By Deon Green, Freelance Writer
THE EVOLUTION of a St. Thomas Homecoming emerged from a study commissioned by Members of Parliament Anthony Hylton and Dr. Fenton Ferguson some years ago. Devon Blake carried out the study which sought to highlight the socio-economic needs of the parish and put forward possible solutions.
Mr. Blake, now co-ordinator of the St. Thomas Homecoming Movement, told The Gleaner that the movement emerged from that socio-economic study of the parish, where the idea was put to people from the parish.
He said the idea of a St. Thomas Homecoming comprised of the need for socio and economic stability; re-uniting families as well as to showcase the parish in all forms, particularly its cultural and historical legacy. The first meeting of the Homecoming Movement was held on July 18, 1998 with Dr. Fenton Ferguson, Dr. Neville Ying, Dr. Artnell Henry, Dr. Claude Packer, Dr. Leroy Phoenix, Mr. Winston Blake; Mrs. Lovena Simmonds, Mrs. Brenda Cushnie George, Mr. Lance Comrie, Mrs. Dorret Barton and Devon Blake.
A vision statement, "To see a unified people with strong communication links working together for the growth and development of St. Thomas," emerged from the meeting. The mission also involves that of bringing "together residents of St. Thomas, with members of the national and international community, who have biological, social and economic links with the parish. To co-ordinate a unified programme of activities designed to re-unite families, plan development, initiate investment, experience spiritual regeneration, and provide entertainment by promoting our culture, our physical and human resources."
Several objectives also emerged:
To attract visitors from home and abroad to the parish during Homecoming Week.
To identify investment commitments for the parish in cultural and economic displays during the week.
To raise funds in aid of the educational communities of St. Thomas.
To fully involve the major communities in a programme of spiritual regeneration during the week.
To establish three Homecoming Chapters in the USA, Canada and the UK.
To establish and promote a Kumento festival.
Has the St. Thomas Homecoming been successful after its first year? Co-ordinator Mr. Blake said, "It has been successful, as the idea of infomatic technology came about and is now becoming a reality with the recent announcement that the Goodyear tyre factory will become the first Infomatic Park in Jamaica; while there are re-development plans for Bath and Danvers Pen with eco-tourism under JAMPRO."
He also said that last year medical teams came from abroad and gave free medical care and equipment. Mr. Blake also sees success as the parish week of homecoming highlights St. Thomas locally and internationally.
