On Wednesday evening, a crowd gathered at The Trough on Coronation Avenue to witness the Lion’s Club annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony, hosted this year by Ms. Avenella Griffith. She observed that this year’s celebration is vastly different from ones they would have celebrated over the past nine years.
Ms. Griffith thanked the crowd for coming out in these unusual times to “light up Anguilla”. She noted that this crowd “understands what it is to be resilient and understands what it is to flex.” She comforted them with these words: “In everything, we are going to keep on ticking and go through the rough times and the good times, all the same.”
Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, applauded the Lion’s Club for putting together a phenomenal lighting display. Referencing a debate on the origin and meaning of putting lights on a Christmas Tree, she recounted that after walking one evening in the forest, Martin Luther put candles on a tree. The twinkling stars reflecting off the icy boughs of the evergreen trees guided his way home.
She said; “I hope that the lights which adorn our trees can also guide us through the darkness or difficult times, as they did for Luther. We can also think of the Star of David which appeared in Bethlehem when Jesus was born, guiding the three wise men and others to Him.
“We too, as a community, can look at this beautiful tamarind tree and the Christmas lights in the Valley, as a guide to remember the messages of Jesus Christ which we all know: peace, love, and good will to all.”
Deputy Police Commissioner, Mr. Elliot Forbes, also made remarks at the tree-lighting event, observing that the spirit of Christmas is in the air – the giving and receiving of gifts, Christmas music on the airwaves, and Christmas decorations all around.
He emphasised: “As we celebrate this Christmas season, let us not forget the real reason for the season – the birth of Christ, the greatest gift of all. May the spirit of love and joy fill our hearts as we celebrate tonight and witness the lighting of this tree and those that are surrounding her.
Mr. Forbes observed that although the season is meant to be a joyous and festive one, the feelings for some of us may not be the same, as we may have lost loved ones during the year. He also noted that despite the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our economy and our social interactions, “yet, we have gathered in one place to witness this auspicious occasion – [the lighting of the tree].”
Mr. Forbes advised: “Let us all be thankful for the gift of life and the blessings that have been bestowed upon us here in Anguilla. We have a lot to be thankful for. Let us remember the theme: Keep Hope Alive!”
His message to all was clear: “The theme of hope should not go out of our lives. This is the season for peace, love, and happiness. I wish that the joy and love of Christmas can touch the heart of everyone. Where love flourishes, anger fails and jealousy will cease. I hope that we can all live in love and harmony with each other. Keep hope alive!”
He admonished those involved in senseless crime and reckless shootings to realise the pain and suffering caused to the victims’ families, the community at large, and the negative impact of these incidences on our country. He appealed to all motorists to drive with due care and attention, being considerate of other road users.
The event host, Ms. Avenella Griffith delivered a message of hope on behalf of the Lion’s Club. She noted: “To have a theme like that in a time like this, takes courage…It is hoping against hope. In difficult times, how do we keep hope alive? In recession, in pandemics, in catastrophes, in the face of death and sorrow and loss, how do we keep hope alive?
Currently, as an island, we have much to mourn, we have much to be in despair about. As we drive down the [Coronation] Avenue, be encouraged by the lights of the Lion’s Community and keep hope alive. In these excruciating and perplexing times, we can find comfort, we can find peace – when we peg, when we stake, when we tie down and latch on ourselves to God. That is the only way to keep hope alive.”
Ms. Griffith ended her remarks by restating the event’s theme, ‘Keep Hope Alive’. She led the crowd in a demonstration of resilience as they all shouted in unison, “Keep hope alive! Keep hope alive! Keep hope alive!”
Ms. Gina Brooks joined Ms. Griffith in the official lighting of the Christmas Tree and the Coronation Avenue.
