The Anguilla National Council of Women is this week observing its 40th anniversary. Established on March 23, 1982, the umbrella organisation for women’s groups on Anguilla, was the initiative of Mrs. Lana Connor- Hoyoung, who was the Acting Director of Community Development and Social Welfare Department at the time.
As part of the activities marking this milestone, Immediate Past President, Mrs. Ursil Webster-Brooks and other representatives, participated in the worship service at the Ebenezer Methodist Church on Sunday, March 20, 2022. Mrs. Webster-Brooks, who has been a long-standing member of the Council, also presented an address on behalf of President Ms. Glenneva Hodge, who is off-island. “Today we stand on the shoulders of those who proudly served before us and we would like to recognise those that have transitioned, including Presidents, Mrs. Rowena Carty, the first person to hold the position, as well as Nurse Miriam Gumbs and Mrs. Hubertine Franklin.” In the address, Ms. Hodge and Mrs. Webster-Brooks also paid tribute to the late Ms. Veda Harrigan, who served as Treasurer for the organisation at the time of her recent passing.
“Throughout these 40 years we have seen the advances women have made in all aspects of our society and remain committed to ensuring the issues are never forgotten or taken for granted. To our women, and girls, we urge you to recognise the power of our collective voice, to achieve all that we dare to dream, we must stand together. To our men and boys, while we know this is a moment of jubilee for the Anguilla National Council of Women, we ask that you continue to stand with us and be allies as we seek equity for greater National development,” the President said.
To mark the day, on Wednesday, March 23rd Mrs. Webster-Brooks and Chair of The UWI Open Campus Anguilla Guild of Students, Ms. Melissa Harrigan, visited the homes of Anguilla’s three remaining Centenarians. They paid tribute to 108-year-old Mrs. Ursilla Connor of South Hill, 103-year-old Mrs. Althea Richardson of North Hill and Mrs. Ruby Reid of North Valley, who is 100 years old. The Centenarians were presented with floral arrangements, cards and financial tokens of appreciation.
In thanking all those who supported the activities marking the 40th anniversary, Mrs. Webster-Brooks emphasised the importance of youth involvement for the continuity of Council and thanked Ms. Harrigan for accompanying her to pay tribute to the centenarians. Ms. Harrigan in turn expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to meet and interact with these outstanding elders, phenomenal women who over the last century, have demonstrated their commitment to the development of Anguilla and who still exude the same passion and drive to empower and zeal and zest for community and life.
– Press Release
