THE CHILDREN OF FREETOWN-ANTIGUA (COFA)
Last Saturday night, December 10, the Children of Freetown – Antigua (COFA) held its annual Dinner Dance. From all indications it was a let down, as evidenced by many who left very dissatisfied. The room was too small for the affair. The two Board Members who sold the most tickets, Carol Daniel (13 tables) and Vanessa Brodie-Armstrong (6 tables) were not given a “thank you” for a job well done. The founder, Connie Wilkins, was not even recognized though she was among the 230 guests - down from 350 last year. Several organizations were represented and they were not recognized. Even two members of the Consul General staff went unnoticed. It seemed that COFA has become self-satisfied.
According to many, the dinner dance had a program that seemed to be a last minute thought. Eustace Watson, the president of the organization, simply said in his very brief presidential address, “I hope you all have a good time.” One attendee observed, “the golden days of COFA are all over.” It is true, for many indicated that this is their last attendance to a COFA’s dinner dance.
There were indications of problems within COFA even before the dinner. An election was held in September and many were against the President running since he had served for 16 years of the 21 years since the founding of the organization. Connie Wilkins encouraged him to run and work tirelessly for his re-election. She wrote nasty notes to people who opposed Watson. In the illegal election, Watson won by one vote. Watson comes across as a very dominating figure seeking control of all elements of the organization. However, there are some members that consistently question his viewpoints and stance.
Furthermore, COFA does not have a good reputation outside of the organization. The people of Freetown Village don’t want to hear COFA’s name called in their midst. No one in the village wants to be associated with COFA. They are aware that though monies are being raised in Freetown’s name, COFA has not done anything for Freetown for years.
About three years ago, Watson was advised not to go Freetown to “break ground” for a Community Center but he forced the issue. The land is still there and has not been touched since. The organization does not have a schedule in place for the erection of the Community Centre. According to Connie, the project is estimated to cost EC$1.5 million dollars to complete. COFA has EC$40,000 at home and US$70,000 in a bank in New York. COFA has become a “cash cow” for some of its officers and members. In the 21 years, the organization has never been audited and there are some Board Members that are there permanently.
We must tell the true story of our organization. It is time that COFA put its house in order and move towards addressing the needs of Freetownians, which was the motivation behind its founding 21 years ago.
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