A number of Anguillians, holding membership in the Retired Persons Association, were at the early morning Sunday Service at Trinity Methodist Church on March 10. A surprising admission by a few of them, however, was either that they did not know about, or was never at, the church neatly tucked away on the eastern side of the road, at the edge of the Road Pond, yet in the middle of the village!
The one hour and a half service was conducted by Supernumerary Minister, Rev. Dunstan Richardson, Chairman of the Anguilla Retired Persons Association. Following the end of his meditation on Paul’s letter to the Church of Rome, and references by him (Rev. Richardson) to the temptation of Jesus by the devil, he spoke about the Anguilla Retired Persons Association.
“We move around the island at different times and we chose here at Trinity Methodist Church, Sandy Ground, for this our annual worship experience,” he told the congregation. “The organization is really part and parcel of the Social Development Department. We are about 124 persons strong and we look forward in the near future, and even through us being here now, at reaching at least 130 or 150 by the end of this year.
“You may think that is very ambitions but as we look around we will realize that there is an ageing community in Anguilla; and so we need to put together all these ageing persons, with all their experience and knowledge, to be able to continue our culture that is fast fading away. We welcome persons from the age of 50 onwards. But you don’t have to be retired from work – but in preparation for that time when it comes. You are free to be part and parcel of the Anguilla Retired Persons Association. Our annual fee is merely 25 EC dollars. We have it at that rate so that we can attract other persons. You can pay for one, two or three years as the case may be.
“In October, we celebrate with the world, the Month of Elderly Persons. At that time you will hear more about the activities and we will again go to another denomination or congregation for worship service on the first Sunday in October. We will have other functions, but you have to attend to know what is going on.”
Rev. Richardson added: “Our Executive Director is Mrs. Yolande Richardson-Hodge. I am the Chairperson [President] of the meetings. Don Mitchell, QC, is Vice President. Our Treasurer is Florence Hodge; and our Secretary is Ursil Brooks-Webster; our Trustees Clive F. Smith and Stella Horsford; and two Board Members, Mona Fleming and John Jones. We have been going on for some time. We are getting older and are looking for persons to take on the roles from us. This organization is what the members will make it, to own it and to run it. If anyone here present is desirous of being part and parcel of this organization please contact any of the respected persons. Thanks on behalf of the Anguilla Retired Persons Association for accommodating us at your worship experience.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Clive Smith Jr. pointed out that his Department of Social Development has responsibility for older persons in Anguilla – and the Retired Persons Association was founded in collaboration with other stakeholders. However, his department takes the lead in the development of the association and its administration.
Mr. Smith further said: “When we have functions and so forth I, as a Trustee and a Representative from the Department of Social Development, will go out with the members of the Retired Persons.”
He not only took a front-seat position at the church service, but delivered the Scripture reading at the commencement of the service.
