Dear Editor,
CADVA would like to respond to a letter published in SN on August 7 regarding Mr Annan Boodram’s role in the youth conference on August 13 (‘Boodram should withdraw as chair for the youth conference’). But first, please allow me to introduce myself. I am Sukree Boodram, President and founder of CADVA. No relation to Mr Annan Boodram, to avoid confusion on the last name. I am a survivor of domestic violence and have been actively speaking and doing advocacy work in this area for many years in North and South America. The focus is singular: attempting to change the platform of domestic violence in our demographic communities across the globe. CADVA does not represent any religion, political, special rights groups, or any other causes other than domestic violence from a grass-roots level.
As an educator in New York city, Mr Annan Boodram is not a key organizer nor in any leading capacity for this conference or this organization. He is simply chairing portions of a programme where he brings insight to young people across our society. As an educator that teaches many students from various origins, issues and social diversity, Mr Boodram’s personal agenda, if any, has no political undertones as it relates to this conference. He is a well respected educator in the New York area. He has his opinions much like all of us; however, when it comes to youth development and diversity, he has an interest in seeing our younger generation becoming empowered, educated and leading our future. We cannot hold Mr Boodram to the standards of another cause he may be passionate about and apply that towards this conference. We must allow our community leaders to lead by example, and I also know that no one person is perfect, and that would include myself. Let’s take a step back and look at the good in people and not the few things that may not be so good or may not sit well with us. I try not to denounce anyone who is truly trying to help a cause as important as this.
This session and the breakout sessions by CADVA were planned in the beginning of 2012 as part of our annual programme in various regions of North and South America. CADVA does not and will not be involved in the platform of one person’s view as they see the world; however, united CADVA will focus on the views of many on one cause.
We look forward to seeing people at the event and more so, looking forward to simply focusing on the needs of the young audience. It is time we all put our differences aside, hold hands strong towards this one united cause.
I am kindly asking your readers to let’s keep the focus on the youths and after the event, we can address any issues that surface. For now our priority is ensuring the message of Break the Silence, Say no to Violence using our many voices towards this one cause gets across to the children of our future. Let’s demonstrate to our youths that we can come together, put our differences aside and help them make better choices and decisions. Let’s show our youths what living harmoniously looks and feels like. This is our time to show what we are made of. Let’s do this, together.
Yours faithfully,
Sukree Boodram
