On Friday morning, 25th March, the streets of the upper quadrant of The Valley were abuzz with children’s music and a beautiful array of tiny tots, in colourful outfits, as the St. Mary’s Preschool held its annual street parade.
The parade route began at the Scouts and Guides gazebo, headed east towards the old National Bank of Anguilla, turned north towards the traffic light at Lake’s Home Decor, then west towards the Public Library. Unfortunately, there is where a downpour of rain dampened the jubilant atmosphere but, overall, the parade was quite spectacular.
This year the parade was on a smaller scale than in previous years when all eight of the island’s preschools participated in one grand street spectacle.
Principal of the St. Mary’s Preschool, Ms. Keturah Richardson, explained why: “For the past two years, we at St. Mary’s have been doing the parade by ourselves, due to Covid protocols and the restrictions that have inhibited the other schools from taking part. But, thank God, seeing that such restrictions are being gradually lifted, I do believe that next year (God’s willing) there will be more robust participation involving the other seven schools on the island.
“However, on Friday,” she said, “I was quite impressed. We had a beautiful array of colours, and the children looked great in their outfits. Though it was just us, St. Mary’s, we had a very impressive turnout. I could tell that the parents who attended enjoyed it immensely.”
Ms. Richardson would like to express her thanks to all the supporting parents. She said that she would especially like to thank one particular parent, Mr. Elvis Hull, who provided the music for the parade. In addition, she said that she would like to express appreciation to the Royal Anguilla Police Force which provided the usual security escort.
