On Friday, August 20, the school children of the Island Harbour and East End communities were recipients of backpacks filled with school items for the new term. The presentation ceremony was held at the Vivien Vanterpool Primary School Gazebo in Island Harbour.
Hosting the event was Ms. Monique Webster who welcomed everyone and gave an introduction of the sponsors who are based in the US and Anguilla.
Mr. Elridge Richardson opened the event with a word of prayer. That was followed by a song, richly rendered by the boys and girls.
The school children’s gift initiative is driven by Mr. Joseph “Joe B” Williams, a native of Anguilla, who resides in Florida. Over the past thirteen years, he has donated school supplies to Anguilla’s boys and girls before the new school year.
Joe B wanted to do something significant to assist the children of his native land by offering school supplies. He made an effort to spread the word to other co-workers and friends in the USA who gladly latched on to the idea. Joe B is proud of his colleagues and other patrons who have assisted in purchasing the much-needed essential school supplies. Like him, they too felt honoured to be a part of this worthwhile cause that would serve to benefit school children here in Anguilla.
Joe B expressed his gratitude to his supporters and spoke about his upbringing as a schoolboy. He noted that he didn’t have the privilege of a book for each subject – instead, he had to cut his book into two for use. He wishes to continue this initiative to reach all school children in Anguilla.
The district representative, Premier Dr Ellis Webster, expressed his pleasure to be invited to such an event and thanked all the sponsors for the care shown to the children of Anguilla. He remarked that the students should appreciate what they have received from persons who don’t know them. He reminded them that “Education is the key to success,” and to remember someone is looking out for them – and to make them proud. He stated that ten years from now he would like to see some of them giving back to others in their communities.
The following is the list of loyal and caring contributors in the US: Joseph “Joe B” Williams; Jackie Rogers; Paul Calise; Merrilee Gorman; Claude Clevinger; Family Medical Center – Dr V; Sincere 2000 Foundation; Staples Inc and Tropical Shipping LLC, USA and the following persons: Mrs. Paula Connor, Mr. Elridge Richardson, Ms. Monique Webster, parents and students would like to express gratitude for the love and generosity to all contributors, including, locally, the Government of Anguilla, the Education Department, Arian Freight and Customs Brokerage, and the Customs Department.
Above all the group would like to express big thanks to “Joe B” for his continuous role in the improvement of the educational needs of Anguilla’s children each year.
– Contributors
