A joyful beach party was given by Pam Webster, APP Candidate for District One, on Sunday, on the Bay in Island Harbour. The traditional style Christmas celebration was intended to bring Anguillians together in peace and harmony for the greater good of Anguilla and all its people. The setting was magnificent, showcasing the idyllic and picturesque Bay.

The occasion began in the late afternoon with a children's event, which was very well attended. Master of Ceremonies Monique Webster and Music Master Haydn Bryan showed great skill and spirit in coordinating the large number of children and holding their interest throughout. There was music, spectacular dance numbers by children's groups and a wonderful impromptu traditional dance by Maude Richardson.

The donkey rides thrilled the children who participated. The grand finale, before the candy-floss, food and drinks, was a visit by Santa Claus, who arrived by boat and proceeded to weave his spell and to dispense presents to more than 100 children. Community stalwart Calvin Smith performed the Santa role to perfection.

The focus then moved along the beach towards the harbour, where a stage and spectacular decorative lighting had been set up, together with a wonderful spread of food. A more magical setting for an evening of warm- hearted and joyful entertainment would be hard to imagine.

The objective of the evening was to place emphasis on the children and the need for Anguillians everywhere to unite and build a new Anguilla, in fellowship and with a common purpose to secure our children's future. Short prayers were lead by Pam's husband, Harry Wiggin, who used the opportunity to emphasise the support Pam has from her family. District One business entrepreneur Smitty then spoke warmly of Pam's commitment to District One and Anguilla and pledged to work with her for "unity in the community".

Pam herself followed with a short address emphasising that Anguilla now needs a different kind of leadership. She feels strongly that our island needs true "servant leadership" to "meet the needs of our community and improve the lives of our people".

The tone of the event from the outset was conspicuous for its theme of harmony, love and community, and the whole evening was in refreshing and stark constrast to the war of words that has recently been prevalent in Anguilla. As Pam remarked, "This event is not a political statement. It is a community statement - Christmas is a time for merriment regardless of differing political views".

Those attending were able to enjoy traditional turkey and ham and other Christmas delicacies, representative of the Anguilla of old, near the water's edge, accompanied by the sounds of Happy Hits and the local Scratch Band.

A spectacular variety show was performed before the very appreciative audience. Master of Ceremonies Alfa Akbur deftly and stylishly introduced the lineup. The varied programme, with the able backing of Haydn Bryan DJ, included the Vivien Vanterpool Primary School Dance Group and the St. Augustine's Church Dance Group. Lorna Baccus, well-known dramatist, performed a vivid monologue, reminiscent of bygone Christmases, which thrilled young and old alike. Brucelee Harrigan and Keron Harrigan introduced the Gutterville youth rap style focussing on youth aspirations, while special gospel artists Omar Ewen, Wayne Buchanan (Jai) from Jamaica, Kenty from Dominica and Kurtis Jordan from Trinidad integrated innovative regional and international influences under a Christian theme of Hope and Faith.

Pam and the Movement for Change in District One recognised that none of this would have been possible without the enormous support she has received from so many people in the Island Harbour and East End communities since she announced her election bid in April of this year.

Those to whom Pam is so grateful for all their efforts to make the event the success it was include those mentioned already above and, in addition, in no particular order: Kareen Harrigan, Katherine Bryan, Salih Abdur-Raheem, Briggy Tomlinson and his crew, John Lloyd, Pat Dasent, Gwendora Hodge, Karisa Augustus, Disa Billington, Michelle Carty, Karissa Augustus, Indra Webster, Brenda Phillips, Raven Carty, Winifred Harrigan, Vivia Henry, Ursil Webster, Lanman Richardson, Pagette Bryan, Gracie Hodge, Lillian Webster, Mac Rogers, Jerome Rogers, Eugene Fleming, Nat

Richardson, Betty Yearwood, Kennara Busby, Elida Andrew, Nadine Lake, Ira Richardson, Sharlene Ruan, Eldona Proctor, Donna and Owen Mussington, Mario Bryan, Uriel Lake, Pamela Lake, Florence Busby, Atlee Ruan, Joslyn Bryan, Joan Hodge, Violet Gobin, Verna Akbar, Merlyn Richardson, Calvin Vanterpool, Denien Harrigan, Keron Harrigan, Kemal Fleming, Barbara Webster, Junior Webster, Gwenneth Johnson and Crispin Brooks. Special thanks are extended to the owners of Côte de Mer for the use of their premises and to Smitty for his especially generous contributions.

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