There were fewer Christmas lights throughout Anguilla in December 2013, two assumed reasons being the high cost of electricity and the cost of elaborate decorative materials.
Although there was no real competition, the few lighted decorations were nevertheless competitive. At least one decorator, whose premises and surroundings glowed with various effigies of Christmas, wished there was a competition.
That person was Godfrey Carty of South Hill – the village which was thought to have the best lighting and which, in some respects, strongly competed with that in The Valley by The Lions Community Organisation.
“I did it for my children,” Godfrey told The Anguillian. He said that as he added a huge effigy of Santa Claus over a lighted tree fence. Satisfied, he stood in the middle of a colourful arch he had also just affixed at the entrance to the family home engulfed in an array of lights and other decorations. It was at that point that he wished there was a competition – suggesting that he would be the winner.
Godfrey not only elaborately decorated the premises occupied by him, his wife, Mrs Karimah Carty, and their children, but also that of his mother, Mrs Bernice Carty. All the decorations showed a good deal of planning, imagination and creativity.
Other outstanding Christmas decorations seen at South Hill. They included the home of Perry and Peggy Hughes which instantly arrested the attention of passers-by.
At North Hill, children enjoy night-time games on the basketball court with Christmas lights and other decorations. The lighted and decorated areas include the entrance to the playing field, Zion Methodist Church and garden fences as well as under a cluster of trees where there are also scenes of the nativity.
The grounds of Hope Centre and the Nauson House at Sandy Hill/ East End – a children’s facility – have also been scenes of much beauty with a variety of Christmas decorations.
