FIRSTLY a huge thank you for the Paarl Post via the internet, it is a MUST for all us ex Bolanders on Friday mornings. And based on my chats via Facebook and similar sites available these days, the Paarl Post keeps us well informed.
In recent letters to the Editor it is surprising to note the negative comments on the new Berg River Waterfront Development by Mr Phillips as well as the recent comments on former residents who have migrated to various parts of the world, such as New Zealand.
To those who may read this and always point blame to the crime levels amongst other things, one must please look a bit deeper into the real issues.
A recent visit to Paarl brought to my attention many surprising improvements such as the restoration of the Roll of Honour plaque on the war memorial (thank you to the Clifts and Mrs Pearl Retief for restoring dignity to what is part of our Boland past history, which cannot ever be undone, it is what it is).
I also noted the amazing improvement of the parking area near the Toringkerk, the shops that appear to be doing very well at the Paarl Mall, and the upgrading of the Paarl Hospital.
Many of us need to leave our beautiful homeland for more financially orientated reasons.
We may be doctors, nurses, engineers, plumbers, mechanics, students with degrees that are unable to find suitable employment at home to repay our debt to the bank, or our parents, or to help our children have a brighter future in the NEW South Africa.
Irrespective of our race, creed, sexual orientation or personal beliefs, we do this out of practical need, not selfish desire.
Stepping onto that aeroplane is not easy; the tears of anticipation for what lies ahead run as fast as those for what we are leaving behind… this we are not always willing to admit, sadly.
But loans we need to pay, mouths we need to feed, parents we need to help out financially.
Please remember this and appreciate what you have, even if it is financially not much. You have the most valuable gift anyone could bestow on you, a place to call home.
The Boland is unmistakably one of the most beautiful areas in the world. I have worked and lived on three continents over eight years - I believe this allows me an opportunity to state my views based on experience and reality above the “pity party” that is used by so many who stay behind.
Do not think we have “deserted” you; we have had to do what we have done to secure a brighter tomorrow.
When we return, which many of us inevitably will, we bring a wealth of international experience back to the Boland This experience money could never buy for a community.
Glenn F. Strutt
Latin America
