After being dormant for some time, the 2nd Anguilla Boys’ Brigade (BB) Company of the Ebenezer Methodist Church in The Valley saw a resurgence, in 2012, under the leadership of the now Captain C. André Samuel and Warrant Officers Dorla Hodge and Gina Brooks out of their passion to ensure that the young boys of The Valley community are not lost and their full potential realised. The first meeting held in 2012 comprised six boys. Forward to 2016, and the 2nd Anguilla Company boasts a record of thirty five boys with an average weekly attendance of twenty boys.
Sunday June 19th, 2016 Father’s Day saw the enrolment of thirty two (32) boys and the Leaders of the 2nd Anguilla Boys’ Brigade Company of the Ebenezer Methodist Church in the Valley, Anguilla. What a fitting occasion for an enrolment service and the celebration of the abilities of the boys. The Boys’ were in fine form and ably acquitted themselves as they displayed their talents in all aspects of the morning service. Prior, to the Youth Sunday service was the usual march pass with the addition of it being led by the Drum Corps of Ambassadors Pathfinder Club. A short narrative and slide show presentation was given to highlight the steps taken by the Company over the past 4 ½ years.
During the service, the Company led by Warrant officers Hodge and Brooks took the opportunity to recognise its many supporters over the years to include, Rev Joseph Lloyd (First Captain of the 2nd Anguilla BB Company), Rev Dr Wycherley Gumbs (BB Chaplain), Rev Lindsay Richardson (President of the BB Island Council), Mr Keith ‘Stone Greaves, Mr Colville Petty, Mr Chaka Hodge, Ms Eartha Hodge, Mr Hulia ‘Ponto’ Carty Jr and Mrs Anita Martin Ruan. Tokens of appreciation were also presented to Sis Clarice Brooks and Sis Sarah Pemberton who assisted in the preparation of the Company’s uniforms. An unexpected special presentation was made by the warrant officers to the newly installed Captain, in appreciation of his leadership over the past years. His sentiments were that ‘he is just as indebted to his colleagues Hodge and Brooks for their dedication and passion to such a cause.’
An attendee of the Service and enrolment Ceremony of the Company has stated that Sunday’s enrollment Ceremony was, “a most fitting display and performance by the group coming especially on Father’s day – capped off by a most inspiring and powerful ministry of the Word by Rev Dr Wycherley Gumbs entitled “Welcome Home”. Our boys have been welcomed home in the presence of the community and the Church and we are to be ever mindful that we are to be reinforcements in their lives. Special thanks were given to the Ambassador Pathfinder Club and Master Guides, the Girls Brigade Company and representatives of the 1st (Bethel, South Hill) and 4th (Zion, North Hill) Anguilla BB Companies. Parents, Church and Community must continue to hold the fort. All is not lost and the future of our boys and young men is bright.
The Boys Brigade (BB) Drum Corp continues to be a main attraction for the Boys’. To add some flair to the end of the morning, the Ambassadors Drum Corps as well as the BB Drum Corps gave a stellar rendition on the drums. Firstly, in competition mode alternately answering each other in 3 beat successions and later ending in unison with 3 similar beats. The highlights of the BB programme are the learning of drill displays, BB facts and history, spirituality, physical training, biblical teaching, storytelling, communications, general knowledge (local, regional and international), decorum, deportment, cultural awareness, art and craft, all underpinned by the tenets of the Christianity.
Parents/surrogates are encouraged to continue to be vigilant and to be ever mindful that our children are a gift from God and it is our duty to nurture, lead, protect and love them. The leadership of the Company’s main objective is to continue in the words of the motto to be ‘sure and steadfast’ in our quest to assist the boys in leading positive, well rounded lives.
– Contributed
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)
