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Our
Thoughts
Annmarie
Thompson
President, Jamaica Impact Inc. (JAMPACT)
"There are
no words." So said one television reporter as he and the world watched
the first tower of what was the World Trade Center crumble into
the ground on September 11, 2001. A week later there are still very
few words to describe our profound sense of loss. As Jamaicans living
abroad, though our hearts remain at home, our daily lives are here
in New York and its environs. We are as outraged and saddened
at the terrorist attacks as any American, and deeply sympathize
with the U.S., the country that is our second home and has provided
us with many opportunities.
On a very personal
level, we grieve for the family of one of our own members, Michael
Parkes, who is among the missing. Our hearts go out to those in
our community and across the world that have lost loved ones. As
for retaliation, while we understand the need for a response, the
members of JAMPACT believe in a message many others have also endorsed
temperance and tolerance. Now more than ever is the time
for a measured response; the ultimate goal must be one of peace,
not more war and hatred. Many of us wonder "what next?" Even as
we reflect, we begin the process of mental, emotional and physical
repair, and start to move on. One young lady put it well: "We grieve
the lost, we heal the wounded, we accept the scars that we will
carry with us forever, and we find strength in one another." The
members of JAMPACT remain committed to helping our community in
any way we can. We encourage anyone who needs assistance or support,
to contact us at 212-459-4390 or jampact2000@yahoo.com. For more
information on JAMPACT, visit our website at www.jampact.org.
Jamaica Impact
Inc. (JAMPACT) is a certified non-profit organization based in New
York, consisting of a diverse group of young Jamaican professionals,
students and friends of Jamaica. Our philosophy is to use our collective
energies, intelligence and resources as a catalyst for progress
in Jamaica. JAMPACT works towards achieving its mission through
contribution to the policy debate on economic growth and education
and tangible contributions to needy organizations.
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