Schoolchildren from across the island, up to the age of 12 years, were given a brighter Christmas when the National Bank of Anguilla held its 21st Annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Gift Give-Away on Monday, December 21, in the Bank’s Parking Lot.
The programme was chaired by Marisa Gumbs, Manager of NBA’s Branch in the western area of the island, who welcomed the children and their parents to the well-attended event.

NBA's staff members distributing gifts

The Christmas Message was delivered by Shellice Niles, NBA’s Assistant Manager, Credit Rates. She said Christmas was a time of joy and to show love and appreciation and that despite the economic downturn the Bank’s Board of Directors, Management and Staff had undertaken to hold the distribution of gifts.

She noted that the event was in addition to other efforts sponsored by the Bank. Among them were the Annual Primary Schools Football Tournament, and such products as the Children’s Club and Education Savings Account which showed that NBA was committed to participating in the total development of the island’s children.

“The joy of Christmas is to know that the Son of God came so that we can be sons and daughters of God,” Mrs. Niles added. “As you unwrap your Christmas gifts, thank God and pray that the National Bank of Anguilla will continue to grow from strength to strength.”

NBA's staff memebers in carol singing

The programme continued with the singing of the popular Christmas carol, Silent Night, by a mixed group of NBA’s staff members.
The Children’s Club Account raffle was drawn by Bernadine Horsford, Manager of the Loans Department, assisted by Deslyn Smith, Market Research & Business Development Support Officer. The winner was Kyra Hodge of the Morris Vanterpool Primary School at East End.

Anxious children awaiting Christmas gifts

There were three long queues of children at strategic points on the grounds of the Bank’s Parking Lot at which staff members distributed hundreds of gifts.

The lighting of the Christmas Tree and the surrounding grounds was performed by Marilyn Richardson and the Vote of Thanks was delivered by Shernika Connor.

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

World News