On the eve of the observance of ACAN’s 15th anniversary, on Sunday, November 28th, CEO and Founder of the Anguilla Community Action Network, Mr. John “Pow” Lake, made presentations of several attractive certificates to loyal supporters of the health-based organisation. The noble presentations were made at the end of the Sunday service at the Kingdom Citizen’s Church on the Jeremiah Gumbs Highway.
ACAN is an advocacy group for HIV, and other chronic diseases on Anguilla. Mr. John Lake has, through his experience as an AIDS patient, been inspired and empowered to found ACAN as an intermediary body that lobbies for the well-being and peace of mind of local patients, particularly those who are affected by HIV/AIDS, cancer and other non-communicable diseases.
During the Sunday’s church service, Mr. Lake was given the opportunity to speak with regard to ACAN’s work over the years. He reflected: “The Anguilla Community Action Network has come this far by faith. On Wednesday of this week, December 1st, we will be celebrating our 15th anniversary. Over the years, ACAN has had many plans for development into a more viable organisation.
“Thankfully, last June, we became associated with a consultant from Florida, Dr. Maher Souda, who was delighted with our work and decided to partner with us. As a result, ACAN was able to establish our office, obtain a car, and we will be soon handing over some much needed items to the Princess Alexandria Hospital.”
Mr. Lake continued: “Over the years, as an advocate for persons affected particularly by the AIDS virus, I came to realise that I needed a voluntary support group and, thus, I founded ACAN. Over time, the support went up and down. Persons joined, supported for a while and left. Today, I want to thank all of our past supporters as well as our current ones. And, as we celebrate 15 years with this church service, I would like to recognize these friends of ACAN by issuing each one of them a certificate of support.”
On hand was the Deputy Governor, Mr. Perin Bradley, who briefly expressed his admiration for Mr. Lake’s efforts and the work of ACAN: “I really want to recognise the work of ACAN,” he said. “This organisation is an advocate for many health related issues here in Anguilla. For the past 15 years Mr. Lake has dedicated himself to the work of this entity which addresses serious health issues. I encourage all of you to pay attention to what he does in ACAN and do your best to show him support.”
The service itself was spiritually motivating and uplifting, as the worship session set the stage for the ministry of the preached word, which highlighted the importance of Christian forgiveness in the face of bitterness and hurt. Towards the end of the service, Mr. Lake distributed the certificates of recognition to the members and supporters of ACAN.
