Governor Tim Foy has once again displayed his benevolent spirit of cheer, peace and goodwill, as he made his 2nd annual Christmas visit to the Miriam Gumbs Senior Citizens Home on Thursday, 13th December.
Amidst the sound of stirring Christmas music, provided by the renowned duo Dumpa & Perry, His Excellency found it a pleasure to move around the room speaking with the residents of the facility on a one-on-one basis. All of the seniors, many of them coming in from other nursing homes, showed a spark of appreciation in their eyes while enjoying the Governor’s jovial conversations — as they exchanged Christmas greetings.
His Excellency remarked in a statement to The Anguillian: “Today it is great to spend time with seniors who have made their contribution to the country. While talking to them, I have learned more of how Anguilla was about 50 years ago — how hard life was. Many of them speak of how they went overseas to earn a living, and they compare Anguilla of yesteryear with the many changes that are evident today. However, that same joyous Spirit of Anguilla has not changed, and that is most important, especially at this Christmas season.
Gov. Foy continued. “Christmas seems to always come in a rush. At certain points of the year you would think that is a long way away, but before you know where you are, it’s on you.”
Then, as His Excellency reflected on the fleeting year, he expressed certain hope for the future: “I don’t know where 2018 has really gone,” he pondered, “but 2019 promises to be a really good year. We are seeing some new developments, and things are looking great in the tourism sector. We have lots to look forward to, lots to be optimistic about, and lots to be thankful for.”
The Governor mentioned that this was his second Christmas visit to the Home. He noted that last Christmas it was rather different due to the passage of Hurricane Irma. “It was a bit subdued,” he recounted, “but somehow people in general could have still taken some time out to celebrate with their families and friends. This year, though, we are thankful because this is more like how Christmas normally is in Anguilla.
“Still, we recognize that there are a lot of people out there who are struggling and working on picking up their lives after the storm. Anguillians, though, are a hard, tough and resilient kind of people.”
Dr. Dana Foy, the wife of His Excellency, also shared her Christmas wishes for all senior citizens as well as the people of Anguilla in general: “Seasons greetings to everyone!” she exclaimed. “I would like to wish you all a very happy Christmas — a peaceful and restful one. We are here at the Miriam Gumbs Senior Citizen’s Home, taking some time to have some tea with the ladies and gentlemen here. And so I would like to wish you all well, and a lovely Christmas.”
The visit was immensely appreciated by the seniors, as well as the nurses and caregivers at the Home. It was hailed as a great gesture of goodwill from Governor & Mrs. Foy.
