This year, Anguilla’s internationally-known entertainer, Bankie Banx, is catering for up to five thousand fans for next month’s Moonsplash and the Tourist Board, which is promoting various annual festivals, is assisting him with some of the financing.

Bankie Banx, O. M. Linda Banks, John Benjamin and Amelia Vanterpool Kubisch

He was presented with a symbolic cheque for US$25,000 at a short ceremony at the Tourist Board’s conference room on Monday, February 5. Director of Tourism, Amelia Vanterpool-Kubisch, said that over the past years the Anguilla Tourist Board had endorsed Moonsplash as a key activity in the island’s calendar of events.

She noted that the Board had supported the event through support letters to media organisations from various markets, American Eagle/American Airlines and to many Government departments. Last year the Tourist Board was recognised as having been one of the main sponsors for Moonsplash. She was delighted that the Board was again in a position to make a worthwhile contribution.

Chairman of the Tourist Board, John Benjamin, who made the presentation, said it was a token donation as Moonsplash was an expensive event in terms of money and manpower. He stated that the event was a major one among other festivals in Anguilla and it was therefore the Board’s responsibility to make a contribution towards its success. He thanked the organisers of Moonsplash, particularly Bankie Banx, for what they were continuing to contribute Anguilla over the years.

Responding, Bankie Banx thanked the Tourist Board and the Government for making it so much easier for him and his son Olaide who, from the United States, is playing a big role in organising the event. He said this year’s Moonsplash would again feature such artistes as Bunny Wailer, Junior Jazz and Stephen Cat Coore. The original Bankie Banx Roots & Herbs will also be performing by special demand.

He reported that a considerable amount of renovation and upgrading work was in progress at the Dune Preserve in preparation for Moonsplash and to accommodate up to 5,000 people.

Bankie’s sister and Public Relations spokesperson, Dr. O. M. Linda Banks, endorsed his appreciation for the support of the Anguilla Tourist Board and the Government. She described her brother as a dreamer who was taking Moonsplash to a different level with the assistance of his son in Texas. “I am supporting Bankie all the way because people need to have dreams, but to make our dreams become reality we need assistance from well-intentioned people who are willing to get on the bandwagon of something that brings benefit to the island and music lovers everywhere,” she stated.

The Moonsplash weekend of entertainment will commence on Thursday, March 29, with a cocktail reception.

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