The organisers of the customary fun-filled boat rides which follow the round the island boat race on Anguilla Day, have each made goodwill donations of US$300 to the Boat Racing Committee.
The presentation event, on Monday, was attended by the Anguilla Day Celebrations Committee, members of the Anguilla Boat Racing Committee, representatives of the organisers of the two boat rides and sponsors.
Principal Assistant Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Chairman of the Anguilla Day Celebrations, Kenneth Hodge, said it was recently suggested by his committee to enquire of the boat ride organisers whether they could each make a contribution to the Boat Racing Committee. He explained that such donations were mainlyto assist with cleaning Road Bay Beach after the race, but would also show their appreciation and involvement in the celebration of Anguilla Day. Their donations would also send a positive message of goodwill and unity to the many young people who enjoy the boat rides and attract their appreciation as well.
“By doing this, the organisers are showing that they are coming together, and so we need to see our young people in the communities coming together also,” Mr. Hodge added. “I therefore think that this activity today is much more than just a contribution. It is a tangible showing that we can work together in the interest of Anguilla.”
Deputy Director of Sports, Rollins Richardson, said the boat rides were being sponsored by Heineken and Digicel. He was pleased that among those at the presentation were representatives of both organisers of the boat rides – Dawg Pound represented by Roy Carty and Dwayne Harrigan with sponsorship by Heineken and Digicel; and Rule the Waves Inc. of Pantha Vibes represented by Sandra Brooks of First Steps Foundation and sponsored by LIME Anguilla.
Mr. Richardson expressed appreciation to the sponsors for coming forward to lend their support to the Anguilla Day celebrations event. “Many persons look forward to these boat rides which I think provide great enjoyment,” he observed – and thanked the organisers and sponsors on behalf of the Department of Sports and the Ministry of Sports.
Roy Carty and Sandra Brooks, who spoke on behalf of Dawg Pound, First Steps Foundation and Pantha Vibes respectively, joined in expressing their commitment to the boat rides and the Boat Racing Committee. President of that committee, Paul Romney, was grateful for the cooperation and involvement of the organisers of the boat rides and their willingness to donate to the Anguilla Day boat race.
Minister of Home Affairs, Jerome Roberts, welcomed the donations from the two boat ride organisations and pledged the continued assistance of the Anguilla Government to the Anguilla Day boat race.
