e-mail should be enough to get you set up.

• If you want to mail a check please send it to: ABAG, P.O. Box 95, Morrow, GA. 30260.

For New Members

(persons who are not on our current membership role)

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• New members should fill out the attached membership application (it is a word document and is fillable online)

• Email the application to the membership committee chairperson (Hanesworth Lee) at jugler@bellsouth.net

• You can use any of the above methods to pay your dues.

• You will receive a welcome letter and you will be placed on the official membership role and added to our mailing list as a current member.

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Dear Members and Friends of ABAG:

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In the previous correspondence ABAG expressed gratitude to the outgoing executive officers and listed the new persons who were elected to replace them. Having done that, it is now fitting to present the full executive which would include the newly elected officers along with those whose status was not affected by the election.

Here is the full 2021 ABAG executive members:

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President---Worthson Richards

Vice-President---Candy Gibson

Secretary---Jelissa Frazer

Treasurer---Vere Andrew

Member -at -large—Wade Anthony

Member-at-large--- Kiara Lee

Member-at-large---Annette Skepple

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Congratulations to the new executive and best wishes!!!!!

Dear Members and Friends of ABAG:

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As you may be aware, ABAG has just held a successful general meeting last Saturday which also saw the conduction of an election of officers to the executive committee of the organization. ABAG would like to congratulate the newly elected members of the executive and looks forward to their contribution to the success of the organization. In addition, a special “Thank you” must be expressed to all who turned out on Zoom for the general meeting and for the good discussions that ensued. Special mention must be made of the super job done by the parliamentarian / supervisor of elections, Pastor Dean Benta. Thank you, Sir, for the masterful way you handled the actual elections and the discussions that were generated.

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The following persons were elected:

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President: Worthson Richards

Vice President: Candy Gibson

Treasurer: Vere Andrew

Secretary: Jelissa Frazer

Member-at-Large: Kiara Lee

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The executive and general membership of ABAG would like to express much gratitude to the three outgoing officers namely President Nerissa Hewitt, Member-at-Large Maylene Hector and Secretary Kamaria Richards who have all served full terms.

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Nerissa, you have been a guiding light that has pointed the way to success and development over the years. You have freely given of your time and resources and have served the organization with distinction in many areas, including serving as treasurer and president to name a few. It was clear that you understood how the organization is constituted and how to apply the lubricant to keep its wheels turning. Not only did you demonstrate quality leadership skills, but you also showed that you know how to have fun. This was evident when you performed in the skit during a banquet celebration a few years ago and more recently, your fish dance during the performance of Antigua Soca star, Menace, at a recent banquet. Your service will not be forgotten and ABAG looks forward to your continued involvement in the activities of the organization.

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The other outgoing executive member, as already mentioned, is Maylene Hector. Again, the executive and general membership say “Thank you” for your distinguished service. You too have served with distinction and clearly demonstrated that you have the interest of the organization at heart. You showed that you are a dependable, hard-working person who was the face of many of ABAG’s social activities. Your tenacity has helped to keep the executive firmly rooted in principle and adherence to proper protocol. Again, ABAG looks forward to your continued involvement in the activities of the organization.

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Kamaria Richards is the third person whose term has expired. It can be said that if ABAG is going to survive there must be a deliberate attempt to recruit and engage the younger generation in the affairs of the organization. Kamaria represents the fruit of that endeavor.

She is young, vibrant, and full of ideas. She brought energy to the executive not only through her ideas but also through the leadership she provided on the exercise initiative she spearheaded. She performed her duties as secretary with distinction and ABAG is looking forward to her continued engagement with the organization.

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The newly elected executive is hitting the road running, scheduling its first executive meeting for this week. May the sun never set on the Antigua and Barbuda Association of Georgia. Viva ABAG!!!!!

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Dear Members and Friends of ABAG:

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We hope that you enjoyed the Christmas season despite the perils brought on by the pandemic. For many, 2020 has become the year they would prefer to forget; the losses are too great; the prospects of better times seem dim and the opportunities to rebuild appear few. As you are aware, ABAG has had to cancel many of its activities during this year but the organization is still very much alive and is looking forward to 2021 with much hope and anticipation.

Please take note that in keeping with the requirements of the bylaws, some positions on the ABAG executive will be open at the end of the year. They are President, Secretary, Treasurer and one member- at-large. In this regard, elections are slated for January 23rd during the monthly general meeting at 5pm.  Please call or text Pastor Benta, the elections supervisor, at 404-434-1174 and submit your nominations. Any member of the organization who is in good standing, whose dues are paid up to 2019, can vote in this election and be nominated for one of these positions. The nominations window closes on January 10, 2021.  All members are encouraged to seriously consider these opportunities to serve and participate in the process either as a candidate or as one who nominates another member. ABAG would be delighted to see some of the younger members of the organization step up to fill these positions. After all, the youth are the future of the organization.

 
Best wishes to everyone and may 2021 be a much better year for all.

Dear Members and Friends of ABAG:

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ABAG wishes to express much gratitude to all who tuned in to watch the banquet special last Saturday. From the feedback received, it is noticeably clear that the virtual event was a success. Clearly, your organization has demonstrated that it is still relevant despite the environment created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Kudos to all who put their heads together to plan and execute this spectacular event; Antigua and Barbuda is proud of you.  Indeed, it was a group effort, and in that connection, it is fitting to mention the members of this steering committee.

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The technical team was comprised of former ABAG president Haynesworth Lee, Vere George, Wade Anthony, Candi Gibson, and video editor Clint Nicholas. It must be noted that Clint resides in Antigua and is not a member of ABAG, but he donated his time and expertise to the project because of his love of country.

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The other members of the team include former ABAG presidents Uldeen Lee and Dean Benta, Carver Joseph, Charmion Richards, Debra George and Worthson Richards. Thank you all for your labor of love and demonstration of your patriotic spirit.

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Special recognition must be given to all those who submitted video and audio recordings; those who helped by being videographers; those who contributed as sponsors of the event.

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Please visit ABAG’s website and look at the ads posted there of the sponsors of the Banquet event; patronize their businesses; develop our own; use our own and own our own. Remember, “each endeavoring; all achieving”. Plans are being considered to upload a video of the   banquet event program onto ABAG’s website as well.

Visit the website at ……www.theabag.org

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 “Happy Thanksgiving” to one and all. Stay safe!!!!!

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November 16, 2019

Dear Members and Friends:
It is our hope that everyone is successfully navigating the Covid-19 crisis which has impacted all of us in one way or the other. The virus has infected an executive member and may have made inroads in our general membership as well. However, all is not lost, and we will emerge on the other side as a strong and healthy people, who have a passion for life and a determination to not just live but thrive and prosper. We encourage you to hang in there and continue to listen to and follow the directives of your local health professionals. As the push to reopen schools intensifies, we encourage you to make the best decision in the interest of your family’s welfare.

As you would expect, our face to face activities have to be put off for the rest of the year. This includes the annual banquet and all the regular gatherings like the Food Fair and our signature Fish Fry. However, the executive has decided to hold the monthly meetings for the rest of the year via Zoom. In that respect, we will have an August general meeting on the 22nd of August via Zoom, slated to start at 5pm. Here is the link:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81591034695 . The executive would like to honor all our recent, 2020 grade school and college graduates at this meeting. In order to make that happen, all are invited to submit the names of all 2020 graduates to secretary Kamaria Richards via text at 678-476-2167 by August 1st. This information should include the name of the graduate and the institution, graduating honors if applicable and diploma / degree type. In order to honor the graduates, it will be necessary for them to attend the Zoom meeting.   

This year has turned out to be one we would like to dismiss and quickly forget.  However, we are encouraged to look for the personal lessons that are embedded in the experiences we encounter and to take the time to pause and let them transform us. See you all on Zoom on the 22nd of August!!!!!!!

Dear Members and Friends:

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Your ABAG executive continues to monitor the current health crisis that has enveloped the world at large and the United States in particular, and forges ahead in looking for opportunities that can positively impact the lives of its constituents. Amidst this state of uncertainty and overwhelming anxiety, your executive would like to point you to a valuable resource that can be very helpful.  This flyer  outlines information for persons seeking some form of emotional support or resource information as a result of the Covid-19 crisis here in Georgia. Even though we are all existing under much restriction, you are encouraged to find a way to celebrate Easter as you hunker down with your families. Happy Easter to all. Together, we will make it through these difficult times.

Dear Members and Friends of ABAG:

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The world is gripped by extreme concern over the COVID-19 infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. This new virus and disease broke out in Wuhan, China, in December 2019 and has created significant disruptions in world health and economy.  As you are aware, life here in the United States has changed drastically and that includes the state of Georgia. The health professionals and the government are advocating for very minimal human interaction and this has resulted in multiple educational institutions closings, the cancellation of conventions, the restriction and abandonment of travel plans to name a few. It is not yet clear how long this pandemic will last, but it is evident that its icy claws have gained a foothold in our local state and the world at large. ABAG rises in support of the efforts of the government and the health professionals in promoting good health and safety from this virus.

In this light, the following actions will be taken:

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1. The March monthly general meeting is cancelled

2.  ABAG is calling on Members and Friends to closely monitor the directives and information provided by the government both locally and nationally at the following websites: coronavirus.gov and dph.georgia.gov 

ABAG leadership team will continue to monitor the developments of this health crisis and will adjust its programs as necessary. Please stay tuned. Join your organization’s effort to advocate for safety. Please post this information on your social media platforms. Take care of yourselves and your families.

November 16, 2019

November 10, 2018

June 24, 2018

October 17, 2017

September 5, 2017