Found at: http://www.anguillaguide.com/article/articleprint/4190/-1/140/
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NBA Hosts Children For Christmas
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Children from all across Anguilla braved inclement weather conditions and attended in mass numbers the 18th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting & Gift Give-Away event on Tuesday, December 19, at the bank’s Parking Lot.
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NBA’s staff members singing Christmas carols
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The welcome remarks were by Shaunel Reid, the Assistant Internal Auditor, who served as Chairperson for the function. Pastor Phillip Gumbs of the Church of God (Holiness) gave the invocation.
The Christmas Message was delivered by Foster Rogers, one of NBA’s Directors.
“The celebration of Christ’s birth is when all residents of Anguilla, regardless of their age, religious or cultural background, can reflect on how fortunate we are to live in a country that values freedom of religion and freedom of speech,” he said. “We must be thankful for the developmental gains we have made in our country over the last forty years, and even the value of national institutions like NBA.
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Some of the many children at the NBA Christmas event
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“Christmas evokes feelings of community harmony and is an opportunity for all Anguillians to think about how to influence community change by dispelling misconceptions about other cultures and religions and by reinforcing the basic principles of respect and understanding for all. These are principles we can work towards in the New Year.”
Rogers called on young people to decide what they would like to achieve in life and to blaze a path towards that goal. “There is an element of ‘thug life’ creeping in our community and we should guard against it consuming our existence,” he went on.
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NBA’s Christmas Tree
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“Those of you who remain true to the spirit of our ancestors to develop this country, no matter the difficulties, will ultimately be fulfilled with the pride and joy, as well as economic success envisioned by our parents and grandparents who fought for our dignity as a nation. Those of you who remain true to yourself knowing that you must live to your fullest potential, not mediocrity, will advance to the seats of power and influence in this tiny nation of ours.”
Mr. Rogers spoke of various positions in society to which Anguillian young people could aspire. He then asked then added: “Who amongst you will emerge a youth leader and contribute to stemming the tide of youth violence? Who amongst you will elevate yourself to leadership roles in this country when current leaders move on?
“The blinding truth is that some of us must do all these things, and fortunately NBA can assist you in realising your goals.”
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Singer, Laesha Hobson, 9
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His Christmas Message was followed by a Talent Competition among various children. The rest of the programme included a Christmas carol by NBA staff, the Children’s Club Account Raffle conducted by NBA’s CEO, E. Valentine Banks who also announced the winners of the Talent Competition; the lighting of the Christmas Tree by Florence Harrigan; and the distribution of gifts by Terry Brennan, the popular “Santa Claus” personality.