The Christmas spirit in Anguilla may not altogether be as cheerful as one may wish. This is perhaps due in part to certain overriding social circumstances on the island. But while much yuletide lighting and bunting nevertheless appear in most communities, the South Hill community has grabbed the show with an abundance of festivities not witnessed to that extent previously.
Sunday, December 20, was the grand opening of the South Hill festivities on an area of land, in the middle of the village, which was acquired for public use by the United Front Government, when former Chief Minister, Mr. Osbourne Fleming was in office. Colourful tents and make-shift shelters – housing displays and sales of various culinary dishes and refreshment – littered the area though in an obviously planned manner. The community’s traditional rock oven quickly and repeatedly turned out trays of hot johnny cakes – and at several other locations potato pudding, other dainties and various food dishes abounded. Scores of people converged on the grounds and around the food stalls. Music and other sounds of merriment filled the air. In short, it was a carnival like holiday with many persons renewing acquaintances and establishing reunions for the Christmas season.
The festive events of the first day climaxed with the official opening and a lighting parade, adding much grandeur to the other activities which continued unabated into the Monday, December 21, national holiday in observance of Heroes and Heroines Day.
Mrs. Chrislyn Hughes, one of the leading Executive Committee members for the events, spoke to The Anguilian about the festivities. “For the official opening we had a lighting parade around the bloc in the South Hill area and that was good,” she said. “The children came out in full support wearing their costumes and other decorations. Following that, we had the first ever Miss South Hill Pageant and the winner was Caniya Hughes. She was sponsored by Zarna Brokerage & Trucking and she did a marvellous job, taking away all the titles. After that we had other activities including the opening ceremony.”
Asked about the factoring in of traditional customs in the events, Mrs. Hughes replied: “We had the old time cooking of food outside on the fire rocks, baking in the rock oven; and a number of competitions involving sweet potato pudding and dumplings, and we also a had a decorated house competition – all in the Christmas spirit.”
She continued: “We were quite happy with the large turnout. Obviously, coming on in the night, when we had more activities, the crowd was even larger. We have the Musical Brothers and Pantha on the stage later so you will be seeing many more people here tonight [Sunday, December 20].”
Questioned as to the overall aim of the events, Mrs. Hughes said: “It is community involvement and participation. We want to bring back South Hill village to what it used to be with everybody getting involved in everything in the area. I want to thank everybody who came out and supported the event, and we look forward to their support next year which promises to be greater than this year.”
She reported that this was the third year of the South Hill Christmas festival to which a number of new features were added for greater enhancement. “This year we have actually honoured Brian Hughes, who was one of the main sponsors last year, but passed away just a day before our event. So this was in memory of him,” Mrs. Hughes added.
As mentioned above, the winner of the Miss South Hill Pageant was Calniya Hughes (Miss Zarna Brokerage & Trucking). The other participants were: Kamicha Gumbs (Miss Vancoy Limo & Electrical Services) and Tamara Fleming (Miss L. & S. Plumbing).
The Best Decorated House Competition was won by Mr. & Mrs. Godfrey Carty; 1st Runner-up: Mr. & Mrs. Perry Hughes; 2nd Runner-up: Mr. Glendon Carty.
The Sweet Potato Pudding Competition was won by Miss Christobell Connor; 2nd was Miss Karla Hughes; and 3rd was Mrs. Maureen Rogers. The winner of the Sweet Potato Dumpling Competition was Karla Hughes; 2nd Miss Maureen Rogers; and 3rd Mrs. Peggy Hughes.
The South Hill Community Club has expressed thanks to the various sponsors who made the event a success. They are LIME, the platinum sponsor and Gold sponsors: Greig’s Trucking, Busby’s Trucking, Comfort Engineering, Vancoy Limo & Electrical Services, L. & S. Plumbing, Superior Industrial Equipment, Zarna Brokerage & Trucking, Trans Anguilla Airways, 4 C & 1 Rentals, HiTek Signs and Designs, ANGLEC; Black Orchid Lights & Stage, Universal Construction, Frangipani Beach Club and Curtis Love. The committee has also extended thanks and appreciation to all other businesses and individuals who contributed to the success of the event – and wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.
The Executive Committee members are Chrislyn Hughes, Rollins Richardson, Karla Hughes, Kara Hughes, Karimah Carty, Sharon Richardson, Calvin Hughes, Linford Richardson, Corvette Richardson and Vaughn Hughes.
