On Friday, August 28th, the Anguilla Red Cross (ARC) opened its doors to a new facility which is located across the street from the former NBA Building — now housing Government offices.
A modest crowd gathered on the steps of the two-storey building, as ARC’s Programmes Manager, Mr. Trevor Queeley, made some brief comments at the dedication ceremony. He was assisted by Red Cross volunteer, Israel Benjamin, who translated his address especially for the benefit of the Spanish- speaking folks who had made up the major portion of those witnessing the opening.
Mr. Queeley welcomed everyone in attendance, but he gave special acknowledgement to the supporting Red Cross patron, Mrs. Dana Foy, wife of His Excellency the Governor, Mr. Tim Foy. He also formally recognized the attending Heads of Departments and commended all the Red Cross volunteers who had dedicated their time and talents in willingly serving the local Red Cross charity.
“The Anguilla Red Cross has grown over the last few years,” said Mr. Queeley. “We have had some setbacks following Hurricane Irma, but we have tried our best to overcome them. I want to thank you all for sticking with us, and we do appreciate your willing spirit to have worked along with us over the years.”
Mr. Queeley then called upon Israel Benjamin, a local pastor of the Spanish community, to pray a blessing the new facility. Mr. Benjamin prayed as follows:
“Father we give you thanks and praise for your mighty favours upon the Anguilla Red Cross. This morning, we acknowledge your presence and we are grateful to you for this new location. We ask for your divine blessings upon this building and, even more, we ask your blessings upon each individual who will make things happen everyday at this new location for the favour of Anguilla and your people. Lord, please bless this location as we dedicate this building to your honour and glory, in Jesus name, Amen.”
The Chairman of ARC’S Board, Mr. Andre Collins, commented: “It is a pleasure for us to gather here this morning for the opening of our new Red Cross building. The Anguilla Red Cross exists for several reasons. In times of disaster, we try to serve the public in such a way that we can relieve whatever hardships are felt at that moment; and in times of peace we ensure that we continue to meet people’s needs where they are. But we also try to build ourselves in such a way that we can be as strong as possible to effectively respond to needs in times of crisis.”
Mr. Collins acknowledged the presence of the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social Development, Mrs. Bonnie Richardson-Lake; the members of ARC’s Governing Committee, as well as the Office Administrator, Ms. Mervette Bryan, and the many faithful Red Cross volunteers.
It was one such volunteer, Ms. Altagracia Richardson, who was chosen to cut the ribbon for the opening of the doors to the new facility. Mr. Queeley praised Ms. Richardson for her exceptional commitment and dedication to the Red Cross.
The main entrance to the building opens to a mini-store on the ground floor. Once access was gained — through the cutting of the ribbon — a host of ladies in attendance rushed to examine the many attractive garments on the racks, and shoes on the shelves, in an urgent frenzy to grab the best buys.
The space upstairs consists of offices for the Director, Office Administrator, Programmes Manager and volunteers. In addition, an annex at the back of the main building houses a Conference Room and provides space for training.
In a conversation with Mr. Queeley, The Anguillian asked what necessitated the move from the former location. Stopping short of mentioning any details, he responded by saying that there were a few challenges at the previous site, and so the decision was made to relocate. After commenting about the suitability and appropriateness of the new location, Mr. Queeley was asked whether it was “good fortune” or “luck” that led the Red Cross to this befitting spot. He admitted that it was a little bit of both. “However,” he interjected, “the Red Cross usually looks for locations that are accessible, central and convenient to the public, so this locality is very ideal for us.”
In asking him what his final words would be, to the public at large, he said: “I would like to encourage the people of Anguilla to support the work of the Anguilla Red Cross. This is our local Red Cross but, ironically, the major part of our support comes from overseas. Indeed, we are very grateful for overseas donations, but Anguilla should be supporting its own, and I hope that this new location would be a motivator for such support.”
– Staff Reporter, James R. Harrigan
