The Valley Community and Social Club, in conjunction with the Agricultural Department, staged the opening of its annual Festival of Lights and associated cultural activities on Saturday night, December 12, at the old Trough at Coronation Avenue. The switch for the lighting of the area was turned on by Mrs. Mary Martin, a well-known personality involved in arts, crafts and culture in Anguilla, who in earlier years has had a close association with the area.

Moko Jumbies of Stoney Ground

Unlike in past years, however, it was only possible this time to partially light up and decorate the area for the Christmas season, with the main concentration being at the Trough and the Tamarind Tree. There is a distinct absence of the colourful lights at the trunks of some 50 trees lining both sides of the road. This is due to a lack of financial sponsorship this year from many businesses on the island.

Dr. O. M. Linda Banks, who co-chaired the opening ceremony along with Renford Kelsick, welcomed the large number of spectators. She spoke about the historic nature of the site where animals on the Agricultural Department’s farmland, as well as those kept by a number of private persons, were taken for water and she also likened the area to the manger of the Nativity of the Christ Child. She commended The Valley Community and Sports Club for its efforts in holding the festival of lights and other events, even in a limited way, despite the lack of funds.

All-Ah-Wee Young Theatre Players

Minister of Finance and Tourism, Victor Banks, referring to the theme of the festival, “The recession cannot destroy our Christmas,” said among other things that it was a challenging period for many people but it was not a time to sit back and wait for something to happen. “It is a period when we should be imaginative and creative so that we can survive this difficult and challenging time,” he went on. “We in Anguilla have been blessed over the years. There were times when the plenty that we now enjoy did not exist and we were still happy. There were times when sadness was associated with this occasion because of something that happened in our family or island…but we have always been very resilient as a people.”

Mr. Banks said that the Anguilla Government was extremely happy that it was able to contribute to the festival of lights. “I understand that the lights will not be as many as before,” he observed. “Whether that is a symbol of what is happening, or the reality, I believe that if we take the time to tell people that we really want to celebrate this Christmas in a grand way, I am sure that they would rise to the occasion.” He was pleased however that the event, though held on a lesser scale, would still bring some cheer and fun particularly to the young people.

Section of the audience just before switching on of lights

Country Manager for LIME, Mark Romney, was also happy that his company was able to contribute to the event which had now become an annual one looked forward to by many Anguillians and visitors, while remembering the true meaning of the Christmas season. He pledged that his company would continue to play its sponsorship role to bring good cheer to all, including treats for children.

Mrs. Mary Martin

Vernette Richardson, a member of the organising committee, said other sponsors included the FM radio stations, the Social Security Board, ABC Supplies, Apex Utilities, West Indies Concete Company, Expan Company Ltd, Haskins Ltd, Fair Play Group of Companies, Cap Juluca Resort, Anguilla Bargaining Centre and Caribbean Commercial Bank.

The opening ceremony included performances by the Young All Ah We Theatre Group, the Moko Jumbies of Stoney Ground, organised by George Stanley Carty, and two members of the Elite Sky Dancers of the British Virgin Islands whose towering images and dancing provided much excitement among the spectators; Smokey and the Boys String band and Better Band.

The lights and cultural activities in The Valley will continue until January 9.

| Printer-friendly page | Send this article to a friend |

World News