There was something both grounding and uplifting about the scene at the Bethel Methodist Church Complex on Friday 17th October 2025 — a vibrant blend of madras, music, and meaning. The event, aptly titled An Evening of Showcasing Our Culture, brought together people from all walks of life to celebrate what makes us Caribbean, while supporting a cause deeply rooted in community: the Elios Centre, the family support arm of the Methodist Church Anguilla Circuit.
Guests were encouraged to come dressed in their national wear, and many proudly did. Tables were adorned with madras cloth and flags from across the region, a visual reminder of our shared Caribbean identity. The air buzzed with laughter, music, and the unmistakable aroma of dishes from St. Kitts, Dominica, Jamaica, and, of course, Anguilla. It wasn’t just a fundraiser — it was a cultural homecoming.
Moderated by media icon and cultural advocate Farrah Banks, the evening struck a perfect balance between celebration and reflection. “As a people, it is important to acknowledge and carry on our culture so that it goes on for generations to come,” Banks said. “This event not only does that, but also benefits an organisation that looks to the future as well — the Elios Centre for Family Support Ministries.”
That future-focused mission was echoed in the welcome remarks by the Chairperson of the Elios Centre’s Board of Directors, Sister Hyacinth T. Hughes. “Your presence means that you’re helping us to actually achieve our vision for the Elios Centre and Family Support Ministry. That vision says: stronger families, better communities.”
She reminded attendees that cultural celebration and community support go hand in hand. “When we do these sorts of events, we’re not only celebrating the goodness of God to us, but we’re also paying it forward,” she noted. “We need to own [our culture], and we need to celebrate it more than we actually do, because it grounds us, gives us roots, and gives us foundation.”
It was a fitting message for a night filled with rhythm, colour, and togetherness. The crowd was treated to lively performances from the Mayoumba Folkloric Theatre and Roots Binghi, both of whom kept spirits high and feet tapping. Mayoumba’s powerful blend of dance, song, and storytelling captured the soul of the Caribbean — its joy, struggle, and resilience — earning loud applause and admiration from all corners of the room.
Meanwhile, Roots Binghi provided the perfect musical backdrop as guests dined on Caribbean favourites and desserts, sampling familiar flavours and discovering new ones. There was a sense of nostalgia in the air — the kind that reminds Anguillians that culture is not just to be remembered, but lived.
Beyond the music and food, however, lay a deeper purpose. The evening’s proceeds went directly to the Elios Centre’s many outreach initiatives, including after-school programmes, the annual Pre-Teen Girls Camp, and the Boys to Men project — all of which aim to strengthen families and guide young people toward positive futures.
The Elios Centre continues to serve as the primary vehicle through which the Methodist Church fulfils its social mission. Managed by volunteers and sustained by community partnerships, the centre’s work is as spiritual as it is practical. Its after-school programme offers safe learning spaces for primary students, while the Pre-Teen Girls Camp, now in its eighth year, teaches life skills, self-esteem, and digital awareness, with support from the Lions Club of Anguilla and local church leaders such as Rev. Vincia Celestine.
A second cohort of the Boys to Men programme is already scheduled to begin in November 2025, alongside a newly restarted handicraft initiative featuring crochet classes for young girls — bridging generations through creativity and mentorship.
These are the kinds of efforts that keep the Elios Centre alive, and as Sister Hughes pointed out, community support is the lifeblood of it all.
By the end of the night, it was certain that this cultural evening was more than just an event — it was a reaffirmation of who we are and reminded everyone that culture, like community, must be nurtured, shared, and celebrated.
By Janissa Fleming
