The Vivien Vanterpool Primary School at Island Harbour and the Morris Vanterpool Primary School at East End, are the recipients of separate cheques of US$1,295.06 each from an Anguillian, Mrs. Jean Bonner, who is related to the Duncan family at Sandy Hill/East End.
Mrs. Bonner resides and works in New York where she employed at Blankrome Law Firm which has branch offices throughout the United States as well as in Hong Kong and Shanghai. Prior to that, she worked at Keithley Lake & Associates Law Firm in Anguilla for about two years before returning to the United States in 1998. Earlier, she served as President of the New York Chapter of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation for four years.
A successful and patriotic Anguillian, Mrs. Bonner has been looking for ways to contribute to her island home, particularly the youth. She was encouraged when she saw an online story and photograph, on The Anguillian website, in which her god-daughter, Stacy Ruan, and others, featured in a donation to the above two primary schools. Being a past resident in the eastern end of Anguilla, she undertook to make a monetary contribution to the schools.
The cheque presentations were made late last week. The first donation was presented by Mrs. Bonner to the Principal of the Vivien Vanterpool Primary School, Mrs. Tracelyn Hamilton. “This money will go a long way in completing our kitchen, and so we are very grateful to receive it,” the senior educator said.
The second donation was presented to the Principal of the Morris Vanterpool Primary School, Mrs. Celestine John. “I intend to buy a computer and laser printer for the school – to be situated at the office for use by the teachers in preparing work for the students,” she stated. “I wish to thank Mrs. Bonner for this donation on behalf of the teachers, students and parents.”
Replying, Mrs. Bonner promised to be of further assistance to both schools. She urged the people of Anguilla to pay more attention to the schools and to the children. “Instead of running to St. Maarten to spend their money, they should invest in Anguilla. Buy things from Anguilla and support the children of the island because they are our future,” she advised.
