On Friday 28th October the Department of Health Protection held the closing ceremony for the 2016 Vector Awareness Month at the Rodney MacArthur Rey Auditorium. The programme has been running for 17 years in keeping with the theme ‘Veto the Vector.’ Mr. Vincent Carty, Senior Environmental Health Officer stated, “It is everyone’s business, if we want to see a decline of vectors in Anguilla.” This year the month focused on Bed Bugs that are known to cause skin rashes, psychological effects and allergic symptoms.
During the ceremony, awards were presented by Mr. Alex Fleming assisted Mrs. Icilma Morton. This year’s winners for the Preschool Jingle Competition were: 1st place – Central Christian (Hernan Henry & Ebani Hodge); 2nd place – First Baptist (Shalajah Ruan & Jedaya Rogers) and 3rd place St. Mary’s (Lyann Bishop & Reegan Lake).
The primary school poster and theme competition saw a clean sweep by the students of Central Christian School. First place went to Zcriz .A. W. Hodge, second place Abenique Brooks and third place Safiya Banks.
The winners of the ALHCS Inter House Spelling Bee Competition were: 1st place Orange House represented by Briana Battick and Erian Lewis, 2nd place Maroon House represented by Kylia Baird, Kalea Richarson, and Akira Rogers; and 3rd place to Pink House represented by Niamke Brooks, Stanlesha Sutherland and Lishoni Adams. Best overall speller was Ms. Harmony Whyte.
The final award presented was to the Best Kept Cemetery won by Ebenezer Methodist Church.
The closing remarks were delivered by Mr. Ambrell Richardson who stated: “2017 Vector Awareness Month will focus on ‘Vector the Mosquito”’. He emphasized the need to control the breeding of vectors on the island and the role the public has to play in these efforts.
Mr. Alex Fleming, who delivered the vote of thanks, expressed thanks to all of the participants, as well as their parents, and the sponsors including National Commercial Bank of Anguilla (platinum sponsor), Stevenson Rogers, Hugo Rey, Larry Brooks and others.
