History

MSAP HISTORY

The Metroplex San Andres Archipelago People was first hosted in the home of Rev. and Ms. Ronald Hooker on December 17, 2010. Those in attendance came from far and near to brain storm as to how they, as a North Texas Creole community, might help meet some of the needs of those Native Islanders either currently engaged in or seeking higher education. After much discussion, the group decided to organize themselves as a non-profit entity in order to raise funds to assist San Andres Archipelago youth; specifically those who were educationally talented, but economically challenged. Those in attendance at the first meeting also wished to celebrate their Island heritage and West Caribbean culture.

The next step was to elect officers and they became: Moderator, Ms. Lastenia Hooker; Vice Moderator, Mr. Eran McGowan; Secretary, Ms. Olga Abrams-Richeson: Assistant Secretary, Ms. April Barker; Treasurer, Ms. Astrid Bent; Assistant Treasurer, Mr. Willard Pomare; Parliamentarian, Pastor Ron Hooker, and Members-at-Large: Mr. Marco Barker, Dr. Sally Newball and Pastor Edgardo Martinez. The group also decided that they would meet on a monthly basis. Thus, during the succeeding months, several working committees were formed to bring their goals to fruition. Among them were: a Calendar Committee, a Constitution Committee, a Media Committee, and a Banquet Committee. The group, now known by its acronym MSAP, faithfully met for the next 11 months at the homes of various members. Sub-committees also worked tirelessly between general meetings. Once the group voted upon its name and Mission Statement, legal papers were drawn up and MSAP was registered with the IRS as a non-profit entity on March 12, 2011. MSAP then drafted a calendar with dates and places of 2011 meetings.

Throughout 2011, as part of celebrating Islander heritage and culture in the West Caribbean, meetings featured different personalities. One of its first speakers was Dr. Ralph Newball, former Governor of San Andres Archipelago. Other speakers included Prof. Ron Metzger, Ms. Orma Wilson, Dr. Sally Newball, Mr. Willard Pomare and Pastor Ron Hooker. Each guest spoke about their personal educational, governmental or community development experiences on San Andres Island. Or, they highlighted the virtuous lives of Native Islanders who historically have had great impact on traditional Island life, such as: Dr. Walwin Peterson, Mr. Nunely Pusey, and Ms. Lucila Newball.

During the year, MSAP also established yearly membership dues and engaged in a number of mini-fundraisers, such as Rundon and Johnnie Cake sales, and sales of our San Andres Island Sea Flower Biosphere bracelets. Those funds went to our first scholarship recipient, Mr. Edmiston Williams, in the amount of $2,600. Mr. Williams is currently a student at Dallas Baptist University. The first recipients of our Life Long Excellence in Education Award were Dr. George May and Ms. Dorothy Davis; both long-time San Andres Island educators.

Currently, we are getting ready to host our Annual MSAP fundraiser banquet at the Fellowship of Joy Church on February 2, 2013, in Grand Prairie, Texas. We will be honoring three of our outstanding leaders including: Dr. Nehemiah Davis, Gov. Ralph Newball, and Professor Ronald Metzger. The Metroplex San Andres Archipelago People hope to continue to serve in empowering our youth through education. They are our future. Thank you for your participation in helping us meet this goal!

****Mark your calendars for our next banquet on summer 2013 in Miami, Florida!! More details to come soon!!****