The Board and Executive Staff of the Anguilla Chamber of Commerce and Industry would like to extend congratulations to Dee-Ann Kentish-Rogers and Hasani Hennis for their recent exceptional accomplishments.
Both young people made history and our nation continues to celebrate with them. Dee-Ann Kentish Rogers, the reigning Miss Anguilla, became the first Anguillian to be a finalist in the Miss Universe Great Britain Pageant – and then captured the attention of the world when she won the coveted crown of Miss Universe Great Britain. She became the first black person to do so. Dee-Ann will represent Anguilla on the world stage at the Miss Universe Pageant 2018.
Hasani Hennis, a talented cyclist who has competed in a number of local, regional and international competitions, became the first Anguillian to capture first place in the John T Memorial Cycle race in the nineteen years since the race was first held. Congratulations to these two young Anguillians for excelling in their respective fields.
It should also be noted that, recently, Anguilla was named #1 Best Caribbean Island by Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards for the 2nd year in a row. This is another win for Anguilla.
It is remarkable how our nation has rallied around and applauded these winners. Indeed, social media was put to great use, by Anguillians and friends of Anguilla, to share the good news with the world and to demonstrate patriotism and Anguillian pride.
This display of support, encouragement and pride can all be captured in one word “celebration.” As a nation which has fought its way back from one of the most devastating storm in history, it is necessary to celebrate.
Celebrating as a nation has many benefits:
1) It is good for the nation’s soul
The soul of a nation lies in its people. No country is without its problems, but when we celebrate we choose to focus on, and draw strength from, what is good about us, around us and within us.
2) It helps to develop a success mindset
It helps us to realise that whatever field or industry we are in, there is always more we can aim for and more that we can achieve.
3) Increases Motivation
It is important for us to celebrate both small wins and big wins. Celebrations help us to aspire to improve at all levels.
4) It helps us to feel good
It feels good to win. Celebrating is good for our mind, body and soul.
5) We all win when we share in the success of others.
Celebrating helps us to unite and to remember that we are all brothers and sisters and that we are in this together. When one of us wins, we all win.
As we celebrate, we must also remember that over last week, Johnno’s Beach Stop, a long time operating restaurant, and Dad’s Bar and Grill, both local and popular dining spots for residents and visitors, were completely destroyed by fire. The Anguillian community has also rallied around them, and the Anguilla Chamber of Commerce takes this time to wish them both a successful recovery and rebuild.
The Anguilla Chamber of Commerce remains committed to helping businesses in Anguilla achieve success. We have been honoured to celebrate your wins over the years and look forward to celebrating many more. To find out more about the Anguilla Chamber of Commerce, and how you can become a member, please contact the Office at 497-2839 or via email at acociaxa@gmail.com.
By Shellecia Brooks-Johnson
