The Valley, Anguilla, June 10th, 2016…….The Anguilla Progressive Association of New York (APANY) celebrated its 20th anniversary at their annual dinner dance on Saturday, June 4th , attended by almost 500 Anguillians and friends of Anguilla in the Diaspora.
The Chief Minister of Anguilla, the Hon. Victor Banks, was the guest of honor at the gala, presided over by Carlson Connor, President of APANY. The Hon. Evans McNeil Rogers, Minister of Social Development, the Hon. Cardigan Connor, Parliamentary Secretary, Mr. Terry Harrigan, First Nominated Member in the Anguilla House of Assembly, Mr. Merwyn Rogers, Permanent Secretary, and Mrs. Donna Banks, Chairperson, Anguilla Tourist Board, were also in attendance at this festive occasion.
Chief Minister Banks began his address to the audience with a tribute to the legendary Ras B, who passed away earlier in the week. He went on to congratulate the founders of APANY – Mr. Seymour Hodge, Mr. Carlson Connor, and others — on reaching this significant milestone of 20 years of service to the Anguillian community, and thanked the association for their continued support for Anguilla both at home and abroad.
The Chief Minister concluded his address with a special appeal for unity. He reminded the attendees that Anguilla is fortunate in that it is a democracy, where all points of view can be freely shared, and issues passionately debated. However, ultimately the final decision on any proposed course of action rests with the elected leaders, and he assured the attendees that his administration is staunchly committed to doing what is right by the Anguillian people.
Guests were treated to a special performance by top Anguillian entertainer Boss and his Horsepower Band, courtesy of the Anguilla Tourist Board, who kept the audience jumping on the dance floor. The Vision Band, a locally based New York band, provided the entertainment earlier in the evening.
Chief Minister Banks, accompanied by Minister Rogers, Parliamentary Secretary Connor and Permanent Secretary Rogers, also attended an Anguillian Town Hall meeting at the Beulah Wesleyan Methodist Church in Harlem on Sunday, June 5th.
– Press Release
