The Anguilla Boys’ Brigade, an arm of the Anguilla Methodist Circuit, is showing much growth and is now an active participant in various religious and social activities alongside the Girls’ Brigade.
The Boys’ Brigade members were out in full force at the divine service at Bethel Methodist Chapel on Sunday, March 20, where they were extolled by Reverend Wilmoth Hodge who presided over the service and delivered the sermon. He congratulated the uniformed boys for reviving their organisation and looked forward to their continued development and service.
Lt. Claudius Gumbs spoke to The Anguillian about the Boys’ Brigade under his command. “I wouldn’t say that the boys are outstripping or overtaking the girls,” he said. “We are just seeing a revival among the boys in the community. They are interested in our programming and we are trying to minister to their needs. We want to ensure that they grow up into strong and wholesome men of whom the community can be proud. Our ministry is for the boys in all of our homes and we intend to build a strong nation by developing our young men.”
Lt. Gumbs added: “Anguilla Day is a very significant day for us as a uniformed organisation and we expect to take part in the national ceremonies that are being planned – particularly the parade. We have seen an absence of the Boys’ Brigade from such activities over the past five to ten years and we are hoping to return to our former glory this year. We want to make an impact on the island and to show that the Boys’ Brigade is back; that we are alive; and that we are growing strong, and are continuing to make a substantial contribution not only to a particular community, but to the entire island of Anguilla.”