In a demonstration of national awareness and education, the Social Security Office in Anguilla has presented several copies of the latest history book, Bless Our Forebears, written by Mr. Colville L. Petty, to the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School for distribution to Campus A and B students.

Presentation of books to Education Department by Social Security

Speaking at the presentation ceremony in the Social Security Board Room on Tuesday, January 19, Acting Director, Maglan Richardson, told education officials and reporters that on opening the book she was struck by the realisation that: “If we do not know our past, how can we determine our future.” She commended Mr. Petty, the distinguished Anguillian historian for his work. “He is part and parcel of this whole thing and it all goes back to history – one of the most important things - because it tells us about our culture, where we came from, and helps us to determine where we want to go,” she commented.
“I would just like to add congratulations to Mr. Petty on the production of this book as he continues to make a marked contribution to the record of Anguilla’s history.”

Mrs. Richardson went on: “When Mr. Petty launched his book, the Board saw it fit, as it continues to contribute to education in various forms, to purchase 100 copies from Mr. Petty. It was decided to give some to the staff and to donate the remainder (68), to the Education Department. “We are giving these books to the department with the trust that they will be given to the deserving persons in the school system; that those persons would read them and at some point in their lives, from what they learnt, that they would be able to make a difference in Anguilla’s future development,” she emphasised.

The books were received by Deputy Principal of the Comprehensive School, Worrell Brooks, on behalf of the staff and students. “We are indeed grateful for this book. Bless Our Forebears, by Colville L. Petty,” he stated. “We recognise the need for introducing an aspect of local history at all levels in our education system. This book is quite pertinent in that respect and I am sure it will be utilised quite effectively…to highlight the struggles of our forebears. Our history will inform how we approach the future challenge.”

Mr. Brooks said that it was a very thoughtful gesture by Social Security and the Comprehensive School was indeed grateful. “We look forward to working with Social Security in the future as we try to provide as many opportunities as possible for our students to gain access to information and thereby enhance their knowledge of Anguilla and to extend their education,” the Deputy Principal added.

Social Security’s Public Relations Officer, Arnie S. Hodge, who organisied the presentation ceremony and chaired it, said it was the organisation’s “way of recognising the importance of education and its contribution to the development of Anguilla and its young people.” He said added to that, the history of a country was a very important part of that process.

He offered apologies for the absence of Mr. Petty, who is exceptionally busy dealing with the electoral process, as Supervisor of Elections, in preparation for the upcoming General Election in Anguilla.

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