Fellow Combermerians, in one month, so much has occurred.  Whoever coined the phrase that change is constant, was accurate, life is about being flexible to manage the myriad changes in our lives.

During this past month, we watched The Tokyo Olympics, the first of its kind. Cricket enthusiasts took in CPL cricket series with bated breaths. Also we have seen the achievements of Combermerians namely Alex McDonald new High Commission to Kenya, Commodore Errington Shurland, the new Chief of Staff of the Barbados Defence Force; Mark Ray appointed as Head of Education in the Cayman Islands. We have also been saddened by the loss of our brother and illustrious son of the soil, Rawle Brancker.  We have done all this in an ever-changing environment.   

I don’t know about you, but it has become exhausting thinking about COVID and now the latest developments with the delta variant.  Those of you in Barbados or those following news here would have seen our rise in cases, a common trend around the world.  A new norm, they say, but not necessarily a pleasant norm.  It makes me glad that I was born in the 60s and had the good old days to run around freely, certainly, without wearing a mask.   

As most of you are aware, this COVID environment ushered in an unprecedented demand for assistance and in this newsletter, the 1^st Vice President addresses the issues with which we have been faced as an association.

Again, I remind you that now, more than ever, we are our brothers’ and sisters’ keeper, as such it is important to stay connected by the safest means possible.  I remind you to pay attention as we are still within the hurricane season and weather patterns are changing; furthermore, I encourage you to adhere to the protocols of social distancing, hand sanitizing and wearing masks, that have been scientifically proven to keep us safe.  

As we look ahead, plans for Combermere Week (Oct 23-29) are underway. Although hampered from our usual format, we hope to deliver an exciting week of activities that would provide  something for all alumni and present us with an opportunity to connect with a wider audience across the world.  Inasmuch as we will have restrictions in Barbados, the use of technology will allow us all to share in the rich experience of Combermere Week, together.    

Up and On!