Greetings to one and all. It is my pleasure to celebrate with you our second annual Men’s Week 2015 under the theme “Unsung Champions of the Hospitality Sector” from 20th June to 27th June 2015. We’ve seen a successful Women’s Week in March and are preparing for an impactful Men’s Week during this month of June. With these two important initiatives from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Gender Affairs Unit, we are continuing to achieve the vision of gender equity in our beautiful island country of Anguilla.
Men’s Week begins today as we highlight 15 men who work tirelessly to drive our hospitality industry in Anguilla. They will be featured in radio interviews speaking candidly about their experiences, successes, challenges and what keeps them motivated in their daily work. We’re hearing the voices of men who contribute to hospitality and tourism as hotel and resort personnel, local musicians, leaders in the arts (including social media promotion), our taxi and tour drivers, sea and air shuttle operators, road side vendors and talented cooks and chefs. Let’s come together and applaud men who create the experiences that make Anguilla unique; a true jewel unlike any other island.
These are the men who are typically only recognized behind the scenes, but this year, we applaud them publicly and thank them for their tireless contributions. Our “Unsung Champions” have distinguished themselves in the hospitality and tourism industry, but we do not forget other men who are just as influential in their fields of endeavour. On our island, men are hardworking entrepreneurs, nurturers of spouses and, indeed, children as well. They help to keep the fabric of our community together.
It is no coincidence that Men’s Week coincides with our celebration of Father’s Day; an occasion that is often times overlooked. Rest assured that we are confirming its viability as an important celebration of its own. Fathers are essential to the well-being of our community. A father is a provider and protector for anyone needing his time and assistance. A father shows love and compassion. Father’s play an important role in the lives of their children, both by blood and through mentorship. This year we make a point to acknowledge and applaud positive men who are dedicated to their family’s development and who take leadership roles to enhance the opportunities of their sons and daughters. We also celebrate men and young men as a whole who have overcome obstacles in order to succeed, who dedicate their time to community work, or who encourage and inspire others through their positions of influence and social change.
I call on men across the island to increase the number of active men’s groups in our communities and in our faith organizations. Dedicate your time and energy to support, uplift one another and create a spirit of opportunity towards one another. Our men must play an active role in the development of our children and in the well-being of those young persons in our Anguillian Community. Young men need mentors and coaches to give them guidance and encouragement, and to lead them towards a productive future. Our nation’s greatness will be found in the visionary leadership of our young people.
It is important for us all, whether male or female, to encourage each other in this process of achieving great things – no matter how small or large. This is how we will build a foundation that will not be moved. I am encouraging each man who is instrumental in his family’s development and who consistently enhances the opportunities of his sons and daughters to grow into respectable young men and women, to keep striving forward! Your efforts do not go unnoticed. Please take the time this week to celebrate your achievements.
As the Men’s Week interviews air on Radio Anguilla, we can gather inspiration and encouragement from the stories of our brothers, fathers, uncles, friends and countless others. We will use this Men’s Week as a running start for our men. Each man, young and old, in his own right, is a source of inspiration and hope for our future generations.
In closing, I applaud the efforts of the Gender Affairs Unit in recognizing men who are champions in making a sustainable living for themselves, their loved ones and their communities. Remember, “A champion merges desire, dedication, determination and concentration into action; especially when no one is watching.” I wish you a powerful, enlightening and successful Men’s Week 2015 and an enjoyable Father’s Day.
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)
