Although I live in Trinidad, my family's roots are deeply buried in two other Caribbean islands - Tobago and St Lucia.

This year culminated two years of planning, toward a grand Family Reunion in St Lucia, which featured relatives on my mother's side. I really worked toward attending, since, except for LITERALLY four persons, I have never met those relatives. However, we were forced to divert finances toward health and education, leaving not enough for the trip. An opportunity missed.

On my father's side, My grandfather was the main link to our relatives in Tobago, and he died a few years ago. I remember one reunion, where some of them came to Trinidad. I was a teen then, and we did not keep in touch. All I know is the village where my grandfather grew up, and I plan to make that trip soon.

I now have children of my own, and apart from their father's relatives, their known family tree is pretty limited. I would really like to change that. I have allowed circumstances to cause me to stay grounded. but I want more for them. I want them to know more about their relatives, see other islands, learn about other cultures, and appreciate people. So much so, that I've decided to reach out here.

Our hope is that we can make the trip to St Lucia first, myself and my two elder children. Then try for the entire family later on.

I hope we get the help we desire.