Flag Luxury Properties Anguilla and Temenos Golf Club, Cable and Wireless Anguilla and the Anguilla Development Board have all made large contributions this week to the second annual Festival De Noel. Jerome Roberts from the East End Community Committee, and his assistant Lisa Webster, accepted the numerous cheques and were quite grateful for the overwhelming support they have received thus far.

Mr. Roberts and Mrs. Webster receive a check from Ashe Hodge (left)

The first cheque was given by Cable and Wireless in the amount of USD $1,000. Avon Carty, Corporate Communications Officer, mentioned that it was the second year in a row that Cable and Wireless had sponsored the event. She said, “We recognize it is a costly event and although our donation is not towards a specific event within the festival, it is a donation towards the cultural development of Anguilla. We take the opportunity to be part of any Christmas event as we are the major sponsors of The Valley Lighting Ceremony.” In response to the donation, Mr. Roberts said, “This festival is out of great concern and love for the young people. This is indicative of Cable and Wireless’ dedication to youth development.” He went on to explain that through this venture, they will assist with providing supplies for the East End Primary School as well as the Island Harbour Primary School.

Besides donating all the proceeds to the schools, the East End Community Committee is quite aware that Christmas in Anguilla is not the same and is therefore committed to doing whatever it could to bring back the unity and love that all experience during the holidays. Festival De Noel will occur from December 6-15 and there are many events planned including an opening ceremony with various bands from Anguilla, a Ms. Mature competition, calypso competition, gospel concert and much more. It will be held at the East End basketball court and tennis court.

Giesel Francis hands over cheque to Jerome Roberts

Flag Luxury Properties Anguilla gave a large sum of USD $2,000 towards the Calypso Competition. At a press conference held at The Anguillian, Mr. Ashe Hodge, said, “we are very happy to be proud sponsors of the calypso competition. We are always delighted to be a part of any community building activity. It is important to us that the proceeds of the festival will go towards the buying of equipment for the East End and Island Harbour Primary Schools.” Mr. Roberts, in his response said, “We have eleven calypsonians who have registered and are ready to go for this contest. In total, there will have been 22 home grown calypso songs. This is a worthwhile venture and we are optimistic that this year’s festival will be fruitful and that we will reach our goal to supply the schools and keep up the Christmas spirit in Anguilla.”

Mr. Roberts receives a check from the ADB’s staff

The Anguilla Development Board graciously gave USD $1,000 towards the song competition and gospel concert. At a press conference held at the ADB conference room, Executive Director Althea Hodge was happy to turn over a cheque in support of this worthwhile endeavour. The ADB is always willing to assist with any worthwhile cause towards preserving Anguilla’s culture, especially when dealing with young people. Mr. Roberts again expressed a great debt of gratitude to the ADB and promised to make this year’s festival the best. He also pledged to make it an annual event that continues to improve in every aspect.

As seen in a previous issue of The Anguillian, Digicel has already given a USD $7,500 donation towards the Ms. Mature Show. This year’s festival plans to be exciting and Mr. Roberts encourages all Anguillians to take part as its success depends on the participation of the Anguillian community. More information about the Festival De Noel can be found on flyers around Anguilla.

-Jason Allen

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