Found at: http://www.anguillaguide.com/article/articleprint/3897/-1/140/
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Soroptimists Donate Benches At Airport
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The community-spirited Soroptimist Club of Anguilla has made another contribution to its credit and for the assistance of the public. This time it is a donation of five attractive benches which are placed in the viewing area at Wallblake Airport where persons can sit while waiting to greet incoming passengers or wave goodbye to them.
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Four of the benches
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President of the Soroptimist Club, Carmencita Davis, observed that there had been a longstanding need for benches in the area and she was grateful to Rhona Richardson-Roydon, a member of the organisation, for purchasing the first one as a sample.
Miss Davis told Minister of Infrastructure, Communications and Utilities, Kenneth Harrigan, that the provision of the benches was one of the club’s many projects it was hoping to achieve this year. “We pledge to promote the object of Soroptimism by voluntary service to our community,” she said.
The Soroptimist President then presented the benches to Airport Manager, Remington Lake, hoping that they would be used properly and maintained.
Replying, Mr. Lake thanked the club for the seating accommodation. He hoped that the public would appreciate and take care of the benches. He called on more non-governmental organisations to make meaningful contributions to assist the community rather than engaging in mere talk.
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After the handing over ceremony
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Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Bankcroft Battick, commented: “I must say that I am proud of Soroptimist International for this kind gesture. When I came here, before, the area looked very bare. There was no way, especially for the elderly, to sit when they arrived to see persons coming in or leaving the island. I must therefore commend you for your act of kindness. We are hoping that other private sector organisations will envy your lead. You have been working as good partners with government over the years and we wish you would continue to do so. The seats are very comfortable.”
Minister Harrigan said the Anguilla Government was very appreciative of the positive impact that the Soroptimist Club was having on the lives of many persons in the community. “Your willingness to assist the Spanish-speaking residents to learn the English Language, the reading programme you run during the summer holidays and the awesome task you undertook to construct and run a day care centre, are only a few of the activities that you have embarked on to ensure the development of the people of Anguilla,” the Minister stated.
He acknowledged that with the donation of the benches the women’s group was again demonstrating their stewardship, ensuring that the travelling public and visitors at the airport will have seating accommodation. “We are thankful for this,” he added.
The presentation ceremony, on Friday, September 1, was chaired by Lady Josephine Gumbs MBE, a leading figure with the club, and the Vote of Thanks was given by Olive Hodge MBE, a member.