As part of the long-held view that the inhabitants of Anguilla, St. Martin and St. Maarten “are one people”, the Anguilla Retired Persons Association held a special function for some sixty-four persons from the two half-French, half-Dutch, territories on Saturday, October 1.
It was an all-day function which started at Patsy’s Villas, on the Blowing Point beach, where the mass gathering from all three territories exchanged greetings, ate lunch, and enjoyed a musical treat. The music was provided by the Mighty Springer (Johnny Lloyd) and his Band – and saxophonist, Keith Gumbs. The event was ably chaired by Dr. M. Linda Banks.
Last year, several groups of retired persons in St. Martin/St. Maarten hosted a large number of their counterparts from Anguilla. Now, the Anguilla Retired Persons Association, and the Department of Social Development, returned the compliments in a most elaborate and appreciable manner.
The event was also in recognition of the United Nations-declared observance of International Day for Older Persons 2016 under the theme: “Take a stand against Ageism”.
The President of the Anguilla Retired Persons Association – Methodist Supernumerary Minister, Reverend Dunstan Richardson – delivered the welcome address. Speaking at Patsy’s Villas, he stated in part:
“For older persons, ageism is an everyday heart-breaking challenge. But not everyone sees it in this light. Very often older persons are overlooked when it comes to employment; they are restricted from social services; excluded in their communities; and even marginalised at the very time of life when enjoyment should be paramount.
“As older persons, we are called upon to stand up and fight against these atrocities. Ageism is everywhere; we cannot escape it, however hard we may try. Yet, when we look at it, we see it as the most socially normalised of any prejudice. The media, as well as the norms of the community, often portray older persons as ‘senile’, ‘old’ and ‘walking with a cane’. There is an urgent need in our community, beginning with the home and primary schools, to realise that older persons among us are our wealth, our precious jewels and should be treated with dignity and respect.
“The truth is that ageing is a process in life and that many do not live to see the process of older persons. The community should be helping to ease the burden from older persons, provide light for them as they face the darkness of the unknown. In such a way, older persons would not be put at the risk of depression and social isolation.”
Chief Minister, Mr. Victor Banks, was among those who spoke at the social event. He welcomed the visiting retired persons to Anguilla and complimented all the organisers for their work. One of the main organisers was Mr. Clive (Frankie) Smith. Working closely with him were others from the Department of Social Development and the Retired Persons Association.
During the event, four persons were awarded for their contributions to Anguilla and St. Martin/St. Maarten. Two were: retired builder and boat captain, Anguillian Mr. James (Freddie) Hughes; and Anguillian, Mrs. Codvis Eudora Connor, a businesswoman and women’s leader, who was married to the late Edward (Eddie) Connor, a renowned businessman and boat captain in the 1950s. Mrs. Connor’s award was accepted on her behalf by her grandson, Mr. Leslie Hodge. The other two awardees were Mr. Hays Hanson and Jeanette Jones of St. Maarten.
The awards were sponsored by H & H Corporation, Mrs. Ileen Richardson, Mrs. Erlyn Esdaile and Mr. Don Mitchell, CBE, QC. A number of other persons and businesses also contributed to the event.
Many of the visiting older persons from St. Martin/St. Maarten remained in Anguilla to attend and participate in the October 2 Sunday service at St. Augustine’s Anglican Church. The service was conducted by Reverend Menes Hodge, who also took part in the welcome ceremony the day before.
