ANGUILLA—The Stingray Programme started in 2005 by Bankie Banx and Ijahnya Christian has been re-opened by the Anguilla Soroptimist Club. The main objectives of the programme are to give young Anguillians the opportunity to learn to play the guitar and to enjoy the benefits involved.
At the re-launch on Friday November 9, Bankie said that he originally started the programme to keep young people out of trouble. He said that, as a youth, playing the guitar kept him out of trouble so he hoped to do the same for others. He said it keeps a focus and gives discipline as well as much pleasure. He said that young people are playing with guns but a guitar is a better choice.
President of the Soroptimist Club, Carmencita Davis, welcomed Bankie, the twelve participants and two teachers as well as other Soroptimist members. She thanked the young people for enrolling and expressed the hope that they will benefit from the programme. She urged them to have a good time.
Soroptimist Blondell Rodgiers, who is organising the project, thanked Wilmoth Connor and Clinton Richardson for teaching the programme. She said that she hoped the Soroptimists would be able to measure up to the standard of the original group started by Bankie and Ijahnya and make it a success. She urged the participants to try hard and learn the skills in playing the guitar. The guitars are being supplied by Bankie who bought them for the original programme. He plans to continue to raise funds for the project.
The group meets every Monday and Friday at the Soroptimist Hall.
– Contributed
