LIME Anguilla is partnering with the Welches Village Fest Committee to stage the seventh annual traditional celebration there on Whit Monday, May 25.
LIME’s Marketing Manager, Jade Reymond, told media representatives on Tuesday that the company had undertaken to contribute EC$5,000 towards the event, as well as tents and publicising the proceedings by SMS blasts.
“This year we are focusing on our community involvement and how we can foster relationships with committees that look after the true values of our people and celebrating where we came from,” Ms Reymond remarked. “This is especially with regard to the many customs which Anguillians are proud of and which our young people need to know about. Welches Fest takes those matters into consideration, and we look forward to a long opportunity of investing in this annual event in order to bring our culture to the forefront.”
Joseph Vanterpool, a member of the Welches Fest Committee, was pleased that the event had grown much over the years. “We are happy that it is now a part of the tourism calendar, and is a festival that many persons in Anguilla and the neighbouring islands look forward to each year,” he stated.
He said that the event, on the Frederick Harrigan Playing Field, in Welches, would be held from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm. The objectives are “to develop an appreciation of where we came from; to involve young persons in activities of the past; and to raise funds to develop the playing field.”
According to Vanterpool, the main features of the Welches Fest will include a fashion show, capturing the various stages of cultural dress over the years. There will also be traditional food preparation; a display of traditional implements; traditional music and dance; and a display of traditional toys. Arrangements are being made to host various residents of the four senior citizens homes – at the festival – in honour of their contributions to the cultural life of Anguilla.
In expressing gratitude to LIME, Vanterpool also acknowledged the assistance of Malliouhana-ANICA Insurance Company and Lake’s World, among contributions from various other sources.
