The annual Senior Citizens Luncheon at the House of Chandeliers was an affair to remember. Hordes of Anguilla’s respected and relished members of the senior community were greeted for the luncheon on December 4 at 12:30 p.m. People 68 years and over were invited by the Department of Social Development to have a grand meal, listen to entertainment as well as participate in entertaining activities such as dance. All were invited to partake in fellowship as well as reminisce on the days of old. Members of Government such as HE The Acting Governor Mr. Stanley Reid, the Honourable Speaker of the House Mr. David Carty, as well as the Acting Deputy Governor Dr. Aidan Harrigan, were in attendance.

L-R: HE The Governor, Mr Stanley Reid, Ag. Dr. Aidan Harrigan and Mr. David Carty

Commissioner of Social Services, Mr. Sanford Richardson, gave details of the event in which he explained that during the lunch, various speeches would be given. Entertainment would also be provided by Dumpa Martin on the steel pan, Anita Martin Ruan would be singing Christmas Carols and Smokey and the Boys String Band would play delightful music. Typically, in the past, Ministers of Government and The Governor would make speeches, but many are away in the UK at the moment. Mr. Richardson also said, “We have added the opportunity to win prizes and there will also be a dance competition for couples and individual male and female. We have two sponsors, besides the Department of Social Development, such as Best Buy Supermarket and Carries Beauty Salon. At the end of the day, it is all about celebrating the birth of Christ. I want to commend the staff for their input.Although they find themselves in different roles, they always come out shining and that is commendable.”

Invitees stand for the National Song

The Honourable Stanley Reid made remarks as well in which he made sense of the season and thanked all the invitees for all they have done for Anguilla. “The Christmas Season is one which is generally appreciated by the young and the not so young alike. There is a feeling which creeps up on us without us even being aware of it that says, it is time to relax and simply enjoy. We unconsciously conclude that the year is spent, we did our best and we should now relax and regain our energies so as to be able to experience and appreciate life to the fullest in the New Year. We all find these feelings very difficult to resist. This activity organised by the Department of Social Development is one way of ensuring that you get maximum effect from the feelings of joy, togetherness, generosity and overall happiness that finds us all at Christmas time. The Department must be commended for continuously ensuring that you share fully in the spirit of Christmas.”

Dumpa Martin with Smokey and the Boys

Mr. Reid continued, “I want to take this opportunity on behalf of myself, my wife, my family and the staff at Government House, to extend Christmas greetings to you all. We wish you God’s continued blessings as you continue to share in the development of Anguilla. The part you played and continue to play has not been forgotten and will not be forgotten. While, as Anguillians, we do not always readily demonstrate our appreciation for persons and things it should be obvious to you, by the consistent organisation of this and other activities for your enjoyment, that you are indeed appreciated. Please take this feeling of being appreciated with you throughout the Christmas Season and into the New Year.”

- Jason Allen

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