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The St. Kitts and Nevis Atlanta Association (SKANAG) has long served as a vital connection between the diaspora and their homeland. However, recent years have seen increasing frustration among its members, who are calling for transparency, accountability, and renewed purpose within the organization.

Several years ago, former Ambassador Thelma Phillip Browne made efforts to revive the association, recognizing that it had become largely inactive, save for its annual picnic. Her vision aimed to transform SKANAG into a dynamic organization that could engage the diaspora in meaningful ways, including educational programs and charitable efforts to benefit St. Kitts and Nevis. Despite her efforts, the then leadership allegedly blocked these new initiatives and refused to step aside, stalling any potential for growth.

Two years later, a glimmer of hope emerged when a formal dinner was proposed, with promises that funds raised would go toward scholarships for students in St. Kitts and Nevis. Despite the initial excitement, no financial statements were made public, leaving members in the dark about the use of funds. With a new dinner planned for November 2024, concerns over financial mismanagement have deepened as past promises remain unfulfilled.

In response to these ongoing issues, a formal letter from SKANAG members is now circulating, demanding transparency from the leadership and calling for the current president to step down. The letter cites the ongoing failure to provide financial clarity or meaningful updates on the association’s activities, fueling concerns that leadership is not meeting its obligations to the community.

The lack of transparency in SKANAG’s governance is emblematic of a larger problem. Any organization that claims to represent its members must operate with integrity, transparency, and accountability. Failing to disclose financial details and provide updates erodes trust between SKANAG and the diaspora it serves.

The upcoming November dinner presents an opportunity for SKANAG to address these concerns directly. To regain trust, the leadership must respond to calls for transparency, issue financial reports, and engage openly with the community. Without these changes, the association risks losing its credibility and its ability to make a meaningful impact.

This moment is crucial for the St. Kitts and Nevis diaspora in Atlanta. Members deserve a leadership that prioritizes integrity and accountability. By demanding more from their leaders, they can ensure that SKANAG fulfills its purpose, fostering genuine connections between the diaspora and the homeland through effective, transparent leadership.