Ms Sabra Richardson, Premier Victor Banks
Standing: Ms Denecia Niles & Mr. Seymour Hodge
The launch of the Anguilla Nevis St. Kitts Association Reunion (ANSAR) for the year 2020 took place at the Cuisinart Golf Resort and Spa on Monday, November 7th. The reunion of Anguillian, Nevisian, Kittitian and other nationals who are members and well-wishers of the Association, will be held at the Cuisuinart Resort ballroom, from July 10 to 12th 2020, under the theme “Unified by a Collective Effort for a Common Goal”.
Opening remarks were made by the Chairperson and former President of APANY, Mr. Seymour Hodge, who recognized all present and introduced the Steering Committee members.
The official launch was led by Steering Committee Chairperson, Mrs. Yolande Richardson, who noted: “This launch is to create an awareness and publicity for the Anguilla, Nevis and St. Kitts Reunion (ANSAR) slated for the weekend of July 10th to 12th 2020 here at Cuisinart Gulf Resort and Spa. This is an exciting time for APANY and ANSAR. The theme is “Unified by a Collective Effort for a Common Goal”. On behalf of ANSAR’s President, Mr. Carlson Connor, the Board of Trustees, and members of APANY, the local Steering Committee now launches ANSAR 2020.”
Mrs. Richardson remarked that although the main venue for the ANSAR 2020 event will be Cuisinart Gulf Resort and Spa, a number of other hotels, guesthouses and restaurants are being advertised on APANY and ANSAR’s websites in the United States. She said that some 400 reunion delegates are expected to arrive from the USA, the UK, Canada, the US Virgin Islands, Tortola, St. Kits, Nevis and St. Martin/St. Maarten – and that the Anguilla Taxi Association will be the backbone of the success of the reunion.
Brief remarks were made by the Honourable Premier, Victor Banks, who stated: “It is important that we have events such as the upcoming ANSAR 2020 that will benefit our economy. This is not a St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla political venture. ANSAR 2020 is about the peoples of this region. ANSAR is not a political organization, but a people-oriented association that seeks to bring the people of the diaspora and the home-front together. The emphasis is on the coming together of our people to celebrate our history and culture, rather than to focus on our political past.”
Premier Banks continued: “Indeed, we look forward to this event. We thank APANY who, over the years, have made significant contributions in highlighting the achievements of our people. APANY brings us together to celebrate where we have come from and how to get to where we want to go. So, we truly anticipate the ANSAR 2020 event on Anguilla in July.”
A financial donation of US$1,000 was presented by Anguilla Social Security’s Deputy Director, Dr. Maglan Lewis, to ANSAR’s Marketing Events Coordinator, Ms. Denicia Niles. In making the presentation, Dr. Lewis stated: “On behalf of the Anguilla Social Security Board, I make this symbolic contribution of US$1,000 for the promotion of the event next year.
“When I heard about the upcoming ANSAR event, I was quite excited. I am well acquainted with APANY, and I appreciate the work that this New York-based Anguillian organization is doing there. I bring best wishes for great success from the Anguilla Social Security Board.”
In expressing her gratitude, Ms. Niles said: “On behalf of APANY, I say thanks to the Anguilla Social Security Board for this generous gift of funds to be used towards next year’s local ANSAR events. Social Security Board, like APANY, is always ready and willing to assist in various projects that highlight Anguillians and provide mutual benefit for our people. So we say a hearty thank you.”
The ANSAR 2020 event will mark the 19th bi-annual reunion hosted by the Anguilla Progressive Association of New York (APANY). According to a communiqué issued at the launch, “The mission of APANY is to significantly improve and maintain socio-economic and cultural development partnerships between Anguillians at home and throughout the diaspora.”
The reunion is the largest gathering of nationals from the three islands who meet at a different location, every two years, to rekindle old alliances, strengthen bonds of sisterhood and brotherhood, participate in various educational, socio-economic and cultural activities of mutual interest, showcase and sell locally crafted merchandise, as well as to network for the purpose of remaining connected to a common heritage, history and cultural legacy.
ANSAR Associations exist in the USA, Canada, the United Kingdom and St. Thomas USVI. APANY has opted to host the reunion on Anguilla in 2020. A Steering Committee has been organized, and meeting regularly for the past six months to plan for the event.
The local Steering Committee would like to thank all the hotels which will be providing accommodation for the 2020 event. They include: the Anguilla Great House; Caribella Beach Resort; Cuisinart Golf Resort and Spa; Four Seasons Resort and Residences; La Vue Boutique Inn; Masara Resort; Paradise Cove Resort; Royal Palms; and The Reef by Cuisinart. The Committee also wishes to thank the taxi drivers and participating restaurants which will be providing service to ANSAR delegates while on the island.
The vote of thanks for the launch was given by committee member, Ms. Sabra Richardson.
– Staff Reporter, James R. Harrigan
