St. Mary’s Street in The Valley was blocked to traffic on Tuesday afternoon this week to facilitate hundreds of young school children who attended the 2009 Christmas Gala held for the 9th year by the Caribbean Commercial Bank.

CCB's Managing Director, Mrs. Benjamin with staff and gifts

Speaking in an interview with The Anguillian, Managing Director, Mrs. Starry Benjamin said Christmas was a time of giving, saying thank you and making dreams come true. “In that vein, CCB has a long history of making dreams come true for many and our children are no exception,” she went on. “Today, it is about CCB giving back to the future, our children. This makes me happy as I see Christmas through the eyes of our children. This picture is certainly worth a thousand words.”

All-Ah-Wee Young Theatre Players in performance

As the children, their parents and other relatives crowded the stage-like area across the road, and directly in front of the Bank, CCB’s Teller, Marva Smith, said that the children’s gala was first held in 2001 as part of the Bank’s 25th Anniversary celebrations. “Over the years, CCB has shown its commitment in staying true to its mission, providing meaningful participation in the social and economic development of the community we serve,” she stated. “CCB’s vision extends island-wide and takes the form of contributions and partnerships in sports, culture, health, education and social development to name a few.”

Children from across the island at CCB's Christmas Gala

During the event, Watson Hodge, a CCB Director, delivered a Christmas Message and said in part: “There are two distinctive facts that symbolize and set Christmas apart from any other day. Christmas is a time of sacrifice, the birth and sacrifice of Christ our Saviour; and Christmas is a time of love, peace and goodwill to all men. Every child here has a special day and while it is not called Christmas, but rather your birthday, you are all special in so many ways. Your parents, teachers and loved ones know that, and so does CCB. That is why, even in these times of economic uncertainty, CCB’s desire is to place a smile on each of your faces. It is because you are special that CCB has always celebrated your birth through our Newborn Savings Club Programme by opening an account in your name and we followed through with our Young Investors Club Programme.”

Mr. Hodge called on all parents, teachers and all other adults, “to appreciate the reason for the season: the birth of Jesus Christ and ensure that it is instilled in each of these boys and girls whom we have been entrusted to guide.”

Students from Vivien Vanterpool Primary School in peformance

The fun-filled Children’s Christmas Gala included a medley by the Bethel Methodist Pre-School;a poem by the Alwyn Allison Primary School; a presentation by the All Ah We Young Theatre Players, a danced by the Vivien Vanterpool Primary School; a presentation by From Within Dance and a dance by the Valley Primary School. CCB’s staff members Katisha Vanterpool, a Teller, Shyrone Hughes, Credit Officer, and “Dolphie”, CCB’s Mascot, also participated in the delightful programme. The event was chaired by “Uncle Ivor” of Radio Anguilla and co-hosted by Ms CCB Talented Teen 2009 and Lady Katisha, CCB’s Teller.

The various activities climaxed with the distribution of a large quantity of gifts to the children.

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