This year has seen the return of the multi- colour lighting of the road side tamarind tree at the Valley Trough (as the Christmas Tree), the trunks of the mahogany trees lining Coronation Avenue and the decoration of the area, sending the Christmas spirit of cheer, love and peace to the rest of Anguilla.
The image of the island’s National Flag, with the three dolphins, mounted high over the entrance to the lighted road, stands as a symbol of the endurance, unity and strength which have long characterised the people of Anguilla. It no doubt also influenced the return of the lighting of the area after a break due largely to the downturn in the economy and lack of financial sponsorship.
The work this year was undertaken by the Lions Community Organisation of North Side and The Valley with sponsorship from a number of businesses and individuals on the island who, despite the continuing financial difficulties, contributed funds towards the staging of the event. Ms Shellya Rogers, Programme Officer, with the Department of Youth and Culture, spoke at the opening ceremony on Wednesday evening, December 18. She commended the Lions Community Organisation for its dedication and the promotion of culture and arts in Anguilla.
Ms Rogers was pleased that despite the shortage of funds, the department was able to contribute towards the event. “We recognise the importance of community events that encourage community spirit, Christmas giving, and people getting together and having fun,” she said. “It is our hope that many communities across Anguilla will look at what this organisation has done and that in years to come we can go around the island and have many different Christmas trees.”
Commissioner of Police, Rudolph Proctor, hailed the lighting of the tamarind tree and the tree trunks and the reviving of the Christmas spirit. “Too often we see things start and then come to an abrupt halt,” he stated. “I was saddened that the lighting of the Christmas Tree a symbol of Christmas in Anguilla, had disappeared and I am happy that the Lions organisation revived it and they need to be given a round of applause for that effort in these difficult times.”
Mr Proctor hoped that as the people of Anguilla shared in the events, they would think about the love, sharing, peace and joy of Christmas. “These are times when we need to reach out to each other,” he added. I want to assure you that the Royal Anguilla Police Force, in its rank and file, stands ready and able to support you…We need to get back to the days when we mingled and co-existed as one big Anguillian family.”
Community speaker, Roland Hodge, recalled that the Christmas tree lighting started at North Side (his village) and he was pleased how it had spread throughout the island. “I am more elated to realise and recognise that the young people in this community took it upon themselves to join forces to bring about what we are now witnessing,” he said. “I am very proud of my community of North Side and The Valley.”
Ms Alfa Akbar spoke on behalf of the Lions and Lionesses. She was grateful to all of the sponsors for their generous contributions despite the challenging economic times. She said the Lions organisation, in a spirit of togetherness and, in order to help build the island’s culture, had participated as a troupe in this year’s Summer Festival. “We have many more initiatives in place for the future, all in an effort to lead by example, promote togetherness and be fruitful citizens of Anguilla,” she disclosed. “Our theme for the Christmas Tree this year was around on patriotism. A heartfelt thanks to all those who have supported us thus far. We wish to continue our relationship in the future and also to build new relationships.”
Over the next several days there will be musical entertainment and various other cultural activities at the Valley Trough – a one time source of water for animals at the Department of Agriculture.
