WIFFA Foreword
Dear Friends,
It is with joy and thanks that we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the West Indian Friends and Family Association (WIFFA).
This organization was started in faith, with the goodwill of a few and the desire to make a mark in the life of the Caribbean community here in London. Back in 1985, and up to today, a constant cry of people who live in this vast metropolis is the lack of unity and community. WIFFA set out to move beyond special interests and country cliques. They sought to unify all people of Caribbean origin with an interest in pan-Caribbean issues both in the UK and in the Caribbean, bringing people together whatever their national background, to be inclusive and as expansive and the love of Jesus which included all.
They had a focus on improving the lives of the people in the place where they resided. From the beginning WIFFA stood out and stood their ground. They wanted to do something here and now, in the here and now, for the here and now. They have never stopped from attending to this task.
WIFFA’s achievements have been many. Their social functions are renowned, and well attended. They set the benchmark for high entrainment standards of service at the functions, and maximum enjoyment for the patrons. Added to this, over the 25 years, they have focused on improving the knowledge of the social and economic issues of concern to the people they serve, by holding meetings, conferences, seminars, and fundraisers. On a less known side they have quietly looked after their members with care, helping to meet their needs in difficult times.
Alongside this self care, they have used their talents and skills to build up a portfolio of local activities, to also care for their neighbours. Working alongside the local council in Merton, south London, where they are based, they have helped to provide much needed social services to the community. In the last two years, WIFFA was able to buy a minibus, and donate its use to elderly services in Merton. In this way they have proved to be not simply self-serving but self-sacrificing. Their ability to do this has been based on their assiduous handling of finances. Each talent received has been invested well and they have come through these 25 years, stable financially as well as socially. Now they are not just a Caribbean group operating in the UK. They are a third sector community group contributing to local well being. They have loved self and neighbour and have found, with Christ, all things are possible. For the people who helped to bring this organisation into the world, who planted the first seed, and who have nurtured it through its years of growth there must be a real sense of achievement. Twenty five years and going strong. The race they are running is not for the faint hearted.
The backbone of WIFFA has been their strong Christian ethos, and the Christian values that were the foundation of the organisation. The scripture verse that best underscores the way in which they have undertaken their work is from the letter of St. Paul to the Hebrews, 12:1-3:
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a cloud of witness, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, and that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
WIFFA is a group that fully understand the meaning of perseverance. We pray that God’s had will continue to guide them, and bless the race they are running. We pray that they will continue to make their mark on the lives of people of Caribbean origin or heritage, here in the UK and back in the Caribbean. We give thanks for all the achievements and joy that's been... and a prayer of hope for all the achievements and joy to come!
Rev. Dr. Rosemarie Mallett
Patron
WIFFA
