Scores of young people, representing the Anguilla National Youth Council, various clubs, other organisations and schools, were welcomed at Government House on Thursday evening, June 11, to the Queen’s Birthday Party. It was the first of its kind for the island’s youth.
The Queen’s Representative in Anguilla, Governor Christina Scott, told the young people that the Queen had just turned 89 and was about to become the longest-serving monarch in the United Kingdom, which was quite an achievement.
She said the party had been arranged for the young people who were the future of Anguilla and had a big responsibility in building the island and taking it forward. “That is a really big responsibility you have and we have brought you here to say thanks to you in advance,” the Governor told them, noting that many of them were already doing fantastic things for the island.
Governor Scott pointed out that it was the second time she had celebrated the Queen’s Official Birthday since becoming Governor of Anguilla. Last year she and a team from her office visited the senior citizens homes and served the residents with refreshments. She thought it was a fantastic way of thanking the senior citizens who had done so much to build a foundation for Anguilla.
Ms Rochelle Rogers, Acting President of the Anguilla National Youth Council, which represents all of the island’s young people, also addressed the gathering.
She stated that there were a number of young people who were doing amazing things for Anguilla. She observed, however, that many adult persons were dismissive or derisive of the youth, but that there were many young persons who were engaged in outstanding work and needed acknowledgment.
Ms Rogers added that too often the Anguillian society failed to acknowledge the accomplishments of the youth and, “like a tree that needs sunlight to grow, young people also need acknowledgement to shine.”
Similar Queen Birthday Parties have been held in various parts of the Commonwealth.
Meanwhile, some sixty exceptional young people across the Commonwealth have been selected to receive the inaugural Queen’s Young Leaders Awards. They have been recognised for taking the lead in transforming the lives of others and making a lasting difference in their communities.
The award winners will spend four days in the UK to participate in a residential programme as part of their award prize. The programme includes workshops at Cambridge University, meetings with UK business leaders, and visits to life-changing social action projects.
Applications are being invited for the naming of eligible youth from throughout the Commonwealth to receive the 2016 Queen’s Youth Leaders Awards. The address for nominations is: www.queensyoungleaders.com.
Footnote:
The above Queen Birthday Party in Anguilla replaced the flag-raising ceremony held at Government House in the recent past. Prior to that, was a Queen Birthday Parade at the Ronald Webster Park. That was eventually abandoned as it followed closely on the Anguilla Day celebration repeating, in short order, a parade of uniformed organisations.
