Found at: http://www.anguillaguide.com/article/articleprint/3385/-1/140/
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Banks Congratulates Optimists On Achievements
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At the Optimist Club 10th Anniversary Dinner on Saturday March 11, the Hon Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Victor Banks, spoke of the occasion as a milestone in the existence of the Optimist Club and its service to the Anguillian community.
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Scene of the 10th Anniversary Celebrations of the Optimist Club of Anguilla (Photo courtesy Ivor Hodge)
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“From support for education, scholarships for primary school students, youth programmes, to support for the elderly and indigent, and so forth, the Optimists have been an invaluable partner in wholesome national development,” Banks said.
The 10th Anniversary Awards dinner took place at the Anguilla Great House and was chaired by Rosanna Browne-Harrigan. She spoke of the mark the Club has made in the community, particularly for the youth of the island but she noted that these are challenging times and efforts must be strengthened to meet the challenges.
President Monica Hodge, said she is proud of the work achieved during the past ten years, announcing that the Anguilla Optimist Club is a model in the region as they are fulfilling the motto of Optimists, “Friend of Youth.” She described some of the activities of the Club and pointed out that the Optimists see the rise in crime as a challenge and they aim to save the youth and the nation. She saluted the charter members of the Club, sixteen of whom are still active members.
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Scene of the 10th Anniversary Celebrations of the Optimist Club of Anguilla (Photos courtesy Ivor Hodge)
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A review of the last ten years was given by the Club’s first President Stanley Reid. He spoke of the activities of the Club that include each year a Youth Appreciation Week, a Respect for Law Week, an Oratorical Contest, the Race against AIDS, the Triathlon, a Youth Retreat, and a brother to brother forum, most of which are geared to the development of youth. He quoted many references over the years of activities and achievements but commented that the Club members cannot rest on their laurels but must develop optimism as a way of life.
After the dinner the feature address was delivered by Victor Banks. He said he is particularly proud of the Club’s regional and international record through the Race against AIDS and thanked the Club members for this significant initiative. Banks spoke of the recent violent incidents involving young men on the island suggesting that the young men need true friends who can give them sound advice and mentoring. He also suggested that the members should aim to reach those who are at risk before they have ‘lost their way”. He concluded, “And I pray that at your next milestone anniversary perhaps five years from now—your contribution to Youth Development will make Anguilla and the region a better place for all of us.”
Awards were presented to 15 corporate sponsors in appreciation of their support over the years. The charter members each received an award as well as the past presidents and two of the treasurers. Three of the members have served as Lt Governor in the region, Jerome Roberts, Fritz Smith and Avon Carty, and they also received awards. Marcel Fahie and Victor Banks received awards for their continued support and active participation in the Triathlon and the Race against AIDS. A special presentation was made to President Monica Hodge for her work over the past ten years.
Avon Carty relayed messages from past Governors and the present District Governor, Adrian Elcock, who urged the Anguilla Club “to keep vibrant, save our children, believe in what you do and reach out, pull in and push forward.”