On Saturday, 15 July 2017, the basketball court at the Blowing Point Tennis Academy buzzed with activity. A newly formed group of community organizers held their first Youth Outreach. About 40 teens, of mixed ages, converged on the court to enjoy an afternoon of half- court press. There were two groups of youth: 15 plus and 15 and under. While only boys were present at this event, the committee hopes to enlist girls, and mixed teams of all ages for future activities.
The area surrounding the basketball court was decorated with white, gold, and black balloons, the colors of the community group. White was chosen to represent ‘pureness”. Gold was chosen to represent “process”, and “black” chosen to represent ethnic-pride. Recognizing the raw talent and untapped potential in the community, the committee’s core belief is that there is hope for a purer Anguilla and that there is a process (as with gold). The fact remains that as a proud people, in due course, we can all emerge as winners if we work to reunite our youth, to remove stereotypes, and to, instead, place renewed emphasis on core values and higher ideals.
The youth, who displayed exceptional gentlemen-like qualities, worked up quite an appetite as they ran hoops amid healthy conversations and playful needling. They were served savory barbeque, with rolls, drinks, and water. The highlight of the afternoon was the introductory meeting held at center court between the youth and the organizers. There was a lively exchange of appreciation and of ideas.
The meeting concluded with mutual commitment to continue the work started. Dimitri Chatman, one of the participating youths, said: “I am glad that you guys are doing this. I had a lot of fun today.” A formal invitation was extended to the youth to select a representative from among the group to serve as the ‘youth voice’ on the committee.
“I was born in Anguilla. Blowing Point is my home village. I may have lived away for some 30 years, but Anguilla has always been my home. I am a nurse and a former Director of Nursing Services of the Health Authority of Anguilla. I know it is my responsibility to give back to my community by helping the senior citizens and by helping the upcoming generations. It is important for our children to enjoy their youth and to find their way in life, as indeed our future depend on the youth of today” said Mrs. Venetta (Winne) Webster.
Mr. Delano Mussington of the Department of Sports, and member of the community group, was on board. He too expressed commitment to the youth: “We are here for you. We will support this group, by providing whatever we can, starting with drinks and water.” Mr. Mussington accepted the recommendation for Mrs. Webster to be the committee’s point of contact to work with his Department. The youth also received the commitment of Mr. Trevor (Ras Bucket) Davis. Mr. Davis, who represented Anguilla in Track and Field, with distinction, and who was awarded the Queen Badge of Honor for the Development of Athletics, pledged his support and commitment to helping to build the youth and the community.
Other members of the committee present include Ms. Jacqueline Adonis, Mr. Leonard Bennett, Mr. Aldrin Connor, Ms. Marie Connor and Ms. Marynell Connor. The Blowing Point Community Committee will liaise accordingly with the Blowing Point Youth Development Centre and with the Alumni Committee of the Adrain T. Hazel Primary School in concentric efforts to revitalize and chart the course for community’s uplift and enrichment.
Special thanks to the staff at the Anguilla Tennis Academy, Ms. Gloria Leveret, Mr. Oshea and Valerie Johnson, Mr. Nelson Richardson, and to Mr. Clinton James, for their support and kind contributions of time and of donated items. Most of all, special thanks to the youth who were present, without whom the event would not have been such a heart-felt success.
Future updates about the plans and activities of the Blowing Point Community Committee will be forthcoming.
