Greetings to one and all. It is my pleasure to celebrate with you our third annual Men’s Week 2016 under the theme “Men in the Arts: Purpose-Passion-Power” from 19th June to 26th June. We’ve seen one of the best Women’s Weeks in March under the theme “Women in the Arts: Healing through Creative Expression,” and I have no doubt that Men’s Week will be just as empowering; continuing to achieve the vision of gender equality through impactful community programming here in Anguilla.
For Men’s Week 2016 we feature 15 men who contribute to various forms of the arts. They will be talking candidly about their life experiences, successes, challenges and what keeps them striving in pursuing their art forms during radio interviews on Radio Anguilla. As a new edition this year, the interviews are hosted by three (3) “Men in the Arts:” Omari Banks in The Art of Sports and Music, Haydn Hughes in The Art of Health and Fitness and Kenval Richardson in The Art of Music and Radio. These three men all have a passion for the arts. They allow us to listen in for the creativity and innovation that our 15 honourees possess as a musician, photographer, dancer, fisherman, cyclist, architect, health & fitness instructor and even an auto detailer.
We celebrate men and young men who have overcome obstacles in order to succeed, who dedicate their time to community work, or who encourage and inspire others through their positions of influence and social change. It is no coincidence that Men’s Week coincides with our celebration of Father’s Day; an occasion that is often times overlooked. Rest assured that we are confirming its viability as an important celebration. Fathers are essential to the well-being of our communities. A true father is a provider and protector for anyone needing his time and assistance. He shows love and compassion and plays an important role in the lives of his children, both by blood and through mentorship.
On Father’s Day and throughout Men’s Week, I encourage all men to dedicate your time and energy to support, uplift one another and create a spirit of opportunity towards one another. Our society counts on you to take an active role in the development of our children and in the well-being of those young persons in our Anguillian community. Young men need mentors and coaches to give them guidance and encouragement, and to lead them towards a productive future. I am pleased that the 15 men being recognized as “Men in the Arts” are good examples of the success that comes from taking on leadership roles, being dedicated to building your gifts and also sharing your talents to help others.
As the Men’s Week interviews air on Radio Anguilla, we can gather inspiration and encouragement from the lived experiences of our friends, brothers, uncles, fathers and countless others. We will use this Men’s Week as a running start for our men. Each man, young and old, in his own right, is a source of inspiration and hope for our future generations. Please take the time this week to celebrate your achievements.
I want us to remember that purposeful collaboration is a key to success. Men’s Week 2016 would not have been possible without the support of the Governor’s Office of Anguilla for hosting a reception to recognize men in the arts. Thank you to one of our newest resorts, Zemi Beach, for accommodating a “Men in the Arts Cocktail and Dinner Celebration” on 23rd June; an event not to be missed. The other unique events organized this year are focused on developing the purpose, passion and power of Men in the Arts. I applaud Da’Vida Restaurant and the ABBA Cares Festival for organizing a “Couples Rap Session,” the Anguilla Community Action Network (ACAN) for a “Men and the Family” panel discussion and Sunshine Theatre for the “Dinner and Play” series to see their newest theatrical performance titled “Guilty Conscience.”
In closing, I’d like to recognize Dr. Ronya Foy Connor, Gender Development Coordinator for spearheading Men’s Week and seeing it fit to applaud men who are dedicated to the arts and use their gifts and talents to make a better living for their loved ones and for our island. Remember, “Art is a profound expression of past, present and future trials and triumphs. At its best, it’s a creative outlet toward charting a path from fear to freedom; a propelling force into fulfilling our deepest hopes and dreams.” Let’s come together and celebrate all men who contribute to the development of our homes, communities and island as a whole. I wish you a purposeful, passionate and powerful Men’s Week 2016 and a memorable Father’s Day. Thank you.
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)
