This issue of the newsletter marks one year later, and so it is with a spirit of gratitude that I extend my sincerest thanks to all contributors and participants who have helped me to shape 12 issues of the newsletter.  It has been a labour of love in some regard, but certainly shows that once there is a will, combined team effort and supportive resources, great things can and will be achieved.  It is in this regard that I shout CONGRATULATIONS!

As I reflect on the past year, the concept of the newsletter was borne merely as a means to reach out and communicate; to engage and inform; to stay connected with all of you across the world.  For in this period, we found ourselves facing the global pandemic, COVID 19.  In what has been truly a challenging, character building 15 months, we have been able to stay in touch and there has been much collaboration.  Due to COVID 19 we have been forced to open and adopt other ways of communication and technology has aided us in virtual meetings and gatherings.   

Through this medium we have been able to highlight the achievements of Alumni, we have sadly had to inform of those who have gone on, yet we have celebrated birthdays and successes in academics or sports. We have reached out and gained your support for various projects and to assist our fellow alumni and for this, I am grateful.   

Let me, at this stage, take this opportunity to remind you that a great heritage requires sustained conservation,  By this I simply mean that we are a part of an amazing heritage and the legacy we leave behind for those following in our footsteps needs to be sustained.  It is in this regard that I encourage all old scholars to pay their dues timely and continue to contribute to the Benevolent Fund and various projects, so that we can truly be impactful in how we support our school and fellow Combermerians, old and young. You can do this on our website www.csosabarbados.com .

I also wish to encourage greater participation in the newsletter through the submission of articles and the sharing of information that will be beneficial to us all.  Please share via email to info@csosabarbados.com  Additionally, I look forward to seeing more of you in our virtual meetings and for the upcoming events on the social calendar.

There is a saying June, too soon, yes indeed Hurricane Season is upon us and I remind everyone how important it is to be prepared.  Let the “freak storm” this month be an indication that the threat from natural disasters is real.  We are aware of the challenges of living with or caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s, and a few tips are shared on this as June is the month to build awareness on this painful topic.  Finally, we will meet our top CSEC achievers for the Caribbean, who are pluming wings for higher flight.   

Let us be prepared, stay safe and be our brothers and sisters keepers.

Up and On!