| After operating for some time, H.O.P.E. Centre Ltd, at Nauson House, in the Sandy Hill/East End area, was officially opened on Monday afternoon, December 19. Its aim, as the founder, Mrs. Cora Richardson-Hodge, said, is: to Helping Our People Excel (HOPE). |
The ceremony, at which a wreath was affixed to the building in memory of fallen freedom fighters of the Anguilla Revolution, was chaired by Pastor Gareth Hodge, Chairman of the Board of Directors. He stressed that the Centre was not only for youth and adults in Electoral District No. 2, East End and Sandy Hill, but for District 1, as well, comprising Island Harbour, Welches and the surrounding areas. Minister of Social Development, Edison Baird, said that H.O.P.E. Centre was a definite way in which the lives and direction of the island’s youth could be shaped positively. “The H.O.P.E. Centre Ltd…seeks to develop and enrich the physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing of the community with particular emphasis on the lives of young people through mentorship, education, the arts, sports and spiritualism,” he said. He observed that those areas were dear to him and that his Ministry and Department of Education, Youth and Culture had already committed its support to the development of the Centre.
Mr. Baird, who applauded the establishment and work of the Centre noted that it provided opportunities for a wide range of services. These included assistance for young people including afterschool support, continuing education, skills development, library and research portals, recreational opportunities, counselling services and other activities. “I urge the youth of East End and surrounding community to take advantage of this opportunity which is being provided to you, to see the benefits of having such a Centre and to use it fully,” he added. Elected Representative for District 2, Jerome Roberts, commended Mrs. Richardson-Hodge for her vision to do something positive so that the people of the community could reap the benefits. “The Centre…is for all of us to make good use of the classes and various non-political sessions that will occur here,” he went on. “This facility must be seen as all embracing… and must truly meet the needs for which it was envisioned. I call upon everyone firstly in Districts 1 and 2, to take advantage of what is to be imparted at this Centre. I call on parents to ensure that your children use this facility for positive educational growth.”
Mr. Roberts was pleased that H.O.P.E. Centre was opened on a historic day – Separation Day (December 19) – when Anguilla was formally separated from St. Kitts-Nevis. He paid tribute to the island’s hero and heroines who had fought for the freedom of the island, and congratulated H.O.P.E. Centre for honouring their memory with a wreath and photographs on its walls. “I will do all in my power as your district representative to assist where possible to see the survival and growth of the H.O.P.E. Centre – Helping Our People Excel.” He congratulated Mrs. Richardson-Hodge, and the Board of Directors of the Centre, for responding to the needs of the people, especially the youth, and for so ably putting the facility in place. “This is a model effort where the community came together, pooled its resources and made it happen,” Mr. Vanterpool, added.
“I am aware that our people, especially the youth, are benefitting and will continue to benefit from this project. I take this opportunity to encourage everyone to continue to support this project. Anguilla will benefit from it.” Dr. Fleming, who was accompanied by his wife, Dr. Claranel Fleming, reflected on the family life and upbringing he and his siblings had enjoyed with their parents. “It was in this environment where I saw the role modelling of parenting,” he said. “My father believes that every child deserves a very good education not only coming from the schools, but also from systems like H.O.P.E. Centre which is an adjunct in trying to prepare children to be totally fulfilled citizens of Anguilla. He also believes that a child’s mind is a terrible thing to waste andshould in fact be inundated with positive influences.” Dr. Fleming, who donated four computers to the Centre, offered his congratulations and best wishes to the founder of the facility, the Board of Directors and all other persons associated with it.
“What came out of the discussions appeared to be one consistent train of thought. The residents at the eastern end of our island wanted afterschool programmes for our children. They wanted somewhere in their community that provided tutoring in various classes and subjects. They wanted somewhere safe and for their children to learn skill sets… whether it was basic computer training, mechanics, woodwork, sewing or cooking… The events that unfolded thereafter could only be described as a meshing of divine intervention and an outpouring of community support for this initiative.” “While the desire for a community centre initially emerged out of the political arena, every action, every step, taken by numerous persons in our community for H.O.P.E. to arrive to where it is today, transcended any notion of politics.” The ribbon to the Centre was cut by Dr. Claranel Fleming, daughter-in-law of Nauson Fleming, assisted by Twana Duncan and Synric Webster. The current Directors of H.O.P.E. Centre Ltd. comprise Pastor Gareth Hodge (Chairman), Wren Hunte, Catalina Hawley, Twana Duncan, Pastor NorrilGumbs, Malika Hamm and Nijel Robin. |
