talk 421

This is my comment to Paul Wu’s open letter to our President W.T. Peng.

The decision on Northern European Cruise for our 45th reunion was voted at our Hong Kong reunion last December. Being a great supporter of the Lighters, I had offered to put the trip together, and promised to communicate to the Lighters when the itinerary and price becomes available for 2004. The proposal was sent out on 08 April via Email before I have a chance to form a reunion committee to discuss the reunion activities for the following two reasons:

1/ There were Lighters did not attend the Hong Kong reunion, it is just fair to give them the opportunity to make other suggestions and or take up the task in organizing the reunion.

2/ This super special priced Northern European cruise is only valid for bookings made up to 15 May 2003. I need responds from the Lighters in order to secure the booking and savings prior to deadline.

Paul mentioned the main reason for Lighters from Australia only attended last year’s reunion in Hong Kong and have missed the previous ones because of the high cost. I like to point out that due to the spread out of the Lighters around the globe it is very difficult to measure the cost of traveling for all Lighters when it comes to picking a gathering location.

According to our 2002 Lighters address book, we have 78 in USA, 53 in Hong Kong, 31 in Canada, 8 in Australia, 2 in Taiwan, 2 in UK, 1 in Belgium, 1 Japan, 1 in Thailand, 1 in New Zealand and 1 in Singapore. Europe seems to be a great location for everyone to travel to. Besides it was the most voted destination from result of the 45th reunion survey at our gala dinner in Hong Kong.

We had our 35th reunion in Vancouver, 40th in Toronto, and last year in Hong Kong, all were very well attended. There are always get together and mini reunions among the Lighters in their own areas, our friendship and support for each other had kept us together for almost 45 years. Hope to see you all in Hong Kong for our 50th reunion.