Dear friends and colleagues,
you have probably noticed that there was no Positivity conference in 2011. Although some of you probably know why, I do believe that most have not heard the tale… Here is the whole story!
Back in 2007, Positivity was held in Belfast, Northern Ireland and chaired by Professor Tony Wickstead. It was the first time I had met the Late Professor Charalambos Aliprantis “Roko”, in person. I was in my room having some rest after a day of hard work when I heard a knock on my door. You can only imagine the look of astonishment on the face of the young researcher that I was, when the great Aliprantis made his way in and invited me for a cup of coffee. Among other things, he told me that Positivity 2009 will take place in Madrid, Spain and expressed the wish to see the next version held in Tunisia, in the city of Hammamet precisely. I was really at a loss for words when he asked me to think about it.
Later on, I recall I was admiring the magnificent Belfast City Hall, when Professor Aliprantis, much to my surprise, made the announcement that Tunisia will be the place of our gathering in 2011. He invited me onstage to improvise a few words and make everything official.
As you all know, Professor Aliprantis passed away two years later and I was so devastated that I thought about cancelling the event. However, the support of my mentors, Professors Basly and the Late Triki along with Professors Buskes, de Pagter, Schep, and Wickstead’s encouragements kept me on track to fulfill Aliprantis’ wish.
In Tunisia, the year 2011 started with a great event: The Jasmin revolution, when my people took to the streets to demand freedom and democracy. Everything had to be cancelled, but my dear friends Buskes, Watson and the Late Labuschagne decided to come anyway and witness the historic event. Over the years, Aliprantis’ wish has become the dream of every one of us, the Tunisian Positivity community. And here we are fourteen years later, making it come true.
Dear friends and colleagues,
My wish is for all of you to honour us with your presence next year in Hammamet, Tunisia and grace our blessed gathering in memory of Professor Aliprantis and of All those who have left us but whose souls and achievements will live on in our memories forever!
