The Anguilla-Nevis-St.Kitts Association Reunion (ANSAR) is a biennial event that brings together extended relatives and friends who are natives of these the three sister islands (St. Kitts, Nevis and Anguilla) to enjoy a time of reflection on fond memories, to revive social relations, and to fellowship with each other.
The ANSAR 2003 reunion was held in Anguilla this year. The event was organized and sponsored by the Anguilla Progressive Association of New York (APANY). Representing APANY in Anguilla are Mrs. Yoland Richardson, Ms. Sabra Richardson and Mr. Seymour Hodge. The weekend function was held from Friday, July 14th to Sunday, July 16th, under the theme: “United for a Collective Effort for a Common Goal”.
Friday evening saw the Opening Reception which was held at the Anguilla Great House, where over 100 delegates and invited guests connected to the three islands attended the “meet and greet” session. That is when registration for the activities took place.
Dumpa and Company provided musical entertainment, and an open marketplace was set up on the lawn so that vendors could exhibit and sell their local wares.
On Saturday morning there was the official Opening Ceremony at Blue Ridge Hotel. Activities featured addresses by the Honourable Prime Minister of St. Kitts & Nevis, Dr. Terrance Drew; the Honourable Premier of Nevis, Mr. Mark Brantley, as well as the Honourable Premier of Anguilla, Dr. Ellis L. Webster. It was the very first time in ANSAR’s history that the three Heads of State were present together at an ANSAR event under one roof.
The National Anthem of Great Britain was sung by Ms. Jonicia Richardson. The National Song of St. Kitts and Nevis was sung by Mrs. Anita Martin Ruan, while the Anguilla National Song was rendered by Kimani Southwell. Other inspiring songs were sung by the St. Augustin’e Male Quartet. Another great musical feature was a song by Ms. Michealanne Benjamin, entitled “We Can’t Wait For Carnival”, a number that was quite befitting and entertaining.
The President of ANSAR, Mr. Constantine Greenaway, as well as the President of APANY, Mr. Carlson Connor, greeted the gathering.
The Keynote Speaker at the Opening Ceremony was the Honourable Deputy Governor, Mr. Perin Bradley. He reflected on his ties with the St, Kitts and Nevis, and expressed his admiration for the people of the federation with which he has such a close bond.
Among other entertainment activities, on Saturday morning, July 15th, an outstanding feature was a presentation on the genealogical background of the people in Anguilla and by extension their relatives in St. Kitts and Nevis. The facilitator was the former Director of Anguilla’s Social Security Board, Mr. Tim Hodge, who devotes much of his time tracing family trees and genelogical roots.
Other presentations on Saturday included a demonstration on Crypto investing with Easy BOT as well as the revelation of plans by Dr. Walwyn on the agenda for the development of ANSAR in the St. Kitts Diaspora.
On Saturday evening, all ANSAR officials, delegates and invited guests were entertained at a fantastic dinner and dance at the Aurora Resort, where Boss and the Horsepower Band provided some captivating music.
The final day, Sunday, July 16th featured an interdenominational service at the Maranatha Methodist Church in Blowing Point. At that service, ANSAR’s theme, “United for a Collective Effort for a Common Goal” was highlighted. The Liturgist was Dr. Lindell Brooks and the Preacher was Rev. Wilmoth Hodge, who delivered a stirring sermon. The organist was renowned music icon, Mr. Lennox Vanterpool, who provided the accompaniment for “In This Holy Hour” and other songs rendered by the St. Augustine’s Chorale.
On behalf of ANSAR, Pastor Phillip Gumbs made special prayers of adoration, thanksgiving and confession, and Rev. Leonard Edwards offered prayers of intercession for the functioning of the ANSAR organization.
Following the church service, lunch was served at the Blue Ridge Hotel, where an awards ceremony was also held, along with a showcase of cultural talent. Three awards in particular were presented. The first award went to Keith “Tampa” Gumbs for his longstanding contribution to the history of music in Anguilla. The next award was presented to Dr. Rhona Hodge who had served with excellence in the medical field for many years. And, thirdly, an award was bestowed up Mr. Clemvio Hodge, on behalf of his sister, for their on-going development of their father’s business “What We Do in Anguilla” through the advancement and innovation of digital media.
The curtains came down on ANSAR 2023 as the ANSAR President, Mr. Constantine Greenaway, gave closing remarks, followed by a brief meeting of the newly appointed Executive Body. According to officials within the ANSAR organization, ANSAR 2023 in Anguilla was the best gathering of its kind ever.
